Has anyone cruised recently with a Service Dog on NCL.
I have some issues with their communication and have been trying to be fair and communicate without emotion. But, how can one not be emotional when it comes to their right arm, their lifeline, their reason they are able to take these trips???
I was asked by the Access Desk what substrate I preferred sand or paper. I chose sand and practiced for 5 months. Asked where it was located, substrate, size, etc... I have all of the communication documented.
Boarding was a nightmare, I had my 7001 copy, and it was emailed by my vet, dog's health certificate, test stating cleared of heartworm, microchip documentation, etc... They asked me what my disability was!!!!! How illegal was that? There are two questions that you can ask legally, 1. Is that a Service Dog? 2. What task does he perform? Asked if I had a legal certificate. Well, I would if one existed, or if I paid online with no proof of training for a bogus certificate.
Finally got on the ship after two hours of what felt like an interrogation. As time passes, ask about his potty spot and if I could go down and let him go potty. No one knew anything about it. Asked the guest service, told to ask the housekeeping supervisor. Did all that, waited some more, asked again. Asked on three separate occasions, finally after 10 hours we got a 2x3 plastic tray (like airport security tray) with cedar chips. Let the housekeeping people know that cedar won't work, sensory overload for a dog and respiratory issue for my dog. Said they did not have anything else. Our room steward suggested tearing up some cardboard, but it never happened. The plastic tray was the in the crew stairwell with 3 elevators, 2 stairwells and a dishwashing room and several days of the HVAC crew banging at all hours repairing something and replacing what looked like ductwork.
We moved the box into our room into the shower trying to give my dog some privacy and encouragement to use the box. Was quickly told that we could not have the box in our room and had to move it back to the busy hallway because of an inspection.
Day 1 - So, boarded at 11:30 am after paying for 9am slot. 8:45 am was about the last time he went potty.
Day 2 - held it all day during 'At Sea Day'. My frustration equaled his discomfort as he whined about needing to go potty all through the night! Countless trips to the busy hallway with a tiny box of litter that pet stores won't even use anymore because of the potential respiratory issues. 9-day cruise so this was an ongoing issue.
Day 3 - disembarked in the 7 a.m. and was finally able to relieve himself. (Held it 47 hours). Back on 3 pm.
Day 4 - disembarked 10 am (Held it 19 hours) back on 5 pm.
Day 5 - disembarked 7 am (Held it for 14 hours) back on 5 pm
Day 6 - sea day
Day 7 - disembarked 8 am (Held it 39 hours) back on 3 pm
Day 8 - sea day
Day 9 - disembarked 1 pm (Held it 46 hours)
Day 10 - disembarked 8:30 am (Held it 15 hours) - headed to the airport.
Guest services was no help, kept telling us to talk to housekeeping.
Guest relations is a joke, they email response finally after a month stated that I never said anything but because they value my money, here is a "$150 credit toward your next cruise if used in the next 12 months."
Called regarding that email, same response.
Called the Access Desk, they communicated with GR, same response again. I asked her to email the chat log. "Cannot do that." I must say thought that this was the most helpful person so far. She made some suggestions to help me be heard. I mentioned all along that I want to help them improve for the next person who cruises with a service dog. But they just don't seem to care!!!
I'll let you know how it goes.
If you have any comments or suggestions on reaching up the chain of command at Norwegian, please let me know.
Saint the Service Dog and his distressed mom
