Chacooe

Don't wait until you board to get a different room because if they are sold out and 99% of the time they are, you will not be able to move.

http://www.carnival.com/request-forms/early-saver-claim.aspx

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your help.

Where do we find the Early Saver forms? I can't seem to find them because I need to fill one out. My cruise rate has dropped by $300.00

John has said that he will be doing the whole season in Alaska and has been promised by the beards not to move him. He was going to be gone the last two weeks of August, but now he says that he will be onboard.

Could you please post them here, I am thinking of booking a cruise on this ship, Thank you.

This won't bother me, in fact I enjoy watching the little ones get so excited about seeing their favorite characters. Carnival is a family orientated cruise line, even though they have Camp Carnival for the kids of all ages, this will be something new for all kids of all ages. :cool: :)

Cindy, you must be so busy. Now, don't pack any snow in those bags!!!!! Just kidding! I bet you can't wait to cut free of good old Boston for a while!

If she wants to send any snow, she can send it my way. We have a local ski resort that usually has around 61 inches of snow at this time of the year and as if today they have 3 inches of snow. This will be the first year in the history of the resort that they have never had any snow. Oregon is in a terrible drought right now.

Roz, I sailed with you on the Carnival Splendor and it was at the boat drill that I met Brenda. She sure knew the routine didn't she.

I want to thank everyone for their reponses to my question about sailing to Alaska, I really appreciated the information.

Kathy

I knew that the answers I needed to my question could be answered here by this wonderful and a very informative group of dog (and animal) lovers.

I will be sailing with my new service dog in July to Alaska on the Carnival Miracle. I know that in foreign ports you have to meet all kinds of requirements and also provide papers before you can take your dog ashore. I need to find out what are the requirements for taking a service animal to American Ports. I know my cruise is still 6 months away, but I want to make sure I have everything done early and correct, just in case I forgot something. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Roz,

I bet Brenda can't figure out why she can't go with you anymore, but Horton can and I bet the first cruise after you retired her was hard for the both of you. I met the both of you when you sailed on the Carnival Splendor in January of 2010. I lost my last service dog last August of a rare birth defect that the vets never picked up and because of that she died suddenly while I was holding her. I now have a new one that I have only had for a couple of weeks and his name is Willie. What is fantastic is that Willie is the grandson to my last service dog Missie.

Take Care

Kathy

Exciting news I wanted to share. Had a call Friday from Dogs for the Deaf saying they now have a good match for me. She's a black lab, certified for public access and finishing her Hearing Dog work in the next few weeks. We should be a team by early March. Fingers crossed that all goes well! Thanks to everybody on this thread for your support. I'll post photos eventually.

Are you getting your dog from the Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point Oregon, (they might list it as Medford Oregon since it is only a few miles away. I used to volunteer there right after they opened it. They do wonders with dogs, they get them from our local Humane Society and the pound, then they spend months training them. I can tell you any dog you get from this facility are fantastic. I wish you and your new friend many years together.

Kathy

We will be staying on 17 St in Ft. Lauderdale. I've seen people on the beach watching the ships go out. Is there anywhere that is accessible by wheelchair?

Maybe you could check the place you are staying at, I am pretty sure they could tell you the best locations to watch the ships go out.

The shower in our cabin was not only small' date=' but also cut on an angle. I know the chair I have at home (not a travel chair) would not have fit. In fact, my husband and I usually shower together in our single shower stall at home, but the shower on the ship was too small for that, too.[/quote']

 

I have sailed on Carnival three times. The first time I sailed I asked the room steward for a shower chair and within 10 minutes he was back with it. The second time I cruised on Carnival, I again needed a shower chair, but this shower was real small and I thought no way do they have a chair to fit it, but to my surprise they did and that is when I found out that they have shower chairs to fit in all of the different sizes of showers on the ships.

 

I would recommend to anyone who is reserving the modified cabins for either just the size or because the shower is bigger to reconsider and think about people who really need those rooms. Carnival does not require you to prove you need a modified room and because of that, many are reserved by passengers who do not need them, which only prevents a truly handicapped person the enjoyment of sailing. I am not saying this about the person who started this thread, but to others to do not need the larger doors, or the extra room to be able to move an electric chair around in the cabin. These rooms should only be reserved for the handicapped.

The steward knocks on your cabin door before entering, that is how they know you are in your cabin or if you were smart, you would have put that sign on your door letting them know that you were still in your room. I think it may be some kind of sensor connected to all of the electrical in the cabin.

I believe it was when we were on the Liberty. We were walking down the long hallway to our room to place our luggage outside our room as it was our last night on the ship. We noticed several large black garbage bags outside one of the cabins. We thought that would be odd for the room steward to leave trash. Well, to our surprise it was their luggage.:eek: It had masking tape on the bags with their names, address and phone numbers on them. Hmmmm......i about wet my pants and laughed all the way to my room.

I saw the same thing on the Carnival Pride. The poor family in the room next to me had their suitcases run over by one of the forklifts and were crushed. The ship did wash all the clothes and replace what they could from the ship. The purser even gave them a check to replace their luggage, but they would have to do it when they got home. Thank God they lived in Long Beach and did not have to fly with their clothes in big black garbage bags.

I too had an experience with seeing a lady in a bikini. I would say this lady was about 80 and was wearing a very small string bikini, and at one time must have weighed about 200 lbs. because she was all wrinkles and flab. I really felt sorry for her because everyone (including the crew) was laughing at her and many passengers were taking her picture. I have thought about this lady so many times since this cruise and the only thing I can come up with is that she felt proud on losing so much weight and she thought she looked good in that bikini

I believe it was when we were on the Liberty. We were walking down the long hallway to our room to place our luggage outside our room as it was our last night on the ship. We noticed several large black garbage bags outside one of the cabins. We thought that would be odd for the room steward to leave trash. Well, to our surprise it was their luggage.:eek: It had masking tape on the bags with their names, address and phone numbers on them. Hmmmm......i about wet my pants and laughed all the way to my room.

I saw the same thing on the Carnival Pride. The poor family in the room next to me had their suitcases run over by one of the forklifts and were crushed. The ship did wash all the clothes and replace what they could from the ship. The purser even gave them a check to replace their luggage, but they would have to do it when they got home. Thank God they lived in Long Beach and did not have to fly with their clothes in big black garbage bags.

I to had an experience with seeing a lady in a bikini. I would say this lady was about 80 and was wearing a very small string bikini, and at one time must have weighed about 200 lbs. because she was all wrinkles and flab. I really felt sorry for her because everyone (including the crew) was laughing at her and many passengers were taking her picture. I have thought about this lady so many times since this cruise and the only thing I can come up with is that she felt proud on losing so much weight and she thought she looked good in that bikini

See you on the 10th!

I am so looking forward to meeting you Roz, I hope that you, your hubby and of course Brenda, come to our Meet and Greet on Jan 11th from 10:30a, to 11:30am.

Kathy

Cindy: Bon Voyage! Please come back and tell us all about it. We leave on January 10th.

 

Yes, the terriorsts have made our lives so much more complicated, when it comes to flying. Being at the airport 4 hours earlier is ridiculous. Especially when having to locate a potty area. Make sure to scope that out before you enter. And, then you will have to get special permission to leave and re-enter!

 

Don't forget to pack some extra tennis balls. We always lose at least 2 on each cruise. Once, Brenny had a ball in her mouth as we were walking on deck, she walked over to the side, put her face through the rail and dropped the ball right into the water. I have learned not to scream when she does this.....draws much less attention, that way!

 

I pack Brenny's kibble in individual baggies, for each meal. I put her Glucosamine and Benadryl inside each kibble serving. It just makes it so much easier. I bring lots of CET Chews; her favorite squeaky toy; bandanas and neckware!

 

I can never believe people who can raise a dog in their home and then lose interest in it because it becomes too big or they're tired of it. Hopefully, Nancy will take the Lab and give it a lovely home, like he deserves.

 

Puppyraisers are my most favorite people in the whole world. We didn't get too lucky with ours [although, they did give us Brenny], they didn't take many pictures of her, as she was growing-up and they're not very friendly [CCI had to write to them asking them to find any pictures they could of Brenny, as a puppy and while she was living with them]. I don't have many but I cherish the one's I have. We write to them and send them pictures of her and let them know that she's doing well and is very loved. She's the only dog they had any success with and are no longer in the program.

 

You got very, very lucky with your Puppyraiser's and the fact that they documented so much of Wexy's life. I love that!!!!!

 

Please come back and tell us all about your cruise!

Hi Roz,

We have missed you on the roll call, please come and visit with us.

Kathy

You can book the same day if there are cabins available and you are ok with the price.

No you can't, they cut it off 48 hours before the ship leaves because they have to give a list of the passengers to Homeland Security before the ship leaves. I tried to book a cruise for the same day it was leaving and that is how I found out about it. Before 9/11 you could, but not now.

First: Bon Voyage to all of you who are going to cruise soon or on your cruises......May your skies be blue and your sea be gentle.

 

Barbara: Have a fantastically wonderful time.....Please come back and tell us all about the cruise and how Valentine did. I love that Valentine is such a frequent cruiser. She and Brenda could go off on their own and know more than most of us!!!!

 

Kathy: "Missie" is so cute....I'd have a very had time not picking her up and playing with her. You must have a tough time convincing folks to leave her alone!

 

Quam: When is Carnival going to "get it!" We ALL HATE THE PELLETS....and, they're not necessary or needed. There are better choices, "HELLO"; "just contact some of your sister companies and ASK!"

 

Second: Our neighbors were laying down artificial turf on their front lawn....I asked if I could have a 5x5 cutting, and I'd be willing to pay for it......they gave it to me.....I'm so excited. It rolls-up very nicely and looks just like the piece I bought from "In The Company of Dogs", for over $140.00.

 

It's going onboard with us. I'm just going to leave it [it was free]....unless, somehow I can get it hosed off for our last morning disembarkation. Then, I could take it with us on every cruise.......Cleaning it off [just the urine] is the main issue. I'm going to let the ship lay down whatever they'd like...I'll just lay the grass on top of their litter. I'll clean the pooh, but the urine is my concern.

 

I thought about placing it in the shower and washing it there......what do you think? It dries very quickly....that the amazing part about this stuff.

 

Geezz! I wish the cruiselines would invest in it. They have someone cleaning the area that we use and filling the box......it would be so much easier and, I think more hygienic, if they'd invest in the artificial stuff. ALL the dogs would love it!!!!

Hi Roz, The ones that I have the biggest problem with wanting to hold her is the kids, most of them think that she is a puppy and not an adult dog. It even surprises me with some adults that will stand there and say that she is a puppy and not a full grown dog. When it comes to people holding her, there are a few that I will let them hold her, like I would with you, but 98% of the time, I have to say "No" even though I know Missie loves to cuddle up to people. She is a smart little dog, she knows when she has her vest on, she is working, and when that vest comes off, it is cuddle and play time with everyone. I think this time I am going to take her to the kennel before I start packing so she does not see the suitcases first, because she would not understand why she is not going with me.

When I take Missie, I just use Chux bed pads for her to do her business on, them I drop the tiny poop in the toilet and throw it away. Missie only weighs 3 lbs so this is perfect for her. Here is a picture of my Missie,

This is one dog that love to travel and when she sees me pull out my suitcases she knows it is time to go somewhere, but what is really cute is when I pull hers out, she just runs in her little circles until I close her suitcase, then she starts this little whimpering, kinda of like she is telling me, "Well mom I am all packed let get a move on here, no more dillying or dallying around." Some people think I am crazy to have a suit case just for Missie, but I carry everything in there for her and that way it is not in my suitcase. I keep hers right with me that way I don't have to worry about it getting lost.

Kathy, this is what happens when you spread yourself too thin. I thought I had told everyone the outcome......Well, he offered me $30 instead of the $60 he had initially offered. He whined and complained and reiterated....totally backpeddling.....that he didn't think he had done anything wrong but that he would be happy to meet me half way. He applied the $30 as a "discount" to my final cruise confirmation.

 

I feel so fortunate to be able to cruise in light of our economy and in consideration of just how many folks lives are turned upside down because of it. I don't want to be in the "complainer camp" any longer.

 

I use this TA because he works with the special needs department of the cruiselines and is the "only" person in his agency who can help me with cruising with Brenda. I may change agency's in the future.

 

Thanks for asking!

Roz, I just found this out from my PVP at Carnival. Anyone with service animals or anyone who has special needs can call Carnivals Special Needs and get the same help that any TA would give you. All of the cruise lines that Carnival owns has these departments. Like my PVP said, they are the ones that the TA calls to set everything up. I think that is what I am going to do the next time I cruise with Missie. She said that these departments work very closely with the ship to make sure that everything you need or anything the service animal needs is taken care of. Just thought you would like to know this. Can't wait to meet you, we only have 95 days or to make it seem shorter, 13 weeks. :D :D :D

It all depends of what kind of surgery she is having. If it is a something like Orthoscopic Knee surgery, then she should be fine to go cruing, in fact basically any surgery done by a laproscope she should be fine to travel. As a retired R.N. I would say that anything that only required short stay in the hospital (24 hours or less) they should be fine to cruise, but SHE SHOULD STILL ASK HER PHYSICIAN AND GET HIS OPINION BEFORE SHE SAILS.

Hi Roz, I was wondering how it turned out with your TA. You never came back to update us on the roll call so I just thought I would ask you here.

Kathy

Thanks, everyone! I'm not sure if she talked to them last time or if the TA did, though the way she said it, it sounded like she did. Yeah, 16" is far too small for sure! :)

 

I let her know the differences between the two cabins. I think she is still thinking about whether or not she should book. Hopefully she will, though, if they have any fully-accessible cabins left. (I think booking is slow, since I was able to get an oft-sought cabin the other day, so that should help.)

Ask her if she got any forms from Carnival to fill out. I know that I have and on them you have to state how wide your chair is and etc. If she did not get these forms, chances are your TA did not ask for a handicapped room or there could have been a chance they were all booked. In the past many non-disabled would take those rooms because they were bigger for the same price, but now Carnival makes you ask for them, they are no longer advertised like they used to be and you have to fill out these forms that they send you. They will also have someone from the Special Needs office call her to verify all the information. This happened to me on both of my cruises and I have already filled out the forms for my January cruise.

It may be a good idea that after your cruise is booked to call the Special Needs Department and verify that the cabin she is assigned is a handicapped cabin. Hope this helps.

Thanks, everyone! I'm not sure if she talked to them last time or if the TA did, though the way she said it, it sounded like she did. Yeah, 16" is far too small for sure! :)

 

I let her know the differences between the two cabins. I think she is still thinking about whether or not she should book. Hopefully she will, though, if they have any fully-accessible cabins left. (I think booking is slow, since I was able to get an oft-sought cabin the other day, so that should help.)

Ask her if she got any forms from Carnival to fill out. I know that I have and on them you have to state how wide your chair is and etc. If she did not get these forms, chances are your TA did not ask for a handicapped room or there could have been a chance they were all booked. In the past many non-disabled would take those rooms because they were bigger for the same price, but now Carnival makes you ask for them, they are no longer advertised like they used to be and you have to fill out these forms that they send you. They will also have someone from the Special Needs office call her to verify all the information. This happened to me on both of my cruises and I have already filled out the forms for my January cruise.

It may be a good idea that after your cruise is booked to call the Special Needs Department and verify that the cabin she is assigned is a handicapped cabin. Hope this helps.

The Porters work for the Port of Los Angeles, not for Carnival, so I would recommend to get their names and notify the Port when you get back. They do not like this going on and they will fire them.