Navigator a disappointment- dogs & other issues

[Firefighterhoop]

The "dog" issue.......

 

There are a few regular cruisers that cruise with their "Service" Animals. Really any dog could be a service animal if their doctor signs off on it. Some people's dogs are considered service dogs because the owner gets severe anxiety when they are separated from their dog. (I wish I was making that up).

 

As others have said, in the US a business owner can not ask details when someone tells them their dog is a service dog.

 

This could happen on any ship. Recently I encountered one on the Brilliance, and before that on the Grandeur that actually used the casino floor as it's restroom.

 

As far as accommodate goes - the company has no choice. ADA would be all over the company if it didn't accommodate service dogs. And for the many many people who actually have a true need for service dogs I wouldn't want them not to be able to cruise. However, the vast majority of those with the true service dogs - those dogs are very very well behaved!

[George C]

read a story that you can get your pet to become a service pet online for only a few dollars, also I know a few years ago Carrie Fischer had her dog on Hal ( she had speaking engagement) and dog thought most of the ship was its rest room.

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

We recently encountered this on a flight. A young man in his 20's and his mom boarded with a large dog. She indicated the dog was a stress dog to reduce her son's stress. That dog was all over the plane, and after 3 hours of watching that dog up and down and all over, I was stressed out. They need better regulations on service dogs, I think nowadays too many people just want to travel with their pets. This was actually featured on one of the news channels.

[misty57]

It's obvious that the regulations are not bring enforced on the ship, and it doesn't surprise me. In my work place when trying to enforce safety regulations, the "customer" often becomes indignant and either argues, makes snide comments , or states that "everyone else lets us do it". They may be right that others have ignored the infractions, because after getting push back, it becomes a waste of your time and frustrating to deal with it repeatedly.

[Tee & Chilli]

Hi All,

 

Just a quick question, do cruise lines charge for dogs to be on board?

 

I have never seen a dog on board a ship.

 

Pete

 

I've taken my service dog on 3 cruises. There is no charge from the cruise line. However, all cruise lines require documentation and the ports visited require additional documentation. For example, Cozumel required me to have an international health certificate from the USDA along with shot records. Nassau required the health certificate, shot records and an application form. Grand Cayman required the results of his titer test. When applying I always submit additional documentation such as his picture ID from the agency that trained him and my animal license from my county of residence.

Edited May 22, 2016 by TeeChi

[Tee & Chilli]

It's obvious that the regulations are not bring enforced on the ship, and it doesn't surprise me. In my work place when trying to enforce safety regulations, the "customer" often becomes indignant and either argues, makes snide comments , or states that "everyone else lets us do it". They may be right that others have ignored the infractions, because after getting push back, it becomes a waste of your time and frustrating to deal with it repeatedly.

 

A business owner can legally ask 2 questions - is that a service dog? what tasks is the dog trained to perform for your disability?

 

Anxiety is not a disability identified under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADAAA. Emotional support and therapy dogs are not covered under the law.

Edited May 22, 2016 by TeeChi

[Paulette3028]

We have yet to see a "true" service dog on any ship. A true service dog cost's thousand of dollars and actually delivers a service to a person who has a genuine disability. Every dog we have ever seen on a cruise is a very poor substitute for a Teddy Bear for a passenger who obviously has emotional problems. Have no idea why RCI feels compelled to irritate 3,500 passengers to accommodate 1 or 2 wackos, but we wish Miami would come to their senses and stop this nonsense. We are SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!

 

I can say I have seen a 'true service' dog on a cruise.....and they are the most well behaved animals and trained to be like that. Even when a curious child came over, the owner of the dog instructed the parent of the child not to have the child try to pet the dog.

 

That is how it should be....it isn't there to be the family pet.

[AdoraBelle]

Once enough people get bitten, or a larger dog kills a smaller dog, things will change.

[Ocean Dancer]

Asian buffet, anyone?:eek:

[normr]

I've seen dogs being passed as service dogs peeing on the floor, a "real service dog" wouldn't do that, plus it gotten out of control with people bringing pigs and turkeys onto a plane claiming they're an emotional support animal. Give me a break, if you're to afraid to carry on a normal life in public then stay home.

 

This is just people to cheap to pay for someone to board or take care of their animals, I get it, if you don't trust your vet to board them, there are plenty of services available for someone to come into your home and take care of your animal for your week cruise.

 

If you're not blind or deaf or crippled in some manner then why do you need an animal to accompany you on a cruise?

Edited May 22, 2016 by normr

[PH8]

The "dog" issue.......

 

There are a few regular cruisers that cruise with their "Service" Animals. Really any dog could be a service animal if their doctor signs off on it. Some people's dogs are considered service dogs because the owner gets severe anxiety when they are separated from their dog. (I wish I was making that up).

 

 

This could happen on any ship. Recently I encountered one on the Brilliance,

That was something else,wasn't it?? Unbelievable.........especially in Chops at breakfast..UNREAL!:rolleyes:

 

 

BTW--there are service dogs,which if qualified can go anywhere.......

 

then there are emotional support dogs(which is what some cruisers are calling their dogs)...Technically,emotional support dogs are allowed in housing,(which normally does not allow dogs) and airplanes.......NOT restaurants,NOT cruise ships,NOT the supermarket.........yet,they get away with it.

 

Here in FL,it is against the law to get one of those fake online certificates!:D

[dsvd79]

What about people who have Dog Allergies?

[PH8]

What about people who have Dog Allergies?

They sneeze:p

:p:p

 

 

Service dogs do not sit on their owner's laps,do they??

 

First pic is in the CL.......the other on the shuttle ..

Edited May 22, 2016 by PH8

[JudyjudyjudyS]

Can you clarify... are you served the 4 glasses (depending on the pour roughly 16- 22 oz - almost a full bottle) or has there been some sort of deal made to give you a whole bottle?

 

Thanks.

 

M

 

No deal made. They just told us if we want to use both our buy one get one free, it would be a bottle and they would hold it for us. Their idea. We have done this every since with no questions on every cruise until this one. We drink one glass each and then come back later for the next glass. I didn't think anyone was breaking any rule.

[Paulette3028]

If you're not blind or deaf or crippled in some manner then why do you need an animal to accompany you on a cruise?

 

I get your point, but the highlighted word is just about NEVER used in today's lexicon.

[tutuwahineLV]

there is a difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal. It is the people who have the 'emotional support' animals that are causing the problems, and causing those of us who don't have animals to be having these conversations. Service animals are rigorously trained and certified. i.e. guide dogs or siezure dogs... they have a job to do.

If a person is dressing up their animal, or feeding it at their table, it is NOT a service animal.

 

this problem is compounded by the fact that businesses are limited to what and how they can ask someone about their animal. Unfortunately, once someone says ....this is my service dog... most businesses and company back down, they are allowed to ask what service the animal provides but most if not all wont ask, for fear of litigation.

[bogofman]

We saw the dog on Indy on the TA, back to the UK,

 

Didn't realise dogs were allowed,

 

It must have had a passport to enter th uk without going into quarantine?

 

 

Where do these dogs do their business ( toilet)

 

Do rhey wash their paws afterwards

[Tee & Chilli]

delete

Edited May 22, 2016 by TeeChi

[Tee & Chilli]

I've seen dogs being passed as service dogs peeing on the floor, a "real service dog" wouldn't do that, plus it gotten out of control with people bringing pigs and turkeys onto a plane claiming they're an emotional support animal. Give me a break, if you're to afraid to carry on a normal life in public then stay home.

 

This is just people to cheap to pay for someone to board or take care of their animals, I get it, if you don't trust your vet to board them, there are plenty of services available for someone to come into your home and take care of your animal for your week cruise.

 

If you're not blind or deaf or crippled in some manner then why do you need an animal to accompany you on a cruise?

 

I get your point, but the highlighted word is just about NEVER used in today's lexicon.

 

Thank you Paulette3028!

I was about to type the correct term is person with a disability.

Edited May 22, 2016 by TeeChi

[JudyjudyjudyS]

They sneeze:p

:p:p

 

 

Service dogs do not sit on their owner's laps,do they??

 

First pic is in the CL.......the other on the shuttle ..

 

I am the OP. Your first picture is of the very dog at the table beside us one evening in Chops. Stayed in her lap throughout the meal. Was dressed in clothes and in a pink blanket with a toy. I did complain to the manager. I told him I understood it was hard for him as the dog was allowed on board as a service/emotional support dog. However, I didn't appreciate the dog being allowed at the table and that was his call. I had him make a note by every reservation we had that there were to be no dogs beside us. We are seeing more and more dogs on board. This was our first cruise (and we cruise a lot) where we saw dogs at the table and it happened 3 different times. This is going to get worse based on how RC currently handles allowing "service dogs" on board and at the tables. None of the dogs we saw appeared to be true service dogs. I support anyone with a need bringing a dog that is a true service dog. We also made our feelings clear on our survey after the cruise. We heard many, many others with the same complaints we had and I bet they noted it on their surveys. Folks would leave the CL lounge and come to the DL lounge because the dog was on the sofa or being carried up to where the appetizers were being served. I wish RC would have a policy no dogs are allowed at tables. I can't imagine that would offend anyone with a true service/emotional support dog.

[RDC1]

What I find incredible, from half way around the world, is that the law really prohibits requiring any proof that it IS a service animal.

 

Basically all a company can do is ask what service the dog is trained to provide. They cannot ask for any kind of documentation.

 

While a service can must be admitted. It can be removed if it is not properly trained and is guilty of creating a nuisance.

[Paulette3028]

there is a difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal. It is the people who have the 'emotional support' animals that are causing the problems, and causing those of us who don't have animals to be having these conversations. Service animals are rigorously trained and certified. i.e. guide dogs or siezure dogs... they have a job to do.

If a person is dressing up their animal, or feeding it at their table, it is NOT a service animal.

 

this problem is compounded by the fact that businesses are limited to what and how they can ask someone about their animal. Unfortunately, once someone says ....this is my service dog... most businesses and company back down, they are allowed to ask what service the animal provides but most if not all wont ask, for fear of litigation.

 

We just went through some ADA training video's where I work....and we were instructed to ask 'nothing' about the potential need that the dog provided.....just help the customer in any way we could to expedite their time in our business. We have people walking into our business that clearly are bringing dogs, who are not service dogs and the company is afraid to do anything about it, even when the dog bothers others in our building. But as you say, the fear of litigation.

 

A woman put her dog on my counter at work one day, and I politely asked her to remove it and she was shocked. I said "Ma'am I am afraid of dogs whose owners I do not know....I was bit by one as a child. I will be more than happy to help you, when the dog is off the counter". My boss was not thrilled, but I could not properly take care of my job, and make sure that dog did not in any way touch me while doing so. The woman replied, when I was done handling her needs, "You really should look into YOUR problem".

[PH8]

I am the OP. Your first picture is of the very dog at the table beside us one evening in Chops. Stayed in her lap throughout the meal. Was dressed in clothes and in a pink blanket with a toy. I did complain to the manager.

Yes,she also enjoyed Chops for breakfast on the Brilliance in April:mad: No one would say a thing..........not there,nor the concierge...I think there should be a neutral person they could call to come and tell them not to let it sit at the table....I realize the concierge and the dining staff at Chops do not want to confront them and lose tips..or even worse,get a bad review..But it is out of hand!

[pearlie]

On one cruise there was a lap service dog. The dog was trained to sniff out sesame oil. The owner had a deadly allergy. Another cruise a small dog was able to tell when the owners blood pressure was elevated. I don't judge. They are there because the cruise line approved them.

[Paulette3028]

Yes,she also enjoyed Chops for breakfast on the Brilliance in April:mad: No one would say a thing..........not there,nor the concierge...I think there should be a neutral person they could call to come and tell them not to let it sit at the table....I realize the concierge and the dining staff at Chops do not want to confront them and lose tips..or even worse,get a bad review..But it is out of hand!

 

I am going to say, what I said in a previous post -- some cruiser who is unhappy with what they see and clearly knows that in Royal's own Accessibility Standards for Service Animals what the dog is going is against the items listed in the Accessibility Standards, will have to take it up the 'flagpole' to get it enforced.

 

I can tell you one thing....I hope I don't see it on a cruise that I am on. The offending cruiser with their dog, won't be happy.

 

And yes, it is a problem for the immediate staff in the restaurant or dining room...but it should be handled by the Hotel Manager, Food and Beverage Mgr or any other senior officer or the Captain.

Edited May 22, 2016 by Paulette3028