Dog at Dining Table & Skunk Pot on Balcony common issues?

[mrg0433]

We just returned from back to back cruises on Brillance of the Seas.  First half was great.  However, we had an issue with the woman at the table next to ours when she had her dog in her lap sitting upright as my food was being carried past her and her dog--  DH described it as a rat with fur.   Not an appealing sight while you are eating.  We left our meal and headed to guest services.    Had no interest in a repeat incident so we ate at the buffet remainder of the cruise.    Thankfully it was the second half of our back to back 5 night cruises on Brillance.  

 

On a cruise two weeks prior, we had an issue with pot smokers on the balcony.  DH said he would be fine if they smoked their skunk after 6pm while everyone is out to dinner and watching entertainment, but these people wanted to smoke it morning, noon, and evening.  Fortunately,   ship security was there within minutes of our complaint.  A week later, we encountered skunk pot for 3 days at the DoubleTree Hilton Tampa prior to the cruise.  It took 3 days before the desk mgr did anything.  This couple was smoking it at the hot tub in front of their 2 little kids.   After 2 days complaining, I ran into a retired police officer who was changing rooms  from the odor getting into his room.   He told me to call the police, and  I am sure he did as well.   When I called, they told me the manager must call because it is private property.  A couple hours later, the police were in the lobby.   All I wanted was for the hotel to send security to the pool area.  I told them the unit the couple were staying in.  All I wanted was for them to tell them to stop smoking in public areas.  It is a " no smoking" hotel.  However, they have a smoking area adjacent to the pool so all the smoke from cigars and cigs floats up to any balcony overlooking the courtyard and pool area. Most of the guests left the pool area as soon as the skunk pot started.    Obviously, a designated smoking area should be far away from the pool area and balcony rooms.  

 

Today I called Hilton and RC to address my issues.   Usually, I would just let it go, but now I can see my husband cutting back on our travel because of these problems.   I was told by RC that they distinguish service animals from emotional support animals.  This woman carried her dog all around the ship.   The poor dog had to endure the casino with all the smoke, noise, slot machines, and lights.  It looked freaked out.   I told Customer Service that the cruiselines needs to have stringent protocols for animals.  Assign specific hours in a specific area for those with service animals.  Offer people who don't want to dine with animals specific hours.    Our son was mauled by a dog when he was 8 years old.  The nurse said his injuries were the equivalent of being thrashed back and forth by a shark.  Many people have a fear of dogs.   Yesterday I saw a german sheppard service dog at the airport almost bite someone.    That makes me flashback to my son's attack.     Most people would not have their dog sitting on a chair in a restaurant.    There are always those people who only consider themselves, but we were raised to be considerate of others.   Times are changing. I couldn't even get a guy working at the airport to lift my carryon at the scanner.  Another elderly woman did it for me.  Unfortunately, my left knee is injured and effects my balance.  DH had already passed thru ahead of me.  He won't do that again!   

 

Happy to be home.  Will reflect on all the fun we had and try to forget all the other stuff.

[SilkySal]

Wow! I feel so sorry for what happened to you! Hopefully, these issues will be addressed, so there are no future problems. I remember on one of our cruises that I saw a woman with a small dog in the MDR eating right from her plate! I love dogs and we have a little dog, and I would never even consider doing something like that! Take care and hope your future cruises are more enjoyable!

[Merion_Mom]

From the RC website, about service animals:

 

"If the service dog's behavior creates a fundamental alteration or a direct threat to safety, the dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship along with the owner at the guest's expense. Examples include: growling, barking excessively, initiating unsolicited contact, biting other guests and/or crewmembers, failure to use designated relief areas, sitting on furniture, eating from the table, etc."

 

 

[LorraineP]

Service dogs should stay on floor where they belong. We had one recently on Anthem in Izumi sitting on lady’s lap entire meal when she walked out holding the dog, the dogs tail was skirting along the bar. Help noticed & never wiped it down. Watched when table was being cleaned, they never wiped down sides of table or cleaned chairs. This same dog one morning unleashed walking with the husband just decided to do its business against the side. The owner did pick up & said it just couldn’t hold it. Oh well wonder how many accidents it had in cabin. Do the room steward clean these rooms any different then normal? Wouldn’t want to sleep in that bed or sit on that couch. 

[Ashland]

This is all very disturbing... RCI should enforce their policy !!!

[Ferry_Watcher]

I believe it is an honor system when it comes to whether a animal (usually a dog) is presented as a 'service animal'.  It is also my understanding that individuals presenting themselves under the umbrella of ADA, can not be asked what their disability is (and rightfully so).  No doubt that 99% of individuals who present under the ADA are legitimate, but it's that 1% who that abuses the intent of the law that is so annoying, especially people passing off their pampered pets as service animals. 

[Billy Baltic]

For all the protests, you are obviously familiar with the smell of pot 🤔

[reallyitsmema]

55 minutes ago, LorraineP said:

Service dogs should stay on floor where they belong. We had one recently on Anthem in Izumi sitting on lady’s lap entire meal when she walked out holding the dog, the dogs tail was skirting along the bar. Help noticed & never wiped it down. Watched when table was being cleaned, they never wiped down sides of table or cleaned chairs. This same dog one morning unleashed walking with the husband just decided to do its business against the side. The owner did pick up & said it just couldn’t hold it. Oh well wonder how many accidents it had in cabin. Do the room steward clean these rooms any different then normal? Wouldn’t want to sleep in that bed or sit on that couch. 

 

Was it a tea cup yorkie in a dress?  That dog is on Anthem a bunch.  Can be seen in a stroller with a blanket over it like you would for a little baby.  Can also be seen sitting on a lounge chair in the Solarium.

[time4u2go]

1 hour ago, LorraineP said:

Service dogs should stay on floor where they belong.

Not necessarily.  Service dogs that are trained for diabetes are typically held by the person, so that the dog can smell the person's breath.

[Canadianmama3]

While I get why these things were upsetting to you, what you are asking for (the designated hours etc) is unreasonable.  There are many people who abuse service dogs being allowed, and claim there dog is a service animal, when they aren’t.  But the rules you think they should implement would affect people with true service dogs.  
 

I have several friends who have guide dogs, another who has a dog that senses a seizure and helps keep them safe.  These people have true needs for their dogs.  And they have every right to be in any venue they want, when they want just as you do.  
 

As far as the pot goes, I’m in Canada.   It’s legal everywhere.  You can walk down the street smoking it.  So I suggest you never travel here 🤣🤣

[SherriZ366]

12 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

Was it a tea cup yorkie in a dress?  That dog is on Anthem a bunch.  Can be seen in a stroller with a blanket over it like you would for a little baby.  Can also be seen sitting on a lounge chair in the Solarium.

I thought RCI tightening up the rules got rid of Little Fluffy in a dress and a stroller.  Very disappointing to see that they are not following their rules.  

[Morecruisesplz]

31 minutes ago, Billy Baltic said:

For all the protests, you are obviously familiar with the smell of pot 🤔

Who isn't. Does that make right?

[Morecruisesplz]

24 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

Not necessarily.  Service dogs that are trained for diabetes are typically held by the person, so that the dog can smell the person's breath.

While eating? Give me a break!

[time4u2go]

4 minutes ago, fredmdcruisers said:

While eating? Give me a break!

Yep, even while eating.  They are trained to detect high or low blood sugar levels, which can happen at any time.

 

Edited March 12, 2022 by time4u2go

[Morecruisesplz]

1 minute ago, time4u2go said:

Yep, even while eating.

Sorry, I would want that confirmed! No dogs in laps at any table, especially if dining with strangers.

[time4u2go]

1 minute ago, fredmdcruisers said:

Sorry, I would want that confirmed! No dogs in laps at any table, especially if dining with strangers.

OK, here you go:

 

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf

[Canadianmama3]

Just now, fredmdcruisers said:

Sorry, I would want that confirmed! No dogs in laps at any table, especially if dining with strangers.

You feel you have the right to question someone else’s medical condition? 

[Morecruisesplz]

1 minute ago, Canadianmama3 said:

You feel you have the right to question someone else’s medical condition? 

Yes, if at my table.

[Canadianmama3]

Just now, fredmdcruisers said:

Yes, if at my table.

No you don’t.  If it bothers you ask to move to a different table.  

[Morecruisesplz]

2 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

OK, here you go:

 

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf

Found that fast. Also an abuser of the policy? Asking for a friend. 😃 

[Morecruisesplz]

Just now, Canadianmama3 said:

No you don’t.  If it bothers you ask to move to a different table.  

No way! Move the dog licker.

[Sunshine3601]

To the OP, couldnt you have simply asked the restaurant Host to seat you at another table?

[time4u2go]

Just now, fredmdcruisers said:

Found that fast. Also an abuser of the policy? Asking for a friend. 😃 

Lol no.  I don't even have a dog.  Honestly it wasn't hard to find.

[Morecruisesplz]

Just now, Sunshine3601 said:

To the OP, couldnt you have simply asked the restaurant Host to seat you at another table?

The dog in lap lady should have had sense enough to ask for a table for 2. Why should it be the problem of others. Ask for the head waiter and get Spot and Momma moved. 

[Morecruisesplz]

3 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

Lol no.  I don't even have a dog.  Honestly it wasn't hard to find.

Just don't mind eating with them beside you?