Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[Algebralovr]

Escorted? - bags & sanitizer spray provided? Tee, I'm seriously impressed with that level of customer service!

 

Celebrity (part of the RCCL family) left it as my complete responsibility in December to ask three different people on board on embarkation day to finally get an answer from Housekeeping about where I could go to find the relief box (on my own.) Fair enough - I'm the one with the dog, so it's up to me to make it work. We had booked a small suite to have more space for the dog, and the butler just giggled and shrugged her shoulders - saying she was learning something new as she was unfamiliar with service dogs on board.

 

Moving the relief box to a better location was not an option, as I was advised in no uncertain terms by a senior officer after my polite written request following verbal requests (it was outside in a deck area marked as unsafe and taped off for all other passengers' use due to high wind and rain for three days.) Which made me wonder - if that was the sole acceptable location on the Constellation - why did no one seem to know where it was?

 

I had to ask more than once for a trash can. Did they really not care about disposal of animal waste? A bucket was eventually placed next to the box for me to deposit waste bags that I provided, and I requested housekeeping to empty the "fragrant" trash after the 5th day. Mulch was never refreshed with a new layer on a nine-day cruise.

 

But at least the mulch-filled box thankfully WAS provided (we asked for the sod option) even though it was never given another thought by anyone on board.

 

I came away with the impression that my service dog was grudgingly tolerated but truly not welcome. After initial hassles, and a sleepless night, I had to sternly remind myself not to let Celebrity's poor onboard response to a deaf passenger spoil my cruise. The dog adapted to her onboard situation beautifully and we had an enjoyable vacation.

 

Sounds like Celebrity could learn a lot from NCL and Carnival.

 

Chris,

Did you email the contactmichael email address about your concerns and problems? I still cannot get over how poorly you were treated, and the way the hotel director responded! I've not been on the Constellation, but geez! I can't see Jamie on Reflection responding like that!

 

There is no excuse for putting the box in an unsafe area.

[Caribbean Chris]

Chris,

Did you email the contactmichael email address about your concerns and problems? I still cannot get over how poorly you were treated, and the way the hotel director responded! I've not been on the Constellation, but geez! I can't see Jamie on Reflection responding like that!

There is no excuse for putting the box in an unsafe area.

 

I agree about the safety issue, Barb, and appreciate your interest very much. No, I did not email after the cruise (we disembarked 12/22 so it was Christmastime and busy), but I received my emailed questionnaire and spent some time filling it out. Maybe those go directly into a computer analysis of passenger ratings and humans don't actually read the comments.

 

It's been a revelation to read posts from other cruisers who received far different on-board arrangements for their service dogs on other ships. In my opinion, a few simple changes as routine procedures would cost Celebrity virtually nothing but would convey priceless goodwill.

 

I'm going to write a non-adversarial, constructive letter with a few suggestions since we have two future cruises on Celebrity booked - Reflection is in December. Before then, we sail in mid-April on Holland America, and I will have additional first hand experience with another line before writing.

[Folk Singer]

Great Photos and really enjoying this thread.

[fairbourne]

Hi everyone.:)

 

Well what a fabulous afternoon tea party we had!:D

 

Aruba wore her new red diamanté collar and all three dogs were spruced up ready to welcome their guests. I'd ordered some lovely party food from Marks and Spencer's (for those reading this from the UK or Canada, and I think also Australia, you will know the wonderful food we can get from this store!). And my thinking is why make it, if someone else can do as well or even better? LOL!!!

 

I did make some puddings though as my lemon posset with blueberries is a firm favourite! And we had a birthday cake for our special girl with a sparkly white number ONE candle.

 

We had great fun and I think the 3 dogs were so excited to see some of their favourite people all at once! Especially as the lovely guests had brought all of the dogs some yummy doggy treats! A bit like children, they all said, can't give one without the other!

 

Aruba was a very lucky girl and got birthday cards and new toys.

 

I read out Horton Jeffrey's lovely letter for Aruba to everyone after tea - not a dry eye in the house!

 

Thank you all for your good wishes and I hope you all enjoyed your champagne! Virtual or otherwise LOL!

 

[fairbourne]

Here is a close up of our birthday girl with her diamante collar! I just love her tufty bits on the top of her ears!

 

 

[fairbourne]

Please may I have another piece of cake? ;):eek:

 

[fairbourne]

My dear darling Horton Jeffrey

 

Thank you so much for writing to me - I love it when you write to me and give me so much encouragement from a doggy's point of view - I'm learning new things all the time and my Mum keeps telling me I will have an important job to do and that I have to go to a school first to learn more - wow it is hard sometimes for a girl to take it all in! I can't imagine living anywhere else but here with my bestest pals Max and Poppy, and the cats - I love my cats. I was naughty to Mum last week at puppy school, I just could not be bothered and she was smart enough to know that asking and asking me to do something, just was not going to get her anywhere! She knows me well, my Mum.

 

Mum read your letter out to everyone at my party and they were all suddenly wiping their eyes - humans, I will never understand them! I looked at Mum and thought if she gave them another treat, they would all be happy again. It works for us dogs! And oh boy did they have lots of treats on their big table! But you know what Horty, I didn't get anything, not a measly teeny bit of anything. And the cheek of them, they had a birthday cake for ME, with a candle for ME, and I still didn't get any of it! HuH! Oh and another thing Horty, I was so embarrassed .... Mum had put all my baby photos on the TV as a slide show so everyone could see them and remember what a darling little toot I had been ... of course, I was! But I'm such a sophisticated young lady now especially with my diamonds in my collar! And red is so MY colour! :p

 

Thanks Horty - I luv YOU! Aruba XXXXX

[Insuregal]

Fairbourne,

Thank you for sharing Aruba's party photos! She is so beautiful! She is also quite a story teller...

 

Beckie

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks, all, for the nice comments on my partner's beauty. When I get lazy about grooming, I remember she's counting on me to keep her looking pretty.

 

Glad you liked the woven blanket/throw. The aqua ocean colors match our bedroom, and it turned out much better than I expected.

 

So, Roz! Is that a new avatar I see on the Rolls-Royce forum name?

 

Rolls Royce Lover was Morey's Avatar on his computer, at home.......I will ALWAYS keep it, in memory of him and Miss Brenny!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, we are off the Coral Princess and staying another week in Florida. We were so proud of Pedro for doing so well on his first cruise. He was the star of the ship. Everyone knew his name. We had so many passengers come up to us with positive comments or questions about him. Everyone wanted to pet him...some asked, some didn't. Pedro took all the attention in stride and was on his best behavior. Only once did we encounter a man who was annoying him. I politely asked the man to stop, but he didn't. I just pulled Pedro away from that side and kept him out of view. Pedro did watch over us. I swear he was giving this man the 'stink eye.'

 

His potty box was two decks down and all the way forward, in a crew area. Our cabin was forward on the port side, and at times, it was a haul to get to the box. Pedro did not care for the wood chips in the box. I made a comment to our cabin stewardess about it...by the way, she was in love with Pedro and would do anything for him. Within an hour, a sheet of AstroTurf was placed in part of the box. At first, he laid down on it, but eventually used it. The ship provided a bucket filled with spray sanitizer, paper towels and thicker towels, like Handi-wipes. There was also a covered marked trash can for waste.

 

Our cabin stewardess even made special towel animals for Pedro. She would also arrange his toy on the bed in different positions. It was so cute.

 

I took lots of pictures, but have to wait till I get home to post them on my computer. I got a kick out of watching Pedro looking at the ocean through the balcony glass. Just the way he would look down at the water was so funny. He loved laying in the sun.

 

As I feared, Bill did start to have an episode one night late in the cruise, but Pedro jumped into action and all was well again. Bill tried to push him away, but Pedro was persistent and did his job. I was relieved.

 

Oh, I stopped by the Captain's Circle desk and started a Princess Passport for Pedro. It will be fun to keep track of his travels too. The day we were in the canal, I got an idea that I should write a series of books..."Pedro Travels the World." It was very early in the morning...

 

I was concerned about returning to the U.S., and going through customs/immigration, but no one said 'boo.' Pedro was in his sling and I don't even think the customs agent saw him.

 

Someone on board said I would have to return Pedro's forms to his vet. Is this true or can I just dispose of them now?

 

Cindra

 

Welcome Home Pedro and Family. Cindra it sounds like everything went well and that you got the assistance when you needed it!

 

You DO NOT have to turn any paperwork into anyone upon your return. My Vet likes me to call him with anything unusual that may be required or any confrontations that may occur with TSA or Immigration officials.

 

I'm so glad that your first experience was a good one. Now, Pedro is going to be a pro on his next cruise.

[Caribbean Chris]

Fairbourne, I am enchanted by the party photos and description. It's better than an elegant banquet scene from Downton Abbey! Miss Aruba looks sensational in her sparkling red collar. (Raylene now is insisting on one just like it for formal nights.)

 

Thank you so much for posting!

[wizard-of-roz]

My dear darling Horton Jeffrey

 

Thank you so much for writing to me - I love it when you write to me and give me so much encouragement from a doggy's point of view - I'm learning new things all the time and my Mum keeps telling me I will have an important job to do and that I have to go to a school first to learn more - wow it is hard sometimes for a girl to take it all in! I can't imagine living anywhere else but here with my bestest pals Max and Poppy, and the cats - I love my cats. I was naughty to Mum last week at puppy school, I just could not be bothered and she was smart enough to know that asking and asking me to do something, just was not going to get her anywhere! She knows me well, my Mum.

 

Mum read your letter out to everyone at my party and they were all suddenly wiping their eyes - humans, I will never understand them! I looked at Mum and thought if she gave them another treat, they would all be happy again. It works for us dogs! And oh boy did they have lots of treats on their big table! But you know what Horty, I didn't get anything, not a measly teeny bit of anything. And the cheek of them, they had a birthday cake for ME, with a candle for ME, and I still didn't get any of it! HuH! Oh and another thing Horty, I was so embarrassed .... Mum had put all my baby photos on the TV as a slide show so everyone could see them and remember what a darling little toot I had been ... of course, I was! But I'm such a sophisticated young lady now especially with my diamonds in my collar! And red is so MY colour! :p

 

Thanks Horty - I luv YOU! Aruba XXXXX

 

Aruba,

I love you more than to the moon and back.......you'll ALWAYS be my special girl. ♥ Please don't forget me when you go to "big girl school!"

Horty

 

I love the pictures of Aruba's party! I wish I was there!

[wizard-of-roz]

Fairbourne, I am enchanted by the party photos and description. It's better than an elegant banquet scene from Downton Abbey! Miss Aruba looks sensational in her sparkling red collar. (Raylene now is insisting on one just like it for formal nights.)

 

Thank you so much for posting!

 

Wasn't it a fabulous affair! One day I'm going to give them one day's notice and I'm going to drop in on them! I'm going to pick myself up and go to Scotland. I'll grab Cindy on the way!

 

Aruba is such a lucky girl! As it should be!

[Quampapetet]

Well, it's finally warm today. We've been in South Florida for a few weeks in our tiny RV escaping the cold, (we thought.) Had some very frigid nights,even below freezing, but we've stayed warm and cozy.

 

Have been working at keeping up with all the black dog hair everywere inside. I keep laughing when thinking what Cindy said, that she and John joke they probably have hairballs from ingesting it, breathing it...it's EVERYWHERE.

 

I told Raylene this morning I might look into shaving her before our next RV trip. (She knew I was kidding.) Tomorrow we may take her to see the Manatees at Homosassa Springs.

 

So glad my dog's have hair instead of fur!! :D I could never deal with dog hair everywhere, over everything, etc. It is bad enough when my older girl is losing her hair from the chemo, but I think even that is not comparable to dog fur!

 

Glad you're having better weather!

[Quampapetet]

They told me that this spot was the only place they could put his potty box. It's not that inconvenient. It's right by the secret doors.

 

Pedro loved the canal today. He is currently sleeping next to me. Today after trivia, which we won, his leash got tangled as I was grabbing my cane, and a drink fell over and spilled on him. Then the glass fell on him and he let out a little yelp. He got skittish, so I quickly got him out of there. There was also a man who approached him from behind me and he let out a bark, which is totally out of character for him. Then the man kept egging him on, which annoyed me... So, I tried to keep Pedro away from him as best as I could. This was the first person on board that he did not like. I kept Pedro on my lap for the rest of trivia. Waiting for Bill to get back from his tour.

 

Tomorrow is our private tour in Limon, Costa Rica. Will report back then.

 

Cindra

 

 

I thought the dog was for your husband? I am confused!

 

I hope your pup is okay after the drink accident!

[Quampapetet]

TIME ZONES.......not my favorite thing to deal with. And, when we have to change the clocks......DON'T ASK!!!

 

Amazing, how you all know me so well!!!! :rolleyes::mad:

 

Clocks change this weekend! Don't stress!! ;)

[wizard-of-roz]

Clocks change this weekend! Don't stress!! ;)

 

Quam, thanks for the reminder! Oh! No! We have to spring forward, there goes my hour! But, I will gain some sunlight! Love the sun!

[Quampapetet]

I got her a red collar with diamanté (the DH is going to have a fit!) just for the occasion! And a new toy, which no doubt will last about 5 minutes! You will have a photo!

 

The collar sounds great! I am looking on Etsy for a birthday collar for my puppy's first birthday (not until June), but probably won't be getting any bling. Aruba is a lucky pup!! I am planning on being there with my pup for her first birthday! :)

[DUTRAVEL]

Hi everyone.:)

 

Well what a fabulous afternoon tea party we had!:D

 

Aruba wore her new red diamanté collar and all three dogs were spruced up ready to welcome their guests. I'd ordered some lovely party food from Marks and Spencer's (for those reading this from the UK or Canada, and I think also Australia, you will know the wonderful food we can get from this store!). And my thinking is why make it, if someone else can do as well or even better? LOL!!!

 

I did make some puddings though as my lemon posset with blueberries is a firm favourite! And we had a birthday cake for our special girl with a sparkly white number ONE candle.

 

We had great fun and I think the 3 dogs were so excited to see some of their favourite people all at once! Especially as the lovely guests had brought all of the dogs some yummy doggy treats! A bit like children, they all said, can't give one without the other!

 

Aruba was a very lucky girl and got birthday cards and new toys.

 

I read out Horton Jeffrey's lovely letter for Aruba to everyone after tea - not a dry eye in the house!

 

Thank you all for your good wishes and I hope you all enjoyed your champagne! Virtual or otherwise LOL!

 

 

Looks like a lovely party. Happy Birthday to Aruba.

 

Dianne

[tvaud]

Cinda, loved your report! Can't wait to see those photos. What finally transpired for Colombia? Did you have to pay their fee and see a vet?

 

 

 

You are smart to be lingering in Florida. We've had dreary rain and cold for days, more forecast ahead (at least in our part of the East Coast) with freezing rain on parts of I-95. Enjoy that sunshine!!

 

 

 

Fascinated by the things Princess provided. Thank you for those details. I think I may write a polite letter to Celebrity's Access depart with helpful suggestions of some of the things other ships/lines do understand are needed for service dog relief areas. We have two more cruises booked with them in the future, and hope the preventable hassles can be minimized.

 

 

We did have to meet with the local vet in Colombia. Actually, he came on board with the other officials, looked at Pedro for about a minute. Then, he spent the next 30 minutes filling out an official document. It was all in Spanish, so I have no idea what it said. We did have to pay $30 in cash to the Colombian officials. Not sure if it was the vet fee or for something else. In port, on our tour, Pedro was treated very well by the tour guides and the jewelry making school. They even got him a dish of water. The only dog we encountered there was a police dog at the shopping area of the pier, who looked at Pedro and walked on. No strays in sight.

 

We did have a few strays around us at an open air beach restaurant in Costa Rica, but they didn't bother Pedro. They were just looking for food. Bill kept Pedro in the sling, just in case.

 

At the last minute in Panama, our friend wanted to do a land tour with Bill. We hadn't planned to get off the ship, so the ship's rep didn't get Pedro cleared. I stayed on board with him while the men went on tour. That is when the drink incident happened, and also when that annoying man was bothering us. It all worked out in the end.

 

The security staff didn't have their act together in Costa Rica or Jamaica...and we had to correct them, but that was minor. All in all, things went smoothly...but next time, we may bring a square of sod with us.

 

Glad we planned to stay in Florida another week. The weather at home is going to be nasty this week. I can't wait till we can call Florida home.

 

Cindra

[DisneyKidsDad]

This is CCI puppy in training Gretel. She is vacationing with us until Sunday while her puppy raiser is in Florida. I don't know who is having a better time, Gretel or Davis. They have been non-stop playing since last night. Fairborne, they were great pictures of your party. Aruba looks as happy as you!

 

[fairbourne]

Gretel is gorgeous,no wonder Davis is having a great time! :D

 

I'm afraid I don't feature in the photos - I was the photographer, but I'm hoping that I will be in some photos my friends took!

 

Chris - I wish we had a butler like Mr Carson in Downton Abbey! the nearest we get to having our Mr Carson, is we sometimes have a butler on a cruise ship!:D.

 

Roz - you drop in any time - now wouldn't that be something! Aunty Roz in the land of the Haggis! LOL! And anyone else coming our way - we'd be delighted to see you! :D

[alexspepa]

Happy Belated Birthday Aruba!

[DisneyKidsDad]

Gretel is gorgeous,no wonder Davis is having a great time! :D

 

I'm afraid I don't feature in the photos - I was the photographer, but I'm hoping that I will be in some photos my friends took!

 

Chris - I wish we had a butler like Mr Carson in Downton Abbey! the nearest we get to having our Mr Carson, is we sometimes have a butler on a cruise ship!:D.

 

Roz - you drop in any time - now wouldn't that be something! Aunty Roz in the land of the Haggis! LOL! And anyone else coming our way - we'd be delighted to see you! :D

 

So now we need to see a picture of you and Aruba. That woman sitting by Aruba looks like she might want to take her home. Keep a close eye on that one! :eek:

[fairbourne]

So now we need to see a picture of you and Aruba. That woman sitting by Aruba looks like she might want to take her home. Keep a close eye on that one! :eek:

 

 

Oh she would in a heartbeat!!! LOL! I think you mean the lady in the striped jumper - she's one of the wonderful puppy boarders we have but she is VERY fond of Aruba and will have her anytime we need her help. Aruba, of course, adores her in return and I can only imagine the shenanigans at her house when she goes for sleepovers! :eek: Still didn't get any cake though! Even with a "High five" on lap! :rolleyes:

 

I now realise that I have lots of photos of Aruba, aruba with Max and poppy, Aruba with the DH, aruba with the cats ..... You get the picture ..... ;) ...... And very few with Aruba and me! Have to fix that right away!

 

Where is that butler when you need him .........!