Sunday, June 11, 2017

NOT NOW WE ARE ON VACATION!






CRUISE WITH THE SERVICE DOG



Team Goodee lovingly dedicates this blog to everyone who makes us possible. It takes a medical team, family, and friends to keep us going. We are grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be out and about functioning as a team.

We now continue our vacation series: Not Now We Are On Vacation! Previously we highlighted interactions with strangers. These are intense times on any outing. The human is trying to get from A to B, or do “X”, when suddenly a well-meaning total stranger inserts themselves into your life.

 After reading that blog, you might wonder why anyone with a Service Dog goes on vacation at all. We presented the ugly examples to show how difficult things can get. Besides, irritating, but, funny people who push their limits are fun to write about.
In this blog, we highlight the cruise experience for the Service Dog Team. If you are a Service Dog handler and you have thought about a cruise, here is our advice…
YES, DO IT! Once upon a time we were looking for a few days away. The cruise is economical and accessible. Food and entertainment in an inclusive package. So, we said: Bahamas here we come! About six months later when we were on the ship with all our documents in order we screamed and did a happy dance.
        “Hey mom time, to answer the most asked question.”
     “Oh, hello Goodee the Service Dog. Nice of you to check-in on the blog. Well the most asked question is your name and I think they already know you Goodee.”
     “Mom not that question: THE QUESTION for people who never thought about Service Dogs on cruises.”
     “Oh yes: THE QUESTION”

HOW DOES A SERVICE DOG “GO” ON A SHIP?

     “It’s a good question mom I was wondering that myself. It’s like a big hotel on a swimming pool. There’s no grass!”
     “Correct Goodee Several people made that observation before we entered the sea terminal.”

So, to the guy who mumbled for 45-minutes about how they don’t let dogs on ships, and the lady who asked everyone on the bus if they knew anything about how a dog gets to “go” on a ship. ---

THE ANSWER IS: The cruise line provides a 4x4 wooden box with sod or mulch material. The relief area is on an open deck with lots of cross-wind. Service Dog. handlers should bring supplies to keep the area clean.

YES, THEY REALLY ARE GOING TO LET THE SERVICE DOG ON THE SHIP!

The Department of Transportation describes cruise ships as a cross between transportation and public accommodations. Service Dogs must be allowed to accompany a passenger in all areas of public access on the ship, including lifeboats.
A Few points to help the Service Dog Team have a good time:

PICK YOUR PORTS CAREFULLY

Only you know how many days your Service Dog can handle. Decide how often you need to see land. I have a list of destinations. I am doing them in multiple trips instead of a long cruise, so the Service Dog can visit land more often.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Each port of entry has their own dog import requirements. Consult the USDA for the latest requirements. Example: Some ports require yearly rabies vaccination, nearly all ports require a certificate of health from your vet.

GET INFORMATION FROM THE CORRECT END OF THE HORSE

Don’t try to “google it.” There’s lots of bad/out dated information about Service Dog travel out there. Don't listen to your mom's boyfriend's best friend who tried to go on a cruise several years ago. There’s also no shortage of companies that will try to sell you a pet passport that is used in Europe but not the U.S. 
I spent $60 in long distance calls to the Bahamas Dept. of Agriculture. The phone help was polite but, they were not addressing my exact question. A  wonderful person at the USDA suggested that I call back and ask to speak to a veterinarian.
 When I did it took me 10-minute to convince the person that I needed to speak directly to a vet, and 15-minutes on hold for the vet to take my call. However, I am so glad that I did that. The vet needed less than two minutes to tell me which vaccinations are actually required (out of the list of 20 on the permit). Only the Rabies vaccine is required, the others listed are simply recommendations. –My vet advised all items listed are done as puppy vaccines.

GET INFORMATION TO THE CRUISE LINE EARLY AND OFTEN

Some travel agents are more helpful than others. Service Dog accommodations are too important to be left to someone else. When you make a deposit on your cruise, notify the cruise line via e-mail that you are bringing a Service Animal. When you make your final payment, send another email confirming a relief area is planned for you.

OTHER RULES STILL APPLY
Before flying, notify TSA cares by email or phone https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support
Also, consult the airline about bulkhead space for the Service Dog. Remember, the Air Carrier Access Act allows impaired persons to be accompanied by a Service Animal at no additional cost.

EXPECT ANYTHING

Cruise ships are a mass of humanity.

THE BAD: More people = More questions/ interaction attempts with you and the dog. The first day it was like being in a big shopping center. “what’s your dog’s name,” how cute,” etc.
     “Don’t forget the guy who got right in my face and barked mom.”
     “Yes, he was unforgettable and alcoholic impaired Goodee.”
THE GOOD: The ship is BIG and you soon find little areas of escape away, away, away from people if you need to.
THE EXCELLENT: The sea and beach are right outside. —They are the only thing outside for a day or more.  Entertainment is included.  Your stateroom is a home away from home.
     “Better than home mom. I mean bed turned down twice a day, meals by a chef, who has all that at home?”
     “Correct Goodee, a cruise is better than home!”

DON'T SAY NO!

There are a number of well-meaning able-bodied "normal" people who will say:
"You shouldn't go," "We wouldn't go," and my favorite: "Are you sure you should go alone?" You are the only person who knows what you can do with your Service Dog. Cruising is accessible. If you need assistance just ask. Above-all DO NOT TRY to go without your Service Dog.  Don't try to substitute something for your Service Dog just because someone who has never had a disability or a Service Dog, suddenly wants to give you advice. You need your dog and you have a legal right to mitigate your disability and enjoy your vacation. 


Up-coming Service Dog Friendly Cruises:

PAWS WITH A CAUSE 2018 CRUISE January 21-18, 2018
PAWS provides Service Dogs to people who need them at no cost to the client. During this bi-annual fundraising event Royal Caribbean will make a generous cash donation to PAWS for every state-room purchased. 7-days in the Caribbean on the Allure of the Seas. For information contact: ddavis@pawswithacause.org.

HALLOWEEN AT SEA 2018!
October 27-November 3, 2018
Hosted by Your Travel Dime Dream Vacations & GoodeeWorks Productions
Join select group of travelers to celebrate Halloween at Sea 2018! We'll be sailing on the new MSC ship, Seaside, from the Port of Miami, through the Eastern Caribbean to St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nassau Bahamas.

MSC Seaside rewrites the rule book of cruise ship design, blending indoor and outdoor areas to connect you with the sea like never before. Circling the entire ship as low as Deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. And you can enjoy more superb views from the two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic elevators.

To celebrate Halloween, we're planning a private party with costume contest and entertainment.

Some cabins include unlimited drinks, onboard credit, spa services and priority boarding. Cabins start at $349 pp, double occupancy plus taxes and fees.

Our friends at Your Travel Dime put this together for us. Team Goodee is not receiving any compensation for promotion. We just want to check out the MSC SEASIDE and thought we would invite a few friends along.

For information contact: bmiller@dreamvacations.com
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