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.
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.
Visit on Facebook:
