My husband and I have been on a few cruises together, but this is our first with our service dog. Has anyone traveled with there compainion and how did it work out on Carnival. How was the dog treated? How was the area that they desinated for the dog to do there bussinness??

I can tell you that I have been on a few cruise and have seen several service dogs.....I had to smile as it was funny to see a dog on the ship and it took me by surprise at first. The dog seemed happy as did the owner I just LOVED watching the inter-action between the dog and her companion it was great to see. My daughter is disabled and I always wondered how she would do with a wonderful K9 companion. I wish I could give you some helpful information but I can't. I assume you advised Carnival of all your needs via the "special requirements" form? Make sure you add more information than they ask for, I find more info is the best route to take. Wonder if you can tell the chef that your K9 wants STEAK every night? Happy cruising!!!!!

if you have not already called the special needs department the number is 1800 438 6744 ext. 70025  I am sure they will have all the info that you need

We are going on our first cruise with our service dog on Sept. 18th.  A friend of ours cruises often with her service dog, and never has a problem.  This is what she told us:

Carnival supplies a 4 foot square box filled with pellets.  If you prefer, you can bring your own fill for the box.  We have built our own box at home to get the dog used to it.  We are filling our box with mulch for training.  On the ship, we will bring our own bag of mulch to mix with their pellets.  That way the dog will be used to the odor.  She says each ship puts the box in a different location.  If you don't like the location, they will work with you to find a satisfactory spot.  Sometimes it is on the deck with the jogging track, sometimes in a less-used stairwell, and sometimes in a laundry room.  Don't let them put it in your room, or on your balcony!!  By the way, it is YOUR responsibility to clean up the litter box, not Carnivals.  Be sure to bring bags.  Ask them to put a trash can near the litter box, otherwise just leave the bag next to the litter box for them to dispose of.  Since most people will have no idea what the box is there for, she posts a note above the box saying:  "FOR DOG BUTTS ONLY, NO CIGARETTE BUTTS".

 Hope this helped.  Good luck.

evil elf:

Since most people will have no idea what the box is there for, she posts a note above the box saying:  "FOR DOG BUTTS ONLY, NO CIGARETTE BUTTS".

 

What a great sense of humor.  I do have to agree that this is probably necessary.

We recently returned from our first cruise with our service dog (Duncan)!  He is a mobility dog for my wife.  We were on the Carnival Elation, 3 day Baja cruise.  Fantastic!!

When we got to the port in San Diego, we were escorted to the front of the line for checking in.  We had our Fun Pass already, so they checked our paperwork, including making sure we had vaccinations for Duncan, and the International Health Certificate for him.  They then called to the ship to make sure they were expecting him (of course, they were).  Within 15 minutes, we were on the ship.

When we got onto the ship, we were escorted to the Information Desk (the VIP line!), where we were greeted warmly.  They told us where the "litter box" was located.  I asked them to escort us to the area, which they gladly did.  The box was located on the starboard side of the Lido Deck (deck 10 - right side) on the outside portion of the deck which leads to the bridge.  The area is good, as not too many people use this area.  Unfortunately, the starboard side is the smoking side, so next time I will ask them to move the box to the port side (no smoking, and even fewer people). Also, the area is a fairly dark at night, so people smoking out there couldn't see the sign I posted "NO CIGARETTE BUTTS - DOG BUTTS ONLY", and we often found cigarette butts in the litter box.  Since Duncan had never used a "litter box", we trained him to use it for a month before the cruise, and we were very proud of him for using it...(most of the time). 

 Our cabin was toward the back of the ship on the Upper Deck.  It was a long walk to the front of the ship, and then an elevator ride up to the Lido Deck, each time I thought he had to go.  Lots of exercise! 

Other passengers were great.  They enjoyed having a dog onboard, and many commented how much they missed their dogs back at home.  And of course, we were stopped constantly and asked about Duncan.  Everyone had to ask where he did his "business"!

But most of all, the crew was absolutely fantastic!  Most of them work 8 months straight, before returning home for vacation, and they missed their families and four-legged friends left behind.  Many of them (especially the ladies working in the spa) were all over him (after first asking).  As long as my wife was in her wheelchair, and not walking with Duncan, we gladly allowed them to pet (and hug) him.  Everyone seemed to know him, and he was obviously the most popular passenger on the ship!

We had no problem getting around the ship with either Duncan or the wheelchair.  In the dining room, they even offered to bring Duncan a steak!

We would not hesitate a moment to take another cruise with Duncan.  The 3-day Baja cruise was to see how well he would handle a cruise.  We are now planning a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise with him.

Carnival was fantastic!  If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask.

evil elf, Great story about your cruise with Duncan, thanks for adding the pic.  I would be one of the many huggers as I love my dogs and always miss them when we are away.  Lucky for us we work in veterinary medicine and our dogs get to stay at our office when we're gone.  We have had the privilage of caring for service dogs and my husband has never charged for them.  Same with service men/women while serving over seas.  Give Duncan a hug for me and happy cruising in the future.

 

This story is so sweet. I would have been one of the huggers. We miss our dogs and cat when have to leave them. I worry because they don't eat hardly at all when we leave them. He is a cute dog.

Things are sure different in Iowa than California (not a surprise)!  We've never even been offered a discount for having a service dog!

evil elf,  Shame on them, it would not be a burden on them to give a discount.  We feel all our furry, fuzzy friends give us unconditional love, especially the service animals ( they are the ones who serve with love and joy in their hearts)  That's why it is such a pleasure to care for them when they are in need.  Small town living does have its perks, no locked doors or cars and everybody knows your name, always get a smile and a hello each day.  And if you need help its there.  You and Duncan have a wonderful day!!

 DUNCAN IS GOING CRUISING AGAIN!!  We're booked on the Splendor on March 21, 2010 (for a week this time!!).  If anyone is cruising with us, be sure to say hi!

Loved your story about your cruise and KUDOS to Carnival and the staff and crew!! 

I must admit, I too would be a hugger as that is the only thing about going on vacation that bothers us.  We love the vacations but sure do look forward to seeing our cat and dog when we get home.  They are even happier to see us...LOL  Duncan sure looks comfy in bed too.  Thanks for sharing such an adorable pic.  Did he get a steak in the dining room?  Sounds like he deserved it.    Our dog is smart but she would never be able to be trained to use a litter box!! 

Your cruise on the Splendor...well the name of the ship predicts you will have a spendid time on your upcoming cruise!!  Duncan should really have a great time being pampered along with you and your wife. 

evil elf,  Have a great time on you cruise in March.  I'll be on the Splendor in January will tell them your coming and to look for the cute dog name Duncan.  Looked at his picture again and I think it should be altered to say on the price list page on the bed to PRICELESS on that page.  It would fit him so well.    Have a wonderful cruise