[nagdu] questions about guide dogs and cruises

[Chasity Jackson]

Hello everyone,

On April 7, 2011, I will be taking a four day cruise with Kid Rock, a singer 
who I have followed from state to state for the past 9 years. It leaves from 
New Orleans and goes to Cazumel. I have never taken a cruise at all before, 
much less with a guide dog. I would like to hear people's experiences on 
cruises with their dogs. Tell me what to anticipate, what to watch out for 
as well as other ideas and suggestions you think would be helpful for me to 
know in advance. Also, my main question is this. The only port the ship will 
stop at is Cazumel. How do I go about finding out whether or not I can take 
my dog off the ship with me in Cazumel, and how do I find out if they are 
allowed in public buildings and other places in Cazumel? I already called 
the cruise line and spoke to the people I need to speak with, and they said 
it's up to me to research that. They said that once I book my cabin on the 
cruise, to call them so we can get the paper work started that is necessary 
to complete in  order for me to bring my dog on the cruise. I almost thought 
about leaving my dog with my parents while I go, but there are four or five 
hundred Kid Rock fans on my facebook who I network with on a regular basis, 
who are looking forward to meeting her on board, and this cruise really 
appeals to me because Kid Rock is on board the entire time and interacts 
with people while on the ship. I was told by one other person I spoke with 
that they had a much easier time navigating the ship on a cruise they went 
on, with their guide dog.

So I am just writing to get your overall experiences taking your dogs on 
cruises, as well as how to go about finding out whether or not she can go 
off the ship in Cazumel and into public places. Thanks.
Chasity