Sail Date: 08/14/10
My Carnival Dream,- Revised
I was completely exhausted from traveling from NYC the day we arrived at the port. We were out of the house at 4:30 AM and in the car by 4:45 to LGA/NYC Airport. Our flight arrived and gated on time and we were met by our driver from Mears. We managed to make a stop at the local 711 to pick up two cases of soda to keep in the room and make the port early. We were pointed toward the VIP line having medical equipment and medication with us. Jumper, my service dog was excited and everyone including the port staff were asking to pet him. Within 15 minutes we were walking to the gangway anden route to guest services as we had a message from housekeeping. Security gave me the message, and this nice asain woman from Thailand, who was in charge met me. We discussed what Jumper my service dog needed, we were taken to the room first early, dropped his bowl off, food was in main luggage which was frustrating. They set up a sizeable litterbox on the lifeboat deck, way out of the way. But, being an Ex-marine, i knew ship safety and what to avoid.
On a side note, they asked people to raise their hands who were members of the military or veterans. Being a disabled veteran from the USMC and a 911 rescue worker I raised mine, and port staff applauded us, and even managed to give us hugs. I was taken back by that and that is something I will never forget. The purser who called the head of housekeeping who asked us where we wanted the service dog's litter box. I said not on the balcony and we had it put on the lifeboat deck, away from where people can throw cigarette butts in it and away from crew lounging areas so they did not use it as a giant ashtray.
We were told our room was ready way ahead of time, and I needed to take my anticonvulsant. We were shown around the ship. being TBI, it took awhile to come out of overload, and thank goodness we got to our room pretty quickly. The first thing I did was take a cold shower and called room service for smoked salmon, in NY called that a bagel lox and cream cheese sandwich. Which roomservice did not have a clue. Then, the waiter went above and beyond and showed me how to order on the entertainment system.
Within 15 minutes of placing the first order, the hotel staff brought it and I signed the slip. To my chagrin it said, it was costing Zero. I was told that it was a part of the fare. I was so surprised, and happy. He also got ice for the two cases of coke that we were allowed to bring. We were given the schedule and went to the LIDO deck, which was very crowded and went instead to scarlet dinning room. We had some great lunch food and then had our departure party. We already had our spa services scheduled that night, so we both went for our massages. I was in bliss and slept like a baby that night. Woke up early to catch the son rise at sea. That was something I lived for while on sea duty on watch while in the USMC. Even jumper settled in very quickly and was eating, drinking and loving the cruise.
That morning, we pulled into Nassau/Bahamas. We were pre-scheduled for a para-sailing. I made sure jumpers vaccination and service dog ID were with me in my wallet with the passport. Trying to leave, security told me to go to guest services, I was pissed that they would not let me off, but within two hours port authorities gave jumper his visa. Security wanted to make sure my service dog was not taken from me by port authorities, and that he was cleared. In hindsight, the cruise director Todd Whitmore, the ships XO, and port agents busted the rear ends to make sure things happened for us. I was amazed at what carnival did to jump through hoops to service me.
However, the tour operator in Nassau was pissing me off because he did not want the dog on-board, his speedboat and claimed another service dog bit a passanger. Besides, US laws such as the ADA does not apply in foreign nations. The excursions director promised that I would para-sail and he made that happen. In Saint Thomas, they booked the boat for just the two of us. That meant, they had to purchase two extra tickets. I did not have to pay for them. I felt that was unreasonable to carnival and they insisted saying I deserved it.
I felt bad, so I purposely blew that amount in the casino. So they did not lose it. As all of you know, Saint Thomas is a US possession, and mostly follows most federal laws including the ADA within reason. They even have a federal court, martials and post office.
Next stop, Saint Marteen. We booked the jeep tour, being seizure free for a year I have my license and drove. Fun....We loved it. It was true paradise. Being a former paramedic and volunteer ambulance driver I helped the lead car by cutting others off allowing drivers to come forward and not get into accidents. You need nerves of steal and be able to drive like a NYC cabbie.
One last excursion, the behind the fund tour, they had some checking to do, but we were allowed on it. Jumper went, but we were waiting outside of the food prep areas, that is understandable and it would be unreasonable for me to ask. We visited the crew lounge, dining areas which due to cultural sensitivities I avoided going in, even though we could have. We had a group and individual photo with the old man. I enjoyed seeing the old man have this kid adjust the wheel, even though the rudder was locked in via computer and could not be overriden without a special key, they kid saw the course change on the LED, so he got excited. Got a smile out of that one. The only thing I had a concern was that security was overly cautious with the behind the fun tour. But, in retrospect, it is a good idea. While the kid was playing with the wheel, I stood with the junior officer on watch. Asked him, any drift wood. He laughed, basically that is what they are supposed to do.
Loved it, the logistics of these cruises are amazing. Almost on par with active duty operations of an LST or aircraft carrier. The sheer amount of activity and advance planning for loading, unloading, provisioning and purchasing is amazing. The US Navy and DOD has divisions of men planning that out of the pentagon. And to see a line the size of carnival create a beaurocracy and infrastructure is amazing. Kind of makes me wish, I went US Merchant Marine academy instead of USMC.
In retrospect, the crews are respectful and very appreciative of their customers and the Americans as well as international tourists. I even had one of the entertainers who is local to me, come to dinner in the Main Dining Room thanks to the CD for making it happen. The problem is crew, are really not allowed to lounge in passanger areas, accept entertainers and they are not really allowed in the main dinning areas. Although, I do think the entertainment and show staff are treated very well. On a side note, Todd Witmore, would be a great addition to X-factor or Britans got talent his voice is remarkable.
This was by far the best vacation ever. Despite the rug rats running around, making noise and blowing UP carbon dioxide bags and throwing them at passengers. I was out to catch those kids, and security asked for help. But being, I did not have a really good look, a positive id could not be made. So, the cheif said, let it go. Relax and enjoy. And the spatt in Nassau, which I will never recommend to another person with a disability who uses a service dog, this by far has been even better than staying on-site at WDW. Carnival went above and beyond to make sure we had a good time. Unlike Nassau, we have the ADA in the US, as such access challenges always get answered by me if repeated in a court of law. Therefore, because of peoples ignorance and prejudice I will be going another carnival cruise real soon as another entity tried to assault me and my dog when going to fill a script. And I will being goin g on the dream again.
Philip Kirschner
Cabin 8255/ Dream Aug 14, 2010
