SEA SICKNESS GAME PLAN
When discussing sea sickness, we should look at an overall game plan (and not just focus on ginger, medications, or wrist bands). So here are my recommendations, that have worked for me:
MEDS: If you've never taken motion sickness medication, experiment before the cruise. Find out how these things affect you before you get on the ship.
They affect different people in different ways.
When do most people begin to feel queasy? My guess is the first evening. This may not be true for everybody, but I think that most folks need to get their 'sea legs.'
T-1 DAY AND COUNTING: The first move is to take a ginger tablet (or chew) the morning and/or evening before your sail date. If you take it in the morning, take another one before bed. Be sure to eat something with these things, because they will leave a bad taste in the back of your throat. Ginger is supposed to be good for you.
SAIL DAY: Start the day with a reasonable breakfast. Try to avoid anything too heavy or greasy. On this day, I stay away from sausage, bacon, and acidic juices (like OJ or grapefruit juice). Take your ginger tablet with breakfast so you don't get that icky taste in your throat. It's said that you don't want to start your cruise with an empty stomach, but you also don't want to start with your stomach stuffed full. Our stomachs will be stuffed later; why rush it!
Next, think about getting your body hydrated. I personally start chugging lots of water. Watch out for beverages that dehydrate you like coffee or tea. I mean, drink it but try not to go overboard (pun intended). If possible, drink your cup(s) of coffee early.
MEDS PRIOR TO EMBARKING: This is where I apply the (Scopolamine) patch - around 11:30am so it has time to kick in before we set sail around 5pm. If you are taking oral meds, follow the directions accordingly. After we set sail, it is probably too late if you begin to feel queasy and nauseous.
EMBARK: Once you've boarded the ship, choose your lunch food carefully. I've heard that bread is good. Now is a good time to take another ginger tablet. Remember to stay hydrated (H20 - wink). Also, think about other remedies for which you have an interest. For me, I pop in an Altoid from time to time because some say peppermint helps. For others, maybe this is a good time to wear that wrist band.
Next, if you are seriously worried (like me) of getting seasick, then drink alcohol with reason or not at all. Don't get me wrong, I love a beer or 6 , but I'm holding back on day 1.
BED TIME: I take off the patch before bed. If the seas are real rough, maybe leaving it on is the right move. This is a personal decision/risk. If you are feeling fine, then go ahead and remove it.
In conclusion, most people will be fine with the meds and/or ginger and don't need to go thru such preparations. My game plan is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. After 7 cruises, so far so good!
It also helps calm your nerves and helps with anxiety. Cheers!
