February 16, 2014 DREAMing!

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, I know she is! That's why I said she has a handle on things - meaning has it all together!

Oh, yes, I know you did!

Yes, she is doing fine. She'll be solo on the Fantasy in November and is even booked on the 2014 WBTA on the Magic.

I can barely get my courage together to travel with a friend, never mind solo!

 

[englishrose47]

Today has been an exciting one !!First I heard that the Hotels for my Vermont trip are booked and we have a full crew , then I heard that our cruise is pretty much all set for May and had to give P &P all my passport info !!We may even get outside rooms it seems , but whatever will be fine !!! Then I learned that Christine and I are back on again , I think she wants to wait till Karin gets back for all the details but at least we are going

 

[taswira]

I can barely get my courage together to travel with a friend, never mind solo!

LOL - When I first started cruising it was always solo. Later I took my grown nephew, then my mother, and have done 3 with my best friend. My last solo was Dec. 2010 on the Magic. That was my worst ever, but not because of being solo, just because it turned out to be my "Murphy's Law" cruise before, during and after. My next is finally with my hubby, but then on this Dream cruise I am booked solo.

Those who can handle traveling alone on land usually have no problem sailing solo. It can be awkward if one ends up "the outsider" seated with a family reunion (happened to me once!) in the MDRs, and I admit I am more comfortable with a companion at Palo, but it's doable solo.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Today has been an exciting one !!First I heard that the Hotels for my Vermont trip are booked and we have a full crew , then I heard that our cruise is pretty much all set for May and had to give P &P all my passport info !!We may even get outside rooms it seems , but whatever will be fine !!! Then I learned that Christine and I are back on again , I think she wants to wait till Karin gets back for all the details but at least we are going

Rosie, what an exciting day!! Hey, I didn't want to be the one to tell everything - it's your cruise too!!

LOL - When I first started cruising it was always solo. Later I took my grown nephew, then my mother, and have done 3 with my best friend. My last solo was Dec. 2010 on the Magic. That was my worst ever, but not because of being solo, just because it turned out to be my "Murphy's Law" cruise before, during and after. My next is finally with my hubby, but then on this Dream cruise I am booked solo.

Those who can handle traveling alone on land usually have no problem sailing solo. It can be awkward if one ends up "the outsider" seated with a family reunion (happened to me once!) in the MDRs, and I admit I am more comfortable with a companion at Palo, but it's doable solo.

I'd like to hear about your Murphy's Law cruise....after this one is completed!

I've been fortunate to travel a good deal throughout Europe - several times solo, on pilgrimages, but alone. It can get a bit awkward at times when others are going off during free time or the first few days at table. A cruise is different for me because I am terrified of everything about a cruise! Heights, deep water etc. Nevertheless I want to try a new adventure!

WDW solo is not my cup of tea - I enjoy it more with family and friends. I go along with most anything and sit out the attractions too "thrilling" for me. Also, we went as a family twice a year my children were young - including before EPCOT, only staying at the Polynesian or Contemporary...wonderful times. Since my son passed, it changed the visits and I do not like to be solo there - too many memories.

 

[englishrose47]

I am very comfortable travelling solo!! There are definate advantages , you can make your own plans and change them at a whim without having to answer to anyone !!! But going with or meeting up with fellow Disney Fans is always awesome !!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I am very comfortable travelling solo!! There are definate advantages , you can make your own plans and change them at a whim without having to answer to anyone !!! But going with or meeting up with fellow Disney Fans is always awesome !!

Feel free to change plans on a whim with me anytime...because you can count on my doing it often!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Hi everyone I just booked this cruise

I am taswira's friend. (yes, the one with vertigo) I am sailing solo with my own cabin on this one. Love the new ships, but DCL didn't really think about friends sharing as easily as on the classic ships.

I'm on Deck 12.

Ah, solo sailing. I just did my first completely solo sailing and I totally loved it. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it to be easy and pleasant in most cases.

 

[taswira]

Ah, solo sailing. I just did my first completely solo sailing and I totally loved it. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it to be easy and pleasant in most cases.

Yes, and it wasn't even Disney! Very brave of you!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi everyone I just booked this cruise

I am taswira's friend. (yes, the one with vertigo) I am sailing solo with my own cabin on this one. Love the new ships, but DCL didn't really think about friends sharing as easily as on the classic ships.

I'm on Deck 12.

Ah, solo sailing. I just did my first completely solo sailing and I totally loved it. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it to be easy and pleasant in most cases.

What fun to meet those who will also be on the cruise!

Deck 12 - almost the top of the ship! Unless I must go there to eat, it will be unknown territory for me!

P.S. If it is okay to ask - has vertigo been an issue after the cruise? Thanks!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

P.S. If it is okay to ask - has vertigo been an issue after the cruise? Thanks!

It is okay to ask! I am not a doctor, but I am a personal expert on vertigo and balance problems, etc. For me, I know what triggers it with regards to Meniere's, and what helps. Now it may be different in regards to MS...

No, the cruise did not really affect it too much. I do have to watch getting over tired. I'll take a short nap if I find I get tired. That is a biggie, so watch that and it'll make a huge difference. Have fun for sure, just don't overdo it.

For me it's balance issues, and I knew in advance that some things could bother me such as going down stairs, so I used my cane. During the muster drill, I did take advantage of the handicapped access. Saved me from fear of falling. Other than that, no real problems at all.

Salt and caffeine may be a trigger for some people. You might want to limit your intake, or see if it has any impact before your cruise. (I'm not clear if you already have vertigo or are just concerned the cruise might cause it)

Looking forward to the cruise!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thank you - very helpful! My MS presented with terrible vertigo - best I can describe it is like standing on a spinning slanted roof. Fortunately, have not experienced it like that again. Sometimes awake at night and must hold on to the wall to walk to the bathroom, or walking down a the jetway boarding a plane will sometimes use the railing for balance - balance is definitely an issue with my MS.

Stairs often make me feel off balance - at Disney parks I no longer do stairs at attractions, especially decending.

When we first booked, the DCL CM recommended an accessible stateroom, but honesty do not feel that is necessary. More concerned with balance during the cruise and vertigo after.

How will I know where to find HC access for the "muster drill"? (Not sure what that means or when it happens). Height can make me a bit nauseous and dizzy - concerned about looking at the water from the veranda. Really wish the veranda was wider - it appears quite shallow, so I may have to sit just inside the sliding door to enjoy it at all.

Oh, what about Bonine (sp?) or the bands some people recommend? Fear the patch would make me sick - generally I try to go the homeopathic route, but that might not be enough and no way do I want to be at sea without something that works!

Thanks so much!

(Over tired is a trigger for me as well - I try not to go, go go!)

 

[taswira]

Christine - I do not get vertigo, but Bonine (non-drowsy Dramamine) along with ginger capsules (starting both just prior to the cruise and continuing a few days after) wards off any seasickness for me. IF you are able to take ginger (ask your doctor) it really can help in spite of many docs saying it's all in the mindset - lol. Drinking ginger ale, eating ginger cookies would have the same effect. Although those remedies are for seasickness, vertigo can be a part of that, so . . .

I bought some Sea Bands for my very first cruise over a decade ago, but never used them. I have never been seasick but use the Bonine and ginger to prevent it. Works so far, and I've been in some rough seas.

One important hint: If the ship happens to hit rough seas and is listing when you are dining, do NOT sit facing any windows.

As for the HC rooms, the big advantage aside from more space is not having to step over into a tub or shower, and extra handrails where they may be needed if you felt a bit off balance.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

The advice taswira just gave you is excellent.

Also, definitely bring a cane. I have a cane that has butterflies all over it - it's beautiful so I don't feel all "old person" having to use it. It helps. Just tell the CM at the doors to your muster station that you need the alternate access. (i.e. they will not make you go down and around all the seats, etc.) If you have the cane, they will know. Don't be afraid to ask a CM, or even ask at Guest Services when you board.

 

[taswira]

Christine - Even with a verandah, although it is instinctual to look down at the water, if that bothers you then remind yourself to look at the horizon instead. Still a great view!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Ah...muster drill. That is the safety drill that all ships must do before they set sail. Usually around 3:30 or 4 pm. They scan your KTTW (key to the world) cards to ensure all people on board are accounted for) and they go over where you are to go in case of an emergency. You no longer have to wear your life jacket, although you should check your closet to make sure you have the correct size, etc.

Boring, yes. Good idea - definitely!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The advice taswira just gave you is excellent.

Also, definitely bring a cane. I have a cane that has butterflies all over it - it's beautiful so I don't feel all "old person" having to use it. It helps. Just tell the CM at the doors to your muster station that you need the alternate access. (i.e. they will not make you go down and around all the seats, etc.) If you have the cane, they will know. Don't be afraid to ask a CM, or even ask at Guest Services when you board.

Great suggestions and much appreciated!

Do not have a cane yet - not thrilled to get one either. For many with MS a cane is a step in a direction we prefer not to go until absolutely necessary. So far, even a nearby wall suffices because most of the time I am pretty good. To look at me no one would know I have MS - which is typical of the far majority. If effects us silently in ways that cannot usually be seen - for me it is mostly cognitively, with some balance issues and occasional vertigo.

I am stepping way out of my comfort zone to go on this cruise but very excited to experience a new adventure.

Add to packing list:
Ginger ale
Ginger Snaps

 

[taswira]

Add to packing list:
Ginger ale
Ginger Snaps

If you don't want to haul ginger ale and ginger snaps onto the ship, I think the CMs can get them for you if you ask. Easiest is to take the ginger root herbal supplement in capsule form, one per day. If you want to do that, just check with your doc to make sure it does not interfere with any meds you may be taking. Then go to a good health store where you know they are selling you the real thing.

As for Bonine - Keep in mind that it is meant as a preventative. One per day (not the two it sometimes says) is adequate for most people and won't interfere with your functioning. If you wait until seasickness sets in, it's too late!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Does the supplement have any odor or after taste?

I use a few herbal and homeopathic supplements - must be vegan due to allergies. I will check out the Ginger Root next time I at Earth Fare.

You both have been so helpful - thank you!

 

[taswira]

Does the supplement have any odor or after taste?

I use a few herbal and homeopathic supplements - must be vegan due to allergies. I will check out the Ginger Root next time I at Earth Fare.

You both have been so helpful - thank you!

It depends on the brand or type you get. I usually get mine at GNC and have never noticed an odor or aftertaste. Theirs are in capsule form but you just take it with water, so you're not tasting anything. As long as you keep them in a relatively cool place, there should not be any odor. Check it out at Earth Fare, and if they don't have what you want, check at GNC or similar health store.

GNC brand has no sugar, no starch, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, sodium free, no wheat, no gluten, no corn, no soy, no dairy, and is yeast free. It is Ginger Root 550mg Herbal Plus Whole Herb capsules.

 

[englishrose47]

Karin and Tom should be getting home !!So any early welcome home and let's hear all about it