first cruise-sea sickness

[Boardwalk45]

We are a family going on our first cruise the 11/8/03 Western cruise. My DH, DD-13, DD- 8 are wondering about sea sickness. Has anyone had a problem with it and what is the best way to prevent it?

 

[jkovick]

DH and I have been on several cruises (non Disney), ironically, I get horribly car sick but never felt sea sick at all. DH, however felt quesy the first couple of days, until he started taking a Dramamine II a couple times a day. The Dramamine II seemed to work like a charm.

 

[musicgirl]

I think one thing depends on if anyone in your group gets motion sickness. If they don't, you might want to have something handy to start taking immediately with the onset of sea sickness. They do have medicine on board in case you forget or run out. You can use the wrist bands, bonine, dramamine (less drowsy), a patch (I think your doctor has to prescribe this???)or from what I hear, there is also a shot you can get ahead of time. I'm going to look into this before our 7-day. I get very sick when there are storms.
I did the best taking 2 dramamine. Unfortunately, I had only taken 1 earlier in the cruise and it wasn't as effective during the first storm on the first night. I thought it would make me sleepy if I took 2. I got brave and took 2 during the second storm and it really didn't make me tired.
Also, my asst. server brought me crackers and ginger ale during dinner the first night and it really did help.

 

[webray]

I have terrible motion sickness....I got a prescription for the patch yesterday for our September cruise. I will let you know how it works out.

 

[moinab]

I have problems with car-sickness. My first day on the Wonder, I felt a little woozy, more like a drunk buzz than motion sickness. I took a Bonine, and felt better. I had intended to try candied ginger, but didn't get around to picking it up before the cruise.

I would recommend trying different OTC remedies before the cruise to see what works best for each person.

 

[starwood]

I do get seasick. We took a catamaran from St. Thomas to St. John many years back and was very ill the whole way. So naturally I was worried about the cruise. I brought every remedy imaginable. I took some meclizine the first day or 2 because I was slightly lightheaded (but not really nauseaus). After that I couldn't even tell the ship was moving and didn't need another thing the rest of the trip.

Just be prepared for anything and you should be fine.

 

[MrsG]

For our first cruise, DH& I bought "Relief Bands" for about $79 each. They are reusable (it takes a watch battery) and are worn like watches on the inside of your wrist. They are adjustable as to the strength you need, depending on how sick you feel. They provide immediate relief. In fact, they were just approved for use for morning sickness and are the only seasickness remedy approved by the FDA. DH felt it the first night as we passed the large portholes. He turned on the bracelet and within 1 minute the feeling was gone and did not return for the whole cruise.

We just returned from the 4 night Wonder with our DS ,DD, and our Aunt who each had one. Whenever they activated it, it worked immediately. No medication was needed! It seems like a lot of money to put out "just in case" but it was worth every penny and is also good for motion rides and long car rides.

 

[jrabbit]

TIP for taking motion sickness meds: TRY them out at HOME before you leave for your trip to see how the side effects affect you. Sometimes the side effects are worse than the motion sickness its self (from what I understand - the meds don't bother me but once I get motion sick I'm out of commission for a good 9 hours). If you experience non acceptable side effects you have time to visit you own doctor to help with the problem.

 

[andybear]

On our first cruise, it was a bit rough and my wife got seasick. Last month, we went sailing for 2 weeks in the BVI's, and she used the prescription patches - it was VERY bad a couple of days, and she felt great! Definitely using them in 3 weeks for our next cruise. I also agree with trying them ahead of time - also, be forewarned, if you wait til you feel bad, it's usually too late!

 

[poopie]

transderm scope patch from the DR.

I use it everytime and give them to everyone in my party, no problems so far.