First time cruiser (as in ever). Any tips and tricks?

[BroadwayHermione5]

Hi all,


Family is booking and land and sea (and for those following along to my post about ranting about planning yes it’s still chaos lol) but the cruise part we have done everything we can up until this point.

However, this will be my first time cruising period.

I don’t have intense motion sickness issues (probably the most intense is I prefer driving or being in the passenger seat), but I can do 4D rides and coasters and what not. I’m fine on planes.

But I also know it’s a totally different feeling.

So anything to brace myself for? Any issues? Anything I should know good or bad?

Thanks

BH5

 

[emmabelle]

I've cruised 17 times on various lines and only once was it so rocky it was hard to walk a straight line. I've never gotten sea sick but thought I was going to die after Mission Space Orange.

My husband - "just stare at the screen and you"ll be fine."

Lies all lies...

 

[sponica]

Have you been on any kind of boat? Ferry, whale watch, or anything like that?

My kid gets car sick, but she literally does not get motion sickness on any other kind of mode of transportation. She's been on a speedboat on a lake, a train, airplanes, the boat from the Poly to MK...so I assume she'll be good on the cruise.

The only time I really got motion sickness was on the way back from our day at sea to port, we were crossing the gulf stream....and I had decided that would be the best time to watch Guardians of the Galaxy in the movie theater. Turns out my inner ears did not like an aerial dog fight scene while the boat was sloshing through the current.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

I've cruised 17 times on various lines and only once was it so rocky it was hard to walk a straight line. I've never gotten sea sick but thought I was going to die after Mission Space Orange.

My husband - "just stare at the screen and you"ll be fine."

Lies all lies...

the LIES about mission space lolololol


This is great to know thank you!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Have you been on any kind of boat? Ferry, whale watch, or anything like that?

My kid gets car sick, but she literally does not get motion sickness on any other kind of mode of transportation. She's been on a speedboat on a lake, a train, airplanes, the boat from the Poly to MK...so I assume she'll be good on the cruise.

The only time I really got motion sickness was on the way back from our day at sea to port, we were crossing the gulf stream....and I had decided that would be the best time to watch Guardians of the Galaxy in the movie theater. Turns out my inner ears did not like an aerial dog fight scene while the boat was sloshing through the current.

Yes I’ve been on ferries multiple times and been fine. Same with boat transportation at WDW and UOR. Totally fine.

And good to know about the movie!

 

[sponica]

Yes I’ve been on ferries multiple times and been fine. Same with boat transportation at WDW and UOR. Totally fine.

And good to know about the movie!

If you can handle smaller boats, I wouldn't worry too much about a big boat. The worst part on the big boat on the 3-day/4-day bahamas itinerary is crossing the gulf stream, as long as you don't have any wacky weather. Maybe pack some dramamine just in case? Although I'm convinced it works by knocking you out, can't be motion sick if you're asleep

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

If you can handle smaller boats, I wouldn't worry too much about a big boat. The worst part on the big boat on the 3-day/4-day bahamas itinerary is crossing the gulf stream, as long as you don't have any wacky weather. Maybe pack some dramamine just in case? Although I'm convinced it works by knocking you out, can't be motion sick if you're asleep

I will def be packing some Dramamine just incase.


I have no idea how I’ll be but I’d rather be preapred

 

[bbn1122]

I think you will be fine. I have cruised out of NYC a few times and water much more choppy in the fall then Florida
I have also cruised after a Hurricane.

But in regards to first cruise, just enjoy the experience. Read these boards and trip reports and watch videos on YouTube for tips.

You can never do everything. Have fun!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

I think you will be fine. I have cruised out of NYC a few times and water much more choppy in the fall then Florida
I have also cruised after a Hurricane.

But in regards to first cruise, just enjoy the experience. Read these boards and trip reports and watch videos on YouTube for tips.

You can never do everything. Have fun!

Thank you!

And I know! And it’s the wish too! I will never e able to do everything!

 

[notyourghost]

My first cruise was a Disney cruise. I was pretty nervous about seasickness but it was not even noticeable except at night sometimes. I love baths, so it was hilarious to me to see the water moving in the tub but not even feel it

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

My first cruise was a Disney cruise. I was pretty nervous about seasickness but it was not even noticeable except at night sometimes. I love baths, so it was hilarious to me to see the water moving in the tub but not even feel it

I hope I’ll just be exhausted enough to just sleep it off lol

 

[Heatherdbby]

Also get seabands. It's easier to get ahead of motion sickness than to fix it when you have it

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Also get seabands. It's easier to get ahead of motion sickness than to fix it when you have it

Thank you! Adding it to the list

 

[emmabelle]

.and I had decided that would be the best time to watch Guardians of the Galaxy in the movie theater. Turns out my inner ears did not like an aerial dog fight scene while the boat was sloshing through the current.

You know what else is a bad idea, a 3D movie. Made that mistake once.

 

[Travel60]

Cruising is not like other vacations. Most of the "work" is done for you. All you really need to do is decide on excursions and whether you want to try an upgraded dinner.

I'd say the only thing to "brace" yourself for is the crowds - a surprising number of people seem to have no self-awareness or believe they are **especially special**.

A few of my personal rules:
- don't use the elevator except during embarking/debarking. There aren't enough and less mobile people need them. I'm blessed.at 70+ to have good health and need to work off the calories anyway.
- no need to stand in line before dinner. Your seat is reserved. But don't be late either. You throw everyone's timing off.
-don't sit/stand on the steps (or allow children to). No running except on running deck.
-use inside voices inside the ship, especially residential floors.
-no saving pool chairs for hours if you are not in them. You move your feet - you lose your seat.

Mainly, just relax, be nice and enjoy.

 

[auntlynne]

 

[auntlynne]

 

[auntlynne]

 

[auntlynne]

 

[Anna131517]

Take a refillable water bottle that you can fill at the buffet and bring back to your room. Have a day bag packed for embarkation because your room won’t be ready right away. Have all your travel documents squared away. The medical office actually keep packs of motion sickness medicine just sitting in a bin outside the door so if your forget to pack some just go there (found this out because my daughter slammed her finger in the shower door and we needed an ice pack). Use the app - it’s wonderful for figuring out what’s going on. Take a tour of the ship at the beginning of your cruise if you can. Try to catch the shows. If there’s anything you’re having trouble booking (ex dining) just go to guest services. Have fun!