Jellyfish at Castaway Cay

[Vickibean]

When we sailed with Royal Caribbean last year, there were many people getting stung by jellyfish at their private island. While snorkeling, we saw at least 10. Is this a problem at Castaway Cay?

 

[marie2004]

I have been to castaway cay 3 times and have not seen any jellyfish, we did not hear of anyone else complaining about them. Marie

 

[joanb]

I have not seen them...my kids saw some at the teen beach area.

 

[professorandmom]

we saw a few at the family beach (July) but they were clear, small and very harmless
Barbara

 

[mickeyboat]

We did not see any in March. But the lifeguard says he has seen them before all the way up to shore on the family beach.

Denae

 

[jrabbit]

Sea Lice seem to have the potiential to be a problem in the spring and early summer.

If you're worried about getting stung by a jelly or getting the rash (multiple small stings) from the sea lice use Sea Safe or similiar product. We get it with sunscreen so it serves a dual purpose.

Put it on BEFORE you leave the ship - because you need to put it ... there and, ahem, yes, there too... to keep the sea lice away. The rash associated with sea lice usually occurs UNDER your swimsuit (because that's where the sea lice (baby jellies) get trapped and sting you). So, at least for us, we are "buck neked" when we put it on then we put on our swimsuits. So far we have not had a problem with sea lice or jelly fish!!

 

[ThreeSmiths]

We were on the 9/11/04 Magic and were fortunate enough to visit Castaway Cay. We wore the Safe Sea and had no problem with jellyfish or sea lice. We snorkelled off of the family beach and the adult beach and did not see any.

 

[mickeyfanmom]

I seem to remember from another thread that there is a certain time of year that the jellyfish (thimble something or another- sea lice) are a problem. Can anyone refresh our memories as to when that is?

 

[JCMcGinn]

We cruised on the Wonder during February and there were stinging jelly fish at the family beach. We saw quite a few cases and while walking by the first-aid station there was a line of people waiting for treatment. Near our "spot" three or four children were crying with stings and one adult confirmed that they "really hurt like ****".
After a couple of hours, I guess the tide changed, they seemed to clear out.

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I saw a jellyfish at the family beach on one of our cruises. It was about 3 feet from the shoreline floating on top of the water. It looked like a discarded baggie. I went to pick it out of the water until I realized what it was.

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by jrabbit
Sea Lice seem to have the potiential to be a problem in the spring and early summer.

If you're worried about getting stung by a jelly or getting the rash (multiple small stings) from the sea lice use Sea Safe or similiar product. We get it with sunscreen so it serves a dual purpose.

Where do you buy it? Is this something you would find at Walmart or do you have to get it from a water sports store?

DJ

 

[taeja71]

We sailed 9/19 on the Wonder. My husband got stung by Sea Lice on his shoulder and a teen got stung by Sea Lice on his hand pretty bad. He told the lifeguard that his hand felt numb. Any way, the lifeguard commented that they had a antitode if he needed it. Good luck, don't worry, and have a great time on your trip!

 

[CatLady]

Originally posted by mickeyfanmom
I seem to remember from another thread that there is a certain time of year that the jellyfish (thimble something or another- sea lice) are a problem. Can anyone refresh our memories as to when that is?

Good memory... I had to go dig up the other thread! I posted about sea lice (thimble jellyfish) here .

Sea Lice are worst March through August. They are not lice, but the larval form of linuche unqui culata, also known as a "thimble jellyfish." Because they're tiny little baby jellyfish, when they get under your bathing suit (or under a shirt if you wear a shirt in the water), they are in prolonged contact with your skin. Their stings aren't like the sting of a big jellyfish (painful), but they tend to show up later as a rash.

You may be able to get Safe Sea at Wal Mart. I have seen in Wal Mart in the Orlando area, but if you live in a landlocked area, chances are, you aren't going to be able to get it at Wal Mart. Check with your local scuba diving shop. They are likely to carry it. If not, I'm sure they can help you find somewhere to get it.

Quick tip: Be sure you check the date on the package. Like many other topical medicines (and sunblock), Safe Sea expires.

 

[mickeyfanmom]

Thanks CatLady! I knew that I saw it somewhere, but I wasn't even sure if it was on these boards.

So it sounds like even though thimble jellyfish are more prevalent March through August, there still may be a problem during other times. (I see that that one poster mentioned a jellyfish problem in February.)

In case we don't find SafeSea at home, does anyone remember it being sold somewhere on board? (I wouldn't even know where a dive shop is around me. Maybe someone from GA- Dave perhaps-can help me out there.)

In any event, sounds like a hot topic! Thanks for reminding us with this thread, Vickibean.

 

[CatLady]

mickeyfanmom, I don't remember it being sold on board. I did a Google search for "cumming ga scuba" and got 3 results. It looks like the closet to you is All About Diving Inc - 1.2 miles S - 588 Atlanta Rd - (770) 889-9816.

You can also mail order through Divers Direct. How early are you getting into Orlando before your cruise? There is a Divers Direct on International Drive, nearly down to the Belz Outlets. I spend way too much money there.

 

[mickeyfanmom]

Thanks again CatLady- you rock!

I guess I should use my computer for more than feeding my addiction to these DIS boards!

I seem to remember the place your search turned up. I will call them and see if they stock SafeSea.

I will be in Gainesville the night before the cruise, staying with friends. So I'd rather get the stuff in advance and your info. definitely puts me on the right track! Thanks again!

PS- I can certainly sympathize with you, as I also have spent way too much money at Belz outlets (and other outlets) across the country!

 

[mickeyboat]

They do not carry Sea Safe on board.

Try drugstore.com.

Denae

 

[jrabbit]

They do not carry Sea Safe on board.

if you are driving to the port, Ron Jons carries it.

 

[winnyis]

on the 8/28/04 cruise we did not have a problem with jellyfish but we all got bites from Sand Fleas. I was wondering why all the waiters were walking around the beach in long pants in such hot weather. No I know... they would rather sweat than be eaten alive.

I never had that happen to us before.. next time I will wear bug spray for sure

 

[Suzanne033]

Is there anything I need to worry about on our December Cruise since jellyfish and sea lice are most prevalent in the spring and summer months.