Meniere's Disease and Cruising

[ReAnSt]

My brother and I are planning on taking a Disney cruise and my mother is interested in going along. My father is interested but is concerned about going because he has Meniere's Disease. It affects balance and the the fluids in the ear, normally he has few symptoms. However he is afraid the waves and rocking might affect him greatly and he doesn't want to spend the whole cruise sick. I don't blame him any. I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has cruised with meniere's disease. If so what has your experience been. TIA

Becky

 

[jtiufekchiev]

Dear Becky,
Just saw your past post re:Meniere's Disease and attempting to cruise. I was diagnosed with Meniere's a little less than 2 yrs ago. I just did Disney Wonder on 1/9/05, and was so worried about having another vertigo/debilitating episode(and I have had a few bad ones which left me in the hospital). I did just fine. I took along different meds just in case it got bad. For me taking Bonine and sinus meds before ship got moving really helped. I think taking whatever works for your dad, avoiding areas that may trigger symptoms (I had a little trouble on the lower decks, like inside the theatre and more so at Palo's restaurant on very top deck), but all in all I felt really great. The constant meds made me a bit more tired when I got home but I figured my body was working a little harder than most trying to stabilize. Also the narrow hallways took a little time to get used to for me compared to 3 years ago when I cruised before the Meniere's, but I managed just fine.
Good luck.