nov 28, 2010 - 4 night cruise on wonder

[wonder2010]

What year did you graduate? I graduated 1990.

I graduated from NHS in 2002. My parents moved in the middle of my sophomore year of HS so I transferred from CSHS to NHS. I keep in touch with a few people from CSHS though. You know Roanoke's not that big, so I'm sure we probably know some of the same people : )

I drove to Vinton Library today to pick up the 2010 version of the Passporter's Disney Cruise Guide. Very informative! So looking forward to seeing all these things, I'm reading about.

 

[TheWescotts]

That was a good idea going to the library to get that book. never thought of that or that they would have it.

We had a change of plans. Someone is working for me on Sat. so instead of driving out at 4pm. We are leaving in the morning. We might make it all the way to the port the day before and get a nice leisurely trip to the ship and be able to get there early YEAH!!!!

 

[zerog]

We have several first-time cruisers with us and I'm sure they would LOVE to hear your tried-and-true method for avoiding sea sickness. In fact, I wouldn't mind a refresher course, myself.

YOU ASKED FOR IT... YOU GOT IT... (not Toyota)
At the risk of TMI, here is what I posted in previous boards:

I for one, am prone to motion sickness. I have gotten seasick before, but never on a cruise ship. However, I have witnessed others. Here is my gameplan:

SEA SICKNESS GAME PLAN

We should look at an overall game plan (and not just focus on one solution - ginger, medications, or wrist bands).

MEDS: If you've never taken motion sickness medication, experiment before the cruise. Find out how these things affect you before you get on the ship.
They affect different people in different ways.

When do most people begin to feel queasy? My guess is the first evening. This may not be true for everybody, but I think that most folks need to get their 'sea legs.'

T-1 DAY AND COUNTING: The first move is to take a ginger tablet (or chew) the morning and/or evening before your sail date. If you take it in the morning, take another one before bed. Be sure to eat something with these things, because they will leave a bad taste in the back of your throat. Ginger is supposed to be good for you, anyhow.

SAIL DAY: Start the day with a reasonable breakfast. Try to avoid anything too heavy or greasy. On this day, I stay away from sausage, bacon, and acidic juices (like OJ or grapefruit juice). Take your ginger tablet with breakfast so you don't get that icky taste in your throat. It's said that you don't want to start your cruise with an empty stomach, but you also don't want to start with your stomach stuffed full. Our stomachs will be stuffed later; why rush it!

Next, think about getting your body hydrated. I personally start chugging lots of water. Watch out for beverages that dehydrate you like coffee or tea. I mean, drink it but try not to go overboard (pun intended). If possible, drink your cup(s) of coffee early.

MEDS PRIOR TO EMBARKING: This is where I apply the meds (I use the patch behind my ear) - around 11:30am so it has time to kick in before we set sail around 5pm. If you are taking oral meds, follow the directions accordingly. After we set sail, it is too late if you begin to feel queasy and nauseous.

EMBARK: Once you've boarded the ship, choose your lunch food carefully. Now is a good time to take another ginger tablet. Remember to stay hydrated (H20). Also, think about other remedies for which you have an interest. For me, I pop in an Peppermint Altoid from time to time because some say peppermint helps. Well, at least my breath won't stink. For others, maybe this is a good time to wear that wrist band (which I don't believe in).

Next, if you are seriously worried (like me) of getting seasick, then drink alcohol with reason or not at all. Don't get me wrong, I love a beer or 6 , but I'm holding back on the first day.

BED TIME: I take off the patch before bed. If the seas are real rough, maybe leaving it on is the right move. This is a personal decision/risk. If you are feeling fine, then go ahead and remove it.

In conclusion, most people will be fine with the meds and/or ginger and don't need to go thru such preparations. My game plan is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. After 6 cruises, so far so good!

 

[zerog]

LOOKING GOOD:

 

[RadioFanatic]

Not a problem! Anything for a fellow space cadet!!!!

2 more work days! 2 more work days!!!!!!

thank you soooo much! I only have today and tomorrow too - we leave thursday!

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Thanks, Randy! So glad to have you joining us!!

I was looking at a navigator from May for a 4-nighter and the Promenade Lounge had "Playhouse Disney Dance" at 9am and "Cruisin' for Trivia" at 9:30 on the sea day. Granted that was in May, so it may be empty for our cruise, but a backup location might be good to have.

DH found a navigator for the 4-day from 2 weeks ago and yes, there is a dance party scheduled for 9 am in the Promenade Lounge. However, that only uses the center section of the area, where the dance floor, stage and piano are. There are still the bar area and the computer area where we could meet. I seriously doubt there will be tons of people attending the dance party, using the computer area or bar, anyway.

If we need an alternate location, we can always go up to Deck 4, overlooking the Atrium. There is usually some seating next to the DVC kiosk or on the opposite side, under the windows. We can move there if the Promenade gets too noisy or too crowded.

 

[TheWescotts]

My $.02 on sea sickness

1. DCL uses stabilizers to help keep the motion down and cut down on sea sickness. Our last Disney cruise we we in heavy waves avoiding a tropical storm (missed a CC day waaaaaa) and didn't know it until we went outside. (we had an interior on deck 2)

2. I was a paratrooper, and I used to get sick while riding in the plane before a jump, very sick. Flying 200ft above the ground through a mountain range will do that. Hydration, as mentioned is very important DRINK WATER!!! I would also take the less drowsy Dramamine tablets, as I had to be awake on the DZ. They worked well and didn't make me too tired.

3. On our honeymoon we did a RC cruise to Bermuda and also went through a tropical storm (seeing a pattern here, hope to break it this time) It was so bad they had vomit bags in the railings in every stair well. At our dinner table we had Couple A-took nothing, Couple B-wrist bands, Couple C-the patch, Couple D-herbal and us, we took Dramamine before boarding and every night before bed. We were the only ones to not get sick. I don't know how diligent anyone else was with their methods though so it could be a flawed view.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Thanks, Randy! So glad to have you joining us!!



DH found a navigator for the 4-day from 2 weeks ago and yes, there is a dance party scheduled for 9 am in the Promenade Lounge. However, that only uses the center section of the area, where the dance floor, stage and piano are. There are still the bar area and the computer area where we could meet. I seriously doubt there will be tons of people attending the dance party, using the computer area or bar, anyway.

If we need an alternate location, we can always go up to Deck 4, overlooking the Atrium. There is usually some seating next to the DVC kiosk or on the opposite side, under the windows. We can move there if the Promenade gets too noisy or too crowded.

Personally, I would love to still have it there bc my 2 year old LOVES to dance so he could be doing that while we chat - are the areas you suggested still in eye line sight to where the dancing is?

 

[zerog]

Thanks, Randy! So glad to have you joining us!!

Hi Beth - It's great to 'see' a familiar face on the Disboards. Thank you for the warm welcome - even if it is last minute. Can you imagine - I joined the May 2009 Roll Call one year prior to sailing. BTW, since the last cruise my DW is now D(ex-W).

 

[zerog]

1. DCL uses stabilizers to help keep the motion down and cut down on sea sickness.

I agree. I believe they are like wings that extend out the sides.

3. I don't know how diligent anyone else was with their methods though so it could be a flawed view.

It is possible that the couple who wore patches, applied them too late. We had mildly rough seas on the 3 nite cruise a few years ago. I had no issues despite the fact that I get motion sick very easily. I did see 2 different people throwing up (which also didn't affect me - i.e., domino effect).

As far as Ginger goes, I take a multi-vitamin once a week. So this comes from someone who takes very little in over-the-counter supplements. On one of the Mythbusters shows, they did an experiment on motion sickness and determined that ginger really did help.
reference: http://mythbustersresults.com/episode43

 

[zerog]

• (Free) Room Service - Prior to the shows, call room service and order some cookies to take with you. Also, you can get free soda at the drink station to bring as well.
  
• Print address labels to apply to your debarking tags. There is enough packing to do the last night, to have to write your stateroom no., name, and address for every piece of luggage. Also, it makes it a lot easier to read.
  
• Bring a surge protector (or safe extension cord) that allows you to plug in more items (as camera battery, cell phone charger, laptop, etc.). Besides a lack of counter-top space, there are only 2 outlets in the room; If I remember correctly, the 2nd outlet is used for the TV.

Almost forgot - the all inclusive grand master Excel Spreadsheet packing list. Folks are getting an error from the old website. It can now be found here: http://www.stlsheldons.us/uploads/Cruise_Packing_and_Tip_List_02-09.xls

 

[DaveH]

Personally, I would love to still have it there bc my 2 year old LOVES to dance so he could be doing that while we chat - are the areas you suggested still in eye line sight to where the dancing is?

Yes we can get tables by where the dancing is taking place also. It may get a little loud. If I remember the one time I walked by the dance things, it was not too loud.

 

[mannpeg729]

in just a few short hours we will begin our journey south, a few days at wdw akl and then the cruise... this is the stuff dreams are made of!!!!

we are staying at cis on sat night...maybe we'll meet a few of you there??? really looking forward to weds. morning and putting faces to all the usernames!

see you real soon!!!!

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Safe travels, Peg! Enjoy your time at Mickey's house and maybe we'll see you at AKL--we'll be there Fri & Sat. Our flight time got changed to much later, but we're hoping we can score an earlier flight. The idea of not getting there till midnight or even later just isn't all that appealing.

 

[zerog]

FOR THOSE STAYING IN THE AREA

Next Scheduled Launch

(Friday) Dec. 3
Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-133/ISS ULF-5

Launch Time: 2:51 a.m. EST (Dec. 3)
Launch Window: 2:46 a.m. to 2:56 a.m. EST (Dec. 3)

Mission: Space shuttle orbiter to the International Space Station. Discovery will deliver an Italian moving van filled with supplies and equipment as well as a logistics carrier and critical spare parts on Discovery's final shuttle mission.

Crew: Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Benjamin "Al" Drew, Michael Barratt, Timothy Kopra, and Nicole Stott.

 

[RadioFanatic]

in just a few short hours we will begin our journey south, a few days at wdw akl and then the cruise... this is the stuff dreams are made of!!!!

we are staying at cis on sat night...maybe we'll meet a few of you there??? really looking forward to weds. morning and putting faces to all the usernames!

see you real soon!!!!

safe travels! I finished packing up the FE's last night!

 

[RadioFanatic]

FOR THOSE STAYING IN THE AREA

Next Scheduled Launch

(Friday) Dec. 3
Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-133/ISS ULF-5

Launch Time: 2:51 a.m. EST (Dec. 3)
Launch Window: 2:46 a.m. to 2:56 a.m. EST (Dec. 3)

Mission: Space shuttle orbiter to the International Space Station. Discovery will deliver an Italian moving van filled with supplies and equipment as well as a logistics carrier and critical spare parts on Discovery's final shuttle mission.

Crew: Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Benjamin "Al" Drew, Michael Barratt, Timothy Kopra, and Nicole Stott.

anyone know the best place to see it from close by in case we decide to go there?

And can it be seen from AKL?

 

[rlm804]

Rosemary, Joe and David McCracken

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

anyone know the best place to see it from close by in case we decide to go there?

And can it be seen from AKL?

Most definitely, you can see it from AKL! We watched it once from right outside the main elevators at Jambo House. I can't remember if it was a deck or stairway or what, but we were outside the door. Also really good view from Downtown Disney at the Marketplace. Just remember, the launch is scheduled for nearly 3 IN THE MORNING--it's a nighttime launch.

 

[zerog]

anyone know the best place to see it from close by in case we decide to go there? And can it be seen from AKL?

On a clear day - or night in this case, you CAN see it from AKL.

If you are in Brevard county, a good spot to watch (and hear) the launch is along the Beachline (SR 528) - starting across the street from the Disney cruise terminal to about 3 miles west.

It will be dark at the time of launch, which makes for a spectacular view as it turns nighttime into a brief but bright orange sunrise.