Received documents...a few questions for a first-timer

[Princess&JackMom]

Hi-I have been reading all the threads for the past 2 months in prep for our upcoming cruise on the Dream next month. It is my and my children's (soon to be 10 year old b/g twins) first time ever on a cruise and my husband last went on a Carnival cruise like 20 years ago so this is all new to us.

I received my Cruise Documents a few days ago and had a few questions (not all related to the documents).

1. I have DCL transfers from the Resort to the Port, which is indicated in the booklet. However, it says I am to call 24 hours before the Cruise to find out when and where we will be picked up. In everything I have read here on the boards, people using DCL transfers received a letter in their room the day before with these details. It's not a major issue for me to call except it says to call within business hours and the day before is a Sunday, so when would I call? We are also going to be in the park that day so not the most convenient but we'll do it if we must. I was wondering if this was a change or did those who receive letters also have this note in their packets about calling?

2.I suffer from motion sickness. I was going to visit my doctor for a prescription but read here how bonine has helped a lot of people. For those of you with severe motion sickness, was the bonine sufficient? I would classify myself as having moderate motion sickness (I can go on a ride like Space Mountain and be OK but Expedition Everest is out as the backwards part kills me). Dramamine knocks me out so looking for alternatives.

3. We do not plan on doing any excursions in Nassau but my children would like to get off the ship to look around as it is their first time to the Bahamas. Are the markets in port something they would enjoy, just to see a little bit of the island?

Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi-I have been reading all the threads for the past 2 months in prep for our upcoming cruise on the Dream next month. It is my and my children's (soon to be 10 year old b/g twins) first time ever on a cruise and my husband last went on a Carnival cruise like 20 years ago so this is all new to us.

I received my Cruise Documents a few days ago and had a few questions (not all related to the documents).

1. I have DCL transfers from the Resort to the Port, which is indicated in the booklet. However, it says I am to call 24 hours before the Cruise to find out when and where we will be picked up. In everything I have read here on the boards, people using DCL transfers received a letter in their room the day before with these details. It's not a major issue for me to call except it says to call within business hours and the day before is a Sunday, so when would I call? We are also going to be in the park that day so not the most convenient but we'll do it if we must. I was wondering if this was a change or did those who receive letters also have this note in their packets about calling?

2.I suffer from motion sickness. I was going to visit my doctor for a prescription but read here how bonine has helped a lot of people. For those of you with severe motion sickness, was the bonine sufficient? I would classify myself as having moderate motion sickness (I can go on a ride like Space Mountain and be OK but Expedition Everest is out as the backwards part kills me). Dramamine knocks me out so looking for alternatives.

3. We do not plan on doing any excursions in Nassau but my children would like to get off the ship to look around as it is their first time to the Bahamas. Are the markets in port something they would enjoy, just to see a little bit of the island?

Thanks!

1. Unless there's been a change, you'll get a letter in your room the last night telling you where/when to check in for the DCL transfer. But, when you check in at the resort, you can ask. I can't recall whether our booklet gave us a number or not. I'll have to look it up and see.

EDIT: OK, looked it up. Yes, our cruise documents say to call a phone number the day before (in 2014). But we got a letter in our room, just like every other time we've taken DCL transfers from the resorts.

2. It's really a question for your doctor. But Bonine is a fairly effective medication for seasickness with less drowsy after effects.

3. The market there is (IMO) a very "let's dress up for tourists" place. But it's colorful with lots of different things to see.

 

[MPS516]

We have always received a notice in the room with instructions regarding DME to port from resort, we have also been able to check with bell station day before to double check.

Don't rely on what other people have done for motion sickness, see your doctor. Bonine works for some, Dramamine works for some and ginger works for yet others. Your doctor will be able to tell you the most effective way to take whatever is going to work best for you, our DD's take 1 the morning we head for port and then 1 just before dinner the first night, neither need anything the rest of the cruise. The first night at dinner seems to be the hardest for a lot of people.

We do get off at Nassau most every trip even if not for too long. The straw market in interesting to see once, we normally walk up and over a couple blocks where we visit some shops or get some icecream.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have always received a notice in the room with instructions regarding DME to port from resort, we have also been able to check with bell station day before to double check.

Don't rely on what other people have done for motion sickness, see your doctor. Bonine works for some, Dramamine works for some and ginger works for yet others. Your doctor will be able to tell you the most effective way to take whatever is going to work best for you, our DD's take 1 the morning we head for port and then 1 just before dinner the first night, neither need anything the rest of the cruise. The first night at dinner seems to be the hardest for a lot of people.

We do get off at Nassau most every trip even if not for too long. The straw market in interesting to see once, we normally walk up and over a couple blocks where we visit some shops or get some icecream.

Just a clarification - it's DCL transfers, not Magic Express.

Usually the first night is the worst because of crossing into the ocean tidal flow.

 

[Shanti]

Hi-I have been reading all the threads for the past 2 months in prep for our upcoming cruise on the Dream next month. It is my and my children's (soon to be 10 year old b/g twins) first time ever on a cruise and my husband last went on a Carnival cruise like 20 years ago so this is all new to us.

I received my Cruise Documents a few days ago and had a few questions (not all related to the documents).

1. I have DCL transfers from the Resort to the Port, which is indicated in the booklet. However, it says I am to call 24 hours before the Cruise to find out when and where we will be picked up. In everything I have read here on the boards, people using DCL transfers received a letter in their room the day before with these details. It's not a major issue for me to call except it says to call within business hours and the day before is a Sunday, so when would I call? We are also going to be in the park that day so not the most convenient but we'll do it if we must. I was wondering if this was a change or did those who receive letters also have this note in their packets about calling?

2.I suffer from motion sickness. I was going to visit my doctor for a prescription but read here how bonine has helped a lot of people. For those of you with severe motion sickness, was the bonine sufficient? I would classify myself as having moderate motion sickness (I can go on a ride like Space Mountain and be OK but Expedition Everest is out as the backwards part kills me). Dramamine knocks me out so looking for alternatives.

3. We do not plan on doing any excursions in Nassau but my children would like to get off the ship to look around as it is their first time to the Bahamas. Are the markets in port something they would enjoy, just to see a little bit of the island?

Thanks!

#2: I get motion sick at times- can ride coasters but not the Tea Cups or any other spinning ride easily, and Mission Space... Had our first cruise on the smaller Disney Magic last winter and noticed no motion at all. I'd brought Dramamine just in case, but never had to use it or anything else. YMMV.

#3: Be careful & alert while shopping unescorted at the port. Nassau is a high-crime area (with multiple muggings & robberies of tourists), but if you're careful (don't show off wealth, grabable purses, stay out in the open & around other people) you'll likely be just fine.

 

[thebrundogs]

To answer #2--have you tried non-drowsy Dramamine? My sister gets severely motion sick--like she always has to sit in the front seat of a car and can't even watch a merry-go-round, let alone ride it. She has been on 3 cruises and takes non-drowsy Dramamine--she is totally fine as long as she doesn't take 2 tablets at a time (that knocks her out).

 

[NS8VN]

To answer #2--have you tried non-drowsy Dramamine?

Non-drowsy Dramamine and Bonine contain the same active ingredient: Meclizine.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

To answer #2--have you tried non-drowsy Dramamine? My sister gets severely motion sick--like she always has to sit in the front seat of a car and can't even watch a merry-go-round, let alone ride it. She has been on 3 cruises and takes non-drowsy Dramamine--she is totally fine as long as she doesn't take 2 tablets at a time (that knocks her out).

Just a note - Less Drowsy Dramamine is meclizine. The same active ingredient that makes up Bonine.

Unless you're talking about the Non-Drowsy Naturals Dramamine. It's only ingredient is ginger.

 

[lbus42]

We brought Bonine, Sea-Bands, and ginger gum. We did not need any of it (at least till I got off the ship and got land sickness).

 

[Princess&JackMom]

Thanks for the updates. I will check with my doc to see what's best. I haven't tried the non-drowsy Dramimine, as I haven't needed it since the last waterpark. I'm ok on the ferry but the water is not the same as the open ocean so I want to be prepared, just in case.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for the updates. I will check with my doc to see what's best. I haven't tried the non-drowsy Dramimine, as I haven't needed it since the last waterpark. I'm ok on the ferry but the water is not the same as the open ocean so I want to be prepared, just in case.

Typically large cruise ships are much more stable than ferries. Although ferries don't typically travel on the open ocean.

 

[bumbershoot]

Usually the first night is the worst because of crossing into the ocean tidal flow.

Agreed.

"Florida Straits" is the phrase I've heard before regarding the reason for the "bumpiness".

with multiple muggings & robberies of tourists

Are you sure about that? I've read the articles, and it always seems that the crimes are a bit away from the port and don't actually involve the tourists.

 

[Shanti]

Agreed.

"Florida Straits" is the phrase I've heard before regarding the reason for the "bumpiness".



Are you sure about that? I've read the articles, and it always seems that the crimes are a bit away from the port and don't actually involve the tourists.

Yes, there are reports of tourists being targeted. Many countries, including the U.S., have recently put out personal safety travel advisories for the Bahamas, particularly Nassau. Here is one article about this:

http://www.caribbean360.com/news/us-latest-to-slap-travel-advisory-on-the-bahamas

It's obviously not stopping us from going, although we'll only do the Disney-arranged Atlantis excursion on Nassau. As a single mom, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable strolling around the port just with my young son, any more than I'd do so in a sketchy U.S. inner-city neighborhood.

 

[1 Minnie & 3 Mickeys]

1. We are using transfers next month and have been told we will receive a letter with our bus time the night before in our room.

2. DD gets motion sick especially on long car trips. A few years ago when she was old enough we switched to Bonine and now never travel without it. Love that it's once a day and chewable. It works great for her without drowsiness. Although we have always given it to her the night before travel just in case it makes her sleepy. Our first cruise she had it prior to traveling and the first night and didn't need it the rest of the cruise BUT we found out the hard way that people become "land sick" once off the cruise. So now we know we must give her a couple doses for a day or two after.

3. I'm not a fan of Nassau or the straw market. It makes me nervous and I dislike the pushy locals. I always politely say no thank you to whatever they are selling but some are just relentless. That being said get off and get a picture by the Bahamas sign. You don't even have to go far from the ship.

 

[Princess&JackMom]

Thanks. I'm hoping for the letter but I may call in advance just to be sure.
My plan is for a short visit off the boat so it's good to know the sign is nearby.

 

[bumbershoot]

The one time we took transfers from the hotel we didn't get a letter, and weren't told to call anywhere. I did have to call around to get the info.

Yes, there are reports of tourists being targeted. Many countries, including the U.S., have recently put out personal safety travel advisories for the Bahamas, particularly Nassau. Here is one article about this:

http://www.caribbean360.com/news/us-latest-to-slap-travel-advisory-on-the-bahamas

It's obviously not stopping us from going, although we'll only do the Disney-arranged Atlantis excursion on Nassau. As a single mom, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable strolling around the port just with my young son, any more than I'd do so in a sketchy U.S. inner-city neighborhood.

I don't feel that that article says what you feel it says.

I always politely say no thank you to whatever they are selling but some are just relentless.

Stop being polite to the relentless ones. "No" is a complete sentence, and doesn't waste any more of your or their time. (if you're polite they might keep asking, thinking you'll give in.) Also, keep walking.

Our first time in Nassau we were way too nice, and it really bugged us. second time, we weren't polite, we were blunt and just kept on going (we knew we weren't going to buy a tour or have my hair braided etc, so why waste anyone's time?), and we didn't get bothered by anyone's actions.

 

[Shanti]

I don't feel that that article says what you feel it says.

From the current United States travel advisory for the Bahamas:

The criminal threat level for New Providence Island (includes Nassau and Paradise Island) is rated as critical by the Department of State. Crime in Grand Bahama has increased this past year. Criminal activity on the outlying family islands does occur, but to a much lesser degree than on New Providence or Grand Bahama.

Armed robbery and sexual assault are major criminal threats facing U.S. citizens in New Providence. The U.S. Embassy has received multiple reports indicating tourists have been robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint in tourist locations in the downtown areas of Nassau; several of these incidents occurred during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of sexual assaults in tourist areas as well.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/the-bahamas.html

That's not a message that's easy to misinterpret. Pretty straightforward and the facts speak for themselves. It indicates a need for tourists to use due diligence and caution to protect themselves against crime in Nassau.

 

[disneyholic family]

Hi-I have been reading all the threads for the past 2 months in prep for our upcoming cruise on the Dream next month. It is my and my children's (soon to be 10 year old b/g twins) first time ever on a cruise and my husband last went on a Carnival cruise like 20 years ago so this is all new to us.

I received my Cruise Documents a few days ago and had a few questions (not all related to the documents).

1. I have DCL transfers from the Resort to the Port, which is indicated in the booklet. However, it says I am to call 24 hours before the Cruise to find out when and where we will be picked up. In everything I have read here on the boards, people using DCL transfers received a letter in their room the day before with these details. It's not a major issue for me to call except it says to call within business hours and the day before is a Sunday, so when would I call? We are also going to be in the park that day so not the most convenient but we'll do it if we must. I was wondering if this was a change or did those who receive letters also have this note in their packets about calling?

2.I suffer from motion sickness. I was going to visit my doctor for a prescription but read here how bonine has helped a lot of people. For those of you with severe motion sickness, was the bonine sufficient? I would classify myself as having moderate motion sickness (I can go on a ride like Space Mountain and be OK but Expedition Everest is out as the backwards part kills me). Dramamine knocks me out so looking for alternatives.

3. We do not plan on doing any excursions in Nassau but my children would like to get off the ship to look around as it is their first time to the Bahamas. Are the markets in port something they would enjoy, just to see a little bit of the island?

Thanks!

2. i have very severe motion sickness - also on land. For years i took prescription medicine, also on land and on cruises.
Until i discovered the wonders of sea bands. I had heard about them for years and just thought it was a bunch of nonsense.
but it really works - also for my whole family (also motion sickness sufferers - especially DD).
The claim is they work on about 60% of the people who use them.
they work on everyone in my family who's tried them (me, DH, DD, DSIL, my elderly mom and my sister with ovarian cancer).

I've been using them now for about 5 years. Non-stop when i'm on a cruise, and during attacks when i'm on land.

i put them on before i even board the ship, and don't take them off again until after disembarkation at the end of the cruise.
They're based on acupressure. There is a hard plastic nub that presses into each of your wrists.
i hope they work on you as it's always better to use a non-drug solution when possible.

Here's a link to what i'm talking about.
they have in both adult and child sizes (my daughter, who's 31, has such small wrists that she uses the child size).
www.sea-band.com

since this is your first cruise, i would take both sea bands and a bonine/dramamine solution - just in case.

3. we totally hate nassau (understatement of the century).
However, on our last cruise that stopped there, we took the blue lagoon island dolphin swim excursion.
It was fabulous, and we'd happily do it again.

 

[BCV23]

Completely agree about SeaBands. They work for all of us. For our first cruise, I took meds along but we never needed them. I was very glad about that as we had two diabetics in our family and all the meds have a dehydrating effect or at least did at that time. Not good for anyone but especially diabetics. Instructions do tell you to put the Sea Bans on before getting on the ship. My DH wasn't interested in wearing them but our first cruise was an E.Caribbean where we had a fresh gale the first night into the second day so were really rocking and rolling. The rest of us were doing just fine including three of us who are susceptible to motion sickness. So he put his on and was sold. Now I usually put mine on before we board but take them off the first evening.

 

[disneyholic family]

Completely agree about SeaBands. They work for all of us. For our first cruise, I took meds along but we never needed them. I was very glad about that as we had two diabetics in our family and all the meds have a dehydrating effect or at least did at that time. Not good for anyone but especially diabetics. Instructions do tell you to put the Sea Bans on before getting on the ship. My DH wasn't interested in wearing them but our first cruise was an E.Caribbean where we had a fresh gale the first night into the second day so were really rocking and rolling. The rest of us were doing just fine including three of us who are susceptible to motion sickness. So he put his on and was sold. Now I usually put mine on before we board but take them off the first evening.

that's so funny - same thing happened when i took my mom and sister on a cruise on the disney dream a few years back.
i put them on before we got on, but they didn't think they'd need them (who knew hurricane sandy would show up and make our cruise very interesting)...
i was feeling great, but my mom and sister were green, but both of them scoffed at the sea bands..
finally, my mom put them on and within a few minutes she felt great...
my sister continued to refuse (saying, "i'm not seasick i have cancer")...
about 3 or 4 hours later as she got more and more and more nauseous and dizzy, she finally gave in and put them on....
voila!! within minutes she was fine!!! of course, she didn't concede the point.
But whatever. They made it through our very very very rocky cruise with no seasickness at all after that.