Yes, the first night is usually a bit rough. The ship crosses the Gulf Stream and that's always a treat. We lost one member of our group on our first cruise during dinner. It doesn't last all night, luckily, and the rest of the cruises have been rather smooth after that point. It's the same on the last night returning to port, however we reach the Gulf Stream later in the evening.
Bonine is a pretty effective preventative for mal de mer. Do follow the package directions and start taking it 24 hours before sailling. It's much easier to prevent mal de mer than it is to cure it. The active ingredient is meclizine which is also in Non-drowsy Dramaine and can be purchased as meclizine from your pharmacist at a better price, I'm told.
Bonine also sells a chewable Bonine for children.
[You'll probably get more answers if this post is moved to the main cruise forum.]
