Wobbly knees about cruising...

[LittleBoPeep]

Please help! We are considering a cruise, only because we hear so many good things about DCL.
DH had a bad experience before on his 1st and only cruise (sick almost the entire time in the early '80s on a cruiseliner in Mexico due to running into a storm AND montezuma's from a port stop), and is hesitant to go again. From what we've seen on the new DCL DVD, it sounds like there is newer technology that stabilizes the ship in rough seas (minimal rocking and rolling). I have never been on a cruise and wasn't much interested after hearing of DH's only experience.
For the "well-seasoned Cruisers", can you tell us your experiences from the old style ship compared to the newer ones and if we should give it a shot?
TIA

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Sure, my first cruise was back in the early 80's as well, while I was in college. I have since been on over 13 with another planned for next year. I too, have heard horror stories of people getting so ill, that they don't enjoy the cruise experience. Thank god that hasn't happened to anyone I have cruised with.

Not only have the ships changed, but the sea-sickness meds and preventative measures have as well. Back in the day of "drowsy dramamine" it was unpleasant to take, but worked. Now with meclazine on the market (Bonine) you can feel free to ward off the sea-sickness bug with little to no side-effects. If you are really, really prone to sea-sickness, ask your doctor about the Transderm Scop patch. It has worked wonders for my sisters and mother, but many on the boards have had some side effects. I am not getting into that debate here......I think they are wonders of science.

As for the ships....back in 1985 on my first ever cruise (MS SKYWARD - NCL) we thought the ship was huge. It carried all of 750 passengers and 300 crew. It seemed monsterous. Now with the floating resorts out there, it is quite a different story. Not only are there fabulous stabilizers that prevent the rolling, but the ships are so immense that when it does move, it really goes slowly and you barely feel it (compared to the old days). Of course you can always hit some rough seas, and Mother Nature can be unkind, but all in all, the modern ships of today ride NOTHING like the ships of the past.
TO MY DISSAPPOINTMENT! I Loved the rolling and pitching. I loved trying to walk to dinner having to hold the railings, it made the cruising experience an unforgettable one and one of the reasone that I try to cruise DURING hurricane season. I am dissappointed when we have smooth sailing. BUT I am in the minority, I know. So, take it from someone who loves the motion of the ocean under their feet.....the ships barely move now.

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[DrCavin]

The stabilizers due help a lot. Will it prevent you from getting sea-sick.. NOPE.... If you plan ahead and take medication before getting sick (if you think you may get sick) that is your best option. Lots of options on preventing sea-sickness, but remember there are two stages to sea-sickness.. Stage One: You think your going to die Stage Two: You wish you would!!!

 

[depomas]

I have been on 3 DCL cruises, and have cruised back in the 80's, and can personally attest to a HUGE difference. I do not want to come on here and lie, saying you will not feel any motion. Each person tolerates it differently, and the conditions of the seas matter greatly. My DS9 was perfect on the first two, and this past September (Hurricane Jeanne) he was sick for a couple of hours. We did have hurricane seas, and the pools were closed for a few days, so I would venture to say that 75% or more of the ship were sick.. The dining rooms were empty. THe staff was sick, and they were carrying bags, and giving them upon entry of the kids clubs..

On another note, I would not hesitate to suggest cruising, and my son would be overjoyed to go again...

 

[Invisible Penguinboy]

I was never on a cruise in teh 80's, and i have only been on 1 DIsney Cruise, but I went during Hurricane Charlie last year and i personally only felt it once when i was at the doctors on the first floor (i had bronchitus). I was with a large group of people, many of whom were kids, and only one boy, 12, got sick on one night. Otherwise nobody, including my mom and my brother got sick, and they dont like being on boats or airplanes or anything like that.

 

[glindamood]

DH and I have been married over 25 years and you can count on one hand the number of times I have driven while he was in the car - to say he has issues with motion sickness is an understatement. I didn't think I would EVER get him to go on a cruise but asked on a whim in 2000 to go on the Magic and he said yes (at least that is what I heard ) and we have cruised every year since! He takes Bonine mid afternoon on the day we board and daily there after.

 

[bairdbeth]

I cruised on the Norway in the late 80's (I think). I felt the motion of the ocean the whole time, even on meds. We went 7/04 on the Wonder. We stayed in 6580, directly over the stabilizers. I started Bonine the night before the cruise and only felt slight motion when crossing the Gulf Stream. Had a great time. Kept taking the Bonine through the cruise and for 3 or 4 days afterwards. Never felt bad. I did not ride any tenders though for excursions. Small boats and waves = sea sickness for me! Go and enjoy, I did !