Hi you great fodorites. We are really interested in visiting an island we are leaning towards Matangi, Tokoriki or Taveuni. We don't have enough in our budget to stay at Yasawa Lodge & we still want to experience those beautiful Yasawa islands and water. I almost feel there's no point in going if we can't see those. That's why we are considering the Blue Lagoon Cruise, but I am very worried about her getting sea sick. When we went to Jamaica a few years back I took her deep sea fishing and on a beautiful calm day she was terribly sick. She said she had never been so sick in her life. This was after taking a generic form of sea sick pill that a nurse at the resort gave her. The first part of the trip she was very sleepy then after cathching 1 fish she got sick. She really wants to do this cruise but I'm worried that it may spoil part of our Honeymoon. Have those of you who have taken this cruise been sick? Your suggestins are very important, thank you so much.

Hi Brian, <BR>My sister was sick from the time we left the wharf in Lautoka until we reached the Yasawa's which, if I remember correctly was about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Never barfed but felt nauseous. After that she was fine. I don't recall anyone else feeling sick. Once you get to the Yasawa's it's smooth sailing but you can get that wave rolling effect on your way there, and on the other hand it can be like a sheet of glass. How large or small was the boat you were on in Jamaica? This can also make a difference. I'd hate to see you miss this wonderful trip. <BR>Diane

I was once terribly sea sick on a very calm day in Mexico. I was never sick before or sick since. (And, there is nothing really worse than sea sickness for the short term). But, it may have been a one time thing. I have since been out on the ocean on very rough, stormy days and never experienced a moment of trouble. Perhaps, you should try taking her on a boat again before you go on the cruise. Just a suggestion. If she is like me, she may be fine. Have a wonderful time.

Hi Brian! <BR> <BR>Definately take another boat trip before booking to see if your fiance gets sick still - trying another remedy if poss. We have canned our plans for a cruise next year as my daughter & I were the only passengers out of about 300 that got sick on an InterIsland ferry in NZ - it was classified "calm" (not in my tummy's opinion I'm afraid). It's not worth the worry IMO. <BR> <BR>Jordan.

Hi Brian, I had no problem on the "interisland" ferry in NZ. And it was a very rough day. <BR> <BR>Again, take you fiance on another boat ride to see if it was a one time thing. And good luck.

Years ago I had to stop going salmon fishing off the San Francisco coast. I didn't just get sick, I got over-the-side, lay-down-and-die sick. No matter what the weather, sea conditions, or excitement of the catch. So it was with a little trepidation that I boarded the Blue Lagoon ship. But not to worry. This boat is definately bigger than any fishing boat you've probably been on. The first afternoon out is a long haul of a few hours, and it was a little rough, but no problem. After that, the sessions under power are short, the excitement of the trip and where you are take over. The staterooms are very nice, and the rythms of the boat underway are soothing indeed. I think you'll have fun, even if she gets a little woozy the first day out of port. If you try another boat trip, and she gets sick on a smaller boat, in rougher seas, it might convince you not to go. I think that would be a shame. Our time on the Blue Lagoon cruise will go down as one of our finest trips of all time.

There should be no problem with sea sickness on the Blue lagoon cruise. It's not like being on a fishing boat (no matter how big) They're very stable cruise ships and the water is very flat as you're in coral protected waters. Once you're out of Lutoka and into the lee of the islands (about 30 minutes) you won't have a problem. However just to be on the safe side get your docter to prescribe a good motion sickness pill - some of them don't make you sleepy.

If you don't like the idea of 'chemical aids', especially ones that are marginaly effective, try having a look at http://www.reliefband.com/. <BR>I haven't used it myself but I first saw it 'at work' off the Oregon Coast during a LR Albacore trip-very rough 'n nasty the wave action was and the person who wore the band had no problems at all. <BR>Note that it's not the AccuPressure Bands some people-including myself use-they are 'somewhat effective'. <BR>Available from www.charkbait.com <BR>I'm not affiliated in any way, etc. etc.

Thank you so much to all of you! We feel better and want to go even more now. She wants to go out and get one of everything you've mentioned. LOL, she's serious. We live near the beautiful Channel Islands in CA so going out again would be easy but I tend to agree with poster Bill J. These boats are typical whale watching/deep sea fishing boats and from the photos of B.L. they look very different. I don't want to scare her off. I do have a couple more questions. Once we get to the general area of the cruise: are we within sight of land? It's only when she's away from it does she get bad. Also I've picked up one brochure that had B.L. in it and the rooms they showed just had 2 small windows. Is this all they have for windows in rooms? What is the difference between Blue Lagoon and Captain Cook Cruises? Which is better and why? Have a great day and thanks you're a great help.

Brian, you're in sight of land the entire time. You cruise very close to the islands - and I mean VERY close - they're coral so they go from very shallow to very deep in a metre - and you spend a large amount of time actually on land or swimming. You even spend one evening tied up to a plam tree! As fas as the cabins are concerned - you're not in them except for sleeping. The windows are smallish but you're not going to miss anything. I've not tried Capt Cook, but I think they take more people and we've always preferred the smaller numbers of passengers. Have a great trip.

Brian, <BR>I agree with Brian about BL over Captain Cook. Just the fact that there are fewer people on board makes it more appealing. If you get a room on the bridge deck or the main deck you have a door to the outside as well as a window. We stayed on the lower deck and it was just fine, but you don't have a great view. You'll be surprised how little time you spend in your room....even on your honeymoon LOL! Now, having said that I was talking about the Yasawa Princess which I prefer over the new Mystique Princess. The Yasawa is more open air whereas the Mystique is more closed-in and air conditioned. I know two honeymoon couples that were upgraded to the Mystique for free and enjoyed it very much. Hope this helps. <BR>Diane

I will give you an easy answer. Go to Matangi. If your fiance does not like boats forget the cruise. The Tasawa islands are pale compared to those on the rainy side of Fiji. Others may disagree. If you like boats, the smaller boat and the shorter cruise will provide an excellent view of the Yasawa chain. As one other has said the less expensive boat is more like a real boat with more fresh air and less like a cruise boat. Neither will be less rocky. Unless there is very bad weather, there should not be a problem. However, there is no certain answer to those that are prone to sea sickness. Some are just fine until they see somebody else having a problem.

Wonderful! We now know one of our stops will be the Blue Lagoon Cruise. We would like to spend 10 nights and need to know how much time we should spend on our cruise. What is a good amount of time? 4nights or 6. We also want to spend a few nights at a resort. The ones we are thinking are: Taveuni, Tokoriki, Quamea or Vomo. We don't dive but really want to snorkel. We desire beautiful ocean views especially from our room and preferably right from our bed. We love Quamea but it looks like the bedroom has no view. Romantic strolls in the water and waterfalls would be nice too.We are eager to hear your replies. Happily the Honeymooners

Meclizine 25 mg once a day in the morning should take care of that. Good luck and have fun.

Forgot to mention, a bit more expensive but more effective remedy may be the Dramamine patch. Would last for 3 days once applied. Not covered by most insurances and costs over $50 but less than $100. Possibility you may want to explore. Have fun.

Hi Brian - my husband recently stayed on both Matangi and Tokoriki. We did consider doing a cruise but for various reasons decided to break up our stay between two islands, a choice we will never regret. Yes it did rain quite a bit on Matangi - but never for long. The accomodations were perfect - as a matter of fact we shared the island with just one other couple! The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We've left a piece of our heart in Matangi - can't wait to return to rekindle frienships. As for Tokoriki, the waters and the coral reefs were spectacular. Additionally, it was much warmer than Matangi. I concur with a previous poster whereas they said the menu remained the same for 7 days! Staff and accomodations were nothing to write home about. Hope this helps when it comes time for you to make a decision. Have a great time! You'll absolutely love it!

Brian<BR>My husband has been a deep sea fisherman for years and years. I used to take over the counter sea sick pills but the pharmaceutical companies have come up with something much better. It's called Transderm Scop and is a tiny patch that you apply behind your ear. Your family doctor can prescribe it for you. It REALLY works!!!<BR>You and your bride can both enjoy your honeymoon.

Brian,<BR>As per Sally's suggestion of Transderm patch. I have tried it - It supposedly works for 75% of the people. I unfortunately am in the 25%. I have also tried the wristbands - didn't help at all. Actually I have tried just about everything. I cruise quite often, but still feel nauseous. The only thing that somewhat helps is Ginger (Herb pills or fresh). If I know I am going on a cruise, long car trip, airplane - I start putting fresh ginger in my salads. This has helped me a little, but some people are just prone to seasickness (I believe an inner ear problem). I struggle through and enjoy the trips anyway. Also, if you are on a boat that is diesel powered, stay away from the fumes, because that also sets me off. Have fun, and don't let it get you down. Just enjoy.

It sound like your wife is a little like mine. The worse condition is being on the small boat in fairly calm waters either drifting or traveling slowly such as in a sailboat. Fishing while difting was a killer for her. This poses a problem for me since I love the motion of small boats particularly while in the bunk. To chance another trip will be difficult as fear will be there at the start. I chanced a small boat cruise, 100 passengers size, with no stabalizers through Belize and Honduras. The first night out was weather and rough. We had used both dramamine (sp) and wrist pressure straps. She made it though more or less. Then things were ok. We next went on a cruise of the Galapagos in a 90 foot yacht that traveled at night between islands -- rough. It was a great trip. We went on the 6 day Blue Lagoon on one of the old ships. We would choose this since you are closer to the outside. If you start feeling ill you want fresh air and eyes on the horizon. The fancy one is too much like a cruise liner. The 3 night trip will show you all you need to see and will not be too long if things do not work out. All of the islands are similar. We think is would be a great trip for her. The roughest part will be to the first leg. It is very calm after you anchor and you are then onshore if you want until evening. Do not let her drink booze during the start of the trip. Again if it is a little rough have her keep her eyes on the horizon that privides stability.