We are considering our first cruise, my wife has horrendous motion sickness, normally is physically ill on airplanes and even gets motion sick when she is driving the car -- we absolutely never put her in the back seat of anything, even busses. She will get sick even after taking dramamine or bonine. I've seen her sick from watching a show on TV with too much movement or animated graphics.<BR><BR>Is cruising a stupid idea for us or what?

I am an expert on seasickness! I used to be seasick person, but I love the sea so much that I was determined to find a way to cruise. The answer for me came in the form of &quot;the patch,&quot; brand name: Transderm Scop. You must get a prescription from your doctor. The most important thing is to PREVENT seasickness before it happens. there was a time when the patch was not available for about 3 or 4 years. I managed by taking Dramamine before I left home to go to the airport, and two or three times a day for the first three days. By then, I was used to the motion. I have learned that the fear of being seasick can make you very sick. <BR><BR>Perhaps you should start out with a short cruise - 3 or 4 days. Also, do some research about which ships are known for their stability. Contrary to popular belief, some fo the larger ships have the most motion, because they are so high and they roll a lot in high seas. I recommend the Radisson Diamond. They are doing short cruises this winter in the Caribbean. www.rssc.com. <BR><BR>You might also do a search on this forum using the keyword &quot;seasickness.&quot; there have been lots of posts aon this topic.<BR>

I agree. You must get the patch. My husband and I both get a little sea sick. We took the patch the morning of our cruise and it was smooth sailing. The only minor side effects are that it can make you really, really thirsty and can cause some minor blurred vision. A small price to pay to really get to enjoy your cruise.

I am not sure if this would minimize the chances, but I chose a cruise this year that only sails at night. When you wake up you are in a different port every a.m. The ship is at sea only one day. (of course there in that ONE day.) I like to visit different Islands, and not be on the Sea all day. This may help, as you would be on land most of the day. I would be careful of the itinerary. A busy one would be a plus. Some of those cruises are in the sea for 3 days out of 7. Way to much for my liking.

My wife and I have shared a patch many times with good results, and minimal side effects. Just wash your hands before touching anything after applying.

My husband and I just took our first cruise in June to Bermuda. I laughed when he got the patches for both of us. He used his before we even left and was fine. Never dreamed I would need one. While I lay sicker than a dog in the room my husband was having the time of his life. Moral to the story is if I ever go on another cruise I will never leave home without the patch. And I've never had motion sickness.

Are you sure she should not seek medical attention. This sounds like the result of an inner ear problem. If your wife has this intense a problem it may indictive of something else. Seek medical advice from a doctor.

<BR><BR>Yes, I would recommend your wife seeing a doctor if she is that prone to seasickness. If the doctor gives her the go-ahead, I'd suggest you go on a ship that has the new propulsion system. Two or three propellers are capable of turning in any direction and this really seems to help with the rolling problem. I imagine several of the new ships have this now. Carnival's Pride does; we were on it in April and it was great. Felt a little vibration once in awhile but I never got sick at all. Going at a calm time of the year would probably be a good help, too (avoid fall or winter).

I, like your wife, can get seasick sitting on the beach watching the ocean - but I also love the ocean and am bound and determined to get past it. I've been on 2 cruises - both with the patch - and have had no problems. We also took up scuba diving. I haven't been quite as successful there because I think I got cocky and tried diving in rough conditions (NEVER AGAIN - and I don't think that skipper would ever let me on his boat again - but the fish were very happy). If you're going to do a cruise - pick your first one so that it probably won't hit rough water - a cruise from LA to Hawaii would probably not be a good idea - but something in the Carribbean - or a Mediterranean cruise would probably be great. You can get by this!

Keep in mind that this is the lady that gets sick watching TV and cartoon characters. Her everyday living must be miserable let alone traveling.<BR><BR>Take the previous advise and see a doctor. Good luck!!

I've never gotten seasick but a lot of people I know use the wrist bracelets and say that it really helps without the side effects of medication. Anyone else know aboujt them?

You asked is cruising a stupid idea for us or what - so I will answer that part. Yes, in my opinion unless she can get medical intervention to reduce symptoms, why do it. I am wondering how you even travel anywhere at all, much less a cruise. I also wonder what kind of medical specialists she has seen if she is only trying Dramamine or Bonine - both over-the-counter. <BR>Certainly not attempting to diagnose based on this, but there are some ENTs who specialize in this sort of thing - or perhaps a neurologist. Various inner ear maladies can cause motion sickenss so severe and many are treatable.

The bracelets do work for a few, but a very few.<BR><BR>The patch is as good if not better than dramamine or bonine but a patch will not put you to sleep. Blurred vision will occur if you do not wash your hand thourougly after putting on the patch or touching it later and then touching your eyes. <BR><BR>As with any seasickness medication you must use it BEFORE you get on the ship and continue it throughout the cruise.<BR><BR>Paul