Seasickness
 

I only been on a cruise once and though I had a great time, I did get motion sickness. They gave me bonine(?) but that made me drowsy. Someone told me that taking a cruise from San Juan instead of Miami is better because the waters are calmer. Is this true? Also what should I take for motion sickness, I don't want to miss going on cruises because of this. Thanks.

I too was worried about seasickness as we were headed out of Miami right after Hurricane Mitch had come through; it was a bit rough, but I found "the patch" to work perfectly. Others on the ship had bracelets that seemed to work too. (It seemed that all those bothered by seasickness were women? Can this be?) <BR>

Most Caribbean cruises are pretty smooth. You will probably do fine. I am an MD and I use Bonine [meclizine] because it doesn't make you as sleepy as Dramamine [dimenhydramine]. Meclizine is what the ships usually hand out. The patches contain scopolomine and they are good, but on my last cruise, one lady got toxic from too much scopolomine, cause she wore the patch all the time. The wrist bands use acupressure, and do help with no drugs. They run about $7 at Target, Walgreens, etc and are reusable indefinitely. Another remedy many swear by is ginger. If you happen to be on the prescription antihistamine Allegra, this has been reported to help motion sickness. Most motion sickness drugs are antihistamines, so don't mix them with other sinus drugs to avoid over-sleepiness. <BR> <BR>The best thing for mild seasickness is to be up on deck in the fresh air near the middle of the boat. Eat lite [dry cereal, toast, crackers] and stay away from alcohol until you feel better. Use any drug therapy sparingly so that you don't overmedicate. If you are really sick, go to your cabin, turn out the lights, and close your eyes. If you cannot see objects moving that are supposed to be still, you will not be as sick. Most mild sickness will pass in 4-24 hours once you get more acclimated. <BR>

I took a cruise from Miami to Nassau several years ago. The waters were terrible and most of the ship got sick (no exageration here). I ended up in the infirmary for a shot to stop the motion sickness. It was the biggest waste of $30! My cabin steward brought me dramamine (or marezine) and I was back on my feet in no time. I highly recommend the dramamine--you may feel a bit drowsey (people are affected differently) but at least your not sick. <BR> <BR>Also, the ginger is a good recommendation as well as keeping food in your stomach. Several navy people I know suggest chocolate (apparently Snickers are the preference), this may not be for those calorie-conscious people though. Good luck!

Try those wristbands on sale at travel shops. Also buy some ginger candy on sale in most Asian grocery stores. Let it disolve in your mouth and your stomach will settle. Worked for me.

My husband and I have been on 7 cruises. Seasickness was a problem for me on the first 3 cruises, the intensity diminished with each cruise and I now have no problem. I had never had motion sickness in my life. I have found Marezine to be the best medication as it does not make you drowsy. Others that I have offered it to on cruises agree. Another thing, it is a good idea to take your first tablet a few hours before sailng.

I also have used Bonine - didn't make me sleept I and was good to go for the entire cruise (7) days on the Celebrity Galaxy - wonderful ship - we went to Souther Route and it was smooth - I heard that going to Bermuda and the Miami route is rougher - but all was well on our route.

I just took a cruise out of San Juan <BR>and although the waters were calm I was <BR>sick for the first day. I bought the <BR>wrist bands on the ship instead of <BR>the pills because they warned of drinking alcohol with them and as I was <BR>on vacation and wanted to drink I chose <BR>the wrist bands and believe it or not, <BR>they worked! After a day or two I <BR>actually got used to the movement and <BR>didn't need them anymore. They work on <BR>planes too by the way! Good luck! <BR> <BR>

I swear by the wristbands! I use them on my own boat and where I would normally be motion sick, I'm not. Try them....they use accupressure on your wrist. Good luck.