topic Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise in Community Chat

A question for those who have been on a cruise

proofer — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:33:25 GMT

Friends want us to go on a cruise with them and we have never been on one. My daughter thinks we maybe shouldn't go because I get car sick sometimes and husband has a little bit of a balance problem (not a major problem just needs to use handrails on stairs etc. We really want to go but don't want to be sorry we went. Heard someone had to stay in their room the whole time because because of car sickness. Opinions please we need to decide.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

goodstuff — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:03:08 GMT

The large cruise ships are really surprisingly stable. Unless you encounter very stormy weather, the sensation of movement is usually minimal. I have some tendency to get carsick also, so I took one of the over the counter motion sickness remedies starting the night before boarding the ship and during the cruise, and I had no problems with nausea. Motion sickness medicine is also readily available on the ships.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

SleeplessinSD — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:05:38 GMT

We went on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise on a Celebrity cruise line. I agree with the above post; large cruise ships are very stable. We did have one day of rough waters, and even with that, we didn't have much of a problem with nausea. In the past, I have suffered with motion sickness, so I was worried too before going. In the event of a problem, because everyone is different, the ships are very well prepared to help. Try not to worry and have a wonderful time......

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

151949 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:18:04 GMT

Before you leave you can get a seasick patch from your doctor - it goes behind the ear and would totally prevent any seasickness. It lasts 7 days - if your going to be gone longer you can ask the doctor for 2 . The drug is scopalamine in a very tiny dose. Harmless - may make you thirsty so you'll need to always have water - but that has not been my experience with it.

I get violent nausea from anesthesia and 2 years ago when I had knee surgery the anesthesia doctor gave me this to apply the day before the surgery and wear a week after and not one bit of nausea - not even the slightest hint. When I had the second knee surgery a few months later - he gave it to me again and the result was the same.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

SharkE — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:45:50 GMT

We took a cruise back yrs. ago probably in the 80's was OK if you liked to gamble. Not much to do on board for days if you don't like to drink and gamble. When you would dock just be for a few hrs. wasn't time enough to sight see.

I wouldn't take one now if it was given to me FREE. Really wouldn't ! If you keep up with the TV news you would know what I'm talking about. Unsanitary conditions and disease breaks out. people all come down with stomach flu , germs and bacteria from the food served. Who wants to be away from home and confined to a tiny room with diarrhea and throwing up.

Some places get hit by pirates. May not be in the U.S. but don't seem to be a lot they can do to stop pirates from coming aboard and stealing and no telling what else to innocent people.

I'm to old , now, to even think about being sick away from home and American medical help.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

151949 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 01:01:52 GMT

On 1/24/2015 Sharke said:
We took a cruise back yrs. ago probably in the 80's was OK if you liked to gamble. Not much to do on board for days if you don't like to drink and gamble. When you would dock just be for a few hrs. wasn't time enough to sight see.

I wouldn't take one now if it was given to me FREE. Really wouldn't ! If you keep up with the TV news you would know what I'm talking about. Unsanitary conditions and disease breaks out. people all come down with stomach flu , germs and bacteria from the food served. Who wants to be away from home and confined to a tiny room with diarrhea and throwing up.

Some places get hit by pirates. May not be in the U.S. but don't seem to be a lot they can do to stop pirates from coming aboard and stealing and no telling what else to innocent people.

I'm to old , now, to even think about being sick away from home and American medical help.

Considering the number of cruises that are going on the ones where there are difficulties are a very low % of the total.Odds are great you will have an uneventful trip.

I am not s person who goes on cruises but I understand they have shows every night , various activities like para sailing and swimming and snorkeling plus tours in the ports. You are the first person i have ever heard say they did not have enough to do.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

SharkE — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 01:19:08 GMT

yeah, we took in some singing that was OK. once you walk the length of the boat and wait for the meals not much else to do, but, look out at the ocean. I have been on a cruise and gave my opinion on how we found it. They might enjoy it. Hope they do. We just don't plan to take another.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

goodstuff — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 01:28:26 GMT

On 1/24/2015 Sharke said:
yeah, we took in some singing that was OK. once you walk the length of the boat and wait for the meals not much else to do, but, look out at the ocean. I have been on a cruise and gave my opinion on how we found it. They might enjoy it. Hope they do. We just don't plan to take another.

Oh, my goodness! Our experience was nothing like this! We don't care at all about gambling, although the ship's casino was very busy and it was fun to drop in and watch some of the action. But we enjoyed dining in a variety of the ship's restaurants, danced in night clubs, saw recent flicks at the on-board movie theater, visited the library, loved one of the piano bars, attended an auction, walked laps around the promenade deck, swam in the pools, and many other activities -- and of course visiting the ports and shopping and doing some tours and excursions in some of them. Our ship even had an observatory. Some of the big new ships have golf courses, rock climbing walls, tennis courts, organized games, malls, spas and salons, exercise/fitness programs, classes and lectures.....all kinds of amenities and activities. We've sailed Royal Caribbean and Holland America, and both were great with all kinds of things to do. If you'd rather just relax in a deck chair and sun by the pool or read a book, that's fine too. Cruises are fun.

I guess there's always the risk of having a vacation spoiled by bad weather or illness, and cruises are no exception. Terrorism is a concern for everyone, everywhere these days. But the much-publicized mishaps on cruise ships really affect only a tiny portion of cruise ships and travelers. Most people have good cruise experiences, and many people are frequent repeat cruisers.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

dawg lover — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:58:05 GMT

I have been on 3 cruises and absolutely LOVED them! I would go every year, if I could drag my husband along. Everything is done for you, and you feel like a queen! Plenty to do and see, and I never got seasick. Take some medicine with you and maybe a cane for your husband, and go! You'll have a wonderful time with your friends.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

colliemom4 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 03:46:29 GMT

When I went I got really sick even though I was on meds. I didn't have to stay in the room or anything, but I've had much more enjoyable vacations.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

Lakk — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 04:24:19 GMT

My son and daughter-in-law just returned Sunday from a cruise on Norwegian Epic to Georgetown, Cozumel etc., I would say from their report don't take that cruise! Ship dirty, room dirty, dirty towel in shower when they arrived, food terrible, service very bad. Normally they drink 2 pots of coffee a day and could not drink it the entire week, said it was horrible! Room service menu terrible. The ports they stopped at were awful, they told me they were back on the ship within 20 minutes. Nearly the entire trip they were in their room reading. At one point they were on one end of the ship sitting in the sun and called for service and were told it was too far for the service people to walk they would have to come to the other end of the ship. Pathetic.

The only good thing about the trip was they had good weather, no rain, sunny, the seas were calm and he said you could barely tell you were moving.

They have been on Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises and said both were VERY nice. Frankly you couldn't pay me to get on one. JMO

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

SharkE — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 04:40:23 GMT

I agree. Yrs. ago before things got so bad I'd say take the cruise. Don't worry be happy !

Now days, um, not so much. Quality of services has went down hill with the different generations. People just don't care any more. We don't even fly any more. Sad, but, I don't want to subject myself to what's out there now days. My own observation stemming from our own experiences.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

homedecor1 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 05:16:24 GMT

I've been on several in the past few years, most recently on a Royal Carribean. The ? Is about sea sickness and I get a patch from my dr (rx) which I put on 2 days before departure and have enough for the 2 weeks. I've never experienced any problems. As for things to do - yes, it is hard when you are at sea for a few days but I love sitting by the pool, walking the deck for exercise or just plain enjoying the beautiful seas. In port I always get off to explore the beaches or shop or sometimes do an excursion. This year we did snorkeling it was great. The food, service and entertainment were great -- no need to go into casino unless you want too. Next cruise is on Holland America in March for 14 days going to enjoy it as we have a family wedding in 2016 which I'll be flying home a lot for preparations, etc. If you go enjoy!

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

missy1 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 06:18:57 GMT

I didn't get seasick.The cruise ship doesn't bounce around, like a small charter boat. That made me so sick.

It is true, that you don't have much time at the ports. There's lots to do on the ship, besides gambling.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

Kachina624 — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 06:29:14 GMT

On 1/24/2015 Sharke said:
We took a cruise back yrs. ago probably in the 80's was OK if you liked to gamble. Not much to do on board for days if you don't like to drink and gamble. When you would dock just be for a few hrs. wasn't time enough to sight see.

I wouldn't take one now if it was given to me FREE. Really wouldn't ! If you keep up with the TV news you would know what I'm talking about. Unsanitary conditions and disease breaks out. people all come down with stomach flu , germs and bacteria from the food served. Who wants to be away from home and confined to a tiny room with diarrhea and throwing up.

Some places get hit by pirates. May not be in the U.S. but don't seem to be a lot they can do to stop pirates from coming aboard and stealing and no telling what else to innocent people.

I'm to old , now, to even think about being sick away from home and American medical help.

Sharke, Times have changed. Cruise ships, at least the ones I've been on, are immaculate and nobody got sick,nor was anyone kidnapped by pirates. Ships are usually in port a full day giving people plenty of time to see and do whatever is available in a port. All the rooms I was in were spacious with a balcony. Most week-long cruises are so busy and filled with days in port, you don't have time to be bored. I have yet to gamble on a ship. Please don't make recommendations if you don't know what you're talking about.

Like HH I had an ear patch that did wonders for the usual nausea I have with anesthesia, only to learn that it's also effective for motion sickness.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

SharkE — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 06:36:08 GMT

I did not make recommendations ! I told of my own experiences. Sorry, if I upset you. I know what I'm talking about since I was the one who took the trip. LOL Only thing people can do is take the trip one time and if they enjoy it, fine. If not, then, like me don't take another. I didn't intend to be insulted when I answered the lady's question. Up to her to make up her own mind I don't care either way.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

Fona — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 06:48:24 GMT

Proofer: When it comes to motion sickness, I win hands down - I get nauseous just by the ship slightly rocking before we have even moved away from the dock...!! I learned this the hard way from a cruise I took many, many years ago. Anyway, a couple of years ago some of my family wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska and I must say that that is the one cruise I had always wanted to take. My doctor gave me the patch that you stick on behind your ear and the results were magical. The one I got had to be changed every three days and I was very careful to do that. We only had one night when the seas were rough and a lot of people were very nauseous, but I was not sick at all. The cruise was lovely and I am very glad I went. I would add that I personally would not be at all confident if I were just taking motion sickness pills, but using the patch made a massive difference. So, do think about talking to your doctor about the patch - and don't miss out on what could be a wonderful experience.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

proofer — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 22:51:32 GMT

Thanks to you all for your answers, if we go I'm for sure going check on those patches!

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

dobiesrule — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:01:05 GMT

I love cruises and have been on many. Get sea sick at the drop of a hat, but I don't let that stop me. I have used the patch, and also use Bonine along with those lovely elasticized "bracelets". I have never been bored. I predict you will have a wonderful time.

Re: A question for those who have been on a cruise

Financialgrl — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:36:55 GMT

I've cruised a lot and I've been sick one or two times but it's been very rare and usually due to extreme weather. I've been on rough seas during a hurricane where we sailed around the weather and before the sail they handed out meclizine (generic Bonine) and it worked great for me. Because of that I now always make sure I carry my own with me when I board a ship so its right in my cabin if needed. You have two choices, take a pill before the ship sails or wait to see if you need it before taking. However, at the point you experience motion sickness, it'll take about 2 hours for the pill to kick in and its a miserable 2 hours of unpleasantness. Ships also have a doctor and usually two nurses onboard if needed.