Re: So, I went on my first ocean cruise

ritasNo1Fan · ‎03-12-2010

REGENT for me! First of all. the bed and pillows are so comfortable! 2nd the ships are small enough that all passengers can get on and off quickly, and this does not count how beautiful the ships are and how delicious the food is. I would go around the world on Regent if I had big buckaroos.

Fona · ‎11-16-2011

Like some of you I suffer very badly from seasickness, which I discovered many years ago when I took a cruise and was really ill. However, a few years ago I really wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska so I spoke to my doctor and he gave me a prescription for a patch to put behind my ear (I'm sorry I can't remember the name). You change it every three days and it worked like magic. Even on a couple of rough days I felt great and I had a wonderful time.

At the time my doctor did say that these patches might be discontinued and I am not sure if they are still available, but if they are you might want to consider them.

mary0129 · ‎03-07-2019

I am headed for my first cruise in October, the Viking river boat cruise across France, Paris to Normandy. Thrilled with all the good reports from other travelers they all sound like yours.Wish me the same luck!

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

I certainly understand why the OP found no lines, kind-of not the season to go cruising.

"Pure Michigan"

sarahpanda · ‎03-11-2010

@GCR18 ...Right there with you...shower/bathtub water is deep enough for me...and I can ''see'' what's floating in it too ! I remember as a child, being at the beach and something brushing up on my leg...that pretty much finished me off with the water. Ya'll ENJOY !!

seaBreeze · ‎02-04-2014

Seasickness is my enemy ... was ill the entire three days on board to Nassau. Perhaps if I took a "river cruise" and could see land, then this would not occur. I tried wrist bands and Dramamine, but my sailing days are over. Glad for all who love cruising and do not get ill.

petepetey · ‎03-09-2010

It was the season to go on an ocean cruise, to Norway.

The viking cruise is not like many of the other lines. They have 930 passengers and over 450 crew. There is never a line for anything. If you wish to sit someone there are at least 10 or more open chairs to choose from. They do not allow anyone under 16, and I love children but it is nice to have calm and quiet. There are no casinos or goofy sales or other options for passengers. Each room has a veranda, no inside cabins or rooms with just windows.

Getting off and on the ship is fast and easy.

Bad news for solo travelers, no single rooms you either pay for 2 or find a friend to go with you.

I used sea-bands on my wrists and did not get sea sick. I did not like it when we were on the ocean and it was a bit bumpy but I'm scared of many things. My mother LOVED that feeling and would sit up top looking out over the ocean as often as she could.

The food was wonderful. The service fantastic. The rooms clean and roomy. The bathrooms were the best design I've seen in a hotel.

Personally I would not opt to go on a cruise with large numbers of people or to many destinations but to northern europe, yes I will go back.

bridal_diva · ‎10-16-2011

I never thought I would be happy on a cruise, but we criused the Caribbean on the Windstar and it was fabulous! Only held about 165 people, sparkling clean with wonderful food anytime of day or night. During the day the sails were up, and at night, they cruised with engine power to get to the next island. We enjoyed six islands plus their private island where there was a wonderful barbecue.

You could swim or snorkel, tour with a guide or do your own thing as long as you didn't miss the departure time. If the seas got rough, they raised two side " wings" to stabilize the ship.

Loved every minute of it, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

MarieIG · ‎03-10-2010

So nice to read about your great experience!

No, I have never been on a cruise, but would like to try it after we retire.

Do the math.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@Fona wrote:
Like some of you I suffer very badly from seasickness, which I discovered many years ago when I took a cruise and was really ill. However, a few years ago I really wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska so I spoke to my doctor and he gave me a prescription for a patch to put behind my ear (I'm sorry I can't remember the name). You change it every three days and it worked like magic. Even on a couple of rough days I felt great and I had a wonderful time.

At the time my doctor did say that these patches might be discontinued and I am not sure if they are still available, but if they are you might want to consider them.

@Fona, the patch is still around. It's called a Scopolamine/Transderm Scop patch. It is also used a lot during surgery to prevent sickness from anesthesia.

I get terrible motion sickness so I also use that patch. I never have gotten sick on a cruise but this last time, that patch seemed to really knock me for a loop. I didn't feel quite right the entire time. I should have cut it in half.

I've been told there are also patches you can buy from Amazon and people swear by them. I've never tried them. I'm afraid because if they don't work, that's miserable.