Health
Problems
The fun of cruising sometimes gets overshawdowed by the fear of getting sick. Many
people simply don't go to cruise just because of the sickness news they keep hearing.
Motion/Sea Sickness, Food Alergy are some of the common Health problems people face
during their cruise. But it can be avoided or controlled and that shouldn't stop
one person to take a cruise.
Sea/Motion Sickness
The cruising pleasure along the open water with the sea breeze blowing and tropical
temperatures should be experienced without the unpleasant side effect of nausea.
I suffered from motion sickness during my cruise as I expected. For many people
motion sickness comes different ways. Many get sick, even while taking a bus ride,
Or Elevator rides make me nauseous for some. I have been sick to my stomach and
threw up during my whale watch trip on a small fishing vessel so when I thought
to myself going on a cruise. I felt little uncomfortable but since its going to
be a big ship I consoled myself that it might not be so bad. Let me share what I
did during sickness on my trip so that you too can enjoying cruising as much I do.
Easy way to Control
I felt sickness on the first day and the last day on the sea. It only stayed there
for 2-3 hours and went away. It was because the ship was rambling and shacky a bit
triggering my sickness. The most easiest thing I did to stop my sickness is to take
walk or go for a run on the track or treadmill. (almost all ship has gym or running
tracks now). When you walk/run on the moving ship the fluid in your inner ear learns
the motion of the ship in a controlled way. When you feel sea sickness coming on
take a walk,walk,walk. Don't think of laying in your bed. Lying down will make your
nausea worse. Once your body becomes accustomed to the motion you will no longer
feel ill and will be able to sit and lie down when you want to.
Another drug free way to curb your motion sickness is by wearing a Sea Bands bracelet.
The bracelet has a small bead on the inside that puts pressure on the inside of
your wrist. This is a pressure point that will reduce nausea. Children and pregnant
women can use Sea Bands as there are no side effects to this method. They are available
at most drug stores. I bought in CVS Pharmacy for just around $10 a pair. You can
buy cheap from our Cruise store.Buy these before you leave
home and put it on before boarding the ship to be safe.
The use of ginger or Lemon can also help to reduce the nausea part of sea sickness
but not the dizziness.
Staying above deck and getting fresh air will go a long way to normalizing your
inner ear. Cabin location can also be a factor in how much motion you feel while
trying to sleep. Select a cabin that is in the middle of the ship both horizontally
and vertically. If you pick a middle deck you will feel less motion from the sea
and if you are close to the center of that deck you will feel less vibration from
the engines and under workings of the ship. Sail on a ship that has stabilizers.
All of the newest mega liners have stabilizers that help minimize the rolling of
the ship back and forth. Consider sailing on a ship that uses the Azipod propulsion
system. All of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships have them. This system pushes rather
than pulls the ship through the water which reduces motion and creates much less
vibration. It also has the added benefit of allowing sharper turns for the ship
without causing a lean.
Medications
Medications such as Dramamine, Bonnie or Gravol decrease nausea. You don't have
to buy these at home as they are available on the ship at the pursers desk where
they are usually given out free of charge. My wife took these pills and felt better.
Unfortunately these drugs can make some people drowsy which does not make for an
exciting cruise experience. If you still want to take them on a safer side, check
out our Cruise store.
Ear patches work wonders to get rid of sea sickness. I have seen many people using
on the ship. The trans dermal scopolamine patch is about the size of a dime and
is worn behind the ear. It's effects last about 72 hours. This patch must be applied
8 hours before boarding the ship or you'll be playing catch up later. The trans
dermal patch does have side effects ranging from drowsiness to dry mouth.
Even the astronauts from NASA have problems with motion sickness so you are not
alone now are you weak and frail. Go on and book your cruise with peace of mind
because now you'll be like me and everyone else who is openly addicted to cruising.
Disclaimer: Medication are just my recommendation as a cruiser. I used pills
and sea band. Others are suggestions from other cruisers. Don't consider this a
medical consulting. It might not be suitable for everybody. Please use with your
own discretion.
