What do YOU do when the waves get really high - 29 feet or so?

[SwissMyst]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?

Facing a trans-atlantic in a few weeks so you never know. Love to hear others experiences and here is were useful tips are going to be very, very, very useful. Thanks.

[RuthC]

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?
Sit down. Use my cane when I walk. Hold on to railings. Wear flat shoes, preferably with rubber soles.
Shipboard life as usual. Maybe opt out of an activity if it's too far to walk there and back.
Never stay in cabin. Get out where I can see beyond the cabin walls. Hopefully, see the sea---especially the horizon.
Go to meals as usual. Cocktails, too. :D
Doors to the promenade aren't "locked" so much as closed off. There may be a sign, or a barrier, letting you know not to go outside.

[aliaschief]

Actually, the Ms Rotterdam rode the high seas very well. The pools were eventually drained and access to outdoors was not recommended but we had a wonderful time.

The bags never came out and people went about their activities and we never saw anyone complain or experiencing motion sickness.

One of our best cruises ever...though two nights in a row of foggy weather and the ships horn and time changes did interrupt some sleeping.

We always take a small roll of duct tape and that helped curb cabin noise of closets opening. Others on our Roll Call originally laughed about our recommendation of taking tape but were quickly convinced and thankful for the advice.

[CowPrincess]

We had about 28 hours of gale force 8-9 in Alaska (VERY unusual, but then this year, they got even worse). That's waves around 18 to 22 feet or so I think. So not exactly the situation you are inquiring about, but close enough for me thankyewverrymuch :)

We carried on. It started just about mid-dinner time (late fixed) and many people soon left the dining room. Most of the pax were down for the count and the offerings at the late night buffet were in those small 8" square cake pans, as opposed to the large steamer trays they normally use. I guess they knew there wouldn't be a big turnout. Lido was empty, and the show was cancelled.

The doors to the outside decks were barricaded, IIRC. Probably a good thing or we'd have wanted to get the salt spray on us on the Promenade Deck. Instead we stuck our noses against the window in our cabin (Dolphin Deck) and enjoyed the show (after making sure anything "flingable" in the cabin was secured).

We pretty much avoided anyone we saw walking down the halls. Use your imagination on "why" :D Our across-the-hall neighbours were green.

[innlady1]

On one of our Noordam cruises from NYC to the Caribbean, we had 20 foot seas the first sea day (and the last, as I recall). It made for the feeling of an "empty ship" for those pax who suffered from mal de mer! Very difficult to navigate the upper decks, so we quickly learned to keep to the lower decks. Luckily, the ship had a good supply of green apples, saltines, and tea!

I don't believe the doors to the Promenade Deck were locked...but there were signs 'suggesting' that pax not venture outside.

Neither DH nor I are prone to seasickness, so we were fine...although I must admit, once I realized we were in for some rough seas, I took Dramamine and Ginger capsules. DH...nothing. He grew up around a sailboat in New England!

[arzz]

We try to carry on as usual (though I do dose on bonine as that way I stay comfortable and can still eat).

One of my favorite high seas activities is to spend time with the slots in the casino -- a good distraction and when it is really bad the casino can be near empty.

On the Prinsendam in '07 we were sent to our cabins after it got really bad -- the cabin attendants and later the cruise staff came around to do head counts. They served dinner in the dining room, and a very modified dining room breakfast the next morning (lido was closed) and they really did not want us wandering too much while the seas were really awful.

[JudeeJim]

Our rough sea, 25 to 30 foot swells, on our So. America cruise began at night. I had to use the bathroom and when I started walking there I realized I was walking up-hill. It was an interesting night but all was well in the morning.

Judee

[zackiedawg]

Eurodam was doing 25-30 foot seas out of Newport RI and the entire next day at sea on our transition cruise last week...along with 50 knot winds - the captain ordered all outside decks closed and off limits for two days, so you were limited to what you could do inside the boat. I'm very fortunate to have good sea legs, and I don't get sick or queasy...so for me, it's just life as normal, with a little more weaving back and forth when walking! But I noticed how much more empty the upper decks tend to be, and how many less people come to dinner, so it definitely affects a lot of folks much worse. Most people on our ship just tended to gather on the lower decks near center - decks 2 & 3 have lower center of gravity and less movement, so all the bars and lounges around there were pretty full all day, with people listening to music, reading, chatting, or participating in ship activities.

[Hlitner]

On most cruises our favorite activity is simply sitting in a nice lounger chair and reading. When the seas are high it makes little difference to us. The highest seas we have been in were running about 40 - 45 feet when we got caught in Hurricane Bob on the old Meridian. About 4 years ago we were on a RCI crusie from MIA to Amsterdam that had 3 straight days when the seas were never below 30 feet and the only bummer was that they could not fill the pools or hot tubs. On the 4th day the seas calmed down to about 25 feet and they tried to fill the indoor pool. It was interesting to see 10 foot waves in a swimming pool (it was quickly emptied). One nice thing about the high seas was that none of the venues were crowded (guess many passengers were sick in their cabins) so it was easy to get chairs at the indoor pool and no lines in the buffets.

Hank

[SwissMyst]

...... The highest seas we have been in were running about 40 - 45 feet when we got caught in Hurricane Bob on the old Meridian. .........
Hank

The old Meridian -- you mean my old Galileo Galilei that got converted into suites and started Celebrity Cruise lines?:D

I sailed her through some really high waves too across the Pacific (poor name for the ocean on that trip) on one of her round-the-world trips down to Austraila and back, shortly before she went out of commission as a passenger ship and got all glammed up as all suites back in the late 1970's, early 80's.

I remember seeing waves which I swore were as tall as the ship as we moved through troughs that night. I was young then and thought it was wild fun. Now the Inside Passage can make me queasy and I spent about two weeks done in totally on a recent passage through the Mozambique Straights which is exceptionally turbulent and swirling apparently all the time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Having very bad knees -- we stay in the cabin most of the time -- I stay on the sofa so that I can see out the doors and windows. We do go out for meals -- I hang onto everything to get to the dining room safely.

Rarely do any activities during that time.

The pools have been drained as well as the hot tubs.

The doors to the outside decks are blocked off -- announcements were made not to go out onto the outside decks. One time most of the verandah furniture was moved inside.

One time things were so bad that the elevators were taken down to the lowest level and tied off -- they were clanging against the walls. Everyone was ordered back to their cabins -- and second seating dinner was cancelled.

[HokiePoq]

Have been lucky on TAs...very placid spring crossings. Have never done a fall one, though.
Worst we've been through was on the Veendam in early December 2007 when we skirted a tropical storm that had been devastating in the Dominican Republic. Pools were emptied, show curtailed, shelves fell in liquor store, barf bags everywhere. We went to bed early and by morning we were in Cozemel with most of the excursions canceled due to high seas. Never got to see the Mayan ruins we booked the cruise for...learned a lesson on that one. Don't wait until last port to schedule what you wanted to see most.

[Cruz'n Couple]

Volendam this past May had 40-45 foot waves (according to Captain) while crossing the Bering Sea. Lots were in their cabins, and room service was doing a "land office business" but we continued to go about our regular daily activities. Learned one valuable lesson, though, and that is that we both need a cane, not just one between the two of us. Held onto lots of railings, furniture, and still had a wild ride, but we managed it! Never missed a meal!

Will admit that I saw one HUGE wave coming "in" while seated in the MDR, and DH still laughs about the expression on my face. At that point, lots of MDR silverware, etc. hit the floor!

Was an experience we will never forget, but we fared quite well, considering our ages, etc.

[jewels89]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?

Facing a trans-atlantic in a few weeks so you never know. Love to hear others experiences and here is were useful tips are going to be very, very, very useful. Thanks.

I had the pleasure of doing a TA from FLL to Barcelona this past May, before that I had always done Caribbean cruises, so I was a bit worried about the crossing. I have to tell you, that other than it being a little windy on the crossing, the ship didnt rock near as much as I thought it would. I have had bigger swells while sailing the Caribbean! So relax, take some ginger gravol (a life saver, and it doesnt make you drowsy), and just ENJOY it, pulling into European ports is one of the most beautiful things about the crosing! :)

[RedmondCruiser]

Went threw part of hurricane Noel on the Maasdam. Went to the crows nest - got a lounge chair in front and started ordering bloody marys. Had a great day. ---- with 20+ foot waves I thought that the main dining room would be empty but it was full for dinner. Only bad thing is that we missed St Marteen due to our slow speed. All doors to the outside decks are posted with beware signs.

[Boytjie]

One time most of the verandah furniture was moved inside.

Where do they put it - inside the cabin or do they store it elsewhere?

[Harley57]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

[RuthC]

Will admit that I saw one HUGE wave coming "in" while seated in the MDR, and DH still laughs about the expression on my face. At that point, lots of MDR silverware, etc. hit the floor!
I well remember "the wave" when not only the silverware, but the glassware, dishes, and passengers fell to the dining room floor. People were toppled in their chairs.
Oh, what a night. :eek:

[innlady1]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

Any form of ginger will do. I bring along ginger capsules or tablets. The Yum Yum Man usually hands out candied ginger after dinner. I also pack a few ginger tea bags. I enjoy it anyway...and it's wonderful for an uspet stomach.

[startwin]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

I have purchased ginger candy from the health food store for my DH and he says it really helps. He takes nothing else, and we have gone through some pretty wild storms with huge swells. I think on our last cruise we found out we are very good sailors:D Life went on as usual onboard, though lots of empty tables in the MDR, and the outside decks were closed. A couple of the inner glass doors became casualties when some pax decided to open the outside doors to the deck in spite of the notices and cordon across the doors. All loungers were stacked in a corner of the lido deck and the pools and hottubs were emptied. The elevators were stopped at the lowest deck, and you had to be really careful taking the stairs, just holding on at all times.

[Boytjie]

I get some chewy ginger candy in Chinatown similar to this:

http://www.popus.com/store/images/F-04015big.jpg


http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/3084_cYyczp4U_c.jpg

[fann1sh]

Harley57 - another comment on ginger. Chinese ginger drink? One brand is Gold Kili (see Amazon if you find it no where else. I buy at a local Chinese restuarant.) It's not a tea which you steep. More like instant coffee: powder/crystals, add hot or cold water.

My best friend is using it to get her through chemo. She takes small sips over a long period of time.

Sometimes that doesn't work fast enough for me. So I also pack ginger root capsules (500+ mg) Buy them at a drug store of food supplement store like GNC. Also available on Amazon. Many good brands, but the bottle I'm looking at as I type this is Nature's Way.

[ASIWISH]

I usually just throw up....

[dpump]

The only time I've sailed on Holland (we're booked 1/2012 for our second trip), we had some huge waves. It was formal night and as we were sitting there, a gal in her gown tried running to the restroom and didn't make it..............hurled in the middle of the dining room. At our table were 3 pre-teen, teen (obviously bored) boys with their parents......you can only imagine the comments that were being made.....still chuckle over the entire incident. When the waves are bad, we just go w/the flow. Lay low, take our nondrowsey Dramamine when needed.

[Harley57]

Thanks to all for the great suggestions! DS is prone to queasiness in high seas. We ran into 23ft swells on our 2006 Alaska Inside Passage cruise. He took Bonine, fell asleep and the seas calmed by mid morning the next day. But I like to be prepared. Thanks again!

[SwissMyst]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

I get a small tub of crystallized ginger chunks at my local "organic" produce store. Look for "health food" stores or a Trader Joes/Whole Foods type chain.. I find them very tasty and I eat a few every few hours when I return to my cabin. The ones I like are about 3/4 inch square and dry to the touch, but not dried ginger - it is crystalized with a nice coating of some sugar crystals still on the sides. Not overly sweet.

I also take the Bonine at night and start, as required, 24 hours ahead of embarkation - it needs to be already in your system before you need it (whether you know you need it or not).

Then I will also pick up a few pieces of HAL's candied ginger from the Yum Yum man but that is more sticky and drippy, but also very good.

I have purchased some ginger candy which is quite popular in Asia and also very good, but not sure there is enough ginger in it to make a difference for these quasi-therapeutic needs. Ginger capsules don't work for me - too strong and burn my stomach.

Bonine appears to be for the inner ear issues and the ginger is more for the nausea issues which both usually come together in a good case of mal de mer.

[NMLady]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?

Facing a trans-atlantic in a few weeks so you never know. Love to hear others experiences and here is were useful tips are going to be very, very, very useful. Thanks.

We've made 5 transatlantics, with three of them at this time of the year.
We've been really blessed with not having high seas, just some small choppy ones. I always take a ginger capsule daily, have the steward keep our cabin supplied with green apples, have the Yum Yum man give me a candied ginger after dinner, and I have a supply of meclizine (generic Bonine) if needed. I also eat saltine crackers from the buffet if my tummy starts to be upset.

I"ve never experienced those high seas. Here's hoping you don't either.

[SwissMyst]

When they close the MDR for a major meal and request people return to their cabins, how do they handle food service for those who still want to eat?

Does this not overwhelm room service, or it is just a protracted normal meal delivery using the dining room staff and what was going to be prepared for that night's dinner anyway?

Do they just come down the halls with carts of food like the airlines?:o

[Y's Owl]

The worst seas for me was on my first cruise on the Rotterdam in 1993. We were off the coast of Mexico, and there were 40-50 mph winds. The rough seas started over night and were around until about 4 PM. My cabin on the Main Deck was normally about 3 floors up from the water line, but on this day, the water was consistently flowing over my porthole.

Most passengers just felt sleepy and were staying in bed. I heard later that even the crew was having trouble dealing with sea sickness so they cancelled room service too. At one point, I thought maybe a nice bath in the large bathtub I had on the old ship would do the trick and it was for a bit. I could sort of float in the tub and get a little relief from the rocking and rolling. But eventually, the sewer line backed up into the tub and the water turned gray, so I had to make a quick retreat after a quick shower. I went back to bed and slept some more and when things died down, I ventured up to the Lido. The only thing open was the Ice Cream station, which was fine by me. It was the one day though that I wished I had early dining because I was pretty hungry by dinner time despite my Ice Cream banquet.

[Duck Duck Cruise]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

I use Ginger caps before I get on the ship. I pop two ever few hours or when I begin to feel a little woozie. I also bring along ginger chew candy and make sure it has the most amount of ginger in it I can find. Tea also works well, but it is easier to carry the candy and caps in my pockets.

The really work. Make sure you eat because if you just have a stomach full of liquid you will slosh along with the ship!

[mrsltg]

Wherever I am, I try to keep an eye on the horizon! I take my motion sickness pills and sip a diet coke. My husband, on the other hand, LOVES the opportunity to walk around hale and hearty. I enjoy a little more of my favorite color - green!

[SwissMyst]

The worst seas for me was on my first cruise on the Rotterdam in 1993. We were off the coast of Mexico, and there were 40-50 mph winds. The rough seas started over night and were around until about 4 PM. My cabin on the Main Deck was normally about 3 floors up from the water line, but on this day, the water was consistently flowing over my porthole.

Most passengers just felt sleepy and were staying in bed. I heard later that even the crew was having trouble dealing with sea sickness so they cancelled room service too. At one point, I thought maybe a nice bath in the large bathtub I had on the old ship would do the trick and it was for a bit. I could sort of float in the tub and get a little relief from the rocking and rolling. But eventually, the sewer line backed up into the tub and the water turned gray, so I had to make a quick retreat after a quick shower. I went back to bed and slept some more and when things died down, I ventured up to the Lido. The only thing open was the Ice Cream station, which was fine by me. It was the one day though that I wished I had early dining because I was pretty hungry by dinner time despite my Ice Cream banquet.

What a great story! Thanks. That one is going to be hard to beat.

[buckirj1]

Once the waves get to a certain point, nothing works but Bonine and bed. Fortunately, I've never sailed in very rough seas that lasted more than a day or so.

[fleckle]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. That's when I go for the heavy artillery, the Relief Bands with the batteries. They get me through any kind of seas. What I like is that I can put them on if I start to feel queasy and within 10 minutes I am feeling fine.

I am one of those who can sit and enjoy a full meal on nights when the dining room is 3/4 empty, there are barf bags all around the ship and all the shows have been canceled.
(And I was one of those kids who always got carsick when I was young.)

For typical mild to medium rough seas, the regular seabands work well enough for me. The trick is to get the button positioned at the right spot on the inner wrist, which can vary somewhat from one person to another and may be hard to detect.

I try to avoid taking anything internal or medicinal that can mess up my head or stomach. Meclizine (bonine) will relieve seasickness, but I dislike the fuzzy-headed brain-fogged feeling it gives me.
Dramamine puts me right to sleep.
Tried the patch once and got terrible side effects from it.

Some people are more sensitive to medicinal or internal treatments than others. For each person, it is a matter of finding what works best for you.

As for stuff shifting around in the cabin and drawers sliding open and closed, that's where the duct tape comes in handy.

P.S. People should also be aware of the usual caution to check with your doctor before trying anything internal because it might cause problems in combination with other medications you take.

[YlangYlangF9PB3E]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?

Facing a trans-atlantic in a few weeks so you never know. Love to hear others experiences and here is were useful tips are going to be very, very, very useful. Thanks.

We were on a transatlantic cruise exactly a year ago, 10/23 through 11/6. The seas were smooth as glass the entire time, until we got into the Bahamas on the last day, and even then, not too bad. Perfect weather -- I wish for you!

[Goldiedog]

Quick question... I've seen several posters on various threads mention taking ginger for mal de mer. Do you use ginger capsules? Ginger candy? Or?? And where can I buy this?? Thanks!!

Ginger tablets from health food shops.

[Typhoon1]

Leave the cabin as little as possible.

[SwissMyst]

We were on a transatlantic cruise exactly a year ago, 10/23 through 11/6. The seas were smooth as glass the entire time, until we got into the Bahamas on the last day, and even then, not too bad. Perfect weather -- I wish for you!


Wow, is that encouraging! Now ....if only ...... three weeks and counting.:D

[sansterre]

The Front Desk will have a seemingly endless supply of green apples and saltines if there are strong winds or heavy seas. If so, I take a couple of each to have with me. I've never been seasick on a HAL cruise (only on small boats in the past). But I like having a saltine handy just in case I need them. Saltines always seemed to work the best for me in the past.
I also agree that it helps to look at the horizon.

[ryndam]

I go straight up to the Crows Nest, hang on to a support post and take pictures of the waves crashing over the bow. Got some great pics on our very bumpy TA crossing on the Rotterdam last May, until the movement became so pronounced that the ship's officers closed the Crows Nest for everyone's safety. (It was really moving up there!)

[SwissMyst]

I go straight up to the Crows Nest, hang on to a support post and take pictures of the waves crashing over the bow. Got some great pics on our very bumpy TA crossing on the Rotterdam last May, until the movement became so pronounced that the ship's officers closed the Crows Nest for everyone's safety. (It was really moving up there!)

Can you post these photos or give us a link - great tip to go to the Crows Nest for the birdseye view. I will pass that on to DH to venture up there, while I am clinging to the sides of the cabin waiting for room service to deliver their "High Seas" menu. :p

[Himself]

From another thread, aliaschief was talking about being in 29 foot seas.

What do other passengers do when facing those three-story walls of water. Shipboard life as usual? Lay low in your cabin. Go to meals as normal? Do you even want to eat? Do they lock the promenade deck doors?

Facing a trans-atlantic in a few weeks so you never know. Love to hear others experiences and here is were useful tips are going to be very, very, very useful. Thanks.

I pray and I also don't go out on the Promenade deck to walk laps.

[mudscraper]

I pray and I also don't go out on the Promenade deck to walk laps.
Next time let`s pray for calm seas BEFORE the rough waters arrive. JMO.

[Caribbean Chris]

Gin-Gin brand makes a variety of products including double strength chews. Look for yellow or green packages with cartoon ginger people, sold in health food stores.

Patches can cause problems for some. I knew of one woman who hallucinated, left her QE2 stateroom in her nightgown and wandered through the ship..thrashed around, fell and broke an arm.

We were on a Transatlantic once on Royal Viking Line when there were 22 foot seas (small ship compared to today's vessels, with 700 passengers.) We were up in the aft lounge having early riser's coffee alone when a big wave hit. Watched two quick-acting stewards grab huge, heavy silver coffee urns with sterno flames underneath, just before they were about to slide off the serving table along with the smashed china coffee cups, crystal ashtrays etc that ended up on the carpet. Big mess but could have been worse.

[Tredebo]

Crossing Bass Strait on the Empress of Australia in 1983, we were caught in a force 8 gale going back to Melbourne. Poor old Empress pitched and rolled like a conductor's baton. We had fun (young and silly) but there were lots of green people running for bathrooms. Husband tried to open a door to the outer deck up high (no signs to the contrary) and the pressure on the door from outside may as well have been a lock. The seas looked angry but not intimidating like some of the stories here. Very few in the dining room for breakfast next morning. To compensate for the late arrival, the Captain invited parents with school age kids up on to the bridge. I "borrowed" one lady's second child to go up. ;) Good memories.

[Globaliser]

Personally, there are two things I love.

One: Going to the Crows Nest (or any similar position on other ships). In fact, there was one cruise on a Princess ship where the buffet was at the front of the topmost interior deck, so I could tuck in to a hearty breakfast in the middle of that Force 10/11 storm.

Two: If allowed, and if there's a salt water pool on the ship: Float in the water lying on my back in the middle of the pool, watching the ship pitch and roll around me.

[SwissMyst]

My previous very high seas adventure in 1977 also took place after leaving Australia somewhere in the Pacific Ocean on the Galileo Galilei. I had thought ship travel was safer than air travel because in case of a problem I knew I could swim; whereas there was no way I could fly.

When I went out on the deck that dark and stormy night and watched us go up and down and in and out of deep water troughs that I swear I remember being taller than the ship, I reconsidered whether I would be able to swim away from sea troubles.

Looking back on that I also realized I was a crazy fool to be outside and climbing those narrow wet steps to the upper decks in that sloshing sea and howling winds. The one thing I clearly remember was not even having a hint of sea sickness then; then is not now. Now I am all Bonine and ginger.

[Boytjie]

Two: If allowed, and if there's a salt water pool on the ship: Float in the water lying on my back in the middle of the pool, watching the ship pitch and roll around me.

When we have had some rough seas (not as bad as some have described here) and the pools are usually closed (often covered by nets). With the water sloshing around as much I have seen I would think it is very dangerous to be tossed around in a pool. At times the waves looked as if one could body surf it.

[Globaliser]

When we have had some rough seas (not as bad as some have described here) and the pools are usually closed (often covered by nets). With the water sloshing around as much I have seen I would think it is very dangerous to be tossed around in a pool. At times the waves looked as if one could body surf it.You certainly don't want to be near the edge of the pool, and you need to be very alert about where you are in relation to it. But if you're floating near the middle of the pool, the water is usually actually pretty still - and it's a very interesting experience.

But my experience is normally the same as yours: at the first hint of rough weather, everyone's thrown out and you're not allowed to do this.

[zackiedawg]

What a great story! Thanks. That one is going to be hard to beat.

I know of at least one group of cruise passengers who can beat that story - and on the same ship, Rotterdam!

Look up Sep 14, 2004 Rotterdam transatlantic. My mother was on that one. London to NY, met with hurricane Karl in the north Atlantic, AVERAGE seas 60 feet, with rogues as high as 100...and the ship lost engines and power, spending 6 hours getting thrown in every direction, not being able to keep bow into the waves. Taking 60 footers to broadside is not the way ships like to be treated! Passengers had to sit or lay on the ground in hallways along with crew, while glass shattered, furniture slid from one side to the other, racks and slot machines broke away and fell, bars emptied their contents, grand pianos rolled across lounges, cabins became tossed like laundry machines, and dozens were hurt, some seriously.

Now THAT'S some ugly high seas!

[AlohaPride]

Just the topic of this thread brought a HUGE smile to my face.

We hit a huge storm (gale force winds 3, 39' waves with a few closer to 50') off the Carolinas on our very first cruise on the Noordam. We had advance warning, so both Keaka and I took 2 Bonine the night before.

IT. WAS. OUR. BEST. DAY. AT. SEA!!! We had so much fun!!

Of course, the pools were all closed and you couldn't go to the promenade. So we hung out in the Lido watching the waves. One hit us and made all the pasta spill, the glass cups by the coffee and tea broke, the plastic ketchup containers were all over the place. I've attached a picture of my husband eating ice cream right after a 47 foot wave hit and all the cups fell. We were having such a blast we ended up in the Crow's Nest. We really liked it when the captain would announce how big that last wave was when a really large one would hit. Some of the waves were taller than the crow's nest. It was scare and exhilarating all at the same time. Hardly anyone showed up for dinner, even though by then the worst was over.

The crew handled it well. They placed vomit bags by all the elevators and all the hand sanitizing stations. After a few hours, the bags were all gone.

[bepsf]

IMO, the Ocean Bar is the best place to hang out...
...It's fairly low, the views are still quite good, and the entertainment/cruise staff seem to gravitate there before curfew when the seas are rough.

[Joy R]

What a great story! Thanks. That one is going to be hard to beat.

Our experience was also off the coast of Mexico, a couple of years ago. We had been warned of rough seas to come that evening, but fortunately the real rocking and rolling didn't start till about midnight, when most people were in bed - probably the best place to be.

We didn't get a lot of sleep that night, as the ship was really pitching and tossing, then at about 6 in the morning my DH went into the bathroom, just then there was a crash and the whole ship shuddered - very scary! A few minutes later we heard the Captain make an announcement, but I didn't hear it properly so I called out: "What did he say?". "Just a minute", came the reply from my better half, and then he walked out of the bathroom wearing his lifejacket over his pyjamas!

Luckily I know him, so I just started laughing. Apparently we had hit what is known as a "rogue wave". After that the sea began to calm down and by the afternoon it was all normal. We went on down the coast of South America and round the Horn, where the sea was like a millpond!

[dpump]

Our experience was also off the coast of Mexico, a couple of years ago. We had been warned of rough seas to come that evening, but fortunately the real rocking and rolling didn't start till about midnight, when most people were in bed - probably the best place to be.

We didn't get a lot of sleep that night, as the ship was really pitching and tossing, then at about 6 in the morning my DH went into the bathroom, just then there was a crash and the whole ship shuddered - very scary! A few minutes later we heard the Captain make an announcement, but I didn't hear it properly so I called out: "What did he say?". "Just a minute", came the reply from my better half, and then he walked out of the bathroom wearing his lifejacket over his pyjamas!

Luckily I know him, so I just started laughing. Apparently we had hit what is known as a "rogue wave". After that the sea began to calm down and by the afternoon it was all normal. We went on down the coast of South America and round the Horn, where the sea was like a millpond!


Joy-
Was that the Star Princess, LA to Santiago? Sure sounds like our experience two years ago (late Nov-early Dec). We had our sliding glass doors opened and I was dreaming (or thought I was) about someone vacuuming in my cabin-it was the wind howling in our cabin. Learned our lesson!

[jimmy2x]

I know of at least one group of cruise passengers who can beat that story - and on the same ship, Rotterdam!

Look up Sep 14, 2004 Rotterdam transatlantic. My mother was on that one. London to NY, met with hurricane Karl in the north Atlantic, AVERAGE seas 60 feet, with rogues as high as 100...and the ship lost engines and power, spending 6 hours getting thrown in every direction, not being able to keep bow into the waves. Taking 60 footers to broadside is not the way ships like to be treated! Passengers had to sit or lay on the ground in hallways along with crew, while glass shattered, furniture slid from one side to the other, racks and slot machines broke away and fell, bars emptied their contents, grand pianos rolled across lounges, cabins became tossed like laundry machines, and dozens were hurt, some seriously.

Now THAT'S some ugly high seas!

You are right about that! 60'+ seas are nothing to joke about. In 1972 I was stationed aboard the USS Oriskany (aircraft carrier). We had been operating in the South China Sea when a massive typhoon came at us. I recall seeing green water crashing over the flight deck which is 60' above the surface. We were definitely rockin' and rollin' and, of course, there was no such thing as stabilizers.

I remember clearly standing out at the fantail (hanger deck, stern). Every time the stern dipped all you could see was greenish black water above you and when the stern rose all you could see was black sky - and this was in the daytime!

[RuthC]

I know of at least one group of cruise passengers who can beat that story - and on the same ship, Rotterdam!

Look up Sep 14, 2004 Rotterdam transatlantic. My mother was on that one. London to NY, met with hurricane Karl in the north Atlantic, AVERAGE seas 60 feet, with rogues as high as 100...and the ship lost engines and power, spending 6 hours getting thrown in every direction, not being able to keep bow into the waves. Taking 60 footers to broadside is not the way ships like to be treated! Passengers had to sit or lay on the ground in hallways along with crew, while glass shattered, furniture slid from one side to the other, racks and slot machines broke away and fell, bars emptied their contents, grand pianos rolled across lounges, cabins became tossed like laundry machines, and dozens were hurt, some seriously.

Now THAT'S some ugly high seas!
I missed that one by a couple of weeks. It beat the storm the year before by a long shot. We had 38 consecutive hours of 45' seas. With "The Wave" coming in at 80'.

But I have the pictures of your storm. What a mess.
Being without power was a very, very dangerous situation. The Rotterdam, and the people aboard that night, were fortuante indeed.

[ASIWISH]

I missed that one by a couple of weeks. It beat the storm the year before by a long shot. We had 38 consecutive hours of 45' seas. With "The Wave" coming in at 80'.

But I have the pictures of your storm. What a mess.
Being without power was a very, very dangerous situation. The Rotterdam, and the people aboard that night, were fortuante indeed.

... that's nothing...! I once suggested on these boards that HAL consider a Weight Watchers station at the Lido.. I BARELY MADE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT, EITHER!!!:D:D

Seriously, I remember 20 foot seas out of New York in 2008 and CAN'T IMAGINE ANYTHING WORSE!!!!

Glad you made it back!

[Joy R]

Joy-
Was that the Star Princess, LA to Santiago? Sure sounds like our experience two years ago (late Nov-early Dec). We had our sliding glass doors opened and I was dreaming (or thought I was) about someone vacuuming in my cabin-it was the wind howling in our cabin. Learned our lesson!

Yes, it was that cruise, and after that storm the seas were really good to us. It was a wonderful cruise, we carried on all the way to Rio. What an experience!

[donaldsc]

If they let me out, go out on the deck, get as far forward as possilbe, take my waterproof camera, and have a blast.

DON

[zackiedawg]

I missed that one by a couple of weeks. It beat the storm the year before by a long shot. We had 38 consecutive hours of 45' seas. With "The Wave" coming in at 80'.

But I have the pictures of your storm. What a mess.
Being without power was a very, very dangerous situation. The Rotterdam, and the people aboard that night, were fortuante indeed.

That Rotterdam incident was actually the thing that brought me to CC, back in 2004 - I had been looking for info on the cruise as I knew my parents were on it, and found this message board through searching - shortly after I managed to get a call from my parents at the first port (Nova Scotia I think) and got the scoop - and realized here on the boards was still all speculation and questions. So I became a member to share the full news. A few weeks later, I posted their photos from the ship in a seperate thread (I don't have them hosted online anymore), which was a bit hit, since so many had wanted to see the damage and see how Rotterdam faired.

So I must give credit to Hurricane Karl for bringing me to the CC boards!

[RuthC]

So I became a member to share the full news. A few weeks later, I posted their photos from the ship in a seperate thread (I don't have them hosted online anymore), which was a bit hit, since so many had wanted to see the damage and see how Rotterdam faired.

So I must give credit to Hurricane Karl for bringing me to the CC boards!
Then I'm guessing you are the source of my copies of the photos. I truly didn't remember where I got them, other than guessing it was a right-click off your site?

Thanks for sharing the pics. They roll by in my screen saver every few minutes. I still get a thrill every time.

[scamper]

March 12, 1993 on board the SS Norway (former transatlantic liner France) off the coast of Florida. The ship was listing slightly after dinner. I was in the casino watching the play at the craps table and decided to walk out on deck to see what was causing the list. I walked onto the starboard side and saw whitecaps, but I couldn't tell how high the waves were in the dark. I walked aft to the end of the superstructure and was nearly blown across the deck by the wind. The ship wasn't pitching or rolling, just listing a bit to starboard. We didn't find out until the following day when we docked in Miami that we had had a taste of the "storm of the century." http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/arch/cases/930312/home.rxml

[dpump]

Yes, it was that cruise, and after that storm the seas were really good to us. It was a wonderful cruise, we carried on all the way to Rio. What an experience!

Yes, it was great. We took the side trip to the Galapagos Islands. That was my husbands first big cruise (we've done river cruises), Mr ' i won't enjoy myself' had a wonderful time and is a big cruise enthusiast now.

[jakkojakko]

Images from that storm ruth. Taken from the thread in 2004.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2314&d=1096616365

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2315&d=1096629686

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2317&d=1096629842

Interesting read about that storm:


http://messages.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=84410&highlight=rotterdam

[RuthC]

I have those pictures, and several more. They were from the storm in '03, coming from Nuuk to Prins Christian Sund.
The equipment seen breaking lose in the third picture flew up and dented the superstructure. :eek:
I was on that cruise.

It was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride to the max.

[Kween Karen]

sorry...wrong thread....ooops!

[zackiedawg]

Yeah, that was a different one. Huge seas indeed - but at least the ship has its bow into the waves. The 04 incident was quite a bit more treacherous, since without power the ship couldn't orient itself to take the waves on the bow. Most of the pics I had posted were of inside the ship - broken glass windows, pianos upside down, bars emptied of bottles, etc.

[Robin7]

On the Volendam from New Zealand to Australia in 2008. 15-20 foot seas with an occassional larger one in the sequence, according to the Captain. We had 70mph winds too. It was quite a ride! We were in the MDR when it got really bad, and soon it was a ghost town. Stuff was crashing everywhere. Even our dining room steward was popping Bonine! "I've never been in the Tasmanian Sea before!" Neither had we, Albert! I did not get sick which was a HUGE surprise. The cast show was cancelled, and a juggler/comedian was substituted. (He was hilarious. Even funnier in high seas, I think.) There were very few people there. It was an adventure!

We knew it was going to be bad earlier when we went out on the small back deck on Deck 7 and saw this:


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mkCPYXTeH3U/SQvqvm8EFTI/AAAAAAAAAHk/1Crs7Gy91UQ/s320/Bench.jpg

We'd do it again tomorrow! (Call us weird.)

Robin

[GatorV]

On the old Noordam , mid 90's coming back to Tamp from Mexico, we were in the tail end of a hurricane (early Nov)that that was thought to be on the way out....

30 ft seas, elevators banging, Bonine was my friend that night and rolling around (not on my own) in bed was the norm...decided to watch the movie..TITANIC, almost died laugning. it was on and off in a flash, out i went to watch the horizon and feel the wind...best cure in the world:p

[RuthC]

The 04 incident was quite a bit more treacherous, since without power the ship couldn't orient itself to take the waves on the bow.
So very true. The wrong wave at the wrong angle, and it could have been a real life Poseidon Adventure. I heard from a source who heard from a source that there was a great deal of worry going on up on the bridge. Everyone on board that cruise was fortunate that power was restored when it was.

[Copper10-8]

This is what a cruise ship without power in a storm at sea looks like, Footage taken by a Spanish Air Force SAR helicopter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hUqt2acbm8

This is the 24,391 GRT Voyager, born Olympic/Olympia Voyager of now defunct Greek Royal Olympic Cruises, at the time of this incident sailing for Spain's tour operator Viajes Iberojet Cruceros.

On 14 FEB 2005, while sailing from Tunis, Tunesia to Barcelona, Spain, she was caught in a severe storm in the western Mediterranean, about 60 miles from Menorca in the Spanish Balearic islands. A 46' wave breached a bridge window and damaged her electrical control systems. This resulted in a temporary loss of propulsion.

Her crew was able to eventually restart both engines and Voyager sailed to Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia for repairs. No major injuries were reported however, several of her 700+ passengers suffered bruises from being thrown around

http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/3/4/9/138943.jpg

http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/7/7/4/1429477.jpg

[Viesczy]

Enjoy the ride! Nature's rollercoaster there baby! \m/ :D \m/

I've never been in a 29' sea. Highest sea I've been in was 18-21' IIRC, it was a rollicking good time for those with strong sea legs.

Derek

[PalmBeachMom]

The ship's infirmary has very good seasickness pills. If you are worried, get a few BEFORE you need them. All of the officers use them when necessary.
My sea legs are pretty good, but I am usually in a cabin in the bow of the ship and if the ship is heaving, I take one for good measure!

[Teresa Price]

Cry!