Eris0303

I love my QueasyBeads. When you wear traditional Sealand it's like advertising that you're seasick. These just look like pretty bracelets :)

I also use a lanyard/holder set. It find it so much easier than just slipping it in your pocket (especially since clothing designers seem to think ladies don't need pockets :confused:). I got mine off Etsy and have purchased others as gifts for friends and family.

I'm not prone to motion sickness but I did get sick on my first cruise. Now, I use Bonine and QueasyBeads. They're like Seabands but they're pretty and not as "in your face" about it. I felt a little self conscious with the seabands because they're so obvious. Everyone knows you're seasick. These just look like bracelets.

My mother is lactose intolerant and is very sensitive. Even the tiniest bit of dairy can make her sick - and that includes the lactic acid that is often used as an add-in for meats.

She sailed Princess and she did not get sick once on a ten day cruise. She had every meal on the ship and even celebrated her birthday with a cake made from fruit. So, I can attest that they do work very hard to make sure you get what you need.

Hi. I'm MelaMiah. I'm attempting to book our first family cruise at the last minute, no less.

 

We are planning to travel in a little more than two weeks. Probably to the Bahamas out of Jacksonville or Charleston for five days.

 

Not all of us have passports - will that be an issue?

 

We are a family of four, with two being 17 and 15. How do you know your room will accommodate 4? Everything I'm reading says 2 and sometimes 4. Is it better to book 2 rooms for this size group? I don't see much difference in the cost.

 

Any advice on booking last minute? Things to avoid, things to be aware of, most likely places to find these deals; on line or through a TA?

 

Thanks in advance for any insight. I feel like I will never be able to get it worked out in time. And we have no passports - will that be an issue?

Do I Need a Passport

*"Closed-Loop" Cruises: If you are a U.S. citizen, and you board a cruise ship at a U.S. port, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship, you may present government-issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

This information is from the government but I would call the cruise line to ask. Personally, I wouldn't cruise without a passport because of the reason stated above - you might be asked to show it in one of the countries you're traveling to. I was asked to show mine in Aruba once.

Regarding the room - on my last cruise I stayed in an inside cabin with three other women. Two twin beds, a sofa that turned into a bed, and a bed that folded out of the ceiling. It was a nightmare. We were constantly on top of each other and the woman who slept underneath the bed that folded out of the ceiling was constantly hitting her head.

I don't know you or your kids but it might be best to put them in one room and you and your SO in another. Everyone might be more relaxed that way.

I am sorry to say that most of the stuff on these lists you will never use and/or might use once.. A scale packed in your luggage?

Sure, I take one with me. It's not like anyone is packing a huge bathroom scale (if you are get ye'self to ebags.com). A small luggage scale is good to have if you're flying and plan on shopping. It helps avoid any unpleasant surprises when you get to the airport and your bags are weighed. If it'll save me an overweight fee then I'll pack the scale.

Green apples are supposed to help with sea sickness too. Look for them on the buffets and keep a few in your cabin.

Didn't do me a lick of good. In fact it was the apple that pushed me over the proverbial edge

Or maybe someone on your roll call can pick it up for you and you can pay them when you get there. ;)

Another good option. My roommate on my last cruise got to port a full day before me and picked me up some ginger ale

Unfortunately I live in Ireland and we don't have any of those stores here. I've looked locally and Bonine doesn't seem to be available here.:(

I'm assuming you're coming a day or two before embarkaration. If so I really recommend not stressing about not being able to find Bonine in Ireland. Wait until you get to the US and go to a grocery store/pharmacy/Walmart near your hotel. I'm sure there will be other people doing the same thing. Perhaps you could ask on your roll call here on CC to ask if anyone is planning on going and if you could tag along.

ive never been on a ship for a long period of time like this, but i love speed boats and etc. is a cruise different? like is there a chance i can get seasick or etc? if i do can i purchase meds onboard?[/QUOte]

 

Well, there's always a chance. I don't have a history of motion sickness but I still was sick the first two nights. When the earthquake hit Haiti a friend of mine was on a cruise and there were lots of people sick. Or a storm could hit. In a nutshell I would say be prepared. Yes, you can buy Dramamine or Bonine on board but it is much cheaper to buy it a grocery store/pharmacy/Walmart beforehand.

 

I ran out of contact lens fluid while on a cruise and a small bottle cost $12 on board. So, I would recommend getting any of that kind of stuff before your cruise. While you can find deals in the shops toiletries are not something you can save on.

No vertigo problems but he insisted that Betahistine would work :confused: but I don't want to be drowsy!!

 

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions! I have suffered dreadful travel sickness since childhood and have tried various remedies including Dramamine which I can no longer get. I usually end up with taking the pharmacists advice but I've never found a remedy that didn't make me zonk out!

 

I have bought my queasybeads - a lovely alternative to the usual travel sickness bands - and I have ginger pills but for some reason I can't get Dramamine or Bonine pills in Ireland - there's a brand called Stugeron which contains Cinnarizine :confused: so I'm trying to be as prepared as possible! :o

You could always see if there is a grocery or drug store near your hotel to get some Dramamine or Bonine.

I'm glad to hear you got some QueasyBeads. I have a feeling they're going to be a popular alternative.

My doctor didn't give me Scopoderm patches :(:( - instead he gave me betahistine - hope it works! Also searched high & low around town and couldn't get 32oz Foam Insulated Cups - and the postage from US was way too high!! :(

Betahistine? Do you have vertigo problems? Do you plan on taking that to ward off sea sickness? I thought nausea was a side effect of betahistine.

I'm no doctor but in my humble opinion is unless you have SEVERE motion sickness issues you're probably better off with OTC products like dramamine or bonine. Or holistic products like Sea Bands, QueasyBeads, Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, or ginger pills.

:rolleyes: Loving this thread !

 

 

About to go on my very first cruise in less than 2 weeks! Sudden "last minute" booking, Carnival ELATION out of NOLA ~

:DWHAT a lot of GREAT info on this Thread ! Love the notes about Post=its, Walkie-Talkies (I HAVE a set !), Shoe holders for storage, Zip lock Big Bags, and LOADS more!

I'm about half thru the thread going from TODAY backward - Newer info is better, for this First Timer !

Having known a person who was injured on a Central America trip and had to use MediVac - I KNOW that the insurance I just bought, via one of the advice threads, will help me feel more secure! That is a good thread, Trip Insurance or Not!

I will read and RE=Read this thread, to be sure I'm getting all the best and latest info, and MAKE my LIST, do the Santa thing, ck it TWICE (or more!)

THANKS You folks who've Been THERE, and Wished they'd HAD that ! LOL :D

 

Have fun on your first cruise - I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I know I've said this before but it's worth repeating - don't take every piece of advice as gospel. Really think about how you personally travel. I took so much stuff on my first cruise that was never used. I saw it here or on a packing list and thought it was a "necessity".

We bought a luggage scale too, and do use it. However, on one cruise a while back our cabin steward offered to weigh our bags for us. He said they all have access to luggage scales and will weigh your bags if asked. That option will allow us to weigh our bags with it at home, then not have to pack the scale and take along. ....just FYI.

That's a good tip - I had no idea! :)

if you use dryer sheets put one in a 13 gallon trash bag and throw it in your suitcase. it is great too put your dirty clothes in. nothing worse than wet dirty clothes too smell up a cabin or bag.

Hefty makes a 2.5 gallon zip lock that I really like. Good for personal items like socks or undies when they're dirty.

I just wanted to add that, in my personal opinion, a luggage scale is a smart buy. I got mine off ebags when they were having a 50% off/free shipping sale. Not only did it help when was I was packing for my trip but it was small enough for me to put in my carry on and use when I was packing to come home from the cruise.

You don't need to get a really expensive one but I do think it came in handy. Especially since I've been able to let people borrow it.

i like the warm vanilla sugar. especially in the winter time. my apartment has a wonderful smell like am baking something really good ;).

Yum :)

I'm probably taking linen or cotton on my next cruise. I'm in a quad and the "rule of thumb" is to always go with something neutral in shared spaces.

the wallflower is a great idea. i love the smell of the bath % body items.

Do you have a favorite scent? I lean towards Moonlight Path, Warm Vanilla Sugar, and Paris Amor

i forgot about the drink mixes and laundry detergent i didnt use :D. one thing i will always take is the small purse size spray can of cologne or odor out for the cabin bathroom. especially if there is more than one in the cabin. it keeps it fresh smelling.

The drink mixes at least weren't a waste of money as I do use them at work. :)

I also took a "wallflower" w/ a nightlight from Bath & Body Works last time. It was an inside cabin and my roomie was a little scared of the dark. So not only did it serve that purpose but it also freshened the room.

My one tip if you're going to try the "wallflower" route. Save the cap or it'll leak all over your suitcase when you go home.

there are so many wonderful and helpful lists here of what to bring and not to bring. when i went on my first cruise i took it to heart and brought duct tape, a bungee cord ( i did not have a balcony so why did i need that ), power stip, extra hangers, highliters,3 books ( i was so busy i did not even open one up too read it ) and enough batteries for my camera too last a month :eek:. i bet my bag weighed 5 extra lbs with all the extra stuff and WAY TOO MANY CLOTHES than what i needed that i stuffed in my bag. i have really pared down and only take a small carryon and my handbag that has lots of zippers and pockets for things i need too have with me at all times. it is up to each person how much they are going too need. but it is really true that you need too look at each item 2-3 times too know if you are really going too need it. but it sure is fun too find all the things you do need and want too take ;).

I brought the power strip and duct tape but they did end up being used. Things that were recommended that I did take and did not use were the drink mixes and laundry detergent. I brought an airfeshener but it didn't work out well. I took the kind that you slide on a shelf and it kept the closet door from closing. If I were to take one again I would just take one of the car ones.

As for the books - both my flight to the port and flight home were delayed. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had books with me lol

Just finished reading this entire thread!!! Got a nice checklist put together based on suggestions here. Looking forward to a great cruise in a few months.

 

Off topic: where do you all get your countdown tickers from? They're nice.:)

Look at each item you put on your list and think about how you personally travel. One person's necessity is another person's junk.

Count Down Clocks

I'd just like to add in that one must bring dial locks to keep your belongings safe

That sounds like just something else to carry to me. I'm assuming you mean the kind that have a combination and you usually see on high school gym lockers.

I don't see why that is a "must" though. The only reason I can think of having one is if you have more stuff that can fit in the safe and want to lock something in your suitcase in your cabin. But even then the TSA ones would be fine I would think.

keep photocopies of all important identification documents with you

I also recommend leaving a second set of copies with someone at home.

Think I saw it, from the big W as we call it?

 

I can't see why it would be removed as there are dozens of links in the cruise fashion type threads with links to here, there and everywhere for all the bargains we find.

Yeah, that's it. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. Just thought someone else could benefit from the information

I had a post here about the toothbrush holders with the suction cups but I guess it was deleted for advertising.

I've thought about starting a thread for people to post in regarding various sales (ie free shipping at various stores that sell travel items) or if we spot an item at a store ("I saw abc items and xyz store"). Just as a way to help other people. I don't want to break any rules though.

The only stupid question is the one unasked.