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Seasickness Can Be A Problem

By: Andrew Kramer

Modern cruise ships have dramatically lessened the problem of seasickness. Today’s larger ships slice through the waves instead of riding on top of them. Also, new technologies like stabilizers, which look like large underwater fins, and counterbalancing systems have greatly reduced any pitch and rolling motion of the ships, all but neutralizing the problem of seasickness. In addition, cruise ships use radar to help them steer clear or outrun bad weather and potential hurricanes.

Research shows that even in very rough weather, less than three percent of all cruise passengers experience any symptoms of seasickness. Women and children seem to be more prone to seasickness, while seniors are less susceptible. Some symptoms of seasickness are nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting. However, if you think you have a severe seasickness problem, you may want to book an inside cabin located on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship. This is the area of the ship where the least rocking motion is felt. If you are planning to book a trans-Atlantic cruise, it is possible that an ocean crossing may be rough at certain times during the year.

Seasickness happens when the brain receives conflicting messages which causes an imbalance in the receptors in the inner ear. When standing or walking on a moving surface a signal occurs in the brain saying something is wrong. These mixed signals can result in a feeling of dizziness, headache, clammy skin, nausea, and vomiting. As soon as the ship starts moving it is a good idea to go out on deck and walk around. Keep focusing your eyes on the horizon. Your knees may feel wobbly but keep walking as this will help you get your “sea legs”. Even the fresh sea breezes will help you feel better. And if you must eat, eat light. Until you are feeling better, do not eat a heavy meal as it will only make you feel worse.

Motion sickness doesn’t only occur on cruise ships. It can happen when you are in a car, bus, train, or on an airplane, anytime you are subjected to motion.

If needed, the ship’s doctor can prescribe medication such as Benadryl, Bonine, or Dramamine tablets that will treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, the worst symptoms of motion sickness. There is another very effective, physician prescribed, anti-seasickness product called Transderm Scop. It is a small patch that is placed behind each ear. These patches can lessen the effects of, or even prevent, motion sickness and should be worn at least eight hours before you cruise. The above drugs can cause a variety of side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. A drug free way to counteract seasickness is an acupuncture session. This treatment works well and is available on some ships that have a registered acupuncturist on board.

Sea-Bands, which apply a gentle pressure to the acupressure points on both your wrists also work well. They have been clinically tested to help provide relief from nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness when traveling, pregnancy, anesthesia, chemotherapy, and any condition that may induce vomiting. Smaller sized Sea-Bands are also available for children. They can be bought in drug stores and pharmacies as well as most travel oriented stores and do not require a prescription. They do not cause any side effects so can be used safely, again and again, whenever you feel nauseous. They can also be purchased online at Sea-Band.com, or at a number of stores in the United States, such as Brooks, Osco, K-Mart, Eckerd, Kerr Drug, Longs, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, CVS, Savon, Walgreens, and Walmart.

It is a good idea to see your family doctor before you depart on your cruise if you feel that you may be susceptible to seasickness. It’s better to get a prescription for seasickness medication from your physician and purchase any over-the-counter anti-motion products such as Transderm Scopolamine, Dramamine, Bonine, or Benadryl because even though you can get them onboard ship they will probably be more expensive. Another remedy that can work well for most passengers are ginger capsules. They are a great preventative measure, but are more effective if they’re taken before you sail. Their effectiveness lasts for approximately eight hours, and have been proven to help reduce or even eliminate the feeling of nausea.

Some words of caution. A health care professional such as a physician, or pharmacist should always be consulted about prescription drug dosages and their possible side effects. There also can be side effects caused by some drug combinations, even with over-the-counter medications.

Article Source: http://articles-mart.com

Dorothy Yamich has a passion for travel. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as traveled in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. She is a travel consultant and specializes in luxury cruises as well as vacation packages. To quickly find and book cheap cruises, at the best price possible, every time you feel like traveling, visit Travel Tips Guide, for more information. Check out Can Seasickness Be A Problem When You Take A Holiday On A Luxury Cruise Ship?

Top Cruise Destinations during the Spring Months

By: ShawnThomas

Spring is such a wonderful time of the year to get out of the house and enjoy a good vacation. The weather is usually mild and pleasant which means that there is room for plenty of outdoor activity – hiking, boating, sailing, biking, and even water sports. The spring months fall right after the hectic holiday season and right before the hot summer months when the kids gear up to take their summer breaks. Spring falls right in the middle, it is an ideal time of year to consider a cruise getaway.

While most people want to take a cruise to a tropical destination during the cold, harsh winter months, prices can really get you. The same goes for the summer months, when the kids are off from school and families try to do the annual summer family fling. The spring allows for you to get the best of both worlds: mild weather and mild prices for many top cruise destinations. But how do you know which destinations are the best for the spring months? This guide should help you set your sails in the right direction.

Caribbean Destinations

The Caribbean is a beautiful and incredible place to be, any time of the year. But in the spring, its idyllic beaches, warm waters, and swaying palm trees are just as beautiful as they are in the winter months but at half the price. Look for a cruise itinerary that takes you island hopping throughout the region. This will allow you to soak up the sun and experience as many islands as possible on your trip. Popular destinations include St. Lucia, Margarita, Barbados, and Jamaica.

Transatlantic Destinations

Who says that in the spring you have to stay on one side of the ocean? When it comes to taking a cruise, it is very much about the journey as well as the destination. A transatlantic cruise will allow you to experience a trip out to sea and some very exciting destinations once you reach them! Imagine enjoying wonderful spring weather with no sign of land on the horizon, watching the sun set over the majestic Atlantic ocean? Obviously the itinerary will depend on the cruise line, but you’ll have a chance to see locations such as Morocco, Bermuda, Brazil, Florida, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom all in one fell swoop.

Hawaiian Destinations

If you have never wanted to go to Hawaii, stop reading now! Seriously though, who hasn’t wanted to go to Hawaii at some point in their lives? The tropical state welcomes visitors with its unique natural beauty, active yet gentle volcanoes, and exotic flora with some glorious mountains in the backdrop. Hawaii, in the spring, is a haven of relaxation, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and exhilaration. The weather is perfect during the spring months to enjoy Hawaii in all of its glory.

Dutch Tulip Cruises

Many people will answer, “Tulip” when asked to come up with a flower they associate with the spring season. There is no place on earth more famous for its tulips than the Netherlands. If you want to escape the cabin fever that set in during the cold winter months, a bright, exciting spring cruise to the Dutch tulip country may be just what you need. Holland in the spring is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. A Dutch tulip river cruise will bring you through huge displays of tulips and other gorgeous spring bulb flowers which are simply breathtaking.

As long as you do a little research before setting sail on a spring cruise, you should have the time of your life at a fraction of the cost. In today’s waxing and waning economy it makes complete sense to bargain hunt for vacations just as you would other major purchases such as a home, computer, or car. A spring cruise is definitely a bargain but with high rewards. Often, the cruises take you to great destinations but without all the crowds of tourists.

If you are considering taking a cruise during the spring months, talk to your travel agent. He or she will be able to tailor a cruise itinerary that works best for you, your family, and your budget. Go to your travel agent with a little research behind you and with a list of questions of which popular spring cruise destinations are the most affordable and when, and what activities would be made available to you. Happy cruising! Happy Spring!

Article Source: http://articles-mart.com

Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer and blogger, who writes content about utilizing cruise deals.

Preparing for your Cruise

By: LisaParker1

So, you’ve finally booked that once-in-a-lifetime cruise! Congratulations! You are about to embark on an adventure that you will remember forever. However, you want those memories to be positive ones. After all, who wants to remember the hours they spent arguing at a local consulate to get a replacement for your lost passport or hunting for a pharmacy that can refill a needed prescription? Fortunately, you can avoid these situations by planning ahead and following these 10 important steps to prepare for your cruise.

Apply for your passport early

If your cruise will be taking you to a foreign country, you will need a passport. If you have never had a passport before, it can take up to three weeks to process your application for a passport. Even expedited passports will take up to two weeks. If this is your first time applying for a passport, or if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago or before you were age 16, you’ll have to apply in person at a Regional Acceptance Office or local Passport Agency. If you are not sure if you need a passport you can check online. Also, it is important to remember that even if you are traveling through a foreign country, even if your final destination is a U.S. state or territory, you may still need a passport.

Make a copy of the front page of your passport when you get it

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re on your cruise, it will be much easier to get it replaced if you can provide the details on the front page of your passport to the local American consulate. Make several copies of that, and while you’re at it, copy the front and back of any credit cards that you plan to take with you as well as of your license and other important identification. Leave one copy at home with someone you trust, carry one set of copies in your travel/carry-on bag and, if possible, have a third set stored in the safe of the cruise ship.

Pre-book your shore excursions

You most likely will get a booklet from your cruise company after you book your cruise. Look through it and follow instructions to book space on any shore trips you want to take. By booking ahead, you can avoid long waiting in lines to get tickets for shore trips and other fun events. You can also pre-book spa treatments and appointments.

Check your airline tickets.

If you are buying airline tickets separately from your cruise package, double-check your airline reservations to make sure everything is correct, including the name on your ticket. If it does not match your ID, you may not be allowed to board the plane. It’s far better to correct things in advance than to be stuck at the airport on the day of your cruise.

Arrange for house-sitting, pet boarding and/or child care

Make arrangements to board your pets and find a sitter for your house and children at least a month in advance of your cruise.

Check your health insurance and buy travel insurance

What happens if you get sick or are injured overseas? Will your health insurance company cover you? While your regular health insurance may cover some overseas charges, you definitely should pay for a travel insurance policy. A good travel insurance policy will cover expenses that you probably won’t consider, such as the cost of getting home with medical care if you should fall ill while overseas.

Get backup prescription eyeglasses and medication

Imagine being on a scenic sightseeing cruise – and being unable to see the sights because your eyeglasses are broken. It can be difficult if not impossible to replace your prescription eyeglasses on board the ship or in a foreign port of call. Be prepared for any eventuality by getting a backup pair of eyeglasses just in case. If you take prescription medication, make sure that you have enough for your trip. If necessary, ask your doctor to write an additional prescription that you can fill before you sail.

Be sure that your toiletries will pass security checks

All the little necessities that make your day, such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and cosmetics, must be packaged properly to pass through security checks. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration uses the 3-1-1 system: 3 ounce bottles of liquids or gels packed in a 1 quart plastic zip-lock bag, 1 bag per passenger in carry-on luggage.

Get copies of significant medical records if you have a medical condition

If you have a medical condition that may cause complications or flare up during your trip, get copies of any important records or tests. If you become ill on board ship, the ship doctor will be able to treat you more quickly and effectively if you have those records with you.

Check the credit availability on credit cards you plan to take along

Most cruise lines run a credit authorization hold when you check in to cover your on board expenses. This can hit your credit line for hundreds of dollars even if you actually charge far less on your card. To avoid being left with little or no usable credit on your credit cards, make sure you have at least one credit card with several hundred dollars in credit remaining.

Article Source: http://articles-mart.com

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about tips involving the vacationing and the travel industry, such as planning long trips and booking cruises .

The Rhapsody of the Seas

Cruise ship The Rhapsody of the Seas arrived in Darwin Australia  from Port Moresby at dawn on March 7 and left for Broome at sundown.

She was carrying 764 passengers and almost as many crew members - 654 of them.

The Territory Government has built a $5 million passenger terminal for cruise liners  which was recently completed.

Other ships to have graced Darwin Harbour are The Sapphire Princess,  Cruise ships Aurora, Nautica, the Sun Princess, Crystal Serenity. Amsterdam, Orion, QEII, Seabourn Spirit, Oriana, Europa and Astor.

The veteran Saga Rose docked in Darwin recently for the last time, she will head to London to become a floating hotel when she retires in October. The Saga Rose first sailed in 1965 when she was known as the Sagafjord.

March/April Cruise Bargains

Cruises: $240 FREE Carnival Cash!

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Up to $240 FREE Carnival Cash! from $119

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Royal Caribbean - $200 FREE Spending! from $229

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