If you had only one....

I'm sorry you may have to quit cruising :( and sorry for your health problems :(

Since nearly every destination except Antarctica is reachable without a cruise ship, my choice would be Antarctica.

I wish you the best!

More cruise to book what would it be?

 

A bit of backtracking: in May 2015 I became very sick with what turned out to be vistibular neuritis, a condition like Menieres, or a bad case of sea sickness that just never ends.

 

I am currently on disability from work but the reassessments with the insurance companies are frequent and stressful. After 4 MRIs, ER visits, a specialist in a city hospital, a neurologist, weekly physio therapy and regular appointments with our family doctor and two cancelled cruises I wonder if life will ever be normal again. I just received a disability sticker from the Ministry of transportation.

 

We are thinking our next cruise will have to be a river cruise, preferably a Christmas market Danube voyage in early December 2017. But if I can only do one more ocean cruise what do we chose? I won't know it is my last cruise until after I disembark and see how, or if, it affects my balance and ability to function.

 

Cruises on my bucket list are:

1. 
   

• 21 day Antarctica
  
• Complete voyage of the Vikings
  
• Circumnavigation of Australia
  
• Japan and SE Asia
  
• A segment of a grand voyage
  
• 21+ Mediterranean
  

 

Any all opinions/suggestions welcome! :)

I suffered a sudden, total, and unexpected hearing loss 4 years ago at the age of 49. In that split second of inner ear trauma, I was knocked off my feet and have experienced vertigo/dizziness/nausea ever since. I am lucky that I've obtained bilateral cochlear implants, so I am able to hear again (though it is not nearly as good as natural hearing, but I'll take it!), but the effects of the inner ear trauma will stay with me for the rest of my life. Sometimes I'm so dizzy that I have to hold onto walls to get through my house and I have to take occasional days off of work because I cannot focus or concentrate. I take 25 mg meclizine sometimes, and nausea meds, which helps a little bit, but I will never have a clear headed day again. It has been difficult, to say the least.

I had the same worries you did about cruising again, but needed a vacation so badly that I booked anyway! Since this hearing loss I've only cruised to Mexico (2) and Hawaii (2), but I was pleasantly surprised at what happened during my Hawaii cruises... Departing Long Beach on the first Hawaii cruise we had 14 foot seas almost immediately, and had 14 - 16 foot seas for 4 days straight. Many passengers were sick and complaining, and there were sick sacks placed here and there... But you know what? I felt great! Since my equilibrium is as messed up as it is, my head thought that my body constantly moving up and down and side to side was "normal"! I loved it so much that we booked another Hawaii cruise. Unfortunately, for me, we only got 8 foot seas. But I still felt much better than being on dry land.

I don't know what medically happened to me during those trips - All I can tell you is that you may end up having to cruise a lot more because it makes you feel that much better. I love days at sea and have 2 more cruises booked. I understand the Baltic is usually pretty smooth sailing, but I'll go anyway, I suppose (smile).

Cheers and happy sailing to you, 1of4.

I suffered a sudden, total, and unexpected hearing loss 4 years ago at the age of 49. In that split second of inner ear trauma, I was knocked off my feet and have experienced vertigo/dizziness/nausea ever since. I am lucky that I've obtained bilateral cochlear implants, so I am able to hear again (though it is not nearly as good as natural hearing, but I'll take it!), but the effects of the inner ear trauma will stay with me for the rest of my life. Sometimes I'm so dizzy that I have to hold onto walls to get through my house and I have to take occasional days off of work because I cannot focus or concentrate. I take 25 mg meclizine sometimes, and nausea meds, which helps a little bit, but I will never have a clear headed day again. It has been difficult, to say the least.

 

I had the same worries you did about cruising again, but needed a vacation so badly that I booked anyway! Since this hearing loss I've only cruised to Mexico (2) and Hawaii (2), but I was pleasantly surprised at what happened during my Hawaii cruises... Departing Long Beach on the first Hawaii cruise we had 14 foot seas almost immediately, and had 14 - 16 foot seas for 4 days straight. Many passengers were sick and complaining, and there were sick sacks placed here and there... But you know what? I felt great! Since my equilibrium is as messed up as it is, my head thought that my body constantly moving up and down and side to side was "normal"! I loved it so much that we booked another Hawaii cruise. Unfortunately, for me, we only got 8 foot seas. But I still felt much better than being on dry land.

 

I don't know what medically happened to me during those trips - All I can tell you is that you may end up having to cruise a lot more because it makes you feel that much better. I love days at sea and have 2 more cruises booked. I understand the Baltic is usually pretty smooth sailing, but I'll go anyway, I suppose (smile).

 

Cheers and happy sailing to you, 1of4.

Amazing story. Thanks for sharing this.

Sorry to hear of your health issues. DW has issues too and we are trying to travel as much as we can while we can.

We were lucky to Antarctica and the Drake was pretty peaceful, but we realize this is often not the case.

Book an outside cabin mid-ship on the promenade deck. This way you can quickly be outside without any stairs or lifts. You are still low on the ship so movement will be minimized.

We've not yet been to all the places on your list. Wish we were on Maasdam today leaving Seattle for Australia (that is the way to travel!) but still working. But Antarctica was so incredible we've been looking at maybe doing it again in 2018.

Other notes - I've seen reports of Voyage of Vikings often hitting rough seas especially on the return as that is the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Even if the storm is far away the waves travel. Would love to do that one some day though...

Thank you, each and every one who posted. I clearly have much to think about. Antarctica was on the top of my list but the fear of being that sick, where I can't move without being sick to my stomach (sorry TMI) is a huge risk. I think I will have to test the waters, per se, first. :D

Many of you raised very good points. I am in my early 50s with 2 children still in the school system so our cruising is usually over the holidays or in early summer. Perhaps we should try another bucket list cruise, the Canada New England, as I always wanted to see Canada like my Scottish grandparents. I didn't mention it in my original post because if I only have one cruise left I wanted it to be more exotic. But maybe I was reaching too far? Being close to home has its benefits.

Then I can lobby for the Grand Asian and South Pacific....

Dreams are important!

I have damaged my vestibular system so each ear is sending a different number of messages to my brain hence the constant dizziness.

Dreams are important, but more important is to enjoy what is available/doable for you rather than overreach ...... I hope you find relief with your condition, but concentrate on what you can do or see - and enjoy it with your wonderful family.

Canada/New England is a wonderful itinerary - you can combine it with the Bermuda run, possibly.

From experience, our SA cruise had some of the worst waves and weather we have ever experienced ( around the Falklands was terrible weather, around the horn was smooth as glass) .....

Without trying to diminish the significance of your illness, if I could only do one more cruise, it definitely wouldn't be on HAL. (Seriously!)

Bucket list cruises don't have to be exotic, they need to be what you really want to do.

I'd like to try a Round the British Isle cruise. I'm saving that for the time that I decide I don't want to fly any more.

Take care.

Thank you, each and every one who posted. I clearly have much to think about. Antarctica was on the top of my list but the fear of being that sick, where I can't move without being sick to my stomach (sorry TMI) is a huge risk. I think I will have to test the waters, per se, first. :D

 

Many of you raised very good points. I am in my early 50s with 2 children still in the school system so our cruising is usually over the holidays or in early summer. Perhaps we should try another bucket list cruise, the Canada New England, as I always wanted to see Canada like my Scottish grandparents. I didn't mention it in my original post because if I only have one cruise left I wanted it to be more exotic. But maybe I was reaching too far? Being close to home has its benefits.

 

Then I can lobby for the Grand Asian and South Pacific....

 

Dreams are important!

 

I have damaged my vestibular system so each ear is sending a different number of messages to my brain hence the constant dizziness.

Bucket list cruises don't have to be exotic, they need to be what you really want to do.

 

I'd like to try a Round the British Isle cruise. I'm saving that for the time that I decide I don't want to fly any more.

 

Take care.

So agree with these statements! I am so glad we were able to do the cruises we have done. One never knows when health issues will become limiting. On our last cruise, we chose the ship as the destination since we knew I was going to be unable to navigate a port intensive cruise. It was very enjoyable. However, if I could do any cruise, it would be a toss up between the British Isles cruise and a circle Australian cruise. Whatever the op chooses, I wish you well and please let us know your final choice.

First....so sorry for your losses re the health problems. Adjustment is difficult, but your positive attitude is a winner.

Secondly, have enjoyed reading all the good advice. We have done all of those, at least in part and they were all wonderful, but the choice must be the one you are most comfortable doing. If that is Canada/New England, then so be it. It is a lovely trip with beautiful scenery and interesting ports.

I wish you the best and would encourage you to remain positive. In my 46 years as a nurse I have seen many outcomes that defy logic and have gained tremendous respect for our bodies' ability to heal themselves.

Best to you and your family....

More cruise to book what would it be?

 

A bit of backtracking: in May 2015 I became very sick with what turned out to be vistibular neuritis, a condition like Menieres, or a bad case of sea sickness that just never ends.

 

I am currently on disability from work but the reassessments with the insurance companies are frequent and stressful. After 4 MRIs, ER visits, a specialist in a city hospital, a neurologist, weekly physio therapy and regular appointments with our family doctor and two cancelled cruises I wonder if life will ever be normal again. I just received a disability sticker from the Ministry of transportation.

 

We are thinking our next cruise will have to be a river cruise, preferably a Christmas market Danube voyage in early December 2017. But if I can only do one more ocean cruise what do we chose? I won't know it is my last cruise until after I disembark and see how, or if, it affects my balance and ability to function.

 

Cruises on my bucket list are:

1. 
   

• 21 day Antarctica
  
• Complete voyage of the Vikings
  
• Circumnavigation of Australia
  
• Japan and SE Asia
  
• A segment of a grand voyage
  
• 21+ Mediterranean
  

 

Any all opinions/suggestions welcome! :)

Tahiti french polynesia ...gorgeous

If a Canada/New England cruise would be your choice, I don't believe you would be disappointed. If at all possible, selecting a cruise that visits the village of Saguenay in Quebec would be one that I would recommend. Also, one that begins or ends in Montreal will provide you with a visit to another interesting large Canadian city in addition to Quebec City. And, don't forget to try the delicious P.E.I. Mussels in Charlottetown.

Surely, my best wishes to you!

If I had only 1 cruise to do and be done?

The Tales of the South Pacific would be my choice HAL cruise. The greatest month of my life (in straight days I mean not total days as that would be a GRIM existence!) was the time on the Westy back in the fall of '!2 doing the 30 day HI/South Pacific, the Tales cruise hits all the places I loved and adds a few more! HOOK ME UP!!!

If it wasn't going to be on HAL, it would be Princess' variant that hits the SP/HI area that leaves from Sidney. Same basic areas (with a 14 day flight to/from... or so it would feel).

More cruise to book what would it be?

 

A bit of backtracking: in May 2015 I became very sick with what turned out to be vistibular neuritis, a condition like Menieres, or a bad case of sea sickness that just never ends.

 

I am currently on disability from work but the reassessments with the insurance companies are frequent and stressful. After 4 MRIs, ER visits, a specialist in a city hospital, a neurologist, weekly physio therapy and regular appointments with our family doctor and two cancelled cruises I wonder if life will ever be normal again. I just received a disability sticker from the Ministry of transportation.

 

We are thinking our next cruise will have to be a river cruise, preferably a Christmas market Danube voyage in early December 2017. But if I can only do one more ocean cruise what do we chose? I won't know it is my last cruise until after I disembark and see how, or if, it affects my balance and ability to function.

 

Cruises on my bucket list are:

1. 
   

• 21 day Antarctica
  
• Complete voyage of the Vikings
  
• Circumnavigation of Australia
  
• Japan and SE Asia
  
• A segment of a grand voyage
  
• 21+ Mediterranean
  

 

Any all opinions/suggestions welcome! :)

I like your bucket list! The Voyage of the Vikings is spectacular and it's roundtrip Boston. We left our car at a great hotel we learned about on CC. There were people onboard who had done it eight times.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. However if motion is an issue, perhaps people can comment on how rough the seas are in each. Only a bit of rough seas in the 35 days with one missed port in Iceland due to high seas...tender port.

The Voyage of the Vikings is spectacular and it's roundtrip Boston.

However if motion is an issue, perhaps people can comment on how rough the seas are in each. Only a bit of rough seas in the 35 days with one missed port in Iceland due to high seas...tender port.

The first time I took that cruise we headed out into a storm as we left Nuuk. We had 38 hours of 45' seas, with one wave reported to be 80'; it broke over the bridge windows. Water breeched the doors on Upper Promenade (this was on the Rotterdam), and cascaded down the staircases in front of the stage. All the forward and aft elevators were out, and BINGO was canceled the next day. :eek:

Now, the next year was calm as a millpond the entire cruise. But it was day after day of fog.

So, you just cannot predict.

More cruise to book what would it be?

 

A bit of backtracking: in May 2015 I became very sick with what turned out to be vistibular neuritis, a condition like Menieres, or a bad case of sea sickness that just never ends.

 

I am currently on disability from work but the reassessments with the insurance companies are frequent and stressful. After 4 MRIs, ER visits, a specialist in a city hospital, a neurologist, weekly physio therapy and regular appointments with our family doctor and two cancelled cruises I wonder if life will ever be normal again. I just received a disability sticker from the Ministry of transportation.

 

We are thinking our next cruise will have to be a river cruise, preferably a Christmas market Danube voyage in early December 2017. But if I can only do one more ocean cruise what do we chose? I won't know it is my last cruise until after I disembark and see how, or if, it affects my balance and ability to function.

 

Cruises on my bucket list are:

1. 
   

• 21 day Antarctica
  
• Complete voyage of the Vikings
  
• Circumnavigation of Australia
  
• Japan and SE Asia
  
• A segment of a grand voyage
  
• 21+ Mediterranean
  

 

Any all opinions/suggestions welcome! :)

Try Vitamin B complex, beginning a few days before the cruise. It works for me

The one thing that this thread has shown me (amongst many) is a reminder than the oceans are unpredictable! Of course I knew this but the reminders are appreciated as I had neglected this very important fact in compiling my bucket list.

I experienced 50' seas on the Gulf of Mexico...one night...and did okay but that was before this condition kicked up into 4th gear.

I attended a 30 minute seminar with HAL last night (more on that in a separate post yet to be written but I will....soon) and have decided upon either Canada New England as I am from Montreal and going from Boston to "home" is a good thing. Or the 70th anniversary of HAL in Alaska is 2017 so we may consider an Alaskan cruise.....but the 5 hour flight may bump us back to Canada/New England.

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. I certainly hope this next cruise reaffirms that I can cruise instead of it being the end to a very enjoyable (and relaxing) vacation option.

Every year we salivate about Voyage of the Vikings. Every year, we gasp and pass.

The Atlantic Adventurer is half the cost. We'll keep doing that. We really, really enjoy all those days of crossing the Atlantic. Yeah, Rome and Barcelona are not like some other ports, but we'll put up with that.

Now...if any wish to contribute to our cruise fund. Let me know, I'll provide the numbers and such for deposits into our banking account! OK? OK!

Jim