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Anthem - motion sickness ... Worried


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If the captain doesn't sail you into the middle of a huge storm you will probably be ok

 

I love the changes, terrible storm to huge storm.

 

Do you have some pictures of half eaten food you can share. I think it would help calm the OP's stomach worries.

 

JC

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Oh I dunno -- don't be too sure there .. RC said that last weeks storm "whipped up from outta nowhere ... and no one even .. even the captain! .. saw it coming in their wildest dreams..."

 

So this OP is really in for it, I bet ... its only a week later ... gird your loins, sweetie .. and get ready ... its gonna be a bumpy night !! :eek:

 

They never said the storm "whipped up out of nowhere". It did intensify faster and much more than was forecast.

 

That said, we've been on several cruises out of the NE that had 80+ mph winds which are hurricane force and never had any real issues. The seas aren't always high with high winds. There are other factors (such as low pressure systems) that impact waves.

 

OP, just go prepared since you know you are prone to seasickness and starts meds before you even board the ship.

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And here's a reply from a well respected veteran Meteorologist about the Anthem incident. Read on on what RCi did and what they'll be doing in the future. (a lot of just plain old b s )

 

I don't care how big a cruise ship is, when it has thousands of people on it, you shouldn't sail into a well-forecasted intense

coastal storm that will produce seas 30 feet plus and hurricane force winds, thinking you can "ride it out". You err on the

side of caution here. And the gall of some to say, "we did not think the storm would that bad or that strong". That's often

an insincere way out to absolve one of any responsibility. As the articles says, weather forecasts are logged and saved,

so when others come out and cry foul, the proof is there to refute them.

 

http://blogs.agu.org/wildwildscience/2016/02/11/note-to-cruise-lines-and-politicians-we-save-our-forecasts/

 

I read the cruise line is going to hire "nautical experts" going forward to address this issue. Why not

*meteorologists*? That's like saying I am going to hire an expert airline pilot to give detailed and

accurate forecasts. Yes nautical experts and pilots do know some wx by default, as they have

to, but it is not the same as a meteorologist. This attitude thinking anyone can do wx and gloss

over it like it is a piece of cake is concerning, to say the least!

 

Also, it has been said that too much power is give to the captain of ship in this case, and the

buck stops at him. I can understand that once you are at sea and in harrowing conditions when

split second decisions have to be made, but before leaving port?

 

This storm's RI was forecast very well days in advance, and it was classic...strong southern jet

trough with a pre-existing baroclinic zone/front just waiting for it off the Carolinas. You saw

the sat loop I sent on it, textbook ET development! And with RI, isollabaric (cross-isobaric) flow often

results in winds higher than any model forecast. It has nothing to do with the absolute sfc pressure

of the low at any one time, just the tightness of the isobars and deepening rate.

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Is the North Atlantic fairly calm in September? We have never sailed the North Atlantic and will be on the Anthem after Labor Day to New England/Canada.

 

Fairly calm if there's no hurricanes coming up the east coast. Remember 2015 there were none that caused anything much to blink an eye over. For the past 3-4 years meteorologists have been saying that the east coast and particularly Boston has not seen a hurricane for many years...and we're over due.

Better to err on the side of caution.

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Fairly calm if there's no hurricanes coming up the east coast. Remember 2015 there were none that caused anything much to blink an eye over. For the past 3-4 years meteorologists have been saying that the east coast and particularly Boston has not seen a hurricane for many years...and we're over due.

Better to err on the side of caution.

 

I love when they say we're "overdue" for something - earthquake, flood, hurricane, etc. Is there a schedule we don't know about? LOL:rolleyes:

 

We specifically cruise mostly in March and November because weather does tend to be better, but you never know.

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Hi,

 

So my mum went on the maiden voyage of anthem and loved it so when our friends announced they were getting married on the ship in March we booked , with the confidence of it being a huge ship I should feel little movement as I get sickness .... (Mum never mentioned any movement or creaking )

 

We are due to sail in 5 weeks and I've tried to avoid reading too much about the ship , until the recent event of the storm which I've now learnt that the ship moves .... A lot

 

I'm basically pooing my pants that I'm going to have a terrible vacation .

 

I'm from the Uk and our travel sickness tablets are not great so on my last US trip I bought some Dramamine tablets , which I tried once during a flight and it worked well ....

 

But now I'm worrying even those won't work , when I feel the movement I almost freak out as I know how it makes me feel when the sickness starts

Are there other options ??

 

I've tried ginger , U.K. Tablets, the pressure wrist bands etc ,

 

I've been on Epic and carnival inspiration and was ok on the epic but had a few bad days on inspiration .

 

 

I have severe motion sickness and the only thing that works for me is the scopolamine patches to wear behind your ear. Ask your doctor for a prescription and you will need enough to change it every 2 to 3 days. The instructions says 3 but I do 2. You put it on the bone that you can feel right behind your ears, alternating ears each time you put a new one on. You have to be careful and not get them wet. As long as they stay in place they work great. I have had them slip down a little and I get sick. The only side effect is they make you very thirsty but believe me it is well worth it. You will see people all about the ship wearing them. I always put the first one on the night before we sail the next day. That way it has plenty of time to start working.

Edited by staggr
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Fairly calm if there's no hurricanes coming up the east coast. Remember 2015 there were none that caused anything much to blink an eye over. For the past 3-4 years meteorologists have been saying that the east coast and particularly Boston has not seen a hurricane for many years...and we're over due.

Better to err on the side of caution.

 

 

Thank you! We will be prepared and bring Bonine. ;)

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Couple more tips, in addition to all the good advice below:

 

1. When the ship is rocking, DON'T READ. Sounds funny, but it's because the eyes have to keep trying to readjust as the movement interferes with following the text... Creating even more motion sickness.

 

2. For a similar reason, when you're in front of a window or on deck, try to focus on the one thing that (hopefully!) won't be moving: the horizon. (Not helpful at night, I know.)

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If you find yourself feeling woozy despite all your efforts go have a seat in the casino and do some people watching. It is the most stable part of the ship on Anthem!

 

 

Can you people watch in the casino, but not play? Wondering if they run spectators out...

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Can you people watch in the casino, but not play? Wondering if they run spectators out...

 

Nah ur fine to just go and hang out and people watch in the casino. Heck, that's where all the smokers go!

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That's a good point, but if people are non smokers I wouldn't suggest it. No matter which ship you're on the air filtration system wont take the smoke out it just circulates it.

We were on the Anthem for the January 15th 10 nighter that turned into the 11 nighter and had a rough second day/night while passing through a storm coming up the east coast. I can tell you that even in the casino on DECK 3 it wasn't easy to stand at a crap table, people trying to walk through from one end to the other were having difficulty. Please remember were talking deck 3 out of 16 decks on the ship. Our cabin was on 'lucky deck 13" which wasn't exactly too lucky being up their either.

Bottom line as I mentioned in one of my prior posts is that the ship is the narrowest built RCI ship (Quantum class are all the same) in the fleet, the second tallest after the Oasis class. 16 decks compared to 18 decks. Were all at the mercy of wherever you are on the ship.

Don't get me wrong RCI had a great plan when they wanted the Quantum Class ships built. Now passengers should give it a little more thought if it makes a difference or not. This is not a cheap cruise no matter where your stateroom is located.

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I have never gotten seasick on the ship. My problem starts as soon as I step off the ship. Each year it gets progressively worse and after our Nov/Dec 21 day cruise, it took over a week to get back my "land legs".

 

Thought that was it...but no...two weeks later I couldn't pick my head off the pillow! It took 7 hours for the room to stop spinning.

 

Apparently there is a name for this syndrome: mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS, disembarkment syndrome). Okay, when I first found this I thought they were "pulling my leg", but it really does exist! It seems it can be quite persistent.

 

So, when I went for my yearly physical last week, I spoke to my doctor about it and he said the the liquid in my inner ear is still trying to level out. He gave me a prescription for Meclizine (cheaper for me than buying Bonine). My plan is to take it the day before I get off and keep taking it until I don't feel dizzy, because there is no way I am giving up cruising!

Edited by jerseygirl74
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OP, another vote for bonine (meclizine too). I am very prone to motion sickness myself, but have taken meds on all my cruises. I take 50mg in the morning and the same in the evening. Start taking it a couple of days before and after your cruise. Had 30' waves on my last cruise, and I was fine. Also, eating a green apple helps. And don't worry, you will be fine. Just enjoy your cruise

 

 

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPad met Tapatalk

Edited by sg1phileshipper
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I have never gotten seasick on the ship. My problem starts as soon as I step off the ship. Each year it gets progressively worse and after our Nov/Dec 21 day cruise, it took over a week to get back my "land legs".

 

Thought that was it...but no...two weeks later I couldn't pick my head off the pillow! It took 7 hours for the room to stop spinning.

 

Apparently there is a name for this syndrome: mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS, disembarkment syndrome). Okay, when I first found this I thought they were "pulling my leg", but it really does exist! It seems it can be quite persistent.

 

So, when I went for my yearly physical last week, I spoke to my doctor about it and he said the the liquid in my inner ear is still trying to level out. He gave me a prescription for Meclizine (cheaper for me than buying Bonine). My plan is to take it the day before I get off and keep taking it until I don't feel dizzy, because there is no way I am giving up cruising!

 

 

All you have to do is take Benedryl when you get home. I only need to take one dosage and...the room stops swaying. Google it.

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I have never gotten seasick on the ship. My problem starts as soon as I step off the ship. Each year it gets progressively worse and after our Nov/Dec 21 day cruise, it took over a week to get back my "land legs".

 

Thought that was it...but no...two weeks later I couldn't pick my head off the pillow! It took 7 hours for the room to stop spinning.

 

Apparently there is a name for this syndrome: mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS, disembarkment syndrome). Okay, when I first found this I thought they were "pulling my leg", but it really does exist! It seems it can be quite persistent.

 

So, when I went for my yearly physical last week, I spoke to my doctor about it and he said the the liquid in my inner ear is still trying to level out. He gave me a prescription for Meclizine (cheaper for me than buying Bonine). My plan is to take it the day before I get off and keep taking it until I don't feel dizzy, because there is no way I am giving up cruising!

 

I just continue to take Bonine for a day or so after we are back home and that helps with the motion you feel once back on land. But, if you're not taking anything normally, it might help to take some your last cruise day and first day home and see if that helps. I know Dr's prescribe it for patients who are suffering vertigo while on land.

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...The ship"Anthem" is much NARROWER and TALLER than, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision Class ships...
I'm curious as to how you define "NARROWER"?

 

Beam at waterline for various RCI classes:

47.0m Oasis

41.4m Quantum

38.6m Freedom

38.6m Voyager

32.2m Radiance (Panamax for "old" Panama Canal locks)

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I just continue to take Bonine for a day or so after we are back home and that helps with the motion you feel once back on land. But, if you're not taking anything normally, it might help to take some your last cruise day and first day home and see if that helps. I know Dr's prescribe it for patients who are suffering vertigo while on land.

 

Thanks so much...I am sure it will help!

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  • 2 months later...
If the medical office is not open, does Guest Services have meclizine available too? Thanks!

Don't know for sure about Anthem, but on other ships the seasick pills are in a dispenser outside the door of the medical office. Also at Guest Services.

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Hi,

 

So my mum went on the maiden voyage of anthem and loved it so when our friends announced they were getting married on the ship in March we booked , with the confidence of it being a huge ship I should feel little movement as I get sickness .... (Mum never mentioned any movement or creaking )

 

We are due to sail in 5 weeks and I've tried to avoid reading too much about the ship , until the recent event of the storm which I've now learnt that the ship moves .... A lot

 

I'm basically pooing my pants that I'm going to have a terrible vacation .

 

I'm from the Uk and our travel sickness tablets are not great so on my last US trip I bought some Dramamine tablets , which I tried once during a flight and it worked well ....

 

But now I'm worrying even those won't work , when I feel the movement I almost freak out as I know how it makes me feel when the sickness starts

Are there other options ??

 

I've tried ginger , U.K. Tablets, the pressure wrist bands etc ,

 

I've been on Epic and carnival inspiration and was ok on the epic but had a few bad days on inspiration .

 

You might also pop into Boots and pick up Travella by Nelsons. They're behind the counter. Homeopathic. I rarely get motion sickness, but when I do it's a force to reckon with -- only on really twisty roads when sitting in the rear seat -- but these do wonders and aren't drowsy.

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The ship"Anthem" is much NARROWER and TALLER than, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision Class ships. And only Narrower than Oasis Class ships. Oasis Class ships have 18 decks while Quantum Class ships have 16 decks. Something to keep in mind when choosing which class of ship that you may want to consider having a little more piece of mind.

 

Radiance, Vision class and Majesty have a beam of 105 feet which is narrower than Quantum class 138 feet but the latter at 168 gross tonnage is almost double the size of the largest of those first ships mentioned, Radiance class, so it had to be wider, longer and higher.

Quantum class ships are built more like a true ocean liner, long and narrow like the Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which is 1132 feet long, 135 feet beam, 149 gross tons and 17 decks compared to 1141 feet long, 136 feet beam, 167 gross tons and 16 decks for Anthem.

Oasis, Freedom and Voyager at 154 to 184 feet wide are more flat bottom like barges which aren't made for rough seas.

We spent 24 nights onboard Anthem this past winter in rear section cabins and found it to be one of the best ships we've been on for motion in spite of the reports here on CC about this class having more motion although we weren't on the February storm cruises.

Edited by robtulipe
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Don't know for sure about Anthem, but on other ships the seasick pills are in a dispenser outside the door of the medical office. Also at Guest Services.

 

Thank you, clarea! Hopefully, the meds will be available in the same places on the Anthem.

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Just off Anthem on Monday. We had 8 to 16 foot seas off the east coast and it doesn't move any more than any other ship. DH and I found it very stable. I think part of the problem is if someone is used to cruising out of FL where the water tends to be calmer and then decides to try Anthem, they are surprised by the motion because they're not used to it. The Atlantic has more motion due to storms moving off the coast. I took my meclizine and felt great the entire trip.

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