Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What ship did you get sick on, and where?

Carnival. 3 days to Cozumel leaving from Orlando.

This cruise leaves from Orlando as well.

You are describing a booze cruise of twenty-somethings drunk out of their minds. I’m sure everyone got sick. Disney cruises are not party zones and the ships are very clean and there will be stuff for the kids to do. Shows are amazing. I get seasick but Dramamine works and having a balcony where you can get fresh air helps. Disney will take you to a lovely island and you can chill in the sand and send the kids off with family. They have an amazing kids club. I think it’s the perfect situation for you to get over your prior bad experience. Family can pitch in and kids can go to the pool and you can go to the spa or to the adults only deck if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a lot of ways to cope short of bailing completely.

OP - I do see your point and the issues as you've laid them out.

I would point out there have been a lot of advances in seasick treatments - did you try the wrist bands last time? patches? Bonine (or whatever its called is a million times better than dramamine and doesn't make you drowsy) Also get a cabin in the middle of the boat - both in terms of floor and aft vs stern.

There is also acupuncture- check and see if they offer it on board.

Talk to a therapist and see if someone can help with you anxiety.

I get it that this might be really difficult for you, but I would find a way through it. It is quite possible that you will have great weather, no seasickness issues and have a wonderful time. Odds are in your favor on this.

Anonymous wrote:Here is what I would propose - don't feel like you have to commit to "all or nothing." If it helps you feel better, maybe even plan out an "escape route" at your first port of call - look into local transportation options and flights from that country back to home. I think that would make me feel better in your shoes, so you know you're not "trapped" on the boat for seven days.

Also, truly, you need to trust your husband to look after your kids' safety for a week. Trust that he also doesn't want them to fall off the balcony. Believe him if he says he's got it. I assume that kids very very rarely fall off cruise ships, and not all of them have both parents with them.

This is bad advice. A cruise line will penalize you heavily for not completing your cruise absent medical necessity.

Talk to your doctor about managing your anxiety and have an escape plan if you need to exit early.

Well Op -- Your Husband definitely goes. And the kids. Your phobia should not control anyone else. I am sorry you find yourself in this situation.

If you are apart from your family over Spring Break, so be it. Them going is far more important - than whatever you do.

And don't talk and talk about it between now and then.

Anonymous wrote:Here is what I would propose - don't feel like you have to commit to "all or nothing." If it helps you feel better, maybe even plan out an "escape route" at your first port of call - look into local transportation options and flights from that country back to home. I think that would make me feel better in your shoes, so you know you're not "trapped" on the boat for seven days.

Also, truly, you need to trust your husband to look after your kids' safety for a week. Trust that he also doesn't want them to fall off the balcony. Believe him if he says he's got it. I assume that kids very very rarely fall off cruise ships, and not all of them have both parents with them.

It's a luxury vacation. You don't need an escape route. Really. It will be fine. Your last cruise was a cheap cruise with bad luck. This is a whole different vacation.

Tens of thousands of kids have sailed on Disney ships without falling off a balcony. Unless you have a kid who is very far out of behavioral norms (to the point they aren't in mainstream school) and your husband is an utter doofus, then this is anxiety not reality.

Here is what I would propose - don't feel like you have to commit to "all or nothing." If it helps you feel better, maybe even plan out an "escape route" at your first port of call - look into local transportation options and flights from that country back to home. I think that would make me feel better in your shoes, so you know you're not "trapped" on the boat for seven days.

Also, truly, you need to trust your husband to look after your kids' safety for a week. Trust that he also doesn't want them to fall off the balcony. Believe him if he says he's got it. I assume that kids very very rarely fall off cruise ships, and not all of them have both parents with them.

Anonymous wrote:Meds and therapy. Call someone today to get on the waitlist if you have to. I would absolutely take the kids on a Disney cruise with the cousins even if I was anxious about it. Please don't let your anxiety hinder your kids' life.

This. I am so-so on cruises but a Disney cruise for kids 5 and 7 with extended family is an event not many get. They are amazing with the kids, make it easy for parents, and the kids clubs exceed expectations. Take some anxiety meds or let them go with your DH.

This will be a completely different trip than a 3 day carnival cruise. Not even comparable. A Disney cruise is one of the best vacations you can take your kids on. Total magic from start to finish. Focus on how amazing it will be for them. Do not be the reason your kids are deprived of this opportunity. Seek therapy or meds if you need them.

If your husband can't handle a 5 and 7 year old on a cruise, he is a baby man. They could be in the kid's area for the vast majority of the cruise. They are not going to fall off the balcony.

Pro tip Re: motion sickness: it’s the worst in the evening, particularly if you eat dinner in the back of the ship. It usually passes. If it doesn’t, have dinner sent to your room and go to bed.

Having said that, I think you’ll be fine. Wish is a new ship and it’s rather large.

Get a patch from your doctor ahead of time just in case.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be the same way. FWIW, a Disney cruise is probably going to be the best cruise option out there. If I was going to go on a cruise (ugh) it would be a Disney cruise.

100% this.

How many years ago was your cruise? Ships have become more stable. I mean, no, they can't account for terrible weather, but overall sailing is smoother, IMO.

There are also so many seasick products...patches, bracelets/bands, glasses, etc. now compared to even 15 years ago.

Oh jeez, it was probably 2005? So yes a long time ago.

I watched a YouTube video and it does look really nice. I’m gonna buckle up, get some Zofran & Xanax and make it happen.

I also get motion sickness very easily and went on my first cruise this summer (Princess, not Disney). I recommend preemptively taking Dramamine rather than taking it after you feel sick. I had read somewhere that the days at sea can make you sick because the boat is moving faster. We only had one of those days on our 7 day cruise and that was the only day I really felt like I was on the water. I took Dramamine as soon as I woke up and I was fine by the time breakfast was done.

I have HORRIBLE motion sickness. Two things you MUST get:
https://www.amazon.com/Reliefband-Motion-Sickness-Wristband-Extra/dp/B07HCPYNXQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=YRALFJ3C9V3N&keywords=relief%2Bband%2Bmotion%2Bsickness&qid=1702039795&sprefix=relief%2B%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-2-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I've owned one for years and wear it on car trips even from NOVA to DC where there might be traffic.

Also -- go to the doctor and get an Rx for the Scopolamine patch. GAME CHANGER. I wear one for most air travel and years ago when we went on the Disney Cruise I had one on the entire time (you change them every 3 days). I wouldn't consider a long flight/cruise without it!

Good luck! I hope you have a fabulous time afterall (post back and let us know)!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any way one child would be willing to stay home with you, preferably the child most likely to end up falling off a balcony? Would that make things easier and safer for DH to go without you? Perhaps you could plan some special staycation outing for the kid who stays.

I think this would cause so many issues. It would be my youngest, but she’d be very upset. I think I’m just going to deal. It’s 5 days.

Good for you for putting your family first. Will your doctor give you an anti anxiety to help?

Agree on therapy and possibly meds. This is anxiety that is preventing you, and now your family, from fully engaging with life. I’d accept, work with therapist to be comfortable going, with the ‘out’ that if spring break comes and it’s too much, you send DH and kids solo. The anxiety about the cruise is less concerning to me than anxiety that would prevent you from sending DH and kids without you, especially to an environment where he’ll be fully supported by other family, has options for childcare, and is specifically designed with the safety of children in mind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be the same way. FWIW, a Disney cruise is probably going to be the best cruise option out there. If I was going to go on a cruise (ugh) it would be a Disney cruise.

100% this.

How many years ago was your cruise? Ships have become more stable. I mean, no, they can't account for terrible weather, but overall sailing is smoother, IMO.

There are also so many seasick products...patches, bracelets/bands, glasses, etc. now compared to even 15 years ago.

Oh jeez, it was probably 2005? So yes a long time ago.

I watched a YouTube video and it does look really nice. I’m gonna buckle up, get some Zofran & Xanax and make it happen.

I also get motion sickness very easily and went on my first cruise this summer (Princess, not Disney). I recommend preemptively taking Dramamine rather than taking it after you feel sick. I had read somewhere that the days at sea can make you sick because the boat is moving faster. We only had one of those days on our 7 day cruise and that was the only day I really felt like I was on the water. I took Dramamine as soon as I woke up and I was fine by the time breakfast was done.