Could be a nightmare

[giff1949]

I don't start many posts, but I am freaking out right now because tomorrow I am leaving to go on a CRUISE.

My brother-in-law is taking the whole family (18 PEOPLE!) on a cruise. We fly to Florida tomorrow and then leave for the cruise on Sunday. I have NEVER wanted to go on a cruise, but I had no choice about this since he is paying for it and wants everyone to go. I am afraid for all the obvious reasons (airsickness on the flight, seasickness on the ship, viruses on the ship, food poisoning on the ship). The weather in the Carribean is not good right now either, so the trip could be very rocky.

Last night I went to the store and bought $50.00 worth of seasickness medicine (some of every kind). I plan to dole it out to the members of my family. They will think I am nuts when I tell them they need to take it! Everyone else is so excited and I know I should be too, but all I can think of is "you know what". How crazy is that when someone is paying for what should be a great vacation?

I was such a mess last week that I went to the doctor and he gave me 10 Xanax pills. I will use them carefully when I feel my anxiety going through the roof.

I don't know why I am even talking about this, but I am such a wreck and I can't tell anyone who is going on the trip that I am totally dreading the whole thing. You are the only people that will be able to understand my anxiety. Thanks for listening.

Debbie [img]smileys/smilies_15.gif[/img]

[samara's on tv]

I remember that my Junior Prom was on a boat. I was SO SCARED about getting sick. Once I got on there I just tried to have a good time. Before prom on the boat I knew that I got sea sick on boats because my parent's friends have boats and every time I got on them I would get N*. As it turns out the boat for Prom was SO BIG that you couldn't even feel it moving and I didn't get sick (I didn't even have to take anything before hand) Once I relaxed and started to have a good time things worked fine for me.For some reason being on a BIG BOAT was better then being on a little one. As for your fear of viruses and poisioning on the ship I don't know what to say I won't take a cruise for the same reason. Good luck with the cruise though...like I said...just try to relax and have a good time.


~Monica

[2jo2]

I really haven't heard of any viruses on cruise ships in a while. They say that what's on land reflects what's on the ships, and since it's summer now, things have really quieted down. Remember that the majority of people who take cruises never get sick. The cruise industry is just booming, and it just wouldn't be ifnorwalk outbreaks were on every ship. The ship is required to report to the CDC when more than 3% of people on the ship get sick. 3% of 2500 is not that much. Odds are in your favor, and that's when a virus does strike, which like I said before, I haven't heard of any in a few months. You have Xanax with you, use it if you need to. Wash your hands, don't touch your face, bring purell or purell wipes with you and use them after you touch elevator buttons, stair rails, etc. Don't eat unless you can wash your hands and maybe stay away from the buffets, try and use your own cabin's restroom instead of the public ones. Use these common sense things and you'll be among those who has a blast and signs up for their next cruise as soon as they get home!! I hope you have a great time!

[giff1949]

Thanks, Monica and 2jo2 for responding to my post.
We are back from the cruise and it went pretty well. I did all the things you suggested and seem to have protected myself.

A few of the people in my group did have some stomach problems and may have even had a sv (especially my nephew), but I tried not to panic and just kept washing my hands, etc. I also reminded my husband all the time not to touch the railings and to wash his hands. He just rolls his eyes, but he is used to me and does what I tell him just to please me.

No one got airsick or seasick, so that was good. A few of them took me up on my offer of seasick pills.

It turned out to be a great time of family bonding and everyone had a good time. I'm just hoping that we don't get whatever my nephew had.

Thanks for listening.

Debbie