Have any of you ever gotten sea-sick?

Question

The reason I ask is because I grew up around the Pacific Ocean. I spent time in and on it. Never was I hit with a bout of sea-sickness.

I came East and took a trip on the North Atlantic on a long distance ferry and honestly thought I was going to die.

I could not figure it out. From appearances, the Pacific is the rougher of the two. So why did the warmer, calmer Atlantic lay me low? I don't know...but I've never gone out on another long boat ride since I've been here.

Your responses are wonderful...and as ususal with this new format, I cannot give thumbs up...so here it is. For all of you:

THUMBS UP !!!

iritadragon, I've heard ginger is a natural alternative to the chemical motion sickness medications. I believe they even make a patch that goes behind your ear.

And no, I've not gone out again. A shame really. One of the most majestic sights in the world are the Tall Ships. I think sailing boats to be one of man's finest creations.

Answer 1

I used to fly for a living and air sickness was my enemy, but I grew out of it. When I joined my father-in-law on the Black Sea, I was in the same shape as you.

One of the things I found is similar to what the other folks have mentioned... temperature, smell and your inner-ear (senses) plays a big part in your ability to keep from being sea sick. I still feel nausea when I think of the diesel engine smell and the warm sea toss...

As you get older, your senses change. I can't handle some park rides now days. Stay cool if you can. We found that by having the airplane fully cold during tactical flights, we did better.

The old stand by is a chocolate shake... it tastes just as could coming up as it did going down.

Answer 2

I did when I was very young. And I also got car sick while
riding in the back seat. I still don't like riding in the back seat
as I am claustrophobic when I have had to on very rare
occasions. Well anyway, the sickest I got, was on a fishing
boat on the Pacific once with my parents. I spent the time
below in a cabin after getting sick. And once on the Princess
Elizabeth crossing from Victoria, BC to Vancouver, BC. I
got really sick. I noticed that they had all the tables and
chairs secured to the floor so they wouldn't slide during
rough weather when it was choppy water. I remember
someone explaining that to me, since I was curious.
I have been out on smaller boats and even a cabin cruiser,
and didn't get sick once. So maybe I've outgrown it. If that
is a possibility.

Answer 3

Hey slinky, I like the new avatar...didn't even realize it was YOU until I read the name! Good one.

Now to answer your question...I am afraid I get motion sick ALL THE TIME. We have a ferry service here in Toronto between the city and a group of islands that lie just south of us, and I have ALWAYS felt sick on those.

I have gotten motion sick in cars, when I have been stuck in the back seat with no way to see out. And the same with buses when they get so packed you can't see outside. I have had to stop reading entirely on subway cars! And I ALWAYS need the window seat in airplanes if I am not to disgrace myself.

I have never been on the ocean in any sort of craft. But I would dearly love to be able to sail on a sailboat, and this is one of my dreams if I ever win a lottery...buy sailing lessons and enjoy being the one in control of a craft on the ocean.

BTW, I am also one of the unlucky few who are allergic to the active ingredient in anti-nausea medications. When I was 19 a shot of intra-muscular gravol almost killed me. The fact that it was administered in a hospital was the ONLY THING that saved me.

Answer 4

Thanks for the reminder. I am going on a short cruise in a few days with my sister whom I have not seen in two years. I spent my younger years around the Pacific Ocean, also, on boats etc. and never got sick until I took my first cruise with her a few years ago. I got sea-sick the first day and was miserable. The sea was really rough that day and I had never been on that large a ship.
Anyway, I need to buy something for seasickness so it doesn't happen again.

Answer 5

I have never been sea-sick, but my best friend had a terrible trip form Cape Town to Southampton when we went over to the UK and Europe.

I felt so sorry for her, she had to spend so much time in the cabin, which was not the best, as we were young and doing it on the cheap.

I don't know why you would get sea-sick on one ocean and not the other. Perhaps it was wind change or just winds carrying something in the air. But I know from my friend. It is an awful experience. Have you ever sailed since?

Answer 6

Never been bothered but then I've got an iron stomach. I worked out in the gulf for a while, we had some pretty high seas. I found them relaxing. slept like a baby. I know it makes alot of difference what size and type of boat/ship you're on. You say it was a ferry, that could have been alot of the problem.

Answer 7

I have fed the fish a time or two & know how you must have felt. Everyone I have talked to over the years, who have been on boats of any sort, all say that everyone will get sea sick at one point or another.
So give it another chance.
I have learned to stay away from greasy stuff before & during a trip-ESPECIALLY MAYO.

Answer 8

no I am proud to say and I have been on some rough sea trips - Where 75 per cent were sea sick - On one sailing that should had taken 4 hours it took 7 hours they made all food and drink free only a few people were interested

Answer 9

I agree with everyone, especially about odors from the engines and your own personal health,

I took my dad out to the gulf-stream to go drift boat fishing in Ft. Lauderdale. He was so seasick. We were still tied to the dock! We fished on one side, he fed on the other. He kissed the ground when we hit land

Answer 10

I live on the North Atlantic..near Jacksonville, Fl. Maybe you were allergic to the fish. Surely someone gave you a dramamine. Right now we're having "Red Tide". It's killing a lot of fish and giving people respiratory problems. SO I'M SURE YOU'RE GLAD YOU'RE NOT HERE NOW !!!!!! lol