I used the cheap wrist bands and Bonine on my last cruise and, despite rough windy weather out of NY, I felt absolutely fine. I also bought the Relief Band, which is very expensive. It is used by chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, etc. The good thing about it is you can use it even after you start feeling ill. I heard that once you start feeling sick, the cheap wrist bands don't work. I bought the Relief Bands at a big chain store, who took them back when I returned (unused, of course). They cost about $75.00 each, but I guess well worth it if you become very seasick.

I also heard to start taking the Bonine the morning before departure,which I did.

My doctor prescribed Transderm-Scop patches and they worked great on a day long snorkel trip from St John to Jost and also used them on a day sail. Once they're in place, they're good for 72 hours.

Here's the latest scoop from several sailboat captains and my affirmation that it works.

Ginger - as in ginger snaps, ginger ale, and perhaps best of all crystalized ginger. I used the later and let me tell you, this puppy get's sea sick and hates the fact that I do since I love boats so much.

I do not know what is in ginger that helps smooth things out, but I went on a day sail (usually they sail from St.Thomas over to St.John and drop anchor at a snorkeling spot, then move to another spot after lunch, perhpas a third and then sail back to St.Thomas). We sailed over to St.John, kind of calm day, absolutely no ill effects and was actually able to sit down below deck reading and writing!!! (for awhile) Didn't feel like I was gonna heave, so definately better.

Wear the wrist band, and chew your cyrstalized ginger - most often found in the Oriental food section of your grocery store, even here at Marina Market in Red Hook.

Good luck. Happy sails.

Oh thanks so much, The patch had too many dizzy side effects (I tried it) And the pills don't work. On a cruise the only thing that worked was a shot from a doctor on board and I don't know what it was but N/A for a short trip anyway. I will try the bands and ginger.
Thank You
LB

You may also want to consider asking your DR about Compazine. I used to use it for motion sickness. It's Rx only and may make you sleepy. It doesn't do it to me, but I know many are affected. If nothing else works, give it a try. (It's also injectable, so it may even be what the ship's Dr gave you.) I always drank ginger ale when my stonach bothered me. Now I know it was the right thing - by accident!

Yes i have used these wrist bands on all five cruises ive been on and have had some pretty rough seas especially going to Bermuda... and i never got sick ..im sure you will be fine if you wear them and you wont go on another cruise without them ..gl