Hi everyone! I know others may have posted about this, but I’m headed on my first cruise this week, and I’m feeling really anxious about it. We’ll be on Carnival Paradise for a 4-day trip. I’ve watched ship tours and it looks super fun, but I have a pretty strong panic disorder, and I’m really struggling to relax leading up to this.
There’s a tropical storm in the gulf, and I’m worried we might hit some rough water. I don’t get seasick often, but I did once during an offshore fishing trip in very choppy waters, and it was awful. I don’t want that to ruin the whole cruise. I’m planning to bring Dramamine and try those ear patches. Has anyone used these and can tell me if they work well?
I’m not afraid of the open water itself, but I’m concerned about being stuck on the ship if I have a panic attack. The ship is on the smaller side, and I’m worried I might feel a bit trapped if I start feeling panicky. I do have a prescription for hydroxyzine as a backup if needed, plus my usual daily meds, which generally keep things under control. But right now, my anxiety is getting the best of me.
Any advice or tips to help me relax? I’m hoping I’ll enjoy myself once I’m there, but the anticipation has me more stressed than excited. Any help would be amazing. Thanks so much!
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Hi everyone! I know others may have posted about this, but I’m headed on my first cruise this week, and I’m feeling really anxious about it. We’ll be on Carnival Paradise for a 4-day trip. I’ve watched ship tours and it looks super fun, but I have a pretty strong panic disorder, and I’m really struggling to relax leading up to this.
There’s a tropical storm in the gulf, and I’m worried we might hit some rough water. I don’t get seasick often, but I did once during an offshore fishing trip in very choppy waters, and it was awful. I don’t want that to ruin the whole cruise. I’m planning to bring Dramamine and try those ear patches. Has anyone used these and can tell me if they work well?
I’m not afraid of the open water itself, but I’m concerned about being stuck on the ship if I have a panic attack. The ship is on the smaller side, and I’m worried I might feel a bit trapped if I start feeling panicky. I do have a prescription for hydroxyzine as a backup if needed, plus my usual daily meds, which generally keep things under control. But right now, my anxiety is getting the best of me.
Any advice or tips to help me relax? I’m hoping I’ll enjoy myself once I’m there, but the anticipation has me more stressed than excited. Any help would be amazing. Thanks so much!
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Hey there! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I also have some health issues that bring on dizziness, and anxiety tends to make everything worse for me.
I actually took an anti-anxiety med right before I boarded, and once I got on, it felt like being in a small city. We hit some rough patches, but nothing that stopped me from moving around or enjoying myself. I loved the experience so much that I already booked another cruise. I bet you’ll end up having an amazing time too!
Vin said: @Chase
Thank you, I really appreciate that! Hearing that makes me feel a bit better already.
Cruise ships are a totally different experience compared to fishing boats in rough waters. Unless things get extreme, you’ll barely notice you’re on water. It’s more like being in a huge mall or hotel—just happens to be floating.
Vin said: @Blair
Thinking of it like a mall or hotel helps a lot. Thanks so much for that comparison!
Just a heads-up, most cruise ships have stabilizers they use in choppy waters, which makes a huge difference. And if things do get rough, you can always head to the onboard medical clinic—they’re stocked with seasickness remedies. Staying toward the middle of the ship can help reduce motion too.
@Blair
As everyone’s mentioned, the ship is way bigger than you’d expect, even if it’s one of the “smaller” ones. You’ll feel how stable and solid it is in most conditions.
I totally get it—fear of a panic attack is so frustrating. Here’s my tip: take a deep breath, and remember you’re going to love the cruise! Those patches work well, and ginger chews can help too. Maybe take a mild anti-anxiety med right after boarding, so you can just ease into exploring the ship and getting comfy.
Try to knock out the muster drill right away so it’s one less thing to worry about. Make sure all your meds are in your carry-on so they’re easy to get if you need them. I usually pack a few calming things—like coloring books, sticker-by-number pages, or a deck of cards. If I start feeling anxious, I can find a quiet spot and relax with those.
Trust me, once you settle in, you’ll have a great time. The ships are so big, you rarely notice any movement. Enjoy your cruise!
@Weston
Thank you so much! I’m going with a decent-sized group, but it’s good to remind myself it’s okay to go off and find a quiet spot if I need to. Really appreciate the tips!
Vin said: @Weston
Thank you so much! I’m going with a decent-sized group, but it’s good to remind myself it’s okay to go off and find a quiet spot if I need to. Really appreciate the tips!
Oh, and don’t forget, there’s medical staff on board—doctors, nurses, a whole mini-clinic. You can get help if you need it, so you’re never totally on your own.
