Staying well on a cruise: What to do to prevent or minimise sickness while at sea

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Staying well on a cruise: What to do to prevent or minimise sickness while at sea

By Sally Macmillan
To help avoid seasickness choose a cabin with a balcony to provide fresh air.

To help avoid seasickness choose a cabin with a balcony to provide fresh air.

A surprising number of avid cruisers suffer from seasickness, but it doesn't put them off cruising because they've learned how to manage it. There are several things you can do to prevent or minimise the dreaded mal de mer – and stay fit and well on a cruise.

Dr Bob Kass, the medical director of Globe Medical in SA, knows about staying healthy at sea. He holds specialist qualifications in paediatrics and public health medicine and is one of Australia's pioneers of travel medicine.

"Many health issues related to cruising are preventable," he says. "Most can be sorted out with a little knowledge and the right medications. Packing sensible clothing for the time of year and local conditions sounds like common sense but as the adage goes, common sense isn't all that common."

The pool deck on the Azamara Journey.

The pool deck on the Azamara Journey.

Here are his tips for dealing with seasickness and tummy bugs.

Motion sickness. If you have experienced a bad bout of motion sickness in the past then it is likely it will happen again. Consider your cabin location at the time of booking. Make sure it's mid ship and, where possible, choose one with a balcony to provide fresh air. Eat small snacks and often. It is also a good idea to restrict visual cues to those at a distance and avoid reading or watching moving objects until you have your "sea legs".

There are several medications available. If you have used one successfully in the past, then stick with it. If you have had unpleasant side effects such as major sedation or dry mouth, consider trying a different medication before you leave. Common ones include Dimenhydrinate, Promethazine and Cinnarizine.

Christian Dortch is corporate chef for Curtis Stone's SHARE restaurants on the Princess Cruises.

Christian Dortch is corporate chef for Curtis Stone's SHARE restaurants on the Princess Cruises.

Tummy bugs. Norovirus is a common, highly contagious, gut virus that can occur in any environment where many people are sharing space – it's not confined to cruise ships. Cruise operators are aware of the potential for gastrointestinal outbreaks and some provide staff to supervise and educate at buffets for the first few days of a cruise. Alcohol-based hand gel is provided on the entry to the dining room; while they are useful, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water is better. If possible, use your own toilet rather than a public one – at least you can keep your bugs to yourself.

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For more comprehensive advice about all aspects of travel health, check out The Little Book by Dr Bob Kass; it is available on iTunes for $2.99.

MEET THE CREW

NAME Christian Dortch, from America

POSITION Corporate Chef, Curtis Stone's SHARE Restaurant, Princess Cruises

MY JOB I manage the culinary operations of SHARE and oversee the dining experience to ensure the best practice is implemented. I also help update and refresh the food offering by supporting Curtis with the recipe and menu development process. Never a dull moment!

A TYPICAL DAY I start the day with an espresso (or two) in the SHARE kitchen, reviewing the previous night's service. Curtis' cuisine has a big emphasis on fresh produce so, if it is a port day, I'll pick up local produce, which will form part of the multi-course dinner for that night. During dinner service it's always really busy and I like to keep the energy up and motivate our team of chefs to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our guests at SHARE every night.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT During a recent passenger drill on Ruby Princess, it was great seeing passengers recognise Curtis Stone – and then seeing a huge queue at SHARE for dinner that evening.

FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS Cruising to Alaska is a standout. I also recently sailed to Stavanger in Norway, which has an incredible fish market by the old city. For a chef like me, being able to explore that was a true highlight.

INSIDER TIPS Although sunsets are beautiful, it's the sunrises that take your breath away. And don't forget to book a table at SHARE when you board the ship!

TIP

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NEWS

Azamara Journey heading Down Under

It's not long until Azamara Journey makes its Australian debut – the 690-passenger ship arrives in Darwin on February 8. Azamara Club Cruises president and chief executive Larry Pimentel was in Australia recently, making final arrangements for the maiden arrival of the ship, fresh from its $33 million refurbishment. "We were incredibly impressed with the response when we debuted Azamara Quest in Australia last summer so the time is absolutely right to bring sister ship Azamara Journey Down Under for the very first time," he said. The makeover of both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest added new features that include The Patio, an al fresco poolside dining area; The Living Room, a casual bar, dining and entertainment room with beautiful views; and new, faster Wi-Fi. See www.azamaraclubcruises.com

Iceland circumnavigation

The land of bubbling geysers, volcanoes and spectacular, unspoilt scenery is attracting more travellers than ever before. APT's 118-passenger MS Island Sky is sailing a 10-day circumnavigation of the country in July 2018, visiting 11 destinations. The cruise starts in Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital city, and highlights include private access to the famous Myvatn Nature Baths, sailing through magnificent fiords, visiting Europe's biggest glacier and witnessing dramatic waterfalls and nature up close in some of Iceland's most remote regions. As well as an expedition team of four, Viking history expert John Haywood will be on board as a guest lecturer. Details of this and other APT expedition cruises are available in the new Small Ships Expedition Cruising 2018 brochure. See www.aptouring.com.au

Tahitian Affair

Island Escape Cruises' new Tahitian Affair brochure is out now, featuring seven and 10-night cruises within the Society Leeward Islands of French Polynesia. The 24-passenger Island Passage will sail in the region between May and October 2017 and fares will be held at 2016 rates. Included in the fares are complimentary helicopter transfers from Bora Bora airport to the ship on seven-night cruises; a Raiatea Island and river tour; a pearl farm excursion on Tahaa where you can dive for your own pearl; a drift snorkelling safari; and all onboard meals and drinks. Nights are spent at peaceful anchorages and the ship sails for a maximum of three hours a day. If you book and pay for a Tahiti cruise by October 31 you can save $970. See www.slandescapecruises.com

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Four Celebrity Cruises ships will sail more than 60 European itineraries next year and, if you book by October 2, the line is offering up to 50 per cent off a second guest and $400 onboard credit a stateroom. Deposits are reduced by 50 per cent and added flights to Europe cost from $1391. Phone 1800 754 500. See celebritycruises.com.au

MORE DEALS

PRINCESS CRUISES' current deals include a 15-night Papua New Guinea cruise, round-trip from Sydney departing on May 4, 2017. Golden Princess will call at Brisbane, Alotau, Kawanasausau Strait and Milne Bay, Kiriwina Island, Rabaul, Luganville and Vila (Vanuatu) and Noumea. From $1899 for bookings made by October 31; phone 1300 551 853. See www.princess.com

OCEANIA CRUISES will sail 32 Mediterranean, Scandinavian and UK itineraries in 2017, and is offering bonuses for early bookings that include free Wi-Fi and a choice of four free shore excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit. For example, the 10-day Mediterranean cruise, round-trip from Rome departing June 4, 2017, starts from $3420. Phone 1300 355 200. See www.www.ceaniacruises.com

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