Seasickness is an imbalance in the inner ear. Some people never experience sea sickness, a rare few always do and many people do at one time or other, but not always.
Relief Bands are the only devices we know of that can stop seasickness once it's started.Many passengers have purchased their own after renting ours. Developed by NASA for airsick astronauts, the Relief Band works on the same principle as the sea bands which go on your wrists and exert gentle pressure. The difference is Relief Bands emit an electronic pulse, which is far more effective. You wear one like a watch, but with the face on the inner aspect of the wrist. It's FDA approved for use with pregnant women and chemotherapy patients. It's approved for over-the-counter use to prevent travel sickness.
We have rented Relief Bands for over six years now and we remain very impressed, but there are limitations. Nothing works for everyone. Wearers need to pay close attention to the directions and the device must be turned up strong enough to be felt. No one is exactly sure HOW it works; they only know that it does. We rent the device for $7.50 a cruise. We have a good amount of them, but it's wise to purchase a rental along with your tickets.
Other helpful hints if you're concerned about queasiness: Take an over-the-counter preparation such as Bonine or Dramamine the night before and morning of the cruise. Although the instructions say take the medication one half hour before departure, we find it's best to take it the night before the cruise and then the next morning. Some people take half the dosage in the morning, after the full dose the night before. The non-drowsy formulas don't seem to be as effective as the regular formulas.
It's a waste of time to take any of these medications just prior to the cruise, as they need time to get into your system.
Stay outside where you get fresh air. Don't read. Look forward or stare at a fixed point on land so your inner ear can re-balance. Eat something bland and starchy like saltine crackers. Black tea, ginger tea, ginger ale, Coke and 7-Up can all have a calming effect on the stomach and are available in our snack bars. Antacids such as Tums, Tagamet and Pepcid AC also help.
Also try these suggestions: Eat a bland meal such as oatmeal or toast and tea before the cruise. Avoid coffee and rich and spicy foods.
You'll be happy to know that our boats are the first non-smoking whale watching boats on Monterey Bay. Why? Because smoke eddies on a boat, regardless of where the smokers are. For people who are already feeling queasy, the smell of the smoke can be enough to push them over the edge.
Advance purchase strongly recommended. Trips often sell out in advance.
To purchase by phone, call Zerve at 800.979.3370 or 212.209.3370.
For private & special charters, school groups or general information please call Andy at 831-917-1042 or 831-643-0128.
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Sanctuary Cruises is wheelchair accessible.
"I was so seasick, I didn't dare move... Happily, this trip was completely different. I took your advice on taking Bonine the night before, as well as the morning of the cruise. This, with the Relief Band turned up high, seemed to be the magic combination, since I had no difficulties." - Erin Hayes
Sanctuary Cruises is wheelchair accessible.