Blackbeards and Seasickness

[RIDIVER501]

Hey Kleppta,

I have done the BB thing 3 times. One the first trip it was a little rough on the way back. On the last trip it was a little rough on the way over. the time of yera you are planning to go is usually pretty good as far as weather goes.

I am heading out with a group for my 4th trip in march. I am advising all who think they might get sea sick to get a little bonine. I was in the navy for 16 years so like you I don't get seasick. But all the people I know who do swear by bonine becuase it doesn't make one drowsy like dramamine does.

Hope this helps,

John

 

[Tamas]

Since so many people tend to get sick, how are they dealt with when they do?

Also, if the crossing is so rough, how are you supposed to stay in your bunks? (how big are they anyways? enough to accommodate a larger diver?)

 

[SueMermaid]

How are they dealt with? The sick ones just puke over and over again and wait it out. That's all a person can do.
Most folks didn't go in their bunks on the way over, I was the only one. I just spread-eagled and held on!
Some bunks are bigger than others, so ask when you book the trip. I think the bunks in the galley area are biggest.

 

[bubblelogist]

When I had my first BB cruise last year in January many people got seasick, including my bestfriend who used to sail in big storm when she was a kid (she was 26 at the time of the cruise) My husband and I choose to take the patch and it worked well for us. I think that I really have any problems with seasickness, and just to laugh at the other I took my chocolate cake in the Galley with the chef when many others was feeding the fish. I agree for the cheesburgers, avoid this. I heard another trick that seems to work well with one of our friends who was really seasick (he felt really bad when we stopped at Bimini) : pepto-bismol and white bread. Anything that will make you sleep for the duration of the crossing seems to work well.

About the berth they are really small, and because of the limited facility I would definitly avoid having an accident in them, since chances that you spoil your beddings or personal items or someone else things are strong. and i'm sont sure they have spare... If you are single on the cruise, I hope you get a bunk in the galley, you have lot more space... If you are a couple, I hope you are really in love. You can try to sleep in a twin bed to have an idea of what it is

 

[Kleppta]

Thanks everyone for you posts.

Unfortunately due to various reasons, (Wife, Wife, and Wife)

I will not be doing a Liveaboard this winter. (Something about sharks, and a movie she was NOT supposed to watch!)

I have managed to get a concession, in the form of a week in Cuba with 7 other guys.

Seasickness with not be a problem....however….I hear they have some nice rum there



Kleppta

 

[robertmackey]

Hi to all! I had the honor to work with some of you that have posted here and I'd like to give you all a big thank-you.

The crossing averages about 7 hours and depends on if we use one or two sails (wind determines this). The sails are the BIGGEST part as they control the roughness of the vessel to rock back and forth. I work for Blackbeard's and I work on the Morning Star.

I would bring rain gear, do not overeat, get plenty of rest before the trip, RELAX, have fruit on the top deck as it can be eaten if it gets wet (not a sandwich), do not go "below" the deck, stay top side. THIS is the BIGGEST thing to remember as the swaying back and forth is worse and you have nothing to focus your sights on. Plus the fruit basket swinging isn't a pretty site in the galley. If you have to vomit go to the railing and if not please do it over the bench side as we rinse it off. It happens to everyone and do not be ashamed if it happens to you. You will feel better to just get it out and sit back and relax. If you make it fun then that's what will happen, don't work yourself up towards a bad crossing. About 75% of them are just fine.

Stay Afloat,
Sparky (morning star)

 

[Willar]

I went on BB Sea Explorer in October and not one person got sick. It just depends on the height and frequency of swells. Staying topside definitely helps reduce the feeling of seasickness. Bring a rainsuit because if the wind is hard and larger swells, you will get wet sitting topside.

Even with these warnings, Blackbeards is still a great time!!

 

[robertmackey]

Hi Tamas, say call and request to be on the same boat as I (Sparky)-the morning star. We have (3) boats and the computer inputs everyone. I will be back this Friday and run thru all of Feb. I am alot of fun and very informative about the Bimini area as well as the vessel. I used to work back in the mid 80's for Blackbeard's.

Bring rain gear, something warm, "your bags" can be stored at the docks, remember space is limited so only bring what you need. Most dives are 30-60 ft. The temp. of the water right now is around 72*, back to the stuff to bring: SUNSHADES, suntain lotion, towels, beach shoes or your bare feet, hat or dew rag, camera gear, dive light, and a fun attitude. '-'

If you forget something we usually have it all and we do have some items that rent cheap. Do not worry if you do not have it all or forget it at the last minute.


I will see you there and be sure to remind me who you are, safe travels.

Sparky

 

[robertmackey]

Tamas...good to hear from you again. I still work for Blackbeard's and go by the name of Sparky. Jack works on the Pirates lady, but is in Costa Rica right now. All three boats are out of Miami and we usually dive in Bimini on 7 days and Freeport and Nassau on 9 days. I worked on the same boat back in the mid 80's. Any other questions just ask and really look forward to meeting you and hope to have you on our boat and also get ahold of the office to get on ours-the coolest crew of all (Sparky).

Stay Afloat,
Sparky

 

[JC Fedorczyk]

Morning Star for the New Years Cruise. Everyone was getting sick on the trip over including the crew. I think there were 3 or 4 people that didn't but everyone else tossed their cookies. I spent my 7 hrs in a fetal position up on deck. It was absolutely horrible, but I would do it again in a heartbeat because the crew and the rest of the trip was an absolute blast. Next time I go I'm going to drug myself up so I sleep through the whole thing.