Tips for surviving a catamaran?

[nunheadmum]

We're off to France via Cherbourg and just realised that it's a catamaran. We've been warned that they can induce sea-sickness in the best of travellers. Our eldest gets easily car sick so it doesn't look good.

Any tips for surviving the journey? We've had Gin Gin's recommended but not sure my daughter will eat ginger flavoured sweets. We've used Travella in the car but not sure it will be strong enough to counteract a catamaran. I'm going to try and find travel bands - but last time we tried them she complained that they hurt her wrists. Do Kwells kids work?

Any other tips for the catamaran? I've heard sitting at the back is better?

I really don't want to start and end our hols with a barfing session if we can avoid it!!

[cactus]

I made a catamaran trip a couple of weeks ago.

You're right, sitting at the back, and also in the middle section, helps to make it

a slightly smoother experience. On the way out we sat on the open deck, then downstairs for the return journey.

More seasoned travellers suggested downstairs was best to minimise sickness, but I felt better in the fresh air.

Apparently dry, salty snacks help, so pack some crisps.

Our journey was only 1.5 hours, we were ok, but the next day, whenever I closed my eyes, the rocking and swaying sensation returned!

Good luck.

[clux]

Pick up some Phenergan from the pharmacy. Works like a dream for my travel sick children. Never been on a catamaran but it's worked every time in cars, buses and planes

[snowboarder]

We use kids kwells for the car - they seem to work.

[landsberger]

I assume you are taking the Portsmouth or Poole to Cherbourg "high speed ferry" with Brittany Ferries ?

It largely depends on the size of the catamaran (and of course the weather!) but you should be OK. Check the sea forecast (ITV Meridian and Channel TV News, both available online will give you an idea of the state of the seas). I have found fresh air helps enormously, personally.

Catamarans tend to yaw slightly from side to side naturally, even on "flat as a pancake" seas. It's mildly disconcerting at first but then you get used to it (and don't fill a cup to the top!). The open part is often quite small, BUT is usually handily in the middle of the boat, towards the back.

[nunheadmum]

Thanks for all the comments. Yes, it's the Cherbourg one. Going armed with kwells, Gin-gins, crisps - and a stock of old Potette bags just in case! (Being positive - at least I'll have found a use for them if they do barf.)