Disney Cruise - Claustrophobia

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

DD14 and DW are looking at a Disney Cruise rather than our usual WDW trip. Problem is, I am claustrophobic. The flight is bad enough, I am concerned about being on a ship for 7 days..any thoughts/suggestions. thanks

[divinedi]

Okay, having never had a problem with claustrophobia, I'm not sure what you are going through, but I always 'thought' it had to do with small enclosed spaces, and I understand somewhat the plane, but on a big boat? with lots of open space on deck? pools? I think the cabins are somewhat small, again not sure, never been on a cruise, but I would have thought the rest of the trip would be fine. Just my two cents!

[Here we go again...]

I went through the same thing when I took my first cruise. I was scared to death! I could not stop thinking about what would happen if I had a panic attack out in the middle of the ocean with no where to go!
It is not bad. The ship is very large. Once you are out on the water it is very relaxing. You will be fine.

If you are very worried ask your family doctor for 2 things:
1. a low dose of xanax to help if you have a panic attack
2. patches for motion sickness. If you get sick on your first cruise you will never want to go back.

Have fun!!

[DeniseMB]

Don't book an inside stateroom. Get an oceanview or preferably a verandah. The ships are very large. Think of them as a floating resort. You will be fine.

I have a fear of heights and usually book a verandah. When I first go out on the verandah I get a little shaky when I look down. The feeling goes away quickly then I am good to go and enjoy the rest of my vacation.

[Ed]

Moving the thread to the Cruise Line forum where you may get more answers from many experienced cruisers....

[TammiMcMan]

Have you considered maybe going 3 or 4 nights instead and spending the other 3 or 4 nights in WDW? The first time we cruised, we chose the 3 night because we weren't sure how we'd like being in one space for an extended period. It kind of took some of the stress away, especially knowing that we would be at the park after the cruise.

I would suggest contacting Magical Journeys (their link is on the left hand side of this page). They can price out a number of options for you, which may include getting a larger room with a verandah on the ship and offsetting that cost with a value room for your park stay.

[DisneyFr33k]

We've taken two 7 day Disney cruises and this fall a 5 day land and 3 day sea package. In the past, I've had boats with seasickness, so I booked floor 1 with a deluxe inside stateroom. Boy, did that help! In your case, a room with a veranda is the way to go. Stepping outside for some fresh air would be a good option.

Yes, the cabins can be tight, I won't lie to you there. And the hallways leading to your room are very narrow. But once you are out and about on the boat, you'll feel like you are in a typical resort/mall.

I like the advice above. Why not start small and do part land/part sea? That way, you'll get the best of both.

My mother suffers from panic attacks and cannot drive to the airport (fear of flying) without breaking into a sweat. Her anxiety attacks have been genetically gifted to my DD (12). Her OCD/anxiety disorder had some issues on the last cruise, but with good doctors and meds, we all did fine.

I think with the support of your docs and family, you'll make the right decision and have a wonderful time.

Good luck and have fun!!

[NJGIRL]

I have a much harder time on planes. Being on the ship is like being at a resort it is so big. I have no problems at all on the ship. If you can take a plane the ship probably won't be a problem for you. I would suggest you get a room with a balconey that way if you start feeling closed in you can go outside. If you don't have a balconey you can always go out to the deck for fresh air.

So little time is spent in your room you probably will be OK.

[WelshieLover]

My husband had some issues with the inside cabin when we went on a cruise with his family a couple years ago. One night he went up on deck fro a few hours in the middle of the night. When we went for our anniversary we got an outside cabin with a huge window. What a difference - He had no issues. Although now he is convinced that he wants a balcony on our next cruise.