Bonine vs. Dramamine: Which is Better for Motion Sickness?
If you're prone to motion sickness, decide before boarding whether Bonine or Dramamine suits you better based on age restrictions, drowsiness tolerance, and dosing schedule. Buy your medication at a grocery store before your cruise for $5-$10, since onboard shop prices are marked up. If you have glaucoma, breathing or urination issues, liver/kidney disease, or take opioids, sedatives, or similar medications, check with a doctor first.
What strikes me here is the tradeoff: Dramamine acts faster but knocks you out, while Bonine takes longer to kick in but lets you stay upright for the pool deck. My read is that most cruisers should just test a dose before departure, since the article notes an infectious disease specialist confirms side effects are consistent each time you take these drugs. The age gap matters too — Dramamine down to age 2, Bonine not until 12 — so families should plan accordingly. The real gut-punch fact is the $2,000 infirmary bill an Alaska cruiser racked up for seasickness; that alone justifies the $5-$10 grocery store purchase before you ever step on the ship. In my shoes, I'd stock both and test them at home first.