The sun is always stronger at sea

One thing you definitely need to remember when on your cruise is that the sun at sea is a lot stronger than it would be if you were on land. The sun bounces off the ocean and the glare although can give you a nice crisp tan can also leave some nasty sunburn too.

On my first cruise back in 2007 I awoke on day 1 to find the sky cloudy and the wind quite strong. I decided I would sit on one of the ships decks and simply read as although windy it was fresh and still quite warm, perfect for just taking an hour to relax. I sat out for quite some time and the weather did not improve, eventually I returned to my cabin and proceeded to get my clothes ready for the evening’s dinner. I had been back to my cabin for a little while when as I went to change my clothes my chest felt as if it were on fire, I toddled over to the mirror and to my shock my entire chest and shoulders were lobster red!! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I hadn’t seen the sun all day, it had been hiding behind the clouds refusing to come out yet here I was with quite possibly the worst sunburn I had ever had in my life.

It was 4 days before I could allow my chest and shoulders to see the sun again, it was blisteringly hot from the following day on and here I was with an elbow length t shirt on roasting to death all because I was too ignorant to listen in the first place.

Always no ALWAYS wear your sun cream no matter what kind of holiday you are on but remember to frequently top it up whilst at sea and do NOT be fooled by the clouds, the sun’s rays are extremely powerful and I certainly learned my lesson.

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Oh I remember my first Cruise on our Honeymoon,like above it was a cloudy day and being a red head deceided that the sun wasn't out so I deceided to NOT wear Sun Screen. What a mistake it was and it ruined my cruise. Folks don't be fooled the sun is really powerful at sea so WEAR yoru Sun Screen all the time!!!

by Rob Wise on 16 Mar 2011

To make sure that you do not get too much like a lobster, place some soft cream on before you go sit outside like Blue Lizard this will keep the sun from getting to your skin, also after the fact that you did not listen to me and do get red. Douse yourself with White Vinegar. they do have this in the kitchen ask any waiter to get this for you. Do NOT go to the infirmary they will charge you 50.00 for the same stuff... You do is take the clear liquid mix 1 cup ( 8 oz) White Vinegar with 1 full cup of cool cold water with ice and take a washcloth and place onto the parts that are effected... Ladies leave your tops on... this hurts really badly when you skinny dip bathe. Place it on every 3 hours and take two tylenol and then get some needed rest. Do it again the next am.. .this will not give you that stinky smell but then if your wife thinks u are a salad she may put some tomatoes on you and eat off of your skin... only kidding... but the smell shoud be gone after a cool shower. DO not shower in the hot.. just in the cool till it heals takes 4-5 days... when in the sun coverup in white clothing and put your sun screen on and then you will be ok... if you get blisters do not sit in the sun again.. it can turn into skin cancer. I know, I am a skin specialist.

by Moonlight Skywriter on 21 Feb 2011