"Tanning" before a cruise? About This Page:

[All Ears]

Everyone keeps telling me that I should go to a tanning bed or booth prior to cruising or I will be as red as a lobster. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]
I am very fair-skinned, and I do not really "tan" well. I tend to turn a bit pink on my shoulders -- and then pretty much go back to "pale." I do not frequent tanning beds, and I like to use SPF45 sunscreen when outside.
So do any of you "tan" prior to cruising? And does it really make the difference in doing so?
I think as long as I take enough good sunscreen, and play it smart -- I will be fine. True?
Thanks!
Michelle

[Bert & Sully]

[img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] Hi Michelle. That's a tough call. One reads so many negative reports about those beds. I recently read something where a doctor said he told his patients if they insisted on tanning he'd rather they do it under the "real sunlight" which really got me thinking. DH is as fair and prone to burning as you are. He uses a 30SPF when we are in the Caribbean and does fine. Just remember to cover EVERYWHERE! - One year in Jamaica he neglected to get the tops of his feet and was NOT a happy camper.

[Belle*]

I am also REALLY fair with blue eyes and red hair. So pretty much I'm a sunburn magnet. Purchase a really good sunblock (not sunscreen) of SPF 15 or higher and, like Elaine said, be sure to apply it everywhere. Also remember to apply it at least 30 minutes before you go outside, it takes that long to become effective. I put it on immediately after my shower in the morning before I put on my clothes so I can be sure I'm not missing a spot that may come uncovered if my bathing suit strap shifts, etc. Also remember to reapply frequently. Consider buying spray sunblock (usually marketed for kids) to spray in the part of your hair as this are can become burned really easily and is very painful. The sun in the Caribbean and Bahamas is much stronger than it is even in Orlando so be careful! And snaps to you for taking care of your skin.

[Dave Marx]

It sounds like you "tan" like Jennifer. All the tanning beds in the world wouldn't help her. Sun block is definitely the way to go.

There's no reason you have to tan or turn lobster-red on a cruise. Even if you plan to spend a lot of time by the pool, there's plenty of shade handy. If you go to the beach, then all the normal warnings apply. Whatever you do, get yourself a good broad-brimmed hat and have some sort of lightweight cover-up for extended time in the sun.

There are only two kinds of lobsters I've seen on the cruise - the folks who spend long, heedless hours at the beach, and the kind they serve at the Captain's Gala.

[LilMarcieMouse]

Remember your scalp can burn too so don't forget to put some on your scalp too. That is if your NOT wearing a hat. I bought a hat to wear just in the ocean.

[Minnesota]

Thanks everyone, I was wondering this too but never go around to posting it. I'm from Minnesota (go figure) and rarely see the sun for all the snow 6 months of the year (j/K) I "tan" the same way, as in not at all.
Minnesota
http://www.geocities.com/picturedisney

[KathyL]

I am also very fair skinned. I have never burned on a cruise even though I spend much time in the sun. As everyone else said, use a good sunscreen (I prefer 30) and apply for the first time at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply again as soon as you get in the sun and then again periodically throughout the day as recommended on the label. Buy your sunscreen now. It's much cheaper to purchase before you cruise than it is to purchase on the ship or in Florida right before you cruise.

KathyL

[All Ears]

Thanks soo much for all of the responses and tips. I would not have thought about a spray block for my "part" on my scalp or the hat... Good tips. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Michelle