I'll answer #1, but will leave the others to those that have been more recently. Sadly we're coming up on 2 years this fall since our last trip. Hoping to plan one soon though!

Don't take any chances with sea sickness. See your Dr before the trip and get the patch. They'll have you try it before the trip just so you can see if you have any side effects. Everyone that we know that has used it has never had a problem. And we have friends that get sea sick just looking at the water and they had a blast in rough seas with the boat bouncing up and down in the waves!