Getting seasick on a cruise is no fun. But it doesn't need to ruin your trip. Knowing the causes of your seasickness, what to expect and how to avoid worsening symptoms are the keys to getting through it.
Seasickness on a cruise happens because of the constant motion of the waves, which can become more noticeable in rough waters. There also can be a psychological component to seasickness. When there’s little to no land in sight, your brain may feel like it’s constantly in a state of flux, but this just requires some getting used to. Keep reading to learn how to prevent seasickness and enjoy all the things to do on a cruise vacation.
Note: While these tips can be helpful, individual experiences with seasickness vary. It's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
1. Choose Shorter Voyages
If you're prone to seasickness, being mindful of your cruise selection is key. Opt for a cruise line and itinerary that minimizes your time at sea and reduces the likelihood of discomfort.
- Select itineraries with fewer consecutive sea days: Avoid cruises that involve long stretches at sea, such as those that cross oceans or require hundreds of miles of sailing before reaching their first destination.
- Choose cruises with shorter distances between ports: Look for options where the ship sails for only a few hours each day, moving from one destination to the next.
- Prioritize port-heavy itineraries: These allow you to spend more time exploring on land and less time in potentially choppy waters.
By choosing a shorter, port-focused voyage, you can enjoy your cruise without the worry of seasickness holding you back.
2. Book a Cabin Near the Ship’s Center
To reduce the impact of the ship's motion, choose a cabin near the center of the vessel. This area experiences less rocking than the edges, where the waves create the most movement. By staying closer to the center, you'll minimize the sensation of swaying and enhance your comfort during the cruise.
3. Consider Taking a River Cruise
If you're determined to avoid seasickness altogether, consider opting for a river cruise. River cruises navigate calm, inland waters rather than the open sea, greatly reducing the chance of getting seasick while offering a rewarding cruise experience.
4. Pack the Essentials
To minimize seasickness on your cruise, consider bringing the following items in your travel bag:
- Medication: Bringing your doctor-prescribed seasickness medication will give you peace of mind that you’ll be OK if your cruise starts to get rough. If you forget your medication, head to the infirmary on the ship, as they typically have over-the-counter medicine available.
- Ginger: Ginger root has been shown to help soothe the stomach and may provide relief from nausea. Consider packing ginger candies for potential use during your cruise. Ginger candies can also be helpful when cruising with kids if they start to feel a bit sick.
- Wristbands or Patches: Anti-nausea wristbands for motion sickness patches may provide relief for some individuals. However, their effectiveness can vary, so it's a good idea to try them before your trip to determine if they work for you.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses and a hat can help protect your eyes and head from the sun's glare and heat, which can contribute to feelings of nausea.
The most effective is to take seasickness medication before boarding the ship and to stay hydrated during your voyage.
5. Choose Your On-Board Activities Carefully
Did you know that the activities on board can affect how your stomach feels? Between ports, choose daytime activities that help maintain your balance. This is because body balance and position can influence the cortical nausea center, potentially reducing feelings of nausea.
Try relaxing activities like:
- Yoga classes
- Walking around the deck
- Tai Chi
Avoid activities that may exacerbate nausea symptoms, such as:
- Reading books
- Looking at screens
- Playing video games
By choosing your activities with these factors in mind, you can be more proactive about minimizing the chances of experiencing cruise motion sickness.
6. Avoid Strong Smells
Strong odors can often trigger or worsen nausea. To minimize discomfort, try to stay away from areas of the ship with strong fragrances, such as perfume, food or cleaning products. Seek out well-ventilated spaces with fresh air, like the upstairs decks or your cabin's balcony.
If you must pass through areas with strong odors, move through as quickly as possible and minimize your exposure.
7. Practice Relaxation Techniques
The feelings of stress and anxiety can certainly increase the sensation of seasickness while on a cruise. Actively practicing relaxation techniques can help minimize these feelings:
- Deep Breathing: This technique is a powerful way to calm your mind and body. Begin by inhaling deeply through your nose, holding your breath for several seconds and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times when you start to feel nauseous or need a moment to relax.
- Meditation: Meditation can help reduce anxiety. Find a comfortable spot, close your eyes and focus on your breath or the soothing sounds of the waves nearby. Meditation helps you feel more centered, making the vessel's constant motion more manageable.
- Acupuncture: Some cruise ships may offer acupuncture services, which can be particularly effective for seasickness. Acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate nausea. Check if the ship’s spa offers this service to see if it’s right for you.
What To Do if You End up Getting Sick
So, you tried everything and still ended up getting seasick on board? Don’t fret—there are plenty of ways to minimize feelings of nausea and get back to enjoying your cruise.
Try these tips if you find yourself feeling seasick. Soon, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself and experiencing all of the fun parts of your cruising itinerary.
1. Get Some Fresh Air
Head up to the deck and take deep breaths. The best deck on a cruise ship for motion sickness is often a lower deck near the center, where you'll experience less rocking compared to higher decks or areas near the exterior. This way, you won’t feel the roughness of the water as much.
2. Drink Lots of Fluids
Make sure you hydrate by drinking plenty of water. Even ginger ale or lemonade may help to settle your stomach but stay away from alcohol, which can worsen seasickness. Dehydration can contribute to nausea, so staying hydrated throughout the day is important.
3. Eat Light Meals and Avoid Spicy or Greasy Foods
Heavy, fried foods will only make your nausea worse. To mitigate the effects of seasickness, eat light meals that won’t further upset your stomach. Opt for bland foods like toast, plain rice or crackers to help settle your stomach.
4. Sit or Lie down in a Comfortable Spot and Close Your Eyes
Sleeping may help fight your seasickness, but if you can’t calm down enough to sleep, focus on a fixed point in the distance. This will stabilize your mind and help reduce your symptoms.
If you start to feel seasick on a cruise, stay calm and either close your eyes or focus on something stationary, like the horizon. Dizziness is one of the worst symptoms of seasickness, but you can often remedy it by concentrating on a steady point or simply resting with your eyes closed.
5. Take Seasickness Medication if Necessary
Check with your doctor before your trip to see if you should take something for seasickness. There are many common over-the-counter medications that cruisers take both preemptively or while having a bout with seasickness. With a little preparation and care, you can be sure that seasickness won’t ruin your cruise.
6. Have a Good Night’s Sleep
Establish a normal sleep routine on board and create a comfortable sleep space in your cabin to ensure you get enough rest throughout your trip. Consider bringing your own pillow from home for added comfort.
If you’re having difficulty falling asleep, try using noise-canceling headphones or white noise to help drown out the boat's rocking and focus on something else during the night.
FAQ
Below are commonly asked questions on how to avoid seasickness on a cruise.
Where Should I Stay on a Cruise Ship To Avoid Seasickness?
To minimize the risk of seasickness, choose a cabin on a lower deck near the center of the ship. These areas tend to feel less motion than cabins on higher decks or near the vessel’s extremities, like the stern or bow. Staying in a midship cabin is your best bet for a smoother and more comfortable cruise experience.
How Long Can Seasickness Last on a Cruise?
Seasickness can vary from person to person, depending on factors like individual sensitivity and the specific cruise you're taking. In many cases, seasickness may lessen as your body adapts to the ship's motion.
However, if your symptoms persist for more than a couple of days or become more severe, consult the ship's medical staff for further advice or treatment.
Where Should I Cruise to Avoid Getting Seasick?
If you're prone to seasickness, consider choosing cruise destinations and itineraries that offer smoother waters and less frequent rough conditions.
While Alaska cruises can be stunning, they may involve more turbulent conditions in the Gulf of Alaska. For a calmer experience, you might opt for luxury cruises through the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Additionally, avoid booking your trip during peak hurricane season, as these times are more likely to have rougher seas.
Book Your Dream Cruise with AAA
Now that you've learned how to prevent seasickness on a cruise, it's time to plan your trip. As a AAA member, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits like onboard spending credits and discounts. Let AAA help you find the perfect cruise for your next adventure.