How To Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise
Seasickness is a problem affecting many people, with some having a higher threshold than others. Some people find their “sea legs” in a day or two, while others may never feel a thing. Seasickness (otherwise known as motion sickness or vertigo) disrupts your sense of balance and equilibrium. Your brain receives conflicting messages about the unfamiliar motion of the ship from your inner ear, eyes, skin, and muscles. More than just nausea, seasickness can also manifest as a headache, fatigue, sweating, and dizziness (with or without a queasy feeling). If you’ve experienced this condition, you know how miserable it can be. Seasickness Cruise Travel
Motion can also vary from ship-to-ship, meaning the feeling of seasickness you may have in a small or medium-sized boat doesn’t necessarily mean you will have problems on a large cruise ship. In fact, the larger the ship, the less it will rock. The good news is newer, modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that reduce much of the motion that causes seasickness.
Let’s review some quick tips that can help prevent — or at least minimize — seasickness on your next cruise.
Preventing Seasickness: Proactive Measures Seasickness Cruise Travel
The key to preventing seasickness lies in advance planning and adopting certain practices during your cruise. If you’re a first-time cruiser concerned about seasickness, consider booking your trip on a newer, larger ship that’s likely to experience calmer seas. Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, for instance, are known for their relatively calm waters.
When booking your cabin, opt for a location in the middle of the ship near the waterline, or an outside cabin with a window. These positions experience less motion, which can help reduce the likelihood of seasickness.
Once on board, make a point of going up on deck frequently to get fresh air and use the horizon as a point of reference. This can help your body acclimate to the motion of the ship. Additionally, ensure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and keep something in your stomach, even if you don’t feel like eating.
Avoiding Seasickness Triggers
Certain behaviors and conditions can exacerbate seasickness. For instance, consuming a lot of alcohol before and during your cruise can speed up dehydration and lower your resistance to seasickness. Similarly, eating spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can trigger seasickness symptoms.
Avoid looking through binoculars for extended periods or staring at objects such as books, magazines, and digital screens for too long. Spending long periods below deck or hanging out with others who are experiencing motion sickness symptoms can also increase your susceptibility to seasickness.
Seasickness Remedies: Medical and Natural Seasickness Cruise Travel
There are numerous remedies available to help prevent or alleviate seasickness symptoms. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor before your cruise. They can provide advice on over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help manage seasickness.
Commonly used medications include antihistamines such as meclizine (Antivert®, Bonine®), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). For longer-lasting relief, a prescription option like Scopolamine oral pills or skin patches may be recommended.
Natural remedies can also be effective in managing seasickness. Aromatherapy with ginger, peppermint, or lavender can help, as can consuming real ginger or peppermint in various forms. Acupressure wristbands, such as the Sea-Band, can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Seasickness doesn’t have to ruin your cruise vacation. With the right preparation and strategies, you can enjoy your journey without discomfort. Remember, if you do get sick, there is always a nurse and medical staff on board to assist you. So go ahead, explore the world one port at a time and enjoy every minute of it.
