Modern cruise ships are amazing machines. They have special stabilizers that greatly reduce motion. It is truly incredible how steady these floating hotels are, even in the open ocean. Yet, understanding what causes seasickness and how to stop it can make your cruise trip truly wonderful.
What is Seasickness?
Seasickness, also called motion sickness, happens when your brain gets mixed signals about movement. Your eyes might see a still room. However, your inner ear, which helps with balance, feels motion. This confusion can cause symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cold sweats
- Pale skin
- More saliva
While it feels bad, remember it passes quickly. Also, many ways exist to fight it!
Why You Might Not Get Seasick
Modern cruise ships are very large. They weigh hundreds of thousands of tons. Their huge size, along with special fin stabilizers, makes them very steady. You will often feel like you are in a floating hotel, not a small boat. Furthermore, cruise lines carefully plan their trips. They generally avoid bad weather and rough seas when possible. If you worry about seasickness, book a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. This area moves the least. Inside cabins, with no view outside, can sometimes lower visual confusion.
Top 3 Remedies for a Smooth Cruise
Even with modern ships being very stable, it is smart to be ready. This is especially true if you often get motion sickness. Here are my top three tips:
1. Over-the-Counter Medications
These pills are often the first thing people try. They work very well for many.
- Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): This is a common and easy-to-find choice. It works best if you take it before you feel sick. Consider taking a dose a few hours before getting on the ship or at your first sign of feeling a little queasy. There is also a less-drowsy type if you worry about feeling tired.
- Bonine (Meclizine): This is another popular option. It usually causes less drowsiness than regular Dramamine. Like Dramamine, it works best when you take it beforehand.
Katy’s Tip: Always pack your preferred anti-nausea medicine in your carry-on bag. Do not wait until you feel sick to look for it on the ship!
2. Natural Methods: Ginger and Acupressure
If you prefer natural options or want to add to your medicine, these are great choices:
- Ginger: People have used this root for a long time to calm an upset stomach. You can try:
- Capsules: These are easy to take and widely available.
- Chews or candy: This is a tasty way to get ginger.
- Ginger ale: Make sure it has real ginger for the best effect.
- Tea: This is a warm, comforting option.
- Acupressure Wristbands (Sea-Bands): These stretchy bands have a plastic knob. It presses on a point on your wrist called P6. This point is believed to help with nausea. They do not use drugs and you can wear them all the time. Many people say they work!
Katy’s Tip: Start using ginger a day or two before your cruise. Wear your acupressure bands as soon as you get on board if you often get motion sickness.
3. Strategic Spot & Fresh Air
Sometimes, simply changing where you are can make a big difference.
- Look at the Horizon: If you feel a little queasy, go outside on deck. Focus on the steady horizon. This helps your brain fix its signals. It can be surprisingly helpful.
- Choose a Mid-Ship, Lower Deck Cabin: As I mentioned, cabins in the middle of the ship on lower decks move the least. If you have not booked yet, this is a great tip!
- Get Fresh Air: Sometimes, just going out on an open deck and breathing the fresh sea air can calm your stomach. Avoid stuffy, closed places if you feel unwell.
- Avoid Reading or Screens: For some people, looking at a book, phone, or tablet can make seasickness worse. This further confuses your brain about movement.
Katy’s Tip: If you start to feel unwell, do not try to tough it out in your cabin. Go to an open deck, find a spot where you can see the horizon, and take some deep breaths.
Ready to Sail Smoothly?
Do not let the idea of seasickness stop you from enjoying a cruise vacation. With modern ship technology and these simple, effective solutions, you are ready for a smooth and wonderful journey.
At Gallivanters Vacations, we specialize in creating amazing cruise experiences. We help with everything, from finding the perfect trip to answering all your questions before you go. We are here to make sure your trip is nothing less than fantastic. Do not let worries about seasickness stop you from seeing the joy of the open sea!
Ready to set sail on your dream cruise? Contact Gallivanters Vacations today for a personalized quote. Let’s plan your perfectly smooth getaway!
Call me, Katy Thompson, at 501-837-9414. Visit our website at GallivantersVacations.com. Also, follow us on Facebook to see our amazing cruise deals!