One of the biggest things we hear from potential cruisers is that they are worried they’ll get seasick. While that fear is technically grounded in reality, seasickness on a cruise is actually quite rare, thanks to modern ship design and stabilization technology. In other words, while it can still happen, most passengers never feel any ill effects and those who do can generally manage it with ease.

Don’t let yourself miss out on the vacation of a lifetime – If you’re worried about getting seasick, there are several effective strategies to prevent or manage it:

Prevention Strategies:

• Medication:
  • Over-the-Counter: Taking medications like Dramamine or Bonine before you start feeling queasy can be very effective. These drugs help prevent the onset of seasickness.
  • Prescription Patches: For more serious concerns, a doctor can prescribe a scopolamine patch that you wear behind your ear. It’s effective for long-term prevention and works for the duration of your cruise.
• Natural Remedies:
  • Ginger: Ginger pills or ginger tea can help settle your stomach.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint tea or candies might also help alleviate symptoms.
  • Green Apples: Eating green apples is a traditional remedy some people find helpful.
  • Wristbands: Acupressure wristbands claim to alleviate nausea by applying pressure to specific points on your wrist.
  • Herbal Patches: There are a number of non-medicated patches available over the counter. They work the same as the prescription patches, but contain herbal remedies like ginger.

Managing Seasickness:

• Immediate Medication: If you start feeling queasy, taking an over-the-counter medication like Dramamine or Nauzene can quickly help you feel better.
• Stay on Deck: Getting fresh air and looking at the horizon can help your body adjust and alleviate symptoms.
• Hydration and Light Meals: Drink plenty of water and eat light, bland foods to avoid upsetting your stomach further.

Additional Tips:

• Choose you Cabin Wisely: Midship cabins on lower decks tend to experience less motion compared to those at the front or back of the ship.
• Hydrate and Wear Sun Protection: Dehydration can cause some of the same symptoms as seasickness.

Most likely, you won’t need to use any of these tips, but it never hurst to be informed!