One of the biggest worries people have before their first cruise is seasickness.
The good news? Modern cruise ships are incredibly stable, and most travelers never experience serious motion sickness. But if you’re someone who is sensitive to motion—or you simply want to be prepared—there are plenty of straightforward ways to prevent or manage seasickness so it doesn’t ruin your trip.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stay comfortable and enjoy every minute of your cruise.
Choose Your Cabin Location Carefully
If you’re concerned about motion sickness, location matters when choosing your cabin.
The middle of the ship and lower decks tend to feel the least movement. This area is closest to the ship’s center of gravity, which means you’ll feel less rocking compared to cabins located at the very front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship.
If seasickness is a concern, this small booking choice can make a big difference.
Spend Time on Deck and Look at the Horizon
If your seasickness allows, fresh air can work wonders.
If you start feeling queasy, head outside and focus your eyes on the horizon. This helps your brain align what your body feels with what your eyes see, which can reduce motion sickness symptoms.
However, this tip only works if weather permits. If the motion of the ship is due to bad weather and high winds, the ship staff may close off outside decks for safety. If the ship’s motion is very exaggerated, seek the comfort of your cabin or a mid-ship, low deck lounge to lessen the motion.
Try Natural Remedies
Many cruisers swear by natural remedies to help prevent seasickness.
Popular options include:
- Ginger chews or ginger tea
- Green apples (often available on cruise ships specifically for seasickness)
- Peppermint tea
- Peppermints
- Motion sickness acupressure wristbands
These gentle remedies can help settle your stomach without medication.
Pack Motion Sickness Medication
If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to pack medication before your trip.
Common options include:
- Non-drowsy Dramamine
- Bonine
- Motion sickness patches prescribed by your doctor
Taking medication before symptoms start is often the most effective approach.
Pro tip: Pack it in your carry-on bag so it’s easy to access on embarkation day.
Get Plenty of Rest
Fatigue can make motion sickness worse.
Travel days can be long and exhausting, so be sure to get enough sleep and pace yourself during the first day or two of your cruise.
Your body usually adjusts to the ship’s movement within a day and the gentle motion of the ocean can be soothing.
Cruise Ships Are Designed for Stability
Modern cruise ships use advanced stabilizers that dramatically reduce motion and when the ocean is a bit choppy, many passengers barely notice.
If the weather turns and seas do get rough, the crew is incredibly experienced at helping passengers stay comfortable.
The Bottom Line
Seasickness can happen, but with a little preparation it’s very manageable—and often completely avoidable.
Choose the right cabin, bring a few remedies, stay hydrated, and get some fresh air if you need it.
Most importantly, remember that millions of people cruise every year without any issues, and chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying the food, views, and adventures to even think about motion sickness.
Now go enjoy that ocean breeze!
*Photographs provided courtesy of Unsplash.
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