How to Avoid Seasickness on a Cruise

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Nothing ruins a cruise like getting sick, and unfortunately, seasickness is a common occurrence while sailing. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), seasickness occurs when a boat's instability confuses the inner-ear balance mechanism, causing the body to feel movement while the eyes see still. To prevent a possible vacation misstep, it's important to learn how to avoid seasickness on a cruise.

Choose your Cabin Wisely

Where you choose to stay on the ship is a huge factor in avoiding seasickness. In general, passengers staying on the middle, lower decks are less likely to feel rocking than those in the front, back, and upper decks. You may not want to go too low, though - fresh air is helpful for alleviating nausea. Because of that, I recommend getting a room with a balcony.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is essential for any illness, and seasickness is no exception. Though grabbing a cocktail by the pool might seem fun, forgetting to offset alcohol with water will likely lead to regrets. Water also helps aid in digestion, which is helpful considering the amount of food you're offered on a cruise.

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Stock up on Meds

Motion-sickness pills, such as Dramamine, help prevent the dizziness and nausea that comes with being seasick. However, these types of meds provoke sleepiness in some users. To avoid this, pick up the less-drowsy version of Dramamine. It lasts 24 hours so you don't have to worry about toting around the bottle. For an even longer-lasting relief, consider a motion-sickness patch. These last up to 72 hours.

Avoid Reading

Though you'd think it would distract your mind from the sickness you're feeling, reading, whether from a book or a screen, tends to make you queasy. This can be explained by the same inner-ear mechanism that causes seasickness in the first place. Basically, the book is a stationary object, effectively confusing your body when the boat is moving.

Watch the Horizon

Looking straight into the horizon, preferably from a deck rather than a window, helps your brain understand what's going on. However, make sure your eyes don't drift toward the waves. Watching the waves might cause you to focus on the ship's movement, making the situation worse.

Choose the Right Foods

Cruise ships are loaded with delicious foods, though they aren't always the healthiest. Fruits, such as Granny Smith apples, and natural remedies like ginger can help prevent seasickness and rid you of already-present symptoms. Many ships carry these items for this purpose, so get in touch with room service should you need assistance.

In Conclusion

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