How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Cruise

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By Lisa Parris
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (12 Ratings)

Prevent Motion Sickness on a Cruise

Cruising is one of the world's most appealing vacation options, but many people let a fear of seasickness keep them from even considering it. Admittedly, a week spent curled in a ball on your bed, praying for solid ground wouldn't be much fun. Even if you have an established track record for motion sickness, you can still enjoy cruising through your next vacation. Follow these measures to prevent motion sickness on your cruise, beginning well before the boat begins to rock and it will be smooth sailing all the way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Dramamine
Scopolamine patch
Crackers
Green apples
Candied ginger
Cola
Ginger ale
Lemon-lime soda

Step 1

Begin with the cruise itself. Be sure to avoid known periods of rough weather, especially if you're new to cruising. Don't go into the Caribbean during autumn and don't make your first cruise a Trans-Atlantic or round the world affair.
Step 2

Select a jumbo cruise ship. Modern day ships are intended to be large, floating resorts and carry thousands of passengers happily to their destination. As such, they have stabilizers incorporated into their design to stop the boat from rocking. Even without the stabilizers, the larger the vessel is, the less the impact of the waves will be.
Step 3

Choose a cabin in the middle. When you look at a diagram of the ship, try to put your finger on the very center. Get a room as close to that location as possible.
Step 4

Stock up on over-the-counter remedies, such as Dramamine, before you board. Many ships give away sea sickness medication, but just in case it's probably best to have your own supply. If you're prone to motion sickness, take your first dose 30 minutes before you even get on the ship.
Step 5

Ask your medical care provider about the scopolamine patch. This inconspicuous bit of adhesive is worn just behind the ear and will prevent seasickness for an average of 3 days. It is only available by prescription and should be applied at least 8 hours prior to departure.
Step 6

Stay busy. Once you're on the boat, keep your mind occupied by getting involved in the myriad of activities made available to you during your cruise.
Step 7

Walk the deck. The fresh air will do you good and the movement will help the fluid in you inner ear to stabilize and adjust to the way the ship moves. Keep your focus on the horizon when walking the deck, as this lessens the dizzying effect.
Step 8

Snack on stomach-settling foods. Between meals, grab a handful of crackers, wedges of green apples, or slices of candied ginger. Wash it down with cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime flavored soda.

Comments

kawikablyth said

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on 7/26/2009 Thanks for these tips, my mother suffers from terrible sea sickness, it's always good to hear even one more useful tip for her.

madmonk said

on 7/26/2009 Excellent advise for my cruise next week!

barbarasmil said

on 7/26/2009 I have been on several cruises and the first two were a challenge due to motion sickness. I first tried the ear patch and it helped the nausea but by the third day I could not read the menue or walk a straight line. The next time I took dramamine and it worked but I was drowsy. Then I used pressure point wristbands and they worked like a charm. No more motion sickness, drowsiness or drugs!

CCrock said

on 7/25/2009 You could also try seasickness bracelets. I used to wear them when I had terrible morning sickness. They are two elastic wrist bands with a ball in the middle that puts pressure on your wrist that is supposed to help with sickness.