How to Avoid Seasickness on a Cruise
A cruise is a time for relaxation, enjoyment, and fun. The last thing you want to worry about is experiencing nausea. Preventing seasickness is considered to be easier than curing it; there are certainly some remedies, but many of them take a couple of hours before they are effective. The remedies vary from all-natural to medicinal. Although seasickness can be very unpleasant, it can be prevented or helped. It is also important to make sure your fear of getting seasick does not interfere with your cruise.
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Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B6
- Ginger cookies, crackers, or other ginger-containing products
- Dramamine, Bromine, or Scopolamine
- Low-acid snacks and beverages
- Motion-sickness wrist band
- Water
Instructions
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Preventing and Treating
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If possible, choose to take a cruise on a calm body of water, such as the Caribbean Sea during the non-hurricane season or on a river such as the Columbia River in Oregon. The calm water movement can help prevent seasickness from occurring.
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Try treating your seasickness naturally. Take some natural supplements, such as Vitamin B6 and ginger. According to Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, B6 and ginger (by itself or in ginger candy, crackers, cookies, or gum) have been shown to relieve nausea in pregnant women and could possibly help relieve motion sickness in cruise travelers. According to Goddess Cruises, crackers can help absorb acid in the stomach, and cola beverages have been reported to help settle the stomach. Try a natural wristband remedy, which uses acupressure applied to a point on the underside of the arm located an inch and a half above the wrist.
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According to Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, there are two medications that can help ease seasickness, both of which can be procured without a doctor's prescription: Dramamine and Bonine. Dramamine may cause drowsiness, but not Bonine. Both medications should be taken before symptoms of seasickness appear. Make sure to check with a doctor before taking these medications. Most cruises should offer Dramamine and have a doctor aboard the ship. You can also find Scopolamine patches, which are to be worn behind the ear and can last for three days with time release. Scopolamine is also available in pills.
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According to Goddess of the Sea Cruises, there are several preventative measures to avoid seasickness. First, get plenty of rest and eat before your cruise and stay well-fed throughout, making sure to avoid greasy and high-acid foods. Some examples of low-acid foods are muffins, croissants, bananas, milk, and apple juice. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol the night before your cruise departs, as alcohol can cause dehydration. At the very least, drink plenty of water if you do imbibe alcoholic drinks.
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Avoid activities or smells that may exacerbate nausea, such as staying in enclosed spaces like your cabin or exposure to gas fumes. Go for a walk in the fresh air instead, staying in the center of the ship, where there will be less of a rocking motion, and look at the horizon rather than lying down in one spot. On smaller cruises, you may be allowed to do some steering of the boat, which can help bring relief to seasickness symptoms. Finally, keep your ears clean; this enables them to help you achieve your natural equilibrium, which can help with nausea.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to speak with your doctor if you're currently taking any medications before you take seasickness medication.
References
- Photo Credit cruise ship image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
