A modern cruise ship is a floating paradise with every amenity available. Gourmet food, cocktails, live entertainment and outdoor recreation are all at your fingertips. But none of that changes the fact that the ship is indeed floating. As it rolls through the swells, you could feel a sense of dizziness, vertigo, and nausea known as motion sickness.
Seasickness is simply a form of motion sickness that occurs aboard a ship. As it gently rolls and pitches through the water, our inner ear (which helps us keep balance) can sense it. However, our eyes tell us that we’re standing still. This sensory confusion is what causes motion sickness. And for the seriously afflicted, it can absolutely ruin a cruise. After all, no one wants to spend their days lying in bed in their cabin instead of enjoying the ship’s amenities.
Luckily, there are five things you can do on your next cruise to help you avoid the worst effects of seasickness.
The Best Ways to Prevent Cruise Ship Seasickness
1. Get a Cabin Amidships
When a cruise ship pitches back and forth, the cabins located in the center of the ship (amidships) are least affected by the motion. If you can book an amidships cabin, you’ll likely be much more comfortable during rougher periods at sea.
If you’re unable to book a cabin amidships, book one near the stern (rear) of the ship. Due to the weight of the engines, propellers, etc., the stern of the ship tends to move less. Avoid booking a cabin near the bow of the ship at all costs if you suffer from seasickness.
2. Head to the Deck
Though a bout of seasickness may make you want to stay in bed, you’re better off going outside. When out on the deck, you’ll be able to see the sun, the horizon, and the wake from the ship. This will allow your senses to synch back up, and reduce the symptoms of seasickness. The fresh ocean air can also go a long way in helping you feel better.
3. Over-the-Counter Medication
Numerous OTC drugs are designed to reduce the effects of motion sickness. The most common is called Dramamine, and another is called Bonine. These medications are so commonly used on cruise ships that they’re usually sold on the ship itself.
The major downside to most common motion sickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine is that they cause drowsiness. So, you may not want to take a dose prior to any outdoor activities. As always, be sure to speak to your doctor prior to beginning any new medication.
4. Try the Patch
When speaking to your doctor, you may want to inquire about a drug called Scopolamine. It’s typically used to treat postoperative nausea, but has become a popular medication to treat seasickness.
Typically, Scopolamine is administered by wearing small transdermal patch behind your ear. Each patch contains enough medication to work for about three days. Scopolamine is not reported to cause drowsiness; with the only side effect being dry mouth. You and your doctor may decide that it’s a good option to prevent motion sickness on your cruise.
5. Try Acupressure Wristbands
Acupressure wristbands that are designed to treat motion sickness exert pressure on certain nerves of the wrist to supposedly ease the effects. They’re a drug-free alternative to pills and patches that could be a good option for you.
While there is no scientific proof that these wristbands work, the empirical evidence is promising. They’re based on acupressure techniques that are thousands of years old, and there are no side effects to using them, as they’re drug-free.
Get Extra Peace of Mind with Travel Insurance
While seasickness on a cruise is unenjoyable, it rarely requires treatment. Most people will feel the effects subside after getting used to being aboard for a few days, or getting back on dry land. However, there are other risks to contend with that could be more serious.
If you get food poisoning, break a bone, or have a serious medical issue, you’ll be glad to have cruise travel medical insurance. While ships usually have trained medical professionals onboard, their facilities are limited. Especially serious conditions could require emergency medical evacuation to the closest viable hospital ashore. Medical transport from a cruise ship can cost well over $100,000. You’ll want to have travel medical insurance that can cover this and any other eligible medical condition during your cruise.
Since cruises typically involve several flights and hotels before and after the voyage, you may want to consider cruise travel insurance. If you have to cancel, delay, or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, your travel insurance plan can see to it that you’re reimbursed for your eligible expenses. You can even elect to buy cancel for any reason travel insurance for even more flexibility.