Get seasick one time, and it could be a deal breaker for whether you cruise again – or maybe not.
Try these five tips on your next cruise to see if it eases the queasiness.
1. Book itineraries with few sea days
This is kind of a no-brainer. The fewer sea days your cruise itinerary has, the fewer opportunities there will be to get seasick. However, keep in mind that if you’ve never been on a cruise but know you are prone to seasickness on smaller boats, it won’t necessarily be the same on a massive cruise ship. Because of their size, if you have calm seas, chances are you’ll hardly notice you’re moving at all.
If you still know for sure it will be an issue, read on.
2. Book low and center
Because of the nautical engineering of cruise ships and the way they behave in the water, as well as the way the ocean moves; the lower the cabin you book and the more central to the ship that it is, the less movement you will feel.
If you think about a seesaw, it makes sense. The ends move much more than the middle of the seesaw. Also, consider a metronome. The end that swings on top moves much further than the bottom – the same goes for a ship.
These are very basic analogies to apply to a cruise ship, but the simple principles are the same.
3. Use Pressure Bracelets
Acupressure, much like acupuncture (without the puncturing), is an excellent way to relieve or lessen motion sickness – including seasickness. It’s a form of healing that uses pressure, usually with a finger or hand, to stimulate key points on the body. However, with pressure bracelets, all you need to do is put it on and you’re good to go.
There are many different brands to choose from, but the one thing they usually have in common is a little nub that puts pressure on a specific point above the wrist – called the P6 Point. They are non-medicated, drug-free, reusable, and typically inexpensive.
Popular Pressure Bracelet Brands:
4. Use Ginger
If you don’t want to go straight to drugs for help, but do need relief, the best natural remedy would probably be ginger. It can work really fast. For some people, the effect is almost instant, but it’s recommended you start taking it a day or two before long journeys, such as a cruise.
There are many forms you can take it in; tea, cookies, powder, and ginger ale. You can even gnaw on raw ginger root for a little while, although it’s recommended you don’t swallow it. Ginger is also available in pill, capsule, essential oil form, and ginger candy form.
5. Use OTC Drugs
If all else fails, you can certainly go with the old standby of over-the-counter medication. The most common drug for motion/seasickness is Dramamine, but Benadryl and Bonine are known to be effective as well.
For best results, start taking these medications an hour before your trip, or, with the case of a cruise, as soon as you start to feel symptoms. The most commonly reported side effect of these drugs is drowsiness. As always, follow the instructions with medication, and use common sense.
Quick Tips:
- Don’t drink too much
- Be prepared ahead of time
- Stay in the fresh air as much as possible
