As a cruise agent I am always being asked whether seasickness is a problem when cruising and unfortunately for some people it can be. However over the years I have amassed all sorts of tips from my fellow cruisers so thought I would put a handy little guide together for you.
There are several things that you can do to help to prevent seasickness and this works as a build up effect from the when you start to plan your cruise.
When you book your cruise
- Book a midship cabin – a ship in rough seas is like a pendulum and the least movement is felt in a midship position. This is both in terms of front to back and height.
The day before you cruise.
- Eat a sensible diet, do not overindulge the day before joining a ship, eat a light meal and keep alcohol and fatty foods to a minimum
- Pack some ginger biscuits or sweets as ginger is a great remedy for sickness
- Take a preventative medication, local pharmacies will stock a good range and these include motion sickness patches which should be applied 4 hours in advance or travel sickness tablets normally taken a couple of hours before the cruise. Alternatively try a homeopathic remedy or natural oil behind your ear.
On the cruise
- Continue with the medication from above or wear an accupressure bracelet to again be preventative.
- Again eat and drink sensibly, although with such lovely food served on cruise ships I admit that this can be tricky.
The above measures should ensure that you do not get seasick, however it can still occur, so if should become poorly follow these simple steps
- Stay out on deck if it is safe to do so and ideally as close to centre as possible again. If you cannot get into the fresh air then look out of a window.
- Eat the ginger snacks that you have packed. If you haven’t got these then buy some salty snacks as these dry up your stomach.
- Visit the ships doctor for seasickness medication, anti histimine medications are good such as Phenergan.
- Don’t read books or watch television, sea sickness is just your body struggling with what your eyes see and your inner ears feel and concentrating your eyes on a still object will make you feel worse.
- Don’t gulp large drinks, sip small amounts.
- Don’t face backwards – your body needs to see the motion.
I hope the above tips will help you and if anyone else has any handy tips just let me know.