Seasickness

Tips for Avoiding This Unpleasant Experience When Cruising
by Sheree Zielke

The best advice for avoiding seasickness on a cruise? Treat it, BEFORE it happens. Here are several methods which have proved very effective in avoiding seasickness when cruising.



As a veteran cruiser, I have experienced some of the worst conditions on the open sea. I have been on many ships where “barf bags” were brought out to adorn staircases and other public areas, when the seas got rough. As a sufferer of motion sickness, I became an expert in avoiding the green-faced, belly-rolling, thick-headed, I-want-to-die experience.

Seasickness, or motion sickness, is caused by our body’s inability to balance itself, in accordance with messages coming in from our senses. The rolling motion of the waves throws off our inner ear equilibrium leading to terrible symptoms which include: wooziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, sweating and loss of balance. And the, “Just kill me now!” feelings of abject misery.

In spite of stabiliser systems used by modern cruise ships, seasickness among cruisers is a fact. Experienced cruisers know that seasickness must be avoided because once a person is afflicted with motion sickness; it takes quite a while to recover. But a pre-armed cruiser can avoid this nasty illness, by taking action in advance.

Seasickness Preventive Drugs:

Remember this: Only a drug taken BEFORE one gets seasick is effective. Seasickness pills include Gravol, Bonine, and Dramamine. All these drugs are available as over-the-counter medications. I stock up before I travel and bring extra for those new friends who may not have purchased any before boarding the ship.

The ship’s convenience store usually stocks the more common brands of seasickness pills, too.

All drugs come with common side effects, so read the package directions carefully before taking any pills. Especially note how long in advance the pill must be taken, to be effective.

Seasickness Patches:

Patches should be used with caution, as they also come with side effects. The patches, containing a drug called scopalomine, are stuck behind the ear, several hours before sailing begins.

The patches should be used only after consulting with a doctor; children must NEVER wear one of these patches as the drug dosages are meant for adults, healthy adults, only.

Side effects can include dizziness and drowsiness, and skin irritation at the point where the patch has been applied to the skin.

Seasickness Wristbands:

Several seasickness wristbands, resembling common sweat bands, are available at your local drugstore. Brands available include Sea-Bands and Bio Bands. These wristbands work on a principle whereby pressure is applied to acupressure points in the wrist. The bands are great because they are effective and they have no side effects. Both my husband and I use wristbands on all our cruises; and whale watch trips, too, for that matter.

Unfortunately, seasickness wristbands seem to have been made in a single size; those cruisers with chubby wrists may find the bands just too tight to wear.

Holistic Treatments:

For those travelers who prefer not to ingest chemicals, ginger is a good herbal solution, like the Sea-Band ginger gum. But this strongly flavored herb is not for everyone, and there are some health issues that come with using ginger to combat seasickness. So, check with your health provider first, before using this treatment.

Ship Cabin Position

If you know you are prone to seasickness, especially if you are prone to vertigo, let your travel agent know so they can request an amidships cabin. But even then, if you feel seasickness coming on, do NOT lie down in your cabin; the symptoms will only increase. Instead, stay in the open air and fix your eyes on the horizon. Of course, stay near a railing if you feel the urge to upchuck. Lay down only as a last resort.

A last bit of advice?

Wear your seasickness wristbands or take a seasickness pill well before getting on the tender boats, because those short ferry rides can be especially rocky, too. Many unprepared cruisers have found themselves rather unhappy upon reaching the shore. And that’s just no way to spend a cruise holiday.