Motion Sickness on a Cruise: How to Prevent and Treat It

Looking aft towards the bow on a cruise ship on rough, choppy waters

Motion Sickness on a Cruise: How to Prevent and Treat It

Motion sickness is a common problem for people who travel by boat, and cruises are no exception. The swaying of the ship can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are a few things you can do to prevent it on your next cruise.

Asian woman leaning over cruise ship balcony, pressing her fingers to her temple with anguished look on her face

Best Practices to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Cruise

While various remedies to prevent and combat motion sickness will affect people differently, here are some of the most common tactics to employ to ward off motion sickness before it happens.

  • Take motion sickness medication: There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help prevent motion sickness. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.
  • Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re on a cruise, especially if you’re taking motion sickness medication. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Eat light meals: Avoid eating heavy meals before and during the cruise. Eat small, frequent meals that are easy to digest.
  • Avoid reading and watching TV: Reading and watching TV can make motion sickness worse. Try to focus on other activities, such as talking to people or playing games.
  • Get some fresh air: If you start to feel sick, go outside and get some fresh air. The fresh air can help to settle your stomach.
Two glasses of ginger ale with lemon slice on the lip, lemon wedges and mint garnishes as decorations on the table

Uh Oh, Motion Sickness Hit. How Do I Get Rid of It?

If you do start to feel sick on your cruise, there are a few things you can do to try to relieve your symptoms:

  • Get to a place where you can lie down: Lying down can help to reduce the feeling of nausea.
  • Take deep breaths: Deep breaths can help to calm your stomach and reduce anxiety.
  • Apply pressure to your wrists: Applying pressure to the acupressure points on your wrists can help to relieve nausea.
  • Drink ginger ale: Ginger ale can help to settle your stomach and reduce nausea.

If your symptoms are severe, you should see a doctor.

View into suite bedroom on a cruise ship with large bed and luxurious surroundings

Bonus Tips for Battling Motion Sickness

Here are a few additional tips for preventing and treating motion sickness on a cruise:

  • Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship: Cabins in the middle of the ship are less likely to sway than cabins at the front or back of the ship.
  • Avoid eating greasy or spicy foods: Greasy and spicy foods can irritate your stomach and make motion sickness worse.
  • Take breaks from activities: If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, take a break from activities and rest.
  • Be aware of your triggers: If you know what triggers your motion sickness, try to avoid those triggers on your cruise.
Smiling Asian woman leaning on cruise ship balcony, her motion sickness gone

With a little planning and preparation, you can easily prevent and treat motion sickness on your next cruise.

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