Seasickness: what to do if you get seasick on a cruise

If you’ve booked a cruise, the thought of getting seasick may be the last thing on your mind. But unfortunately, it can happen, and when it does, it can ruin your entire trip. Seasickness is an unpleasant experience that can make you feel nauseous, dizzy, weak, and often unable to move.

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to help survive a cruise if you get seasick. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of seasickness, the signs to look for, and some tips for preventing and managing seasickness on a cruise.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential to staying healthy while at sea. When your body is dehydrated, it can lead to nausea and dizziness, making seasickness worse. Ensure that you are drinking enough fluids, and avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol which can further dehydrate you.

It's important to drink even when you're not feeling thirsty, as dehydration can come on quickly without any warning. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and aim for at least 2 litres of water per day. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content like cucumber and melon can help to keep you hydrated too.

Get fresh air

When you’re feeling seasick, the fresh air of being outdoors can help ease the nausea and dizziness. Going up to a deck with an open view can be calming. It helps to feel the breeze on your face and be in nature. If possible, try to find a spot where you can lean on something that’s secure. Focus on the horizon and try to relax.

Don’t stay outside too long if it’s cold or windy, as this could make your nausea worse. If you don’t want to be out on the deck, try to keep a window open in your cabin to get a breeze if you're on higher deck levels.

Eat lightly

When you're feeling seasick, it's important to avoid heavy or greasy foods that can make your stomach even more upset. Stick to lighter, easily digestible foods like crackers and soup.

If you can't stomach solid food, try sipping on some ginger ale or tea. Eating small meals throughout the day can help as well, instead of large ones that could weigh down your stomach.

Try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar or fat, as they can cause an upset stomach when you're already feeling ill. When in doubt, stick to plain foods that won't aggravate your nausea.

Speak to the crew

Guess what? The people who spend large chunks of their lives living and working on massive cruise ships will know a thing or two about seasickness.

From quiet, calm places to curl up and hope for the best, to their own remedies to try, you’ll definitely find sympathy with wait staff, bartenders, and of course the on-board medical teams, who will likely dispense seasickness aids without question.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can make seasickness worse, so it is best to avoid drinking while at sea. Alcohol can cause dehydration and impair your balance, making it harder to cope with the rocking of the boat.

Additionally, drinking can affect your judgment and make it difficult for you to make the best decisions about how to handle the situation. If you are feeling sick and decide to have a drink, try having something non-alcoholic such as sparkling water or ginger ale instead. You can also try sipping on some ginger tea to help settle your stomach.

Use medication

Medication is a great way to help reduce the symptoms of seasickness. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication to make sure it is suitable for you. Some popular medicines that can help with seasickness include Dramamine, Bonine, and Marezine.

Follow the instructions carefully when taking these medications, as some are not suitable for those under the age of 18 or for pregnant women. Make sure to take the medicine about 30 minutes before boarding the ship so that it has time to take effect. Some people find that wearing anti-seasickness patches can also be helpful.

Try acupressure

Although certainly within the ‘alternative medicine’ bracket, many people swear by acupuncture when it comes to beating seasickness. According to practitioners, there are certain points on the body that can be pressed to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.

You can use your own fingers, or you can purchase special acupressure wristbands with beads or studs in pressure points. There are various points around the body that are said to help with nausea.

Hold each point for two to five minutes at a time and repeat as necessary. Be sure to take breaks to ensure you don't cause yourself any pain or discomfort.

Even if you aren’t big on traditional or alternative medicines, it’s certainly worth a try if you can’t stop puking?

Stay at the centre of the ship

The middle of the ship is generally the calmest area and best for avoiding seasickness. When you can, spend time in the central parts of the ship to avoid any potential motion sickness.

This can help with being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the cruise without feeling ill. If the weather is nice enough, spending time on the outdoor decks can provide relief and a beautiful view of the sea.

Make sure to bring a book or device to pass the time so that you don’t get bored. Doing this can help you feel better and make your cruise experience more enjoyable.

Distract yourself

When feeling seasick, finding something to focus on other than the rocking of the ship can be a good way to take your mind off it. Play a game or watch a movie, chat with friends, or listen to music.

If you’re able to take part in any of the activities onboard, that could also be a great distraction. Reading a book can help, as can playing cards or doing puzzles. Get creative and find some activities that will help distract you from the motion of the boat. If all else fails, try taking a nap and hoping for better seas ahead!