How To Avoid Seasickness On A Cruise

While most people never suffer from it, there are many people who fear getting seasick on a cruise. That can make a vacation miserable, but there are things you can do to try and reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

Scientists believe that motion sickness is caused by visual disorientation from being on a moving ship that competes against the bodies balance stores. Studies have shown that some people can become seasick by suggestion - if they think they may get sick, they might.

Cabin location is the first step you should take to try and avoid feeling much movement on the ship. Look for a cabin with at least a window or better, a balcony toward the middle of the ship. The lower the deck, the less movement you will feel as well. Booking larger ships also can reduce the chance of feeling much movement on the ship as the newer and larger ships have stabilizers that can be used to provide the smoothest ride. We've sailed on the largest ships at sea, the Allure and Oasis of the Seas, and found that if we were on the inside decks, many times we didn't know the ship was moving.

As far as drug remedies, the most popular is the Transderm Scop - a patch put behind your ear at least eight hours before sailing that delivers scopolamine for up to three days. You will need a prescription for it and it is meant as a preventative measure, so you need to apply it as prescribed before sailing. There are some side effects, so you will need to weigh the pros and cons before determining this is the right route for you. There are other prescription medications you can talk to your physician about as well - make sure you get these before sailing as a trip to the ships doctor is not an inexpensive proposition.

Non-prescription remedies include Bonine, Dramamine and Benadryl. These can make you sleepy and should never be used with alcohol. Most drug stores sell Sea Bands, a non drug remedy that consists of a bracelet with a bead that applies pressure to the inside of your wrist, an acupressure point that can reduce nausea.

Others recommend ginger, which comes in various forms from root to powder.

So if you think (or know) you suffer from sea sickness, try one of these remedies and stay on deck as much as possible - it is thought that using the horizon as a focal point helps maintain your equilibrium.