Can you feel movement on a cruise ship?

Today's large ocean cruise ships are equipped with advanced motion stabilizer technology. Depending on your itinerary, you may feel virtually no movement of the ship at all. That said, there are some people who are particularly susceptible to adverse effects at sea.



People Also Ask

The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

MORE DETAILS

The forward is subject to the most movement out of anywhere on a ship. And the higher the deck, the more pronounced that rolling and swaying motion tends to feel. Movement at the aft is a bit less drastic than the forward, but still isn't the most stable place for those who are prone to seasickness.

MORE DETAILS

Stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Use over-the-counter motion sickness medications or talk to your doctor about other medications that might help. Remind yourself that this adjustment is normal and will become easier to make over time.

MORE DETAILS

Will I get seasick on a cruise? You don't need to worry about the possibility of seasickness unless you have a bad history with motion-sickness. The vast majority of people never get sick on a cruise, for two reasons: The first is that cruise liners have the benefit of sheer size, meaning they move less in the water.

MORE DETAILS

Booking an outside cabin in the middle of the ship -- the natural balance point -- is another option. Having a window in your cabin will also give you a consistent view of the horizon point, which can help in avoiding seasickness (unless you find yourself in stormy waters with sea spume splashing against your window).

MORE DETAILS

While some may experience motion sickness, many just notice the ship rocking back and forth. This is because crew members in charge of navigation can account for various types of motion, plus ships tend to travel at a speed at which passengers enjoy a smoother ride. Find out more about us here.

MORE DETAILS

For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.

MORE DETAILS

Cabins at the Front of the Ship This is because the front of the ship is more exposed to the movement of the water as they plough through the rough seas. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best to avoid cabins at the front of the ship.

MORE DETAILS

Don't let the worry of seasickness stop you from booking a cruise. Many travelers have gone on dozens of voyages and never had an issue. Even if you do experience motion sickness on board, there are plenty of methods to stop that funny feeling in its tracks.

MORE DETAILS

In 2023, a decade-high number of cruise ships have reported an unwelcome passenger on board: norovirus. Outbreaks of the stomach bug have surged on cruise ships this year, reaching the highest levels seen in 10 years.

MORE DETAILS

The cause of most cruise line norovirus outbreaks is contaminated food or water. The way it spreads is through physical contact. With over 3,000 people in close quarters aboard these ships, obviously, the disease spreads quickly. There is no real treatment for norovirus infections.

MORE DETAILS

The lowest deck In the lowest part of a cruise ship, there's a whole lot of noisy stuff so you may hear the hum of the engine, the blast of the bow thrusters and the clanging of the anchor chain. Depending on the ship, you may also feel vibrations that could make the hangers in your wardrobe rattle!

MORE DETAILS

If You Want a Quieter Space If you plan on your cruise being a peaceful experience, you'll want to seek a cabin on the quietest side of the ship. This tends to be the aft or the rear of the ship. The aft is away from the hustle and bustle of midship, where all the action tends to happen.

MORE DETAILS

Or a feeling of vertigo, disequilibrium, imbalance or even 'brain fog'? Well the medical term for the cruise ship vertigo is Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS). This “sickness of disembarkment” is a prolonged sensation of movement following exposure, such as a long sea voyage.

MORE DETAILS

If you know the rocking of the waves might upset your stomach, plan ahead by packing some medication for seasickness. Antiemetic drugs, or medicine that keeps one from feeling nauseous, are readily available over the counter in drug stores nationwide.

MORE DETAILS

Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much. The front and back of the ship are a no-no.

MORE DETAILS