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Do people get sea sick on Alaska cruise?

Don't be surprised if you feel seasick in Alaska's waters, even if no other cruise has made you feel that way. Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.



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Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

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How Common is it to Get Sick on a Cruise? 15% of people have reported feeling seasick while onboard. In our experience we can add an other 10% of passengers that will suffer from other illness, such as colds, flu and hangovers.

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Cabin Choice The lower you are, and more towards the middle of the ship, you will not feel it as much. Cabins at the front and back of the ship tend to sway the most, so you want to avoid any rooms in these areas.

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To minimize the risk of seasickness, book one of the world's largest ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. Keep in mind that the ocean is much larger than even the most gargantuan ships, so when the seas are rough, you can still feel movement — just less than if you're sailing on a 100-person yacht.

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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.

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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).

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As we mentioned, some passengers won't feel anything at sea, but for those who do, the good news is that seasickness usually only lasts a day or two. The effects tend to stop once the motion causing them does, or until we learn to adapt to the sensation.

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Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine, Meclizine (also known as Bonine) or diphenhydramine (commonly called Benadryl) can also help prevent or alleviate seasickness. On some ships, these are dispensed freely or are sold in the sundries shop.

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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.

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Respiratory Illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are the most common medical complaint on cruise ships.

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Alaska Cruise Temperature by Month Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way.

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If you are cruising north, selecting a starboard (or right-side) stateroom is best since the land is on that side. When sailing south through the Gulf of Alaska, choose a port side (left side) stateroom.

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Cruises are a great way to see Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. But you don't want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so… If you choose a conventional cruise, take a cross-Gulf itinerary and add a land tour.

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Typically, a member of the cruise line's Care Team will accompany the ill passenger and a companion or family member to the hospital. You will not be reimbursed for any unused portion of your cruise. You will be charged for medical services onboard and in the port of call where you are disembarked.

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Mal de debarquement syndrome (or Syndrome du mal de débarquement, MdDS, or common name disembarkment syndrome) is a neurological condition usually occurring after a cruise, aircraft flight, or other sustained motion event. The phrase mal de débarquement is French and translates to illness of disembarkment.

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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.

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The lower you are, and more towards the middle of the ship, you will not feel it as much. Cabins at the front and back of the ship tend to sway the most, so you want to avoid any rooms in these areas.

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Choosing The Right Cruise Ship Newer, larger vessels are less prone to motion sickness, thanks to their large size and modern stabilizers that counteract the motion of the waves.

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