Do people get seasick on cruises?

Almost everyone takes a while to “get their sea legs.” Even large cruise ships have a certain motion that can induce seasickness. The symptoms can range from almost unnoticeable to debilitating. We'll help you understand why you get seasick and give you some insight into preventing the worst of the symptoms.



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Benjamin Shore, Chief Medical Consultant at Royal Caribbean, to break down the basics and whether it's actually common for guests to experience seasickness while vacationing at sea. “Considering the large size of today's cruise ships, seasickness is rarely a problem,” says Dr. Benjamin Shore.

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After a cruise, most people regain their land legs in a day or two. But for a rare few, the sensation of persistent motion lingers for weeks.

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Once back on shore, most people “get their land legs back” within two days. People with MdDS still feel like they're rocking and swaying, even though they're no longer on a ship. Less common MdDS triggers include: Flying in a plane.

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Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.

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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.

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To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you're worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda.

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Over-the-Counter Medication Many ships dispense motion sickness medications, such as Dramamine and Bonine, to prevent cruisers from becoming seasick. Although you can buy these seasickness medicines on the ship itself, it's smart to start taking them 1-2 days before so they're already in your system when you board.

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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Drink plenty of water. Dry crackers and carbonated sodas (such as ginger ale) help some people avoid nausea. People who tend to have motion sickness may want to eat small, frequent meals.

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While the effects typically clear up in a few hours after returning to land, they can last for as long as two days. Symptoms can also return, or increase in intensity, if the condition is triggered.

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