How do you prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

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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If you're worried about seasickness, pick a cabin that's as close to the water level as possible and in the center of the ship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum point, which means you'll feel less movement than people on higher decks with cabins far forward or all the way at the back.

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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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That said, many studies show that as a whole, Dramamine is more effective at preventing motion sickness, though it is less convenient given the dosing. Another option is scopolamine, which is commonly known as the round patch placed behind one's ear.

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It's possible. Most large cruise ships are built with stabilizers to make the ride as smooth as possible. Even so, people who are prone to motion sickness can start to feel queasy onboard. Even those who never get seasick could find themselves in a bit of discomfort if their ship sails through rough waters or a storm.

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You didn't book the trip to stay in bed the whole time, so take advantage of drug-free relief from your worst symptoms with Sea-Bands. Relief happens quickly, too. Most report that feelings of nausea subside within five minutes of placing the band on the wrist.

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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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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.

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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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DO NOT overeat before traveling. 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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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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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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Try The Earplug Trick Simply insert an earplug into one ear; this fools the brain into ignoring signals from your ears and forces it to focus on signals being sent by your eyes. Sailors claim it works best if you plug the ear that is opposite to your dominant hand, such as your left ear if you are right-handed.

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The following strategies can help you avoid or lessen motion sickness.
  1. Sit in the front of a car or bus.
  2. Choose a window seat on flights and trains.
  3. If possible, try lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon.
  4. Stay hydrated by drinking water. ...
  5. Eat small amounts of food frequently.
  6. Avoid smoking.


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