7 Tips to Avoid Seasickness on a Cruise Ship

If you are one of the unfortunate people in the world who is subject to motion sickness, you already know that seasickness would be a sure way to ruin even the best vacation plans. One of the big fears for people is the thought of spending a week on a ship suffering from seasickness. The reality is that this should not be a big concern if you use a little common sense and take some precautions ahead of time.

Cruise ships do not have a lot of the movements that normally create seasickness.

Because cruise ships have giant stabilizers beneath the water level, most of the pitching and rolling motion of the ship is eliminated. In all but the roughest seas, passengers feel little more than minor vibrations from time to time. It is relatively rare for these mild vibrations to cause seasickness to occur. In extremely rough seas, you may experience a small amount of the pitch and roll sensation.

Avoid spending too much time doing activities that might promote motion sickness.

If you do have the misfortune of rough seas, this would not be the time to try to read a book or peruse the picture gallery. This type of activity amplifies the movement and makes motion sickness more likely. You should also keep from staring over the side of the ship and watching the swells rise and fall. This is one of the surest ways to become seasick if the ship is having movement already.

Get on the deck or your balcony and let the wind hit you in the face.

For some reason, feeling the wind blowing on your face will reduce the effects of any motion sickness including seasickness. Find a safe place to let as much wind as possible blow on you. This will normally eliminate the feeling of nausea that is so awful for those who get seasick. It is best to get to the deck or balcony at the first hint of a sick stomach. If you notice that the ship is moving in a way that you believe will lead to nausea, get up on deck before the symptoms strike. This will help you avert being seasick and keep your trip from being spoiled.

Use Dramamine if you have it available.

Most people get decent relief from Dramamine. The key is to take it in advance of any possibility of becoming seasick. Start taking it according to directions before you board the ship and keep taking it properly throughout the cruise. This should keep you from getting seasick if Dramamine helps you not to experience motion sickness.

Get a prescription for scopolamine patches from your doctor.

Once you get the prescription, have it filled and take the patches with you on vacation. As soon as you board the ship, put a patch on and wear one throughout the cruise. While most people rarely experience seasickness on a cruise, wear the patch if you are afraid of it hitting you. The patch is usually worn on the neck behind the ear. Because many cruisers wear these patches, you will not be stared at or have people asking why you have a patch. The patches are small and hardly noticeable besides.

Start you day off with some dry toast.

The toast will help absorb excess stomach acid and keep you from feeling sick. Because some people have more motion sickness issues early in the day, this will help you through that potentially difficult time.

If all else fails, head to the ship's infirmary.

All cruise ships have medical services on board. While there are frequently some type of charges associated with any medicines dispersed, you can get help from professional medical personnel on the ship if nothing you have tried is working for you. Knowing that this is available to you will help settle your nerves and lessen the risk of seasickness.