Smooth Sailing Ahead: How to Prevent Seasickness on Your Cruise

No one likes to think about seasickness ahead of their cruise, but it’s something cruisers might worry about ahead of setting sail. Seasickness is perfectly natural, although it’s always nice to avoid it or stop it as much as possible – but how do you do that?

In this Bolsover Cruise Club guide, we will put your worries at ease and cover all the tips, tricks and remedies you need to prevent, stop and overcome seasickness so that you can enjoy an incredible holiday.

Understanding Seasickness: What is it and Why Does it Happen?

Seasickness, also known as ‘mal de mer’, describes the motion sickness that people experience when they step off dry land and are subjected to the unsteady motion of sea travel. It’s a condition widely acknowledged, so much so that astronauts routinely dose up on ‘anti-mal de mer’ medication to relieve motion sickness when heading into space.

It occurs when the body, eyes, and inner ear each send different signals to the brain, resulting in disorientation and nausea. There are no decisive factors in why the condition occurs in some people and not others, though anxiety is thought to be a common trigger. We worry so much about becoming seasick that we almost bring it on ourselves!

How Long Can Seasickness Last?

Seasickness can last for as long as you are moving. Over time, the brain will gradually adapt to the motion of the cruise ship, reducing the feeling of nausea. Thankfully, there are plenty of methods available for combatting seasickness, as we will soon cover!

Is Seasickness Inevitable?

Whilst many people will experience the effects of motion sickness on the body during their travels, most people’s symptoms are so slight that they won’t even notice, and the only way they’ll even know they’re moving is by heading to the deck and taking in the sea views. For some, however, the symptoms of seasickness may be more severe. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Seasickness?

For the unfortunate few who feel the effects of seasickness, common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vertigo

Prevention: How to Avoid Seasickness Before You Sail

If you’re concerned about feeling unwell on your cruise, don’t worry. We’re here to assure you that there are several ways to avoid seasickness before it rears its head!

1. Cabin Choice

If you fear that you might experience seasickness, it always helps to pick your accommodation wisely. Midship cabins are considered the best when it comes to avoiding the motion of the ocean, with cabins at the front of the ship typically experiencing the most movement.

We also advise looking for cabins that are outside and located on a lower deck. Inside cabins can throw off your senses due to a lack of windows and sunlight, and the lower centre of gravity of low-deck cabins minimises motion. That said, many modern ships feature stability engineering that makes them more stable on the seas than their older counterparts, but make the best choice for your peace of mind!

2. Itinerary Selection

When it comes to itineraries, those who have experienced seasickness before or are especially worried may want to choose routes and destinations known for calmer waters. For example, they may prefer the steady seas of the Mediterranean in the summer over routes that pass through the notoriously rougher waters, such as the Bay of Biscay or the Drake Passage.

3. Fresh Air

Once on board, guests who expect to feel seasick should get plenty of fresh air and find a fixed point on the horizon on which to concentrate from the lower decks. The great thing about booking an outside or balcony cabin is that you’ll have a steady view of the horizon, even when you’re away from the deck.

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During the Cruise: How to Stop Seasickness in its Tracks

If you start to feel seasick, don’t panic. As we mentioned before, seasickness is a natural bodily response, so it’s important to remember that staying calm and trying a few techniques for stopping the feeling can be really effective.

When seasickness flares up, try:

• Looking at the horizon. This can help the brain recalibrate the mixed signals coming from the inner ear and eyes.
• Trying some anti-seasickness snacks. Green apples can help neutralise stomach acid and ease nausea, and crackers can provide a similar function by settling the stomach.
• Getting some fresh air. Stay in the middle of the ship and take some slow, deep breaths.

The Recovery: How to Cure Seasickness

There are several preventative measures and remedies that you can use to stave off seasickness, the majority of which work to suppress your senses and help you get your ‘sea legs’ much quicker. 

Popular precautions include over-the-counter medications such as stick-on hyoscine patches and antihistamines. Every cruise ship has an onboard doctor who can prescribe stronger anti-motion-sickness medication, often in the form of an injection, to greatly lessen symptoms if required.

Pressure bands are another popular preventative measure, and you can often purchase these on board if seasickness catches you unawares. Ginger is also a natural remedy that’s been used for centuries to treat nausea and vomiting. 

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

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Don’t let seasickness stop you from enjoying the holiday of a lifetime! Browse Bolsover Cruise Club’s variety of cruise destinations and start looking forward to a cruising adventure you’ll never forget.

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