10 Ways to Keep Seasickness At Bay While Cruising

Cruising is a great way to travel the world without breaking the bank. Cruise ships are becoming more and more innovative, and include many of the desirable luxuries found at top hotels and resorts. Most cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line , offer an abundance of fine, specialty dining, pools and water parks, casinos, fully equipped spas and gyms, a multitude of world-class entertainment options and shopping centers, making them true "floating cities." As luxurious as your cruise vacation may be, don't be surprised if - at some point -you feel bothered by the motion of the ocean. If you know you are prone to motion sickness and are worried that you may feel sick on your cruise, try some of the following tips that have been gathered from crew members and frequent cruisers to keep seasickness at bay so you can enjoy your trip.

1. CHOOSE A CRUISE WITH CALMER WATERS

If you don't have a specific cruise destination, try picking a cruise with calmer waters. Caribbean cruises (with the exception of hurricane season), the Alaskan inside passage, and river cruises are all great choices that boast calm waters and beautiful sites.

2. BOOK YOUR CRUISE AHEAD OF TIME

Though the larger ships now come with stabilizers that help them maintain balance while at sea, there are other steps you can take to ensure a smooth ride. Try booking your room ahead of time instead of leaving it up to chance. If possible, pick a cabin on the lower decks towards the middle of the ship. The lower and closer you are to the center of the ship, the less movement you will feel.  It might also help to request a Balcony Stateroom or a cabin with a window so you don’t feel too enclosed.

3. STEP ONTO THE DECK AND VIEW THE HORIZON

If you feel as if your cabin is bobbing back and forth, step out onto an open cruise deck and watch the horizon float by. Looking at something stationary in the distance that isn’t moving will help you regain your equilibrium and fight the subtle feelings of vertigo that cause seasickness. A little fresh air won’t hurt either.

4. GINGER EXTRACT

This is a personal favorite of mine. Before my cruise, I picked up some ginger syrup for seasickness. This tonic rescued me when the seas got rough. If ginger syrup doesn’t appeal to you, you can try ginger capsules, ginger candy, or ginger ale (if made with real ginger).

5. GREEN APPLES AND CITRUS CANDY

Eating green apples or artificial orange and citrus candy to combat seasickness is a trick that cruise crew members and seasoned scuba divers swear by. We aren't sure why this works - but it might be worth a try.

6. DON'T OVERLOAD YOUR SENSES

Cruises are notorious for their abundant food choices and cruisers are notorious for over indulging in them. Know your limits and don’t push yourself to eat more than you should. Keep your meals light and ease up on the alcohol if you’re worried about getting sick.

7. STAY HYDRATED

It goes without saying that it is always important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause symptoms of seasickness to start or make them worse if you are already feeling poorly. If you plan to drink alcohol during your cruise vacation, take a few B vitamin capsules with you to help fight the effects of dehydration.

8. TUCK YOURSELF INTO YOUR BED SHEETS

Some people are rocked to sleep at night by the waves, others are ... not.  If the movement of your cruise ship is inhibiting your sleep, try anchoring yourself to the bed. Tuck one side of your sheets underneath your mattress and then grab the other side of the sheets and roll yourself into them. Being tightly secured will make you move with the ship and not against it so your body does not feel out of balance.

9. ACUPUNCTURE AND PRESSURE POINT THERAPY

Acupuncture and pressure point therapy are age-old remedies. Regular treatments before your cruise vacation can help deter the onset of nausea. If you don't have time to go before your cruise, treatments can be scheduled on board. Norwegian Cruise Line offers acupuncture and massage in the Mandara Spa.

10. MEDICATION

If you are highly prone to seasickness, you can try taking Dramamine before the onset of nausea. Dramamine is an antihistamine which could make you sleepy. Try picking up the non-drowsy Dramamine if you have a full day of activities planned.