Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: the terms “nautical” and “nausea” come from the same ancient Greek word for “ship,” and for good reason.
For many cruisers, motion sickness is an unfortunate nuisance. To combat this unpleasantness, modern ocean-going cruise vessels are usually only piloted in relatively calm waters. These ships are also outfitted with stabilizing fins that eliminate up to 85 percent of the ship’s side-to-side rolling motions. Despite these features, some passengers are simply very sensitive to a ship’s gentle rocking. As a result, they experience the headaches, sweating, and upset stomach commonly associated with seasickness.
Fortunately, with a little preparation, most cruisers can reduce their chances of feeling ill during an ocean voyage.
Booking
People who are especially vulnerable to motion sickness may find it wise simply to book cruises that have plenty of days in port. Certain itineraries also sail in especially calm waters. For example, Mediterranean cruises around the beginning of summer and Caribbean sailings outside the hurricane season generally encounter placid seas.
Choosing the right cabin can also help. A centrally located stateroom with a window allows a passenger to see outside and maintain balance. A balcony provides fresh air that can quickly calm a bout of queasiness or cool down a sweating spell.
Remedies
There are plenty of over-the-counter medicines available to help with motion sickness. A quick chat with a pharmacist will help any cruiser choose the right one. For those prone to more stubborn cases of seasickness, there are also prescription medications available through a doctor.
Many cruisers prefer natural, drug-free remedies. Special acupressure bracelets are popular among many dedicated travelers to prevent motion sickness. In addition, many people use ginger pills to prevent nausea, while green apples, lightly flavored sodas, or crackers can help soothe mild cases of upset stomach.
Other Tips
Most passengers find that spending time in the fresh air on deck is a good defense against nausea. It also helps to avoid activities such as reading that force the head to remain still and focused close in. Instead, watching the distant, unmoving horizon helps maintain equilibrium.
Of course, the last thing an upset stomach needs is to be stuffed full of heavy food. For this reason, it’s generally a good idea to avoid overeating—no matter how tempting the day’s buffet is.
