cruise ship sea sickness

The Truth About Seasickness

Our chief medical consultant gives us his best tips on preventing seasickness..

One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is “What if I get seasick?” We understand where the concern comes from, and we have answers. We’ve enlisted Dr. Benjamin Shore, Chief Medical Consultant at Royal Caribbean, to break down the basics and whether it’s actually common for guests to experience seasickness while vacationing at sea.

“Considering the large size of today’s cruise ships , seasickness is rarely a problem,” says Dr. Benjamin Shore. He adds that with innovative design and engineering, ships can also safely navigate around inclement weather , and use stabilizers—fins built off a ship’s port and starboard sides along the water line—to reduce side-to-side motion so most guests never experience any motion sickness.

Before we get to the specifics, here are the basics: Motion sickness occurs when what you see conflicts with what your inner ear senses. In other words, if you’re sitting in a car (not moving) but your inner ear detects movement (the car just hit 70 mph on the highway), the two signals being sent to your brain don’t match. Those mixed signals confuse the brain, and the sensations and symptoms (dizziness, nausea) are the result.

In the event that seasickness does develop, Dr. Shore assures that it’s unlikely to really interrupt your adventure, since all Royal Caribbean ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the dedicated Medical Center on each of our ships, free of charge.

“Additionally, for more troublesome seasickness, our Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide,” Dr. Shore says.

Sometimes the best treatment is prevention. “It’s best that guests who know they are prone to seasickness consult their doctor prior to departure,” Dr. Shore says. If your personal physician thinks it’s appropriate, he or she can prescribe a patch that you can wear to prevent the onset of seasickness. “For prescription patches like Transderm Scop, it’s important for it to be applied prior to boarding to be effective,” he adds.

Dr. Shore notes that there are also lots of natural remedies that can help alleviate motion sickness. “Anecdotally, ginger seems to be helpful, and some people find various aromas (like anise, basil, chamomile and peppermint) or eating dry crackers, even after the onset, of seasickness can help.” If a few sips of ginger ale or chewing fresh ginger doesn’t do the trick, he also suggests going for a short walk to the center of the ship, the most balanced area on board and therefore least likely to produce seasickness symptoms.

An unexpected solution Dr. Shore suggests is “the smelling of newspaper print!” He says, “science has no idea why this works so well, but it actually seems to diminish the sensation of nausea.”

With Dr. Shore’s advice and Royal Caribbean’s staff of medical professionals, it’s only smooth sailing for our guests!

If you’re ready to explore Royal Caribbean’s many destinations (more than 260 ports around the world), click here to set sail on your next vacation.

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How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

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If you’re going on a cruise and concerned that you might get seasick, you’re not alone. Asking “how to prevent seasickness on a cruise” , is one of the most common questions people have when planning a cruise.

After all, getting seasick really could ruin your vacation. While it’s less likely to happen on today’s large, modern cruise ships, I can tell you from personal experience, it does still happen.

The good news is that there are effective remedies for motion sickness, and these work very well on a cruise. 

In this post, I share 10 ways to prevent, treat and ideally avoid seasickness altogether while cruising. I’ve included recommendations for seasickness medications, as well as natural remedies that really work.

As well, we’ll go through some frequently asked questions about how to manage seasickness on cruise ships. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to deal with the motion of the ocean, and prevail!

Seasickness on a Cruise

First, let’s go through what to expect if you do get seasick while on a cruise.

What are the symptoms of seasickness?

The symptoms of seasickness on a cruise can include feeling dizzy or having a headache. You may have also feel nauseous, have stomach cramps and even vomit.

For me, early symptoms of motion sickness include lightheadedness and a mild queasy feeling. I try and catch it at this early point, and after more than 20 cruises, this has worked for me.

The tips that I share below will help you to manage any seasickness symptoms.

Why does motion sickness happen on a cruise ship?

How come people get motion sickness on a cruise? Motion sickness happens due to repeated or continuous movement that affects our inner ear and sense of balance. As the cruise ship sails, some people can be affected by this motion.

Seasickness is another way to motion sickness, but on a cruise ship. You may also have heard the expression, “mal de mer”, which is French for sickness of the seas.

How likely are you to get seasick on a cruise ship?

Even though concerns about getting seasick on a cruise is a very common worry, especially for first time cruisers , most people will be fine. Modern cruise ships are built with stability and comfort in mind, and have stabilizers which are used, especially in rough seas.

However, you may feel some motion or slight vibration while on a cruise. I mention this as we were a bit surprised to find this out on our first cruise.

So many people said “you won’t feel the ship move” . They mean well, but on some cruises you’ll feel more movement then others, so it’s best to be prepared. 

In some cases, the ship can hit rougher seas and high winds, and there will be some rocking. However, let me assure you that a large cruise ship will feel nothing like the movement on a small boat or even a ferry.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Cruise

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One of the best ways to deal with seasickness on a cruise, is to prevent and avoid it if at all possible. These 10 seasickness prevention tips are ones that have worked for us, as well as many avid cruisers and crew. 

1. Pick the right cruise cabin location

Before we get into what seasickness medications work best and some other tips and tricks, we should talk about cruise cabin locations.

To prevent seasickness, be sure that you choose the best stateroom location possible. If you’re new to cruising and unsure how you’ll feel, choose a mid-ship location.

These are the most desirable cabins because there will be less movement in the middle of the ship. Whether you choose an inside cabin , or a balcony cabin , try and choose a cabin that is as center as possible.

If a mid-ship cabin isn’t available, then opt for an aft cabin  or mid-aft stateroom. If at all possible, try to avoid a forward cabin , as many cruise passengers report feeling more motion in this location. 

A travel agent can help you to pick the best cabin for you, and look out for any other cabins to avoid .

2. Pick a “calm” cruise itinerary 

While the seas can be unpredictable, there are some cruise itineraries that generally have calmer seas, than others. If you’re concerned about getting seasick, avoid trans-Atlantic crossings and other itineraries where the seas can be fierce.

Your travel agent will be able to help you navigate the possibilities (pun intended), as a rule of thumb, the Western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico tend to have more stable seas.

3. Green Apples

Would you like to know a cruise tip that really works to get over seasickness on a cruise? Eat a granny smith or green apple.

This has long been a favorite crew and passenger tip. In our experience, it really does help.

Often, eating a green apple will settle the stomach if you start to feel nauseous due to seasickness. Apparently, the pectin in green apples helps to neutralize acid in the stomach, and the natural sugar helps settle the stomach

You’ll find green apples in the buffet, so it’s a good idea to take a couple back to your room, in case you need them later on in the cruise.

4. Ginger candies

Another natural remedy for dealing with motion sickness while cruising is ginger. If you don’t want to eat raw ginger, you can buy ginger candies or even dried, sugar coated natural ginger.

Some cruise lines, such as Cunard , even give out ginger in the evening with dinner when the seas are rough.

While I prefer not to eat raw ginger, I always bring some ginger candies and usually find them very effective in preventing seasickness before it starts.

Recommended: Ginger candies – organic and gluten free (Amazon)

5. Bonine or Dramamine

An over the counter medication like Bonine or Dramamine, can be highly effective to deal with symptoms of seasickness, so you can enjoy your cruise. 

In our experience, worked very well, alleviating seasickness symptoms without drowsiness.

Make sure to bring a pack or two your toiletry bag or cruise first aid kit . This way, if you need it you won’t have to hope the shop is still open on the cruise ship. 

Recommended: Bonine Motion Sickness prevention tablets (see Amazon reviews & price here)

6. Seabands

A favorite cruise essential for many, seabands are wristbands that alleviate motion sickness symptoms. They work with acupressure buttons to prevent symptoms of seasickness and many cruisers have very good results. Seabands are natural and contain no medication, plus, they’re reusable.

If you think that you may be prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take along seabands for both adults and children , in case.

  Recommended: Seabands (check on Amazon for variety packs)

7. Motion Sickness Patch/Scopolamine

If you’re prone to motion sickness, scopolamine patches, which are placed behind the ear, are very effective in preventing seasickness.

They are a preventative treatment, and should be used ideally before symptoms begin, and need to be changed every 3 days. They may only be available by prescription, so talk with your doctor to see if they’re right for you.

There are also non-prescription seasickness prevention patches available, that many use and find effective. Check out the information and reviews to learn more.

8. Acupuncture

Another preventative treatment for motion sickness on a cruise is acupuncture . An alternative treatment, it’s effectiveness isn’t conclusive. Anecdotal reports suggest many patients have had good results.

My mother-in-law, who also suffers from vertigo periodically, uses acupuncture before she goes on a cruise. I’ve been on cruises with her, and have seen how it definitely worked for her. She was well and unaffected, even while others were swaying and turning green during an evening of very rough seas.

If you already use acupuncture, you may want to ask your practitioner if he or she thinks it will help to prevent seasickness on your cruise. As always, please do check with your physician.

9. Keep hydrated

It may sound simple, but keeping hydrated by drinking a lot of water will help prevent feelings of seasickness. While on a cruise you may be getting too much sun and even drinking too many alcoholic drinks, which can lead to becoming dehydrated. 

By keeping hydrated, your body will be at it’s best and less prone to nausea, headaches, dizziness and upset stomach. It’s also helpful to avoid very fatty or spicy food.

Cruise tip – Bring along a refillable water bottle , to stay hydrated on your cruise.

10. Get fresh air

If you suddenly start to feel unwell, with symptoms dizziness and nausea, try and get fresh air as soon as possible. A good place to sit is on the Lido deck, near the mid-ship pool. This location, in the open space and with a sea breeze, is probably the best place to grab a green apple and wait for symptoms to subside.

There is also advice to look at the horizon. This may work for some, however in our experience, if there are large waves, this may do more harm than good.

A word of caution – often taking medication to remedy or even prevent motion sickness symptoms as soon as they start is most effective.

Best Motion Sickness Medication for a Cruise

As a recap, these are the most effective and recommended seasickness medications and natural remedies for a cruise (all Amazon links).

Seabands (for adults)

Seabands (for children)

Dramamine (long lasting nausea relief)

Dramamine for kids (see choices on Amazon)

Ginger candies

Motion sickness patches

Watch our YouTube video below for more tips on preventing seasickness while cruising

Recap: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

A common concern for new cruisers, is how to avoid and prevent getting seasick on a cruise. In this post, we went over what to expect on a cruise, and how likely it is to feel symptoms of motion sickness on a modern cruise ship.

We also shared 10 effective tips for preventing and dealing with seasickness on a cruise. The remedies include both seasickness medication and natural remedies, that have been shown to be useful and helpful for cruisers.

Don’t forget to pack some seasickness medication or prevention treatments to bring along on your cruise vacation.

Have you ever been seasick on a cruise? What tips, medications or treatments did you find worked best?

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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15 Comments

I read this article prior to going on a cruise to the Bahamas and found some of these tips very helpful. When searching for an acupressure band I came across NoMo Nausea at CVS. It is an silicone acupressure wristband that is infused with peppermint essential oils. I have tried sea bands before and while they provided slight nausea relief for me, I found the peppermint scent combined with the acupressure to work more effectively when reducing my sea sickness. Hope this helps for others who also experience seasickness!

Hi Juliette,

Firstly, thanks so much for reading this and then taking the time to come back and add your suggestion. That’s really interesting – I’ll have to keep an eye out for a seaband combined with that scent.

I’m sure your personal suggestion will be helpful to someone.

Hope you enjoyed your cruise!

Hello! Thank you for all the great information.. Another thing that helps with seas sickness is lime. Slicing and smelling the lime really works. I learned this on a snorkeling trip in Mexico. I want feeling well from all the bobbing in the water and was given lime by the locals and in a short time I was feeling myself again. On my last cruise I asked my waiter to bring me lime slices as the dining room was in the front of the ship and soon the entire table was enjoying the lovely sent of lime and feeling great!

Thanks so much for this! Great info!

Glad the info was helpful Becky. Have a great cruise!

• Pingback: What You Need to Know if You're Cruising Out of South Florida - Coastlines to Skylines

I love using Motioneaze oil. You rub it behind your ear and it really works! Expensive on the ship but not too bad on Amazon or at CVS.

Thanks Tricia. I’ve never heard of it or used it, but that sounds great.Great tip to pre-buy rather than get it on the ship.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂

Ilana and Tricia – I experienced fairly serious motion sickness on our 2nd sea day — I wasn’t the only one, as the ship staff stocked those “special bags” everywhere.. Nevertheless, I was wearing seabands, I took Dramamine; tried all sorts of remedies and preventives; and nothing worked all day until my friend gave me Motioneaze. Within minutes of applying this behind my ears, I felt immensely better. (It’s possible that the seas were finally calming by then!). Thank you for great posts!!!

Thanks for sharing the recommendation!

Tricia,, I have never heard of this, going to check it out. Thanks so much!

My understanding is that it is good to look at horizon so your eyes and ears “agree”. It works for me.

That’s awesome and good advice. That works for me, but my husband will feel more sick. I have a feeling it’s because the wobbly feeling has already set in.

Thanks Patty for the comment – I know it will be helpful to others 🙂

Dramamine now makes a “Non-Drowsy Naturals” version of their motion sickness pills. I have always found that regular Dramamine and Bonine make me feel very sleepy (even the non-drowsy formulas). However, I was able to take the Dramamine Naturals version (made with ginger) and it worked just as quickly on the motion sickness and did not make me drowsy at all.

That’s great to know Melissa. Thanks so much for sharing how well this worked for you. I love ginger so perhaps I’ll try it next cruise 🙂

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How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

Last updated: October 12th, 2023

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If the only thing standing between you and an unforgettable cruise vacation on one of Celebrity Cruises’ luxury ships is worrying about whether or not you’ll get seasick on a cruise, these tips about dealing with motion sickness will ease your mind and body so you can happily book your cruise.

What causes seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that results when what your eye sees is out of balance with what your inner ear senses. If your body feels motion but your eye doesn’t see it, your senses become confused and can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and tiredness.

Motion sickness can happen in almost any mode of travel, such as cars, trains, or even on a roller coaster.

How long does seasickness last on a cruise?

If you feel seasick at the start of a cruise, the good news is that for the great majority of passengers, seasickness usually subsides once you get your “sea legs,” which means your senses adjust and your equilibrium returns.

For most passengers who feel seasick at the start of a cruise, taking over-the-counter remedies and using the techniques recommended in this article will help you feel better in a few hours to a day or two. In some cases, particularly in rougher sea weather, seasickness may last longer.

Can you feel the ship move on a cruise?

Celebrity Cruises’ fleet of innovative cruise ships are so well designed and engineered that most of the time you won’t even feel the ship moving. Each ship is designed to give you as smooth a ride as possible without compromising the multiple activities available onboard and the spectacular on-deck views.

Our ships have stabilizers to keep the boat from rocking. Even a tilting of 1% is considered unacceptable, and Celebrity Cruises uses advanced technology to make sure your ship stays stable and calm.

What kind of cruise ships are best to avoid seasickness?

If you’re concerned about being seasick on a cruise, it’s good to know that Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships , which include Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, and Celebrity Reflection, are built for smooth sailing, with fin-like stabilizers mounted beneath the ship’s waterline to ensure smooth sailing.

To give you an idea of the size and heft of these ships, each is built in post-Panamax dimensions, meaning they are too large to sail through the locks of the Panama Canal. At 122,000 to 126,000 tonnes, they glide through the water at a comfortable average speed of 24 knots, or about 27 miles per hour. They are steel-hull constructed and built with the safety and comfort of passengers in mind.

Celebrity’s newest class of ships, the Edge class, which includes Celebrity Edge and sister ship, Celebrity Apex , are the largest ships in our fleet. At 129,500 tonnes and reaching average cruising speeds of 22 knots, or about 25 miles per hour, they, too, are steel-hull constructed with stabilizers to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers they carry.

Where is the best place to sail to avoid getting seasick on a cruise?

If you know you’re especially susceptible to seasickness, avoid itineraries that spend a lot of time sailing in open water. Cruise itineraries that stay within a sea, such as European cruises that sail along the Mediterranean Sea or Caribbean cruises that depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico are often good bets for having relatively calm waters during cruises.

One way to test the waters if you’re concerned about getting seasick on a cruise is to book a short cruise on a large ship that sails in calm water. We offer 2-night cruises from Florida to the Bahamas on our Millennium-class ship, Celebrity Infinity, and our newly revolutionized Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Equinox.

You’ll have one day at sea in each direction in the usually calm waters between Fort Lauderdale or Miami and the Bahamas. When in port, you’ll have a day to relax and play in the warm sunshine, clear blue water, and white-sand beaches of Nassau .

Another way to minimize your chances of becoming seasick on a cruise is to book a cruise that sails on one of our largest ships, like Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Apex, with 10- or 11-night itineraries that sail within the generally calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cruise from Rome on a 10-night itinerary visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean, like Sicily, Naples, and the gorgeous Greek Islands. Or, sail an 11-night itinerary departing from Rome to Naples and Messina, Corfu, Greece, and up the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, and Trieste in Northern Italy.

On each of these sailings, you’ll only have two nights at sea, with the remaining time spent in port enjoying the glorious sights and pleasure of the Mediterranean.

When choosing an itinerary to avoid seasickness, consider the time of year as well. For instance, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is outside the hurricane season—the months of June through November—as they can increase the wave height and the ship movement you might feel while at sea.

Read: Cruising During Hurricane Season

What’s the best stateroom location to avoid motion sickness on a cruise?

To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you’re worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda. Fresh air access and a horizon view will help alleviate seasickness symptoms.

If lower levels are already booked or you’d like to be on a higher deck for an elevated view or to be closer to the activities on the top decks, book a stateroom in the middle of the ship and avoid staterooms near the front or back (bow or aft) of the ship.

The ships’ deck plans will help you pinpoint the best stateroom location for your needs.

Read: Cruising While Pregnant

What remedies are available to alleviate seasickness on a cruise?

One way to avoid seasickness on a cruise is to get enough rest. Lack of sleep and exhaustion can make you more susceptible to motion sickness.

Motion sickness medication and natural remedies

If you think you might experience motion sickness on a cruise, it’s best to be prepared. There are several over-the-counter, natural, and doctor-prescribed remedies that can help. Be sure to pack whatever seasickness remedy you choose in your carry-on bag, and take as directed, which may mean a few hours prior to boarding your ship.

If you have a doctor-prescribed transdermal patch (scopolamine), apply it as directed at least four hours before boarding your ship. The patch is active for three days, so if you’re traveling on a longer cruise, you should pack replacements.

Don’t panic if you forget to pack motion sickness medication. At the guest relations desk onboard, you’ll find tablets that will help combat seasickness.

There are also some tried and true natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms of seasickness. Ginger, whether in pill form or as a candy, is easy to keep handy as you cruise. Sucking on peppermint candy or smelling peppermint oil is also helpful.

Acupressure & acupuncture

Wearing an acupressure band around your wrist is another natural way to alleviate sea sickness. If you want to take pressure-point therapy one step further, forego the band and seek out an acupuncture specialist. Our onboard spas have acupuncture technicians who will help you relieve your motion sickness.

Though being seasick on a cruise may make you want to curl up in your stateroom and stay there, you’ll be amazed at how dramatically better you’ll feel if you get out and breathe in some fresh air. At the very least, step out on your veranda, take a breath of fresh air, find a spot on the horizon, and keep your eyes on it.

Make an effort to get up to the top deck and do the same. Breathing in fresh air while keeping your eyes on the horizon helps your mind and body get back in sync and may alleviate your symptoms.

What should I eat and drink to avoid motion sickness on a cruise ship?

It may sound like the last thing you want to do, but keeping your stomach full by eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can help ward off nausea from seasickness. At the very least, regularly sipping ginger ale and eating crackers may do the trick for the first 24 hours.

If you’re prone to seasickness, be cautious of your alcohol intake as alcohol can increase dehydration and exacerbate the effects of motion sickness.

Staying hydrated during your cruise is vital, as dehydration can make you feel more seasick.  Our Zero Proof drink package includes unlimited bottles of sparkling and still water, such as San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Evian.

Now that you know how to combat seasickness, browse our cruise itineraries , view cruise accommodations, fights, and activities all in one place or speak to one of our cruise vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086.

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Going on a cruise vacation can be an exciting and memorable experience, but for some, it can also be a nauseating one due to seasickness.

This post contains affiliate links, advertisements, and links to Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my  Disclosure page .

What is Seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness caused by the ship’s movement and can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Choosing the right cabin on a cruise ship can be crucial in avoiding seasickness and ensuring a comfortable trip.

In this article, we will discuss the best deck and location on a cruise ship to avoid seasickness.

Why do people get seasick, and what causes it? 

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the body due to the motion of a ship on the water. This can lead to symptoms of seasickness, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Other symptoms include excessive perspiration, loss of appetite, and difficulty focusing. All in all, seasickness can feel like unrelenting misery, and the room will seem to be spinning in circles when symptoms become extreme.

When the ship moves, the inner ears sense the motion and send signals to the brain that the body is moving. However, the eyes may not detect this motion, especially if the person is inside a cabin without windows or looking at a stationary object. This conflicting information between the senses can cause the brain to become confused, leading to seasickness.

Other factors that can contribute to sea sickness include:

• The motion of the ocean
• The person’s susceptibility to motion sickness

Some individuals are more prone to motion sickness than others and may experience symptoms more frequently or with less movement.   

Factors that affect your seasickness

Even an experienced cruiser can experience seasickness, but there are some factors to be aware of that can affect your chances of feeling sick on a cruise.

Type of Cabin

The type of cabin can make a big difference in terms of comfort and avoiding seasickness. Inside cabins, for example, have no windows or natural light, making it harder for the brain to adjust to the ship’s movement.

On the other hand, ocean views and balcony cabins offer better views and easy access to fresh air, which can help alleviate seasickness symptoms. 

Sunset Chasers always recommends upgrading to a Balcony Cabin if it is within your budget.

Deck Location

Deck location is another important factor to consider. Lower decks tend to have less movement and are closer to the ship’s center of gravity, making them an excellent option for those prone to seasickness.

Midship cabins are also recommended as they experience the least amount of movement. On the other hand, cabins located at the front and back of a cruise ship tend to experience more movement and are less ideal for those susceptible to seasickness.

The lower deck you are to the ocean, the less you may experience motion sickness.

How many Decks are on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship decks are numbered from the bottom to the top tier, starting with Deck 1. Cruise ships can go as high as Deck 20. or more. A cruise line, like MSC, skips the numbering together and names the decks after famous artists or ornamental flowers.

There are various decks on a cruise ship, but the most

Landing Deck – This is usually the lowest deck of the ship, where you get off and on at ports. Typically guests can go as high as this deck, and it may be around decks 4-5.

Promenade Deck  – Usually around mid-ship, the Promenade deck allows you to walk around the edge of the ship.

Lido Deck – On most cruise ships, the Lido Deck features the main outdoor swimming features.

Sun Deck  – The sun deck on a cruise can include lots of sunbathing areas and loungers and typically looks into the Lido Deck.

Sports Deck  – Typically located on the top of the ship, this deck offers many spots to work out, including basketball courts.

Cabin location

Being near public spaces, the engine room, and foot traffic can also impact your health on a cruise. Cabins near public areas, such as the pool deck or main dining room, may experience more foot traffic and noise, disrupting sleep for light sleepers and contributing to seasickness symptoms.

Cabins near the engine room can also be noisier and have more vibration, leading to discomfort for some passengers.

One of my favorite things is to look up cruise reviews on individual cabin locations that previous guests have left.

Size and type of ship

Big ships tend to be more stable and experience less movement than smaller vessels, making them a good choice for those prone to seasickness.

Additionally, river cruises tend to have less rough waters than ocean cruises, which can also be beneficial for avoiding seasickness. 

If you are on a smaller ship crossing the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, be prepared to experience seasickness symptoms when not sailing through calm waters.

Choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

You can usually choose your cabin on a cruise ship when booking your cruise. Cruise lines typically offer different cabin categories, each with its price point and location on the ship. Choosing the right cruise ship cabin can make a massive difference to your cruise experience. 

The ship’s deck plans are often helpful tools for selecting the cabin most suitable for your cruise needs and preferences. You can get the deck plans from your travel agent or the cruise line’s website.

Consider many factors, such as seasickness, budget, and even mid-ship location, before selecting. Also, review different category options for higher levels of comfort, spaciousness, or other benefits that come with that cruise ship cabin choice. 

If you tend to get sick, steer clear of interior cabins or guarantee cabins. Sometimes the guaranteed cabin location could be better, even if you are getting a good bargain.

Cabins on a cruise ship

When choosing a cabin located on a cruise ship, the position of the cabin on the ship can make a difference in comfort and convenience.

Front of the ship

Cabin locations at the front of the ship, also known as Forward, tend to experience the most movement and may be more susceptible to rough seas. These cabins may be louder due to the noise from the ship’s movement and waves hitting the bow. However, they often offer stunning panoramic views of the ocean.

Middle of the ship

Midship cabins, located in the ship’s center, are generally considered the most stable and least susceptible to motion. They are closer to the ship’s center of gravity, which can help to reduce the feeling of movement. These cabins may also be quieter as they are further from the engine and public areas. Midship cabins are usually the most popular and may fill quickly, especially on larger ships.

Back of the ship

Cabins at the back of the ship, also known as the aft, can be susceptible to more movement than midship cabins. However, they may offer quieter accommodations as they are usually further from public areas and the engine room. Some people also prefer aft cabins because they offer beautiful ocean views of the ship’s wake.

Balcony Rooms

A balcony room can be good for seasickness, as it provides access to fresh air and natural light, which can help alleviate symptoms. Some passengers find that stepping outside and seeing the horizon helps reduce feelings of nausea or disorientation. 

However, the location of the balcony room on the ship can also be a factor in its effectiveness in preventing seasickness. Midship balcony rooms on lower decks are often considered the most stable and are less prone to experiencing the ship’s movement, while balcony rooms located at the front or back of the ship may be more susceptible to motion.

Decks on a cruise ship

The number of decks on a cruise ship can vary depending on the size and design of the ship. Generally, modern cruise ships can have anywhere from 12 to 16 decks, and some of the largest ships may have more. Some smaller or older cruise ships may have fewer decks. The decks are usually numbered from bottom to top, with the lowest deck being Deck 1 and the highest deck being the Sun Deck or Sky Deck.

Best decks for people with seasickness

Decks located in the middle of the ship and closer to the waterline are generally considered the best for people who suffer from seasickness. This is because cabins in the middle of the ship experience less movement and are less affected by the ship’s pitch and roll. Additionally, being closer to the waterline can help reduce the feeling of motion, providing a better visual reference point.

Lower decks, which are closer to the ship’s center of gravity, are also considered better for those prone to seasickness as they experience less motion than higher decks. Cabins located on upper decks, especially towards the front or back of the ship, may be more susceptible to the ship’s movement and should be avoided by those prone to seasickness.

The lido deck is typically the topmost deck of a cruise ship and is often the central hub of onboard activity. It usually features a swimming pool, hot tubs, loungers, a bar, and sometimes even a stage for live entertainment. While the lido deck can be a great place to relax and soak up the sun during the day, it may not be the best location for a cabin for those prone to seasickness.

This is because the lido deck is located at the top of the ship, which means it will experience more movement than cabins on lower decks. The constant motion of the ship, combined with the noise and activity on the lido deck, can make it difficult for some passengers to get a good night’s sleep.

Tips for avoiding seasickness on a cruise ship

If you want to prevent seasickness, there are a few tips that will help you have smooth sailing and a great cruise trip.

Take motion seasickness medication or natural remedies

Motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Meclizine can help alleviate symptoms of seasickness. These medications are available over-the-counter or can be prescribed by a doctor. 

Additionally, natural remedies such as ginger ale or green apples have been found to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

It’s essential to consult a doctor before taking any medication or supplements to ensure they are safe and effective.

Mallory, the one in our family who gets seasick more often than the rest, typically takes Dramamine 2 days before setting sail, every day while sailing, and two days after to prevent motion sickness.

Seek fresh air and natural light .

Fresh air and natural light can help alleviate the symptoms of seasickness. The fresh air helps by providing oxygen and helping to clear the lungs. In contrast, natural light helps the body to reset its internal clock, reducing any disorientation it may be experiencing.

Exposure to natural light also promotes a sense of alertness, which can help to alleviate seasickness-related symptoms such as nausea and queasiness.

Both of these tips also help if you are suffering from being Jett-legged.

Avoid heavy meals and alcohol .

Heavy meals and alcohol can exacerbate seasickness symptoms. Heavy meals strain the stomach, which could worsen your symptoms if you already suffer from motion sickness.

Alcohol can have a similar effect, as it affects the body’s sense of balance but can also cause dehydration. It keeps to light snacks and hydrates with plenty of water before and during a voyage.

If you know you want to eat at a steakhouse, make sure to eat at it the night before you disembark or the night before you have an intensive port day!

Keep a positive attitude and focus on enjoying the experience .

Keeping a positive attitude and enjoying the experience can help alleviate seasickness symptoms. This is because anxiety and stress can exacerbate feelings of nausea and dizziness. Instead, try to stay relaxed and focus on enjoying the activities and experiences on the cruise ship. 

If you are experiencing a rough day at sea, you will eventually get your sea legs or finally dock at your port of call.

Choosing the right cabin location is essential for avoiding seasickness and ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise vacation. Midship cabins on lower decks and balcony cabins are often the most recommended, while cabins at the front and back of the ship and on top decks should be avoided. 

In addition to choosing the right cabin location, taking motion sickness medication or natural remedies, seeking fresh air and natural light, and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol can all help alleviate seasickness symptoms. For first-time cruisers, it’s essential to do your research and choose the right cabin for your needs to ensure a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience.

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How to Deal With Seasickness on a Cruise

Afar’s special cruise correspondent has been on dozens of cruises in her life. despite being prone to seasickness, she has mostly avoided it with these remedies..

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Don’t let rough waters ruin your cruise vacation.

Photo by Caleb George/Unsplash

I am a cruise writer who suffers from seasickness. But of the approximately 170 cruises I have been on in my life, I have only actually been sick twice, once in particularly strong waves off the coast of Corsica and once when the Pacific was misbehaving off Baja.

I’ve avoided motion sickness on a cruise by bringing the best motion sickness medicines for cruising and by being familiar with factors that contribute to not feeling great—and how to avoid them. For those who don’t know what seasickness is, it starts with your brain getting conflicting information from your inner ear and eyes.

“Inside the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the inner ear detects changes in both up-and-down and side-to-side acceleration as one’s body bobs along with the boat,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . “But, since the cabin moves with the passenger, one’s eyes register a relatively stable scene. Agitated by this perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.”

Here are some tried-and-true tips and advice for how to avoid motion sickness on a cruise.

Carefully pick your ship and destination

The medications currently available for motion sickness are strong enough that I recently felt only slightly off while crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage (sometimes referred to as the Drake “shake”) between Cape Horn and Antarctica , albeit while the seas were mostly cooperating.

Still, you can ensure a smoother ride by sticking to destinations with relatively calm waters. Popular cruise itineraries tend to be on routes that are less prone to rockiness, such as in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Alaska’s Inside Passage . Once you venture deep into the Atlantic and Pacific, you never know what you’ll get. You may want to keep this in mind if you are a first-time cruiser testing your sea legs.

You’ll experience virtually no seasickness on most river cruises . A great option for those who fear getting seasick are the mostly calm inland waters traversed by river ships.

Modern cruise ships have stabilizers, for a relatively smooth ride wherever you cruise. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you’ll typically feel little movement. Smaller ships may be more of a challenge, but here too you’re likely to find stabilizers. A new generation of expedition ships from brands such as Lindblad Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions are designed with an inverted bow, known as an X-Bow, for a smoother ride.

Choose the right cabin

If you are worried about getting seasick, don’t book a cabin or suite at the very front (or forward end) of the ship, at the very back (aka the aft) of the vessel, or on the upper deck of a ship. These staterooms often feel the most movement. You are better off finding a cabin dead center in the middle of the ship, the most stable area. Also, you might want to make sure you book a cabin with windows so that you can look at the horizon when the ship starts rocking—while it doesn’t work for everyone, keeping your eyes on the horizon can offer a stabilizing effect for some.

The best motion sickness medicines for cruises

If you are worried about being seasick, pack some seasickness medication—options include Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Bonine (meclizine). There is a downside to these medications, in that they may cause drowsiness. (There are some nondrowsy options available as well.)

My rule of thumb is to take a half a pill when I first get onboard and until I feel my body has adjusted to the movement of the sea (which may or may not occur after a couple of days on the water). If you have kids who have a tendency to get carsick, you may want to ask your pediatrician about Dramamine for kids that you can give them when they board and as you figure out how they are responding to the movement of the water.

I also listen carefully to the captain’s daily announcements, which usually include a weather forecast for the day ahead. If waves are predicted to be high (more than 15 feet by my standards), I will make sure to take motion sickness medicine—because the reality of the meds is that they don’t really help once you feel sick, so plan accordingly.

If you forgot to pack medication and are feeling ill, ask at the guest services desk or the medical center—they will likely have medicine and the pills are often free.

What if it gets very choppy?

If I am on a route known for rough weather, such as in the Antarctic, I switch out the over-the-counter pills for a prescription Transderm Scop (scopolamine) patch, which goes behind your ear and steadily delivers medication for up to three days. It’s strong and not for everyone, so ask your doctor whether it’s right for you. A downside to the patch is it can make you very thirsty. The patches are also expensive and may not be covered by your health insurance.

In a worst-case scenario, if you are suffering in very rough seas, the ship’s medical team may be able to give you a shot, which can help keep you from getting sick (aka vomiting) but not necessarily from feeling bad.

Homeopathic remedies

Acupressure wristbands , ginger pills , and candied ginger are among the nonmedication ways to deal with seasickness, and some people swear by them. It sounds completely counterintuitive, but you’ll also feel better if you aren’t hungry, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends eating small amounts of food frequently to help prevent motion sickness. Fortunately, finding food is not a problem on most cruise ships. The CDC also recommends staying hydrated, while limiting both alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

AFAR’s senior travel news editor Michelle Baran, a fellow sufferer of seasickness, says the wristbands work for her to help avoid getting seasick on a cruise; she also chews mint-flavored gum to help ward off stomach problems when sailing. Similar to seasickness medications, the wristbands will often only work if they are slipped on before the water actually gets choppy (she just puts them on and keeps them on for the duration of the cruise). She will also drink a bubbly soda such as ginger ale or cola and will make sure to look at the horizon to stabilize if she gets motion sickness on a cruise—though, like me, she has mostly managed to avoid seasickness by being prepared with medications such as Dramamine and using the above preventative measures and remedies.

Being out on deck in open air sometimes helps, but my own fail-safe remedy if I am feeling ill and all else fails is to lie down and shut my eyes, and either sleep or listen to music or the TV in my cabin.

Why am I still dizzy after a cruise?

Some people feel like they are still moving when they get off a cruise ship, as their body adjusts to being back on dry land. According to the Cleveland Clinic , this is totally normal, and the symptoms in most cases disappear within a day or two. If they don’t, you may have a rare syndrome known as Mal de Debarquement (MDD) that is still under study. The Clinic recommends you consult with your doctor if the symptoms persist.

>> Next: The Essential Cruise Packing List

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5 ways to beat seasickness on your next cruise

If there's one thing that will kill your vacation vibe quicker than a delayed flight can ruin your plans, it's getting seasick the first night on a cruise. It happens to a lot of people, and the cure for motion sickness is different for everyone.

First off, what is seasickness? According to WebMD , which classifies it as the same thing as motion sickness, you can expect symptoms like nausea, headaches, sweating, and vomiting. Dizziness and cold sweats are also associated with strong bouts of motion sickness.

Lucky for the weak-stomached of the world, cruise ships are often large enough to avoid the expected "rocking" motion that comes with a boat ride. Without the constant reminder that, yes, you are rolling about on the sea, your inner ear is confused into thinking you're on solid ground. Massive cruise ships also come with built-in stabilizers that react to choppier seas by balancing out the waves for an easier ride. Now, hit an extra bad patch of weather, and all bets are off — just as turbulence irritates motion sickness on an airplane or a particularly bumpy road would bring about car sickness .

There are a couple of things you can do to combat seasickness. Read on and learn:

Choose your cabin wisely.

In an interview with Yahoo , Susan Suver — who manages medical operations at Holland America Line — shared that the location of your cabin is key. "The more towards the middle of the ship, the better," Suver said. "You’ll feel more stable. If you have a tendency to get seasick, avoid cabins the farthest aft [rear] or the farthest forward."

Take medication.

There are some over-the-counter options out there for those looking to kick seasickness symptoms aside. Dramamine and Bonine are both great options for when you know you're going to be hitting some choppy areas. Doctors are also able to prescribe stronger medications, but this requires an office visit — plan accordingly.

Use a motion band.

There are wristbands on the market that utilize acupuncture to relieve the wearer of motion sickness and its symptoms. If you're not a fan of bracelets, there are also patches that can be worn behind the ear to help prevent the side effects of seasickness. Transderm Scop is one of these medications, which requires the wearer to put it on eight hours before they expect their motion sickness to occur. The best part: It lasts up to three days.

Take in the ocean view.

If you find yourself with a bad bout of motion sickness, CruiseCritic.com recommends taking in some fresh air and seaside views to help alleviate your discomfort. The fresh air will help you re-center, and staring at the horizon will help balance your inner ear.

Eat the right things.

There are certain foods that help combat motion sickness. If you start to feel it coming on, LiveStrong.com recommends you reach for one of these:

• Ginger — Pro tip: Candied ginger is a great vacation snack!
• Saltine crackers
• Lemon — Water with a lemon wedge or two will not only help, but it's refreshing.
• Olives — These little guys help reduce saliva, making it harder to get that pre-vomit salivation.

Don't let a little bit of motion sickness keep you from embarking on an ocean adventure. There's plenty you can do before and after motion sickness hits to make sure your vacation goes according to plan.

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Cruise Ship Travel

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

While cruising is a popular way to travel, there are some health concerns to be aware of. Find out more about health issues on cruises and steps you can take to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

If you are feeling sick before your voyage, do not travel and ask your cruise line about rescheduling or reimbursement options. If you feel sick during your voyage, report your symptoms to the ship’s medical center and follow their recommendations.

Common Health Concerns During Cruise Travel and what You Can Do to Prevent Illness

• Respiratory illnesses like influenza , COVID-19 , and the common cold. Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines . Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. If you have a weakened immune system , talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer . When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to prevent spreading germs. Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.
• Norovirus. Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily caused by outbreaks of norovirus, have been reported. To prevent norovirus , wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching things that other people have touched, such as stair railings. Avoid touching your face. For more information, visit CDC’s  Vessel Sanitation Program  website.
• Seasickness. Cruise ship passengers may experience seasickness or motion sickness. If you know you get seasick or think you may be likely to get seasick, talk to your healthcare provider about medicine to reduce your symptoms. Some common medications, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and birth control pills, can make seasickness worse.
• Sunburns. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold.
• Bug bites. On your trip, use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. Many ships visit ports where these diseases are a concern.

Before Your Trip

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up to date with all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases  that can spread quickly in groups of people. Outbreaks of chickenpox, influenza, and COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.

Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries. Crew members and fellow travelers often board a cruise ship from destinations where some diseases are more common than in the United States or where vaccination is not routine.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Plan for the Unexpected

Prepare for any unexpected issues during your cruise ship travels with the following steps:

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

More Information

• Cruise Ship Travel in CDC Yellow Book
• Information for Cruise Ship Travelers
• Maritime Guidance

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13 Actionable Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasickness on a Cruise

Will you get seasick on a cruise? Maybe! I sometimes do.

I read many guides online that say that you need never worry about getting seasick when cruising, mostly written by people who aren’t normally travel sick .

Will seasickness ruin your cruise? Absolutely not!

Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise?

Some people do get seasick when taking a cruise.

This is more common if the cruise encounters bad weather. Guests who are already prone to motion sickness are more likely to feel seasick on a cruise, although the majority of passengers do not get seasick.

If you do get seasick, there are many ways to prevent and treat it.

I’ve been on over 50 cruises to date and have been seasick on 4 or 5 times. I’ve devised a number of ways to prevent and treat seasickness. These include what I eat, where I sleep, what I wear, and where I cruise.

I think the fact that I carry on cruising despite being one of the most travel-sick people I know says a lot.

I’m much more likely to get travel sick in a car or coach than a cruise ship. Mum says I could get seasick stepping over a puddle!

Tips to Avoid Getting Sea Sick on a Cruise:

1 – pick the itinerary carefully – avoid a cruise with many sea days.

I rarely go on a cruise with more than two consecutive sea days, this isn’t by accident.

The more sea days you have, the more chance you have of getting seasick. This isn’t just because you’re actually spending more time at sea.

Avoid Transatlantic/Transpacific Itineraries

Cruises with multiple sea days tend to cruise far into open waters, which is usually where bad weather happens.

Transatlantic and transpacific cruises often trigger seasickness in guests and I wouldn’t recommend these for a first cruise if you’re worried about seasickness.

If you are able to pick a cruise with no sea days AT ALL this is a brilliant option. A port a day keeps you busy and also keeps seasickness worries away.

A typical cruise would be docked until around 5/6 pm and arrive early in the morning so by picking a port-intensive cruise you really don’t have that much sailing time.

Some cruises actually visit more than one place a day!

This is rare but I took a cruise with Celestyal which did exactly this. We have one port in the AM and one in the PM. What Celestyal Cruises REALLY Like? – Daily Photo Diary and Review

Avoid Winter Itineraries In Parts of the World Weather is Likely to be Bad

I took a Christmas Cruise from Southampton to the Canary Islands, which travelled through the notorious Bay of Biscay.

With hindsight, this wasn’t a good idea – as we were faced with winter storm after winter storm.

We missed ports, meaning extra sea days, and arrival and departure times on port days were changed

Find out about that Christmas Cruise here:

2 – Stay as Central as Possible With Your Cabin’s Location

If you have the option pick a cabin which is in the middle of the ship.

Cabins in the middle feel less movement than those at the ends. Similarly, if you can pick a cabin on a lower deck this is usually better.

Often times on cruises I’ve found that the theatre and main dining room/buffet are the rockiest places onboard. These are always right at one end of the ship and you can sometimes feel the vibrations from the engine at the back too.

I took a cruise last year on the MSC Meraviglia and when the engine started you really could tell in the main dining room.

We’d be midway through our dinner and then it would start and we would say ‘Oh! we must be off!’

Find out more about the importance of cabin location here:

What is The Best Cabin Location on a Cruise For Avoiding Seasickness? (I’ve Tried Them All!)

Why I don’t follow my own advice on this one:  One word, money! I always prioritise money over seasickness.

I often choose a ‘Guaranteed’ cabin which means that you don’t get to choose your cabin location.

It is cheaper to do this but does mean that you are often allocated the ‘leftover’ cabins at the end of the ship or in less desirable locations. 

Find out more about that in the article below:

I Always Book Guaranteed Cabins on Cruise Ships – (Photo Examples, Regrets & More)

3 – Treat Yourself to a Balcony Cabin (Or Borrow One)

If your budget allows it, choose a balcony cabin. Being able to open the balcony doors can be a lifesaver if you’re feeling seasick.

I am a big fan of inside cabins and usually cruise in them but when you’re in an inside cabin it is very easy to forget that you’re on a ship at all.

Seasickness is caused by your body being a bit confused, your eyes don’t see any movement but your body feels like you are moving.

For some reason your body decides that the best thing for you is to feel unwell, I assume so that you’ll get out of the situation.

You can’t simply get off the cruise ship so reminding your body why you are feeling the movement by reconnecting with the ocean is a big help.

Borrow Somebody Else’s Balcony

Onboard the MSC Meraviglia, we got caught in a bit of bad weather sailing back from Malta.

I had an inside cabin but was also cruising with my parents who had a balcony cabin.

Being able to go across to their room and sit on the balcony helped me a lot. If you are worried about seasickness, consider saving up for a balcony.

4 – Choose a Mid-Sized Ship

I often see sea sickness-related advice which says that you should choose the biggest ship you can find.

I would disagree with this, some of the newer and bigger ships aren’t designed for ocean travel, they’re designed to have the best facilities onboard.

As a result, the huge mega-ships aren’t always the best for seasickness. I loved my cruise on the MSC Meraviglia but I felt the movement on her a lot more than I have done on some smaller ships.

I would recommend cruising on a cruise ship which contains between 2000 – 4000 passengers. This seems to be the ideal size for me.

New(ish) Ships Are Best

Whatever you do, don’t go for a really old ship. Ships from the 90s or 00’s and later are fine but if you stray much earlier than that you might be more likely to feel seasick.

Stabilisation systems have come a long way in the last few decades. Many older ships have been retrofitted with better stabilisers but if you are worried about seasickness its better to pick a newer ship.

I broke all my own rules and took an “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise on Fred Olsens Bolette.

The ship was built in 2000, and we were crossing the North Sea in February. I have never felt so sick!

Find out all about that memorable cruise here:

5 – Don’t Overindulge in Food or Drink (But do Eat!)

When cruising, don’t overindulge in food or drink.

This one can be really tricky as for most eating and drinking is one of the most important parts of cruising.

It is much better for you to eat small, regular portions to keep your stomach full but not overeat to the point where you might feel unwell.

Eating particularly greasy or unhealthy foods always increases my chances of feeling seasick.

When I was on P&O’s Britannia, I was sitting in the Beach House restaurant having just finished a massive meal when Captain Wesley made an announcement to warn guests that the sea might be ‘lumpy’.

I knew at this point that I had eaten too much – but it was too late!

I was fine – but still regretted eating all of the Churros and Marshmallows!

Minimising alcohol can be the trickiest part (one or two drinks can actually make you feel better as you stop worrying about feeling seasick…). 

On the MSC Meraviglia, I had an unlimited drinks package so tried many beertails. I wasn’t sure if it was the seasickness or the beer making me feel unwell but I always blame the seasickness.

Tips to Treat Feeling Sea Sick on a Cruise:

6 – head outside to find fresh air.

As soon as I feel a little seasick I head straight to the top decks to try and find some fresh air.

A lot of the time this works and I don’t need to follow any other of the steps in this guide.

This works best if you are cruising somewhere which is either windy or rainy. Stepping out into warm air doesn’t help as much as feeling the rain on your face.

Walk a Lap of The Promenade Deck

Not all cruise ships have full promenade decks but I love the ones that do. A lap or two of the promenade deck is usually enough to make me feel better.

Many cruise lines are not building ships with promenade decks anymore because they take up a lot of space.

Cruise lines would generally prefer to keep people spending money inside than walking around in circles on the promenade deck.

7 – Medicate!

If I am still feeling seasick at this point I take seasickness medication.

I usually take Stugeron or Kwells but there are many brands available. Stugeron and Kwells are the only brands that I have found which don’t make me feel too drowsy.

If you are feeling particularly seasick you might want to go to sleep but usually, I don’t.

Is this what everybody else feels like? This is AMAZING! Me, whenever I take seasickness mediciation.

It is definitely worth taking medication if you are feeling that unwell, there is no point struggling through and not enjoying your cruise.

It is worth noting that you can usually get seasickness pills either for free or for a couple of pounds from Reception.

Cruise ship medical centres will also have them, and many offer a seasickness injection for those really struggling with seasickness.

You usually have to pay for the injection and it makes you sleep for quite a while so I wouldn’t recommend this apart as a last resort.

If you do need medical care, you’ll find a fully trained medical team on board along with medical supplies and a medical centre.

To find out more about what happens if you need medical care, including what the cruise lines can and can’t offer, check out this post:

What Happens if You Get Sick on a Cruise? – Simple Step by Step Guide

8 – Sleep it Off

Probably the easiest thing you can do when you feel seasick is to sleep it off. I’ve had many daytime naps when feeling seasick and I usually wake up feeling much better.

Some people find the very slight rocking of the ship to be relaxing.

I’m usually in an inside cabin so I can sleep at any time of day or night. When you’re in an inside cabin and turn the lights off it’s night-time!

9 – Eat Bland, Basic Foods

When I feel seasick, I live on a diet of bread and fruit. Avoid eating heavy meals and definitely, don’t eat anything particularly greasy or fatty.

It’s important not to let your stomach get empty or you’ll end up feeling worse. On occasion, I have felt seasick and decided to take a nap – and I send my brother to the buffet to get snacks for me. Thanks, Max!

The bread shown on the photo below might not look like much but it is SO good.

10 – Green Apples & Ginger

I recently heard about eating green apples for seasickness but I thought ‘Hah, that’ll never work’. I’m here to tell you, IT DOES . I don’t know why, or how, but eating green apples really can help with seasickness.

They’re the perfect amount of sweet and crisp to take away that nauseous taste in your mouth. They’re pretty kind on your stomach too so it’s a win all around.

Many people also say that you should eat things containing Ginger. I took this to mean that I should eat ginger biscuits – and I have in the past bought ginger biscuits on long car journeys to try and stop myself from getting travel sick. They also taste great…

I recently bought some ginger-flavoured chewing gum which was meant to have the same effect, I tried one packet and never bought it again, the chewing gum looked like little fish food pellets. Very odd.

Crystalised stem ginger also works and has traditionally been given out on lines in the bygone age, when stabilisers were either not present or much less effective.

11 – Wear a Seasickness Band

I’m not sure if Acupuncture bands actually work – and I don’t know anybody that does.

I do have one and I wear it when I feel like I might get seasick – because I don’t think there is anything to lose by wearing one. Even if it works 1% or works as a placebo, I am happy with that.

The bands work by pressing into the middle of your wrist with a little bump of plastic which sticks out from the band.

It isn’t really uncomfortable but does feel like you’re wearing a tight watch or wristband. They really do indent your wrist.

I remember using one on one of my cruises and I could see the mark for almost a full day afterwards.

You can also buy bands that give you small electric shocks. These are far more expensive.

I have found mine to be a total waste of time as the sensation is worse than the seasickness, so i can’t face wearing it!

It will certainly take your mind off the seasickness though…

12 – Look at The Horizon

If you are feeling seasick, it might be time to put down your phone/tablet and look out at the horizon.

Sitting on a balcony or the top deck looking out to sea can be a really good way to remind your body that you are at sea and that the movement that you are feeling is really happening.

It can be a bit odd sitting in a restaurant or a bar and watching the horizon if you are in bad weather or a storm, the level of the ocean seems to rise and fall.

Despite this, you really don’t consciously feel the movement of the ship very often. It’s our subconscious minds that are the problem!

13 – If All Else Fails Sleep on The Floor (I Did)

In a worst-case scenario sleep on the floor if you have to. On my MSC Meraviglia cruise, I was in an inside cabin, which meant that my bed was going sideways.

When the ship was moving, I could feel myself going up and down the bed, which was just horrible.

I decided to move my bed to the floor so that I could move side to side, instead of up and down and it was SO much better.

Is Cruising Worth The Seasickness?

I don’t mean to scare you with this post if you are taking your first cruise.

I rarely feel seasick when cruising but obviously had to talk about my seasickness experiences in this post.

I ADORE cruising and I don’t go on cruises assuming that I will be feeling seasick. Even if I do feel seasick, it might be for an hour or at the very most, a day. With the tips in this post, you’ll be prepared even if the worst should happen.

Can You Get Seasick on a River Cruise?

River ships move much much less than ocean ships, there isn’t the constant hum that you get used to on Ocean ships.

River Cruise ships barely move at all, and I have never felt seasick on a river cruise.

River ships often sail at night and spend long days docked in the centre of towns. The travel short differences, compared to Ocean cruise ships.

Find out about the budget river cruise I took onboard Tui Skyla here:

Look at the great range of affordable river cruises Tui offers here*:

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Before You Go

Find out how to stay healthy when you cruise, and which first aid items to pack “just in case” here:

Staying Healthy When You Cruise, Avoiding Seasickness – Medications and First Aid Items to Pack

Find out about how cruise lines can change their itineraries at short notice to avoid bad weather and rough seas here:

5 Ways Cruise Ships Avoid Bad Weather – and How It’ll Affect Your Cruise

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How To Deal With Seasickness On A Cruise Ship: FAQ

Home > Blog > Handy Hints > How To Deal With Seasickness On A Cruise Ship: FAQ

Last updated on July 27 th , 2023

• Handy Hints

If you’ve just booked your place on board the Sylvia Earle or Greg Mortimer for one of Aurora Expeditions’ Arctic Circle or Antarctic tours , you’ll no doubt be counting down the days until your departure. As with any journey, a voyage at sea requires some prior planning to ensure that you have everything you need.

In addition to packing warm enough clothes, one thing future expeditioners often wonder about is how to manage the possibility of experiencing sea sickness on board. Here, we take a look at the phenomenon and how you can prepare for it.

Why do we get seasick?

Sea sickness, or motion sickness, can happen to anyone, however, people will feel the effects of motion sickness to varying degrees, as you may well know from your own experiences – on the same journey one person may find themselves acutely affected, while others will barely notice a thing.

It occurs when there is a sensory disconnect between what we are seeing, and what our body’s other senses are feeling. In order to maintain balance, we rely on our eyes as well as the position of our head, determined by the movement of fluid in our inner ear.

When our eyes see one thing, like the interior of a ship’s cabin, but our body is still detecting the movement of the sea, it can result in seasickness.

What does seasickness involve?

The effects can vary between people, but in general, it can cause anything from nausea to dizziness and vomiting. 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. While there will be a certain few who are more prone to experiencing the effects, seasickness can be managed effectively if you are proactive about it.

How can I manage seasickness?

At Aurora Expeditions, it’s fair to say we’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to managing seasickness. We recommend employing a few basic techniques such as watching the horizon, and facing the direction in which you are travelling.

Eating light, regular meals and keeping hydrated not to mention staying active can also help – getting some fresh air can also do the trick. Avoid reading and drinking alcohol if you are feeling unwell.

If symptoms persist, you can always lie down in your bunk with your eyes closed. Our medical doctor is always on hand for check-ups and to assist our passengers manage their seasickness symptoms.

What sort of medication should I bring?

There are certain motion sickness medications that can help to treat seasickness or even prevent it if taken early enough. The most common ones include Promethazine, Hyoscine, Meclizine, Cinnarazine and Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).  However, we advise you to talk to your general medical practitioner before you leave to find out what medication is most suitable for you.

What about herbal seasickness remedies?

Over the years, our expedition team and passengers have tended to find alternative or herbal therapies including pressure point or acupuncture bands ineffective on their own – especially on rougher seas. Bringing motion sickness medication as a back up is usually the best idea.

What help is there on board if I am not feeling well?

Each voyage will have a medical doctor on board experienced in expedition medicine, as well as a well-equipped clinic. This means that, should the need arise, you can receive the necessary care for any basic illness or injury. However, it is important to remember that as supplies are limited on board, we recommend you pack all medications (including those for motion sickness) in your hand luggage, as well as keeping a backup supply in your checked bag.

Find out more about cruising with Aurora Expeditions .

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How to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise

By Carnival Cruise Line

Pack Your Medicine

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Remember to Eat

Get Some Air

Watch the Horizon

Avoid Books and Screens

Head to the Middle

Try Acupressure

Look Into Alternative Medicine

There is little better in life than sitting back and enjoying a cruise on the open sea. From the fun onboard activities to the amazing exotic locations, there’s a lot to love about traveling with Carnival cruises . However, the last thing you want is for your wonderful trip to be ruined by something you can’t control. If you are inclined to motion sickness but want to ensure an enjoyable cruise, take the following steps to avoid seasickness.

If you know the rocking of the waves might upset your stomach, plan ahead by packing some medication for seasickness. Antiemetic drugs, or medicine that keeps one from feeling nauseous, are readily available over the counter in drug stores nationwide. Your doctor can prescribe stronger scopolamine medicine in patch or pill form as needed. Either way, be sure you remember to pack these medications to keep you from feeling sick as you cruise to your destination.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

You might find it difficult to rest the night before your cruise – who wouldn’t be excited before a trip like this? However, exhaustion can exacerbate the effects of motion sickness and make you more susceptible to feeling ill. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before setting sail, so your body is rested and ready to fight seasickness if it rears its ugly head.

It may feel counter-intuitive, but traveling on an empty stomach is more likely to make you feel ill than traveling after a light meal. To help settle your stomach, have a simple snack about one hour before you depart, and remember to continue snacking every few hours throughout the cruise. However, avoid fatty, acidic or spicy foods to keep from getting nauseated. You may want to avoid alcohol if you feel like you may become ill, since the dehydration it causes can lower your resistance to sickness.

If you start to feel the telltale signs of nausea, head out onto the deck for some fresh air. This change of environment will alleviate the rise in your body temperature (save that for a day on the beach in the Caribbean ), and the wind in your face will help reduce uncomfortable sweating. While there, focus on your breath to bring yourself back down to a calm and relaxed state.

Most seasickness is attributed to a disconnect between your senses and your physical movement. Watching the water speed past can be disorienting, and trying to keep your balance as the ship moves might only result in motion sickness. However, mariners have been advising this tip forever: simply look out at the horizon – a stable focal point – to reorient yourself. This will help to reset your equilibrium. To make your life a bit easier, request a room with a window so you can keep your eyes on the prize whenever you need to!

While kicking back with a novel or laptop on the way to The Bahamas may sound like a dream, there’s also a good chance it will trigger motion sickness. Watching a stationary object like a book can convince your middle ear it’s wrong, making you feel nauseated. Instead, focus on the horizon or rest with your eyes closed to avoid confusing your body.

The swaying and seesawing of the boat will be most extreme on the outside edges, so head to the middle of the ship to alleviate some of the effect. You may even want to book a room in this area of the cruise ship so your nights are less rocked by the motion of the ocean.

Another popular method for decreasing seasickness is through wearing a wristband that will apply pressure to a spot on your wrist. Whether real or placebo, many people swear by this trick. If you don’t have a wristband on you – or you left it at home when you set sail for Mexico – you can try pressing your wrist with your opposite thumb for relief.

Looking for something to try before you travel to your destination ? Some studies have shown a correlation between getting proactive acupuncture treatment and minimized seasickness. This method focuses on the same area as acupressure wristbands, but it could be useful if you want to try preventing seasickness before you even set sail.

If you aren’t keen on taking pills, rest assured there are plenty of ways to combat seasickness using natural substances. Chewing on ginger or sipping ginger ale is a common approach, but you could also try some classic aromatherapy. Scents like peppermint and lavender can calm your senses and encourage important deep breathing when feeling nauseated.

Of course, if you still find yourself feeling seasick, know that Carnival is happy to get you back on your feet. Head to the Medical Center or call room service for motion sickness pills that will help you feel healthier and ready to greet the day again.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

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https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

• Cruise Advice

Motion Sickness: Choosing the Right Ship, Cabin, and Itinerary

Orlando Martinez

• September 18, 2020

Your grandmother probably told you an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?

That’s an especially true sentiment regarding reducing your chances of experiencing motion sickness on a cruise.

Previously, we wrote about how to combat seasickness on a cruise and the treatment options for seasickness. Let’s spend a few moments discussing choices you can make before stepping on a ship to lessen the risk.

Choosing The Right Cruise Ship

First, choose the correct cruise ship. Newer, larger vessels are less prone to motion sickness, thanks to their large size and modern stabilizers that counteract the motion of the waves.

Think of the stabilizers as giant airplane wings. They extend out from the side of the ship during rough seas.

The gyroscopic motor helps it counterbalance the side-to-side rolling motion you feel in inclement weather. When the stabilizers aren’t needed, they are retracted into the vessel’s side.

Older and smaller ships are less likely to have this technology and are much more apt to feel the motion of the ocean.

A mega-ship, such as Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas , might just be the best cruise ship to avoid seasickness.

Choosing The Right Stateroom

Once you’ve chosen your ship, make sure you pick the right cabin. While staterooms on higher decks and far forward or aft on the ship are desirable for their prime locations and scenic views, they’re the worst choice when it comes to avoiding motion sickness.

Savvy cruisers look for mid-ship cabins on lower decks to feel the least movement, and interior cabins have some advantage to oceanview or balcony staterooms here, too… you won’t see the waves/motion outside the ship.

If you do opt for an outside room, try to look out and focus on the horizon. It gives your brain a reference point and might help your body anticipate the next movements, making them easier to ride out.

Choosing The Right Itinerary

Finally, it’s not always possible to know when rough seas will strike on a cruise, but there are some seasons and itineraries that are legendary for rough waters, and avoiding them could be in your best interests if you know you’re likely to experience motion sickness.

The most notorious cruises for rough waters are “Around the Horn” cruises that sail around Cape Horn at the tip of South America through The Drake Passage between Chile and the South Shetland Islands. This area tends to have rocky waters throughout the cruise season.

And while cruise ships will sail away from hurricanes in the Caribbean, these massive storms can affect the oceans for hundreds of miles in all directions, so avoiding hurricane season in the tropics (June through November) and especially the peak season — mid-September through October — is advisable to reduce the risk of turbulent waters.

Pro Tip: Doing research and making intelligent choices up-front can ensure a smooth cruise in more ways than one.

You can still go on a cruise, even if you get seasick. Just be prepared with both knowledge and remedies to have an enjoyable experience.

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5 Illnesses You Can Get on a Cruise Ship (Besides COVID)

Plus, tips on how to avoid getting sick while at sea and ports of call.

Rachel Nania and Nicole Gill Council,

Concerns over the spread of COVID-19 have loomed over the travel industry for the last three years, but with the public health emergency coming to an end and a robust menu of preventive tools and treatments available, many of those fears are fading.

A new  AARP survey  shows 81 percent of adults 50-plus who plan to travel in 2023 believe it’s safe to do so now, up from 77 percent in 2021. And while interest in cruising is down slightly among the 50-plus population this year compared to last, a recent AAA survey finds that, overall, the share of travelers considering a cruise vacation in 2023 is up.

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However, the return to the skies and seas does not mean COVID-19 is no longer a threat.

“Indoor densely populated places where we’re exchanging exhaled breath with one another is still going to be a concern for me,” says Wilbur Chen, M.D., adult infectious disease physician and director of the University of Maryland, Baltimore Travel Medicine Practice.

That concern isn’t limited to COVID, either. Flu spreads in a similar way, Chen points out.

It’s important to note, though, that since the start of the pandemic, many cruise lines have invested in better air circulation systems with medical-grade HEPA filters , says travel expert Pamela Kwiatkowski, cofounder and chief insurance officer at Goose Insurance Services in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I think that’s the first step they’ve taken in terms of improving the air filtration system, which removes almost all of the airborne pathogens,” she says.

Still, plenty of bugs can lurk on busy boats. Read on to discover some common illnesses you can pick up on a cruise — and what you can do to help keep yourself healthy on your next getaway. 

1. Flu and other respiratory illnesses

Flu season spiked early this year in the U.S., along with another  respiratory illness  that can be particularly dangerous for older adults, respiratory syncytial virus, which is known as RSV . Cases of flu and RSV have declined from fall’s peak, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows, but the viruses that cause these two illnesses are still circulating in the U.S. and other parts of the globe.

“Influenza is complicated during cruise travel because, of course, people on a cruise ship — both the passengers and the crew — may come from different parts of the world, which means that the rates of influenza for your particular country may not necessarily be the same as in other places,” says Jose Lucar, M.D., an infectious disease physician and associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.

According to the CDC, flu season in the southern hemisphere, which includes Australia and parts of South America and Africa, typically runs April through September. In the tropics, flu flares up throughout the year.

Staying healthy:  If you haven’t rolled up your sleeve for the flu shot yet, make sure you get it at least two weeks before going on a cruise, Lucar says. The same applies to the latest  COVID booster . When it comes to RSV, there isn’t a vaccine yet, but the FDA could approve one soon.

A few other tips: If you’re at high risk for  flu complications , talk to your doctor about antiviral treatment and prevention before your trip, the CDC recommends. Don’t forget about high-quality face masks, which can help to tamp down the spread of respiratory illnesses. And be sure to make — and pack — a list of all the medications you take, in case you wind up needing medical care on board. “That just makes it easier for everyone, so that if there is an emergency, if you’re not able to talk really well, you can at least hand the sheet over and it’s done,” Chen says.

2. Norovirus

This is one of the most well-known bugs that can foil fun on a ship. Norovirus — marked by diarrhea , vomiting, nausea and stomach pain — is to blame for more than 90 percent of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruises, according to the CDC. That said, norovirus outbreaks on ships account for only 1 percent of all such reported cases.

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“This infection is very contagious,” Lucar says. The virus is also a “hearty” one, Chen points out. It can survive for long periods of time on surfaces and is resistant to common disinfectants.

Close living quarters, shared bathrooms, populated pools, busy buffet lines and rapid turnover of passengers make it difficult to control the spread of the virus once it hits a ship. “It’s just really the perfect scenario for transmission of highly contagious GI [gastrointestinal] pathogens,” Lucar says.

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According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the risk each year of getting laboratory-confirmed norovirus during a ship outbreak is about 1 in 5,500. The association, which says it is the largest cruise industry trade association in the world, noted on its website that crew members use strict sanitation and cleaning practices created with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cabins are cleaned once a day, and other common areas, such as elevators and pools, are cleaned multiple times a day.

In late February, more than 300 people aboard a Princess Cruises ship fell ill with diarrhea and vomiting, according to the CDC, though the agency didn’t cite the cause of the illness that sickened the 284 passengers and 34 crew. The  Ruby Princess  increased disinfection and cleaning procedures in the wake of the outbreak.

Other bugs that have popped up on boats include salmonella and E. coli. One to keep an eye on is shigella, which the CDC notes has been behind GI outbreaks on cruise ships. This bacterium causes an infection known as shigellosis, which can cause fever, stomach pain and diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged.

Typically, the infection is treated with antibiotics, Chen says, but the CDC recently  issued a warning  that antibiotic-resistant strains are circulating in the U.S. Chen isn’t aware of any outbreaks of the resistant varieties on cruise ships, but it’s something to monitor.

Staying healthy:  To avoid getting a GI bug, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the bathroom and coming into contact with high-touch surfaces, like doorknobs and stair railings. Hand sanitizers don’t work well against norovirus, Lucar notes.

Travel expert Kwiatkowski also recommends  drinking plenty of water  to keep your body running at its best. However, she advises passengers stay away from the water at ports, particularly if a passenger is vulnerable to gastrointestinal illnesses.

“Handwashing, cleaning your stateroom, watching what you eat and how much you eat, and making sure that you stay hydrated will go a long way in preventing these illnesses, from you catching them even if they are there,” she says.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about any medications you should pack, such as loperamide (Imodium) to help treat diarrhea or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol) for nausea. If your immune system is compromised, your doctor may want to prescribe something ahead of your trip.

Although less common than respiratory and GI illnesses, measles, along with chicken pox and other  vaccine-preventable diseases , can circulate on cruise ships.

Measles, a highly contagious virus that can linger in the air even hours after an infected person leaves the room, was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, thanks to a successful vaccine program. But cases still pop up in the States, and the virus is common in many countries around the world.

If an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated passenger or crew member contracts the virus and brings it on board, other vulnerable people can get sick, Chen explains. (A ship was quarantined off the coast of St. Lucia in 2019 when measles was reported on board.) The same goes for chicken pox (varicella), which is similarly caused by a highly contagious virus that can circulate among unvaccinated people.

Staying healthy:  To avoid these and other vaccine-preventable diseases, make sure you’re up to date on your routine vaccines before traveling. Two doses of the chicken pox vaccine are more than 90 percent effective at preventing the disease, and two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.

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4. Seasickness

Is the motion of the ocean getting to you? Seasickness, while not contagious or related to an infection, can make you feel downright miserable. The good news: Most people recover quickly from seasickness, formally known as motion sickness, and there are medications that can help.

Motion sickness — which can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting whether you’re on a boat, in a car or on a roller coaster — occurs when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. Interestingly, adults 50 and older are less susceptible than younger adults and children, the CDC notes.

Staying healthy:  If you’re prone to going a little green when you travel, talk to your doctor ahead of your trip about medications that can help with symptoms. Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines — like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), for example — are most frequently used to treat motion sickness. 

However, antihistamines can interact with other medications and often cause drowsiness and decreased mental alertness, and the nonsedating ones appear to be less effective, the CDC says. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend a patch that can help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.

Another tip: Have your physician review your current list of medications, since common pills — including some antidepressants and painkillers — can make seasickness worse, according to the CDC. 

A few other things that can help with seasickness:

• Try lying down on your stomach, shutting your eyes or looking off into the horizon.
• Avoid the upper levels of the boat.
• Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Avoid smoking . Even short-term cessation reduces your susceptibility to motion sickness, the CDC says.
• Distract yourself with music, controlled breathing or aromatherapy (try mint or lavender). Sucking on a flavored lozenge (some experts recommend a hard ginger candy) may also help, the CDC says.
• While the CDC says the scientific data on acupressure for seasickness is lacking, it works for some. You can find wrist bands for motion sickness in many drugstores.

5. Burns and bites

A word of advice from Lucar and Chen: Don’t forget the SPF when packing for your cruise. A burn on vacation can ruin your fun in the sun  and  put you at higher risk for  skin cancer .

“Also, if you’re going to places that have a lot of insects and mosquitoes, make sure you wear your insect repellent so that you don’t get a bunch of bites, because we also are worried about malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika — those sorts of things — at ports of call,” Chen says.

Staying healthy:  Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, the CDC recommends, and be sure your bottle says “blocks UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum” on the label.

When it comes to insect repellent, look for a spray that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Layering it with sunscreen? Put the repellent on second, over the sunscreen, the CDC advises.

To ease any health-related concerns you might have before booking a cruise, Kwiatkowski suggests using a travel agent who is a cruise line expert or contacting the cruise line to ask about their cleaning protocols and track record. “I know it sounds like a lot of work,” she says, “but travel is a big investment, and you really want to travel worry-free.”

Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. Previously she was a reporter and editor for WTOP Radio in Washington, D.C. A recipient of a Gracie Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, she also participated in a dementia fellowship with the National Press Foundation.

Nicole Gill Council is a writer and editor of travel and diversity, equity and inclusion content for aarp.org. Previously, she was a digital planning manager and a news editor at  USA Today  and Gannett News Service, and a copy editor at the  Los Angeles Times  and  Newsday.​

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Cruise ship barred from docking in Mauritius amid outbreak of stomach illness

Officials in the island nation of Mauritius blocked a Norwegian Cruise Line ship from docking there Sunday after more than a dozen passengers were stricken with a stomach illness.

Around 15 passengers aboard the Norwegian Dawn remain in isolation because of an undisclosed "health risk" and are undergoing testing, according to the Mauritius Ports Authority .

"The decision not to allow the cruise ship access to the quay was taken in order to avoid any health risks," the authority said in a statement.

The sick guests “experienced mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement Sunday. The cause of the outbreak has not been released.

“Due to additional testing being required by local authorities before being allowed entry, the government of Mauritius has delayed disembarkation for the current cruise and embarkation for the next cruise by two days,” the Norwegian statement said.

It’s expected that the ship will be allowed to dock Tuesday, the cruise line said, after results of tests conducted Sunday become available.

The Norwegian Dawn has more than 2,100 passengers and 1,000 crew on board. About 2,000 of those travelers were set to complete their journey on Sunday by disembarking in Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar, the Ports Authority said. Then more than 2,200 new passengers were scheduled to board.

The authority said that the passengers who were due to start their cruise Sunday would not be able to do so that day and that they would have to be relocated to available hotels.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the ship's "management team met with local authorities to confirm precautions and actions were being taken to ensure the wellbeing of all on board."

Gastrointestinal illnesses are often identified on cruise ships for a few reasons , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The ships' close living quarters make it easier for viruses to spread, and the regular addition of new passengers creates opportunities to introduce illness. However, because public health officials track illness cases on cruise ships, such outbreaks may also be reported more often than ones on land.

Last month, an outbreak of norovirus — a common stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea — sickened 92 passengers and eight crew members on a Celebrity Cruises ship.

David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.