Cruising 101: How to Avoid Sea Sickness
How to Avoid Sea Sickness
One of the most common questions amongst first time cruisers is how to avoid sea sickness. What many travellers don’t realise is that sea sickness (also know as motion sickness) can happen on land or in air as well.
Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between what your eye can see and what your inner ear is sensing. For example, if you are sitting stationary in a vehicle but your inner ear detects movement, there is a mixed signal sent to your brain causing a state of sensory confusion which results in a symptom such as nausea or dizziness.
Whilst not everyone experiences motion sickness we understand it is better to be prepared to conquer the illness so you can enjoy your cruise. Here are some helpful tips:
Preparation is Key
In most cases prevention is the best treatment. Whether you are unsure if you will experience motion sickness or are more susceptible to the illness, be sure to visit your local pharmacy for some over-the-counter medication or your doctor who can prescribe you something that is best suited to your personal needs. We highly suggest you opt for the non-drowsy medication so you don’t fall asleep for too long by the pool and then need to be treated for sunburn or dehydration!
If you are not a fan of taking medication or you feel like doubling down there is a travel accessory called the Sea-Band. These cotton bands are worn around each wrist with a round stud that presses against the inside of your wrist, emulating acupressure to relieve nausea. Whilst the Sea-Bands aren’t the most attractive accessory to wear to dinner many people do like using the bands as a natural remedy to avoid motion sickness.
Choose the Best Cruise for You
If you are worried about motion sickness opt for a larger cruise ship. The larger cruise ships today are designed and engineered so they can navigate around extreme weather conditions and use stabilisers to reduce side-to side motion.
Think of the ship as a tree; when the wind blows, the leaves and branches at the top have all the movement, but the trunk of tree has little to no motion. So pick a stateroom that is mid-ship and located on a lower deck. If this is not available opt for a stateroom towards the aft (back) of the ship.
Wake up and smell the fresh ocean air! Sometimes having a balcony stateroom maybe helpful so you can get some fresh air and focus on the horizon. Plus it makes for a great viewing point as you sail in and out of port.
Lastly choose a cruise that maximises your time on land and has minimal days at sea. For example two or more consecutive days at sea may not be ideal for the those who are sensitive to motion sickness.
Sea Legs – It is a thing.
Another way to avoid motion sickness is to acclimatise to your life at sea. Avoid staying in your cabin and spend as much time as you can on the sea deck – take a walk around the wonderful ship, smell of the sea breeze, laze by the pool or join in an activity.
Powers of Suggestion
From the moment you step onboard a cruise, you feel a sense of ease. Remember almost everything is taken care of for you on a cruise - so don’t worry, just be happy. Remember the mind is very powerful and if you are anxious or worried about becoming ill, more than likely you will. So stay busy, enjoy your vacation and keep your distance from anyone who is feeling under the weather.
