Tips for Preventing Seasickness on a Cruise

Few experiences in life compare to relaxing on a cruise across the open sea. With exciting onboard activities and stunning exotic destinations, there’s so much to enjoy about traveling with Dinogo cruises. However, the last thing you want is for your fantastic journey to be disrupted by something beyond your control. If you’re prone to motion sickness but still want to have a great time, follow these steps to help prevent seasickness.

Bring Your Medications

If you suspect that the movement of the waves might make you feel queasy, prepare in advance by bringing along seasickness medication. Over-the-counter antiemetic drugs that help prevent nausea are widely available at pharmacies. For those needing something stronger, your doctor can prescribe scopolamine in patch or pill form. Either way, make sure to pack these medications to keep seasickness at bay while you sail to your destination.

Ensure You Get Plenty of Sleep

You might struggle to get a good night’s rest before your cruise—who wouldn’t be excited for such an adventure? However, being overly tired can intensify the effects of motion sickness and make you more vulnerable to feeling unwell. Make sure to get enough sleep before you set sail, so your body is refreshed and prepared to combat seasickness if it arises.

Don’t Forget to Eat

It may seem counterintuitive, but embarking on a cruise on an empty stomach can increase your chances of feeling sick compared to after having a light meal. To help calm your stomach, enjoy a light snack about an hour before departure, and remember to keep snacking every few hours during your cruise. However, steer clear of greasy, acidic, or spicy foods to avoid nausea. You may also want to limit alcohol intake if you’re feeling uneasy, as it can lead to dehydration, lowering your resistance to sickness.

Get Some Fresh Air

If you begin to feel the familiar signs of nausea, step out onto the deck for some fresh air. This change of scenery can help lower your body temperature (save the heat for a day on the Caribbean beach), and the breeze will assist in alleviating uncomfortable sweating. While outside, concentrate on your breathing to help restore your calm and relaxed state.

Gaze at the Horizon

Much of seasickness arises from a disconnect between your senses and physical movement. Watching the waves rush by can be disorienting, and trying to keep your balance as the ship sways might lead to motion sickness. However, seasoned sailors have always suggested this simple tip: just look at the horizon—a stable point—to help reorient yourself. This can aid in resetting your equilibrium. To make things easier, consider booking a room with a window so you can easily gaze at the horizon whenever you need!

Steer Clear of Books and Screens

While enjoying a good book or working on your laptop during your journey to The Bahamas may seem ideal, it could likely lead to motion sickness. Focusing on a stationary item like a book can trick your inner ear into feeling confused, resulting in nausea. Instead, try concentrating on the horizon or simply rest with your eyes shut to prevent any disorientation.

Stay in the Center

The motion of the boat will be most pronounced at the outer edges, so position yourself in the middle of the ship to lessen the impact. You might even consider booking a room in this central area of the cruise ship to ensure your nights are more comfortable and less affected by the ocean’s movement.

Consider Acupressure

One widely-used technique for alleviating seasickness involves wearing a wristband that applies pressure to a specific point on your wrist. Whether it’s a genuine remedy or a placebo effect, many swear by this method. If you don’t have a wristband handy—or if you accidentally left it behind while heading to Mexico—you can try applying pressure to your wrist with your opposite thumb for some relief.

Explore Alternative Medicine

Are you looking for something to try before you head to your destination? Research has indicated a link between receiving acupuncture treatments beforehand and a reduction in seasickness. This approach targets the same area as acupressure wristbands and could be beneficial if you want to take steps to prevent seasickness before your voyage begins.

Embrace Natural Remedies

If you're not a fan of medication, rest assured there are numerous natural methods to alleviate seasickness. Chewing ginger or sipping ginger ale is a popular choice, but you can also explore classic aromatherapy. Scents like peppermint and lavender can soothe your senses and promote deep breathing when nausea strikes.

If you continue to feel unwell, remember that Dinogo is here to help you get back on track. Visit the Medical Center or call room service for motion sickness tablets that will help you feel better and ready to enjoy your day once more.

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