How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

No method prevents seasickness for everyone. Choose medication with a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or are planning for a child. A cabin nearer the middle of the ship, avoiding prolonged reading when the ship moves, and getting adequate sleep may help. Neither a large ship nor a Caribbean itinerary guarantees a motion free trip.

Build a prevention plan

1. Medication, started early

Meclizine and dimenhydrinate are the two standard motion sickness medicines, cheap and sold over the counter in the US. These medicines generally work better before motion begins, but the correct timing and dose depend on the product and the traveler. Read the label, consider a trial dose before the trip, and ask a pharmacist or clinician when other medicines, pregnancy, glaucoma, urinary problems, or sedation risk apply.

Motion sickness medicines can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Follow the product instructions and ask about interactions; do not combine remedies or repeat a dose early because symptoms persist.

2. The scopolamine patch

Scopolamine patches require a prescription in the US. Discuss suitability and correct use with your clinician rather than choosing a patch because a fellow passenger recommends one. Keep medicines in their original packaging so the ship’s medical team can identify what you have taken.

3. Cabin location

A lower cabin near the middle can reduce some movement, but cannot prevent every kind of motion or symptom. Read how cabin position affects motion and cabin choices for sensitive travelers.

4. Ship and itinerary choice

Stabilizers reduce rolling but do not remove every kind of motion. Size, speed, wind, waves, and heading all affect the ride. Read what motion feels like onboard without treating a particular itinerary as a medical guarantee.

The folk remedy tier

CDC guidance finds acupressure bands no more effective than placebo in laboratory trials. Someone may feel better using one, but do not rely on it as your only plan if you have a history of severe symptoms.

Evidence for ginger and particular foods is weak or inconsistent. Eat what you tolerate and do not assume a supplement is harmless or appropriate during pregnancy. The availability of green apples or ginger ale also varies by ship.

Coping on the day

• Watch the horizon. A stable visual reference lets your brain reconcile what your inner ear is reporting. It may help reduce conflicting motion cues.
• Get fresh air midship. An open deck near the middle of the ship may feel more comfortable; stay inside if decks are closed or conditions are unsafe.
• Put the phone down. Reading or scrolling can worsen symptoms.
• Eat light, but eat. Choose small amounts of food you tolerate. Skip the heavy grease and go easy on alcohol until you have your sea legs.
• Lie down if it hits. Flat on your back with eyes closed, midship if possible, and seek help if symptoms persist or become severe.

If nothing works

Contact the medical center if symptoms are severe, you cannot keep fluids down, or something feels different from your usual motion sickness. Do not assume every episode of nausea is seasickness. Our medical center guide explains the limits of onboard care.

Adaptation varies. Symptoms may settle as you adjust or the sea calms, but there is no reliable one or two day deadline for recovery.