Set Sail With These Steady Cruising Tips
Love the idea of a cruise vacation, but not the idea of seasickness? Don’t let your fear of a little wooziness on the water prevent you from planning an extraordinary vacation at sea. Learn how to avoid situations that lead to unpleasant feelings and remain happy and healthy on any voyage.
Opt for Larger Cruise Vessels
Smaller ships are more susceptible to turbulent waters and inclement weather; however, many of the larger, modern cruise ships are built with stabilizers, which reduce the amount of rocking, rolling and overall motion felt onboard. Of course, the destination may also impact the amount of motion you feel onboard. Consider a river cruise for less swaying and movement.
Choose Your Stateroom Wisely
When selecting your stateroom, remember that the lower and more central you are onboard, the more stable the ship will feel. Choose a room with a window, or balcony, which will provide you with easy access to fresh air.
If you opt for an outer-ring room with a balcony, just make sure it’s on one of the lowest levels and in the middle of the ship. Avoid higher decks on the front or back of the ship, as these are prone to rock the most.
What to Avoid Onboard
Don’t stay below the deck, or even in your room too long. Get outside on the deck and enjoy the view. It’s good for you.
Try to avoid looking through your binoculars too long. Look, then take a break.
Staring at objects that your brain may interpret as stable, like a book, can worsen seasickness. If you feel ill, look out the window at the horizon, but don’t stare at anything too intensely.
Come Prepared
If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s best to come prepared — just in case.
Begin drinking water before your trip, and toss a refillable water canister in your bag as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout your time on board.
Pick up over-the-counter remedies, such as Dramamine. Begin taking the medication a couple days before you set sail so you’re not introducing something new to your stomach at the same time you’re putting your sea legs on. (Tip: Make sure you buy some in non-drowsy, so you don’t inadvertently miss an excursion.)
Pack Sea-Bands. These knitted wristbands have a plastic stud that applies pressure to the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist and are known to relieve symptoms of nausea.
Take a Bite of These Foods
Settle an upset stomach with a green apple, like a Granny Smith. The pectin in green apples assists in offsetting stomach acidity.
Bland and salty foods, as well as carbonated sodas or seltzer water, are also helpful. Try pretzels, bread, Saltine crackers and ginger ale. Ginger, in-and-of itself, is a remedy for motion and seasickness. Peppermint is another. Try either ginger or peppermint brewed in tea to settle your stomach.
Start with a Short Journey
If seasickness is a concern, go for a shorter cruise to test your sea legs. Discover a wide variety of weekend cruises via ClubPartner CruisesOnly.
*Sources:
https://www.icruise.com/blog/8-ways-to-prevent-and-avoid-seasickness-on-a-cruise.html
https://cruisedeals.expert/how-cruise-ship-stabilisers-work/
https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=77
https://www.icruise.com/blog/8-ways-to-prevent-and-avoid-seasickness-on-a-cruise.html
https://www.eaglecreek.com/blog/skip-seasickness-what-pack-your-cruise
*Photo at top of page by SergeYatunin / Getty Images.