Being sea sick is certainly not how you hope to remember your cruise. Sea sickness is another name for motion sickness and it is an issue that affects about one third of the population. But the good news for all of those people is that there are many ways to treat sea sickness and to lessen the impact that it has on your body and your ability to enjoy your cruise.
Sea Sickness Medication
One of the most common remedies for motion sickness is wearing a Transderm Scop patch behind the ear. These patches can remain effective for up to three days and should be applied about eight hours prior to boarding your cruise. The most common over the counter oral remedies for motion sickness are Dramamine which is in a swallowable form and Bonine which is a chewable form. Refer to the specific package of any over the counter medicine to ensure that you are taking the correct dosage and following all of the manufacturer’s directions.
Non-Medication Remedies
There is also an acupressure inspired wristband available at most drug stores which has provided relief for many who experience sea sickness. The wristband gently presses a small plastic bead against the inside of the wrist but uses no medication. One major benefit of this product is that it is available in both adult and child sizes and can even be used by pregnant women without any complications. A natural remedy for nausea, which is the main characteristic of motion sickness, is ginger. Ginger can be consumed in a powder form, in tea, as a pill or even in candy in an effort to relieve nausea.
Other Tips to Avoid Sea Sickness
Getting used to the motion of the ship is best done outdoors where you can focus on the horizon to help you maintain your equilibrium. For this reason, an outside cabin with a window is helpful as it allows you to see the horizon when indoors. In addition, selecting a cabin at the middle of the ship will reduce the motion as that is the natural balance point of the vessel. And when considering the size of the ship for your cruise, larger vessels will handle rough water with less pitching and rolling than a smaller vessel. In addition, be sure to keep hydrated as dehydration can intensify the nausea of motion sickness. Each person’s body will handle the motion of the cruise ship differently. For that reason, it is always wise to pack one or two remedy options just in case you find yourself feeling a little queasy.
