Seasickness - Is it Inevitable On A Cruise?

For those who have never cruised before, this is often a major concern and one of the most frequent questions I get asked. Perhaps their only previous experience of sailing the high seas was on a rocky ferry in poor weather (mine was on a Dover to Calais Hovercraft and I vowed “never again” - thankfully I changed my mind). In this article I will try to put your mind at rest as far as I can.

Although not impossible to succumb to sea sickness on a cruise, it is highly unlikely that you will feel unwell - in fact most people do not get seasick under normal circumstances, and I speak from experience, as a long sufferer of motion sickness. Like many newbies, I was petrified of being unwell on my first ever cruise. I went armed with a whole range of preventative pharmaceuticals, but quickly realised that I could hardly feel the ship moving at all - even across the infamous Bay of Biscay. Modern ships have state-of-the-art facilities such as stabilisers to minimise movement, and navigational equipment which allows them to steer around stormy weather.

How Can You Prevent Sea Sickness?

If you are prone to motion sickness, and your ship encounters heavy seas, then you may feel somewhat nauseous, although there are a few steps you can take to help avoid this.

• Firstly choose a larger ship - smaller ships react more to the sea conditions and you may feel some movement.

• Select your cabin carefully; the location of your cabin can determine how much you feel the ship move. Cabins mid-ships (in the middle of the ship) and lower down are best. If the sea is a little rough, the higher the deck the more it will be felt, Those cabins at the very front or very back will also feel the movement more.

• Try to spend as much time as you can on deck as fresh air, especially a sea breeze will help you feel better.

• If you look at the sea it will make you feel worse. Use the horizon as a focal point to maintain your equilibrium.

• While you are getting used to the movement, avoid using binoculars, or your camera and try not to read for long periods whilst your brain adjusts to conditions.

• Keep out of the sun as overheating can exacerbate the condition - find some shade or air conditioning which should help.

• Avoid sitting close to food outlets as strong cooking smells can add to your problem.

• Whilst the perfect location for an after dinner tipple, avoid sitting up in the crows nest bar (or equivalent) at the top of the ship as the motion is more noticeable there, and you will be more acutely aware of it.

• If you are worried, take some precautionary medication (sea sickness tablets) with you, (although you can usually get these on board), or try an alternative remedy such as wrist bands or eating ginger.

If the worst happens and you find yourself suffering badly, you can visit the ship’s medical centre, although beware that this will incur a charge.

How Do You Know When Bad Conditions Are Expected?

Listen to the daily Captain’s message from the bridge (usually at 9 am and/or midday) as he will explain the current and anticipated weather and sea conditions and you may be able to preempt sickness by taking your medication.

A sure, but ominous and unwelcome sign that things may get a bit rocky is when sick bags are put out in stairwells, and public areas.

In conclusion, I want to reassure you that the majority of people taking a cruise rarely, if ever, get seasick and by taking the steps above you should be able to enjoy your cruise in good health.