How to Deal with Seasickness on a Cruise Ship

Luna Blake
May 18
4 min read

Updated: Jul 24

A large cruise ship sails near a city skyline at dusk, with lights glowing against a cloudy sky. The ship is white with turquoise accents.

If you’ve ever experienced nausea, dizziness, or cold sweats while out at sea, we understand how uncomfortable that can be!

We've gathered a collection of tried-and-true tips to help you stay feeling your best while cruising. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, we’ve got the remedies and advice to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.

How to Prevent Seasickness Before You Sail:

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

If you’ve experienced motion sickness in the past, it’s best to be prepared before you even step foot on the ship. Start taking your motion sickness meds or wear your wristbands before the ship leaves port. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard on the first day of your cruise!

Pick the Right Cabin

Where you stay on the ship can make a huge difference. Opt for a cabin in the middle of the ship, on a lower deck, to minimize the feeling of motion. Rooms at the front or back of the ship tend to feel the waves more, so aim for the more stable areas for the best chance of staying motion-free.

Four people chat and relax on a ship deck. Two stand, and two sit on lounge chairs, with the ocean and wake in the background, creating a casual mood.

Plan Your Sailing Dates

For those particularly sensitive to rough seas, try to avoid sailing during hurricane season (June–November in the Caribbean) when the waters are choppier. You’ll also want to take note of the cruise route and destinations — some places have calmer waters than others.

What to Bring to Reduce Seasickness:

When it comes to battling seasickness, bringing the right items with you on your cruise can make all the difference. Here are a few things we recommend packing in your bag to help keep you feeling your best while at sea:

1. Ginger Products

Bowl of sugar-coated ginger chunks on a light surface, surrounded by raw ginger roots. Brown bowl contrasts with pale ginger colors.

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea. You can find ginger in various forms — from chews and candies to teas and supplements. I always keep a pack of ginger chews or a small bottle of ginger capsules in my bag for easy access when I feel that familiar queasiness coming on. The anti-nausea properties of ginger are a go-to for many cruisers.

2. Acupressure Wristbands

Hand with a gray wristband, another hand touching the wrist on a white background. The wristband has a button, suggesting functionality.

Acupressure wristbands are a simple and natural way to relieve nausea. These wristbands apply pressure to a specific point on your wrist (the Nei-Kuan point), which can help alleviate seasickness. They’re lightweight, reusable, and easy to carry around. Many of our clients pack them for their cruises, and they’re just as useful on road trips or at theme parks.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications

Various colored pills and capsules in blister packs and loose on a white surface, featuring blue, red, pink, yellow, and green hues.

If you want something quick and reliable, over-the-counter motion sickness medications like meclizine (available as chewable tablets) can work wonders. (Bonine and Dramamine are common brand names.) Taking one tablet in the morning before heading out on your cruise can help keep nausea at bay throughout the day. As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before trying new medications, especially if you have other health conditions.

4. Motion Sickness Patches

For a more hands-free solution, motion sickness patches are a discreet and effective option. There are herbal and OTC med varieties. These non-drowsy patches are placed behind the ear and can be worn for up to three days. They’re an excellent choice if you want to prevent seasickness without needing to carry around additional products or remember to take medication throughout the day.

5. Electronic Pulse Devices

For those who consistently get motion sickness, electronic pulse devices like the ReliefBand and EmeTerm wristbands offer effective relief that can be used over and over again. These wearable devices utilize Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology to emit low-frequency electrical pulses that stimulate the median nerve on the underside of the wrist. This stimulation interferes with the nerve signals that trigger nausea, providing fast-acting and non-drowsy relief. Clinically proven and FDA-cleared, these devices are safe for most users, including pregnant women, and can be worn discreetly throughout the day. With adjustable intensity levels and rechargeable batteries, electronic pulse devices offer a convenient and effective option for managing seasickness without the need for medications.

What to Do If You Feel Sick:

Even with all these tips, seasickness can still hit. If it happens to you, here’s what we suggest:

Rest: Take a break in your cabin. Lie down and let your body settle for a while.
Try the remedies: Use your ginger chews, wristbands, or take a dose of the motion-sickness meds to calm things down.
Consult the Crew: If you’re still not feeling better, don’t hesitate to ask the ship’s medical team for advice or help.

Crowded cruise ship deck with people sunbathing and swimming in pools. City skyline in background; bright, sunny day with scattered clouds.

Enjoy Your Cruise, Stress-Free

Seasickness doesn’t have to be a deal breaker for your cruise. With a little planning, the right remedies, and some proactive steps, you can minimize your chances of feeling unwell and make the most of your time on the ship.

Cruising is about experiencing new destinations, meeting people, and enjoying those unforgettable ocean views. So, don't let seasickness hold you back! Hopefully, these tips will help you have the smoothest, most enjoyable cruise possible.

Ready to set sail without worries? Feel free to contact us for your next sailing trip!