Don't Let Seasickness Ruin Your Cruise: Learn How To Take Control

Nothing takes the wind out of your sails quite like being hit with seasickness just as you embark on that private charter with your colleagues. Not only will you be feeling under the weather, but you will miss out on those important contacts, too. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent or lessen the symptoms of motion sickness. 

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies don't require the input from a doctor and can be used at any time without the risks of side effects. While not all remedies work for everyone, here are a few you can try.

• Ginger

Ginger is known to settle the stomach and can be an effective remedy for seasickness. Try nibbling on candied ginger or sipping ginger ale to head off queasiness and calm the tummy. You can also take ginger in capsule or tablet form, available at your local health food store or pharmacy.

• Peppermint

​​According to the Cleveland Clinic, peppermint may be as effective as ginger in staving off the nausea associated with seasickness. Try sucking on peppermint candies or adding a few drops of peppermint oil to water or tea. 

• Green Apples & Crackers

​​Snacking on slices of green apples and crackers may relieve the symptoms of sea sickness. Many cruise ships actually serve trays of green apples and crackers to quell the nausea associated with motion sickness. Tucking an apple or two and a few crackers in you bags may save you from the embarrassment and discomfort of a bout of seasickness while on your cruise.

• Aromatherapy

According to the Cleveland Clinic, aromatherapy with either ginger or lavender may reduce or eliminate your seasickness symptoms. Try moistening a cotton ball with ginger or lavender essential oils and tucking them in a sealed food storage bag in your purse. When symptoms threaten, remove the cotton ball and inhale the fragrance. Otherwise, tuck the scented cotton balls near the bed to keep symptoms at bay while you snooze.

• Acupressure

Purchase a special acupressure wrist bracelet to beat the effects of seasickness. These bracelets contain a small bead that applies gentle pressure to the wrist. You can buy them in your local pharmacy. Many cruise ships also carry these bracelets.

Controlling the Environment

Seasickness occurs when the visual disorientation disrupts your body's ability to maintain balance. The constant rolling of the water and resulting rocking of the ship makes it difficult for your brain to interpret the stimuli accurately. Doing what you can to restore your sense of balance helps relieve the symptoms of seasickness. Try these tricks for helping your brain and body restore their sense of balance.

• Book a room on the outside of the ship located near the middle. Cruise Critic explains that this is near the natural balance point of a cruise ship where motion is at a minimum. A window further provides you with a constant view of the horizon to help with orientation.
• When on deck, keep your eyes on a fixed point on the horizon. This helps the brain orient your body in space.
• Avoid the bow of the ship. This area experiences the most motion as it leads the way through waves.
• Get fresh air. Enclosed cabins with stale air tend to make nausea worse. 

Medication

Your doctor can prescribe medication for you to combat seasickness. Cruise ships with a medical doctor on board may also be able to provide you with prescription medication.

• Antihistamines

Your doctor may prescribe the antihistamines meclizine, dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine for seasickness, say the Cleveland Clinic, but they all come with the side effect of drowsiness.

• Patches 

You doctor can also prescribe a Scopolamine​ patch applied behind the ear. This patch works to prevent seasickness for up to three days, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Scopolamine can also be taken orally.

Being prepared for seasickness puts you in control so you can enjoy yourself on your cruise.