Top tips to beat seasickness

During a luxury cruise to a scenic destination, the last thing you wish to encounter is seasickness. A heavy bout of ‘mal de mer’ can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip, so here is some handy advice about how to combat motion sickness once and for all.

Seasickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting messages about motion and your body’s position in space, offset by a disturbance in the inner ear which is responsible for maintaining balance. This can incur feelings of unsettling nausea and stress for passengers.

Remedies

If you know you are prone to seasickness, taking travel tablets and remedies before boarding can help with growing anxiety which can cause sickness initially. Another favourable option is ginger. This can be taken raw or candied and offers a more natural option to alleviate the feeling of nausea and motion sickness, having been used by the ancient Chinese for centuries.

In extreme cases of seasickness, ships’ medical teams are trained to administer a jab of Phenergan which allows guests to drift off to sleep swiftly and wake up feeling much calmer.

Food and drink

Even if your feelings of nausea and sickness have temporarily subsided, it is wise to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout your trip. Alcohol speeds up dehydration and lowers your body’s resistance to motion sickness, so it is better to steer clear of a tipple until you are sure you have conquered the worst of your malady.

In terms of food, avoid heavy, greasy and acidic foods to prevent any further feelings of sickness. Instead, opt for light, bland foods to calm your stomach.

Where to stay

Before booking, select a cabin which is in the centre of the ship, near to the waterline – this prevents the rolling waves from affecting you as strongly and significantly reduces those feelings of rocking and swaying.

Modern weather forecasting and innovative technology allows ship crews to avoid areas of the sea where the weather is bad, meaning you are less likely to encounter rough waves and rolling currents.

Quick tip

If you are not usually susceptible to feeling unwell while cruising, or sickness suddenly takes over, step outside and breathe in the ocean air. Focusing on the horizon allows your body to become accustomed to being on-board and allows guests to gain their sea-legs.

Seasickness can be unpleasant and upsetting when it prevents you from experiencing the unforgettable wildlife and scenery on-board your luxury cruise. However, there are effective medicines and remedies to help with the nausea and motion sickness, allowing sufferers to cruise in luxury as and when they please.