Being seasick is a horrible feeling; only thing worse is being seasick when on vacation. Here is a list of ways to prevent that nauseating feeling, or help ease up the symptoms when there are especially rocky seas.
1. Location
Where your stateroom is on a ship can play a role in how much rocking you feel. If you are prone to seasickness, book a stateroom lower and more towards the center of the ship; here you are less likely to feel the motion of the ocean.
2. Fresh Air
Sometimes, all you need is to breathe in some fresh air to alleviate symptoms. Take some time on your balcony, or head to the outside decks and take some deep breaths in and out.
3. Patches
You can purchase seasickness patches at your local convenient store before your sailing. These are placed behind your ear. If you need something a little stronger, you can ask your doctor for high dosage patches such as Transderm Scop.
4. Sea Bands
Another preventative remedy that can be purchased pre-cruise are Sea Bands. These acupuncture bands are worn around the wrist like a bracelet with a pressure stud pressing against the inner wrist. Some swear by them, others say that they only work if the one wearing the band believes it does.
5. Ginger
Ginger is good for soothing the stomach and helps with nausea. If you are starting to feel nauseous, order a ginger ale from the bar. It is also a good idea to grab some ginger chews before cruising. I have heard that they work better than ginger ale with calming the stomach, and they taste good too.
6. Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils have been known to help sooth nausea. Grapefruit, peppermint, and sometimes lavender have been found in studies to help alleviate nausea due to motion sickness. A few drops can be put on a cotton ball and breathed in, or you can put them in a diffuser in your cabin if you have one.
7. Green apples
Why this works? I don’t really know. But some cruise lines and cruise members swear by it and offer green apples to passengers who are feeling the effects of motion sickness. If the pros say it helps, then why not give it a try.
8. Saltines and Broth
Sometimes when you’re not feeling well, your appetite goes too. A little food in your stomach can help that nauseated feeling, but you want to make sure to keep it simple and light. Broth and saltines make the perfect meal combo.
9. Distraction
Mind over matter. The more you think about it, the worse you feel. Try sitting on the outer decks and focusing on the horizon, go catch a show, or participate in a fun, low-key activity to keep your mind off of it.
10. Dramamine
Dramamine is an option that I try to use as a last resort. Some people can function on Dramamine, but drowsiness is a side effect. Take with caution and avoid alcohol.
11. Sleep
Sometimes, you just have to throw in the towel and head to bed and sleep it off. It’s unfortunate when this happens, but it beats having your head in a toilet all night.
Everyone is different, what works for some might not work for others, but they are all worth a shot.
featured photo: flickr/kbelly55
