Smooth Sailing: How to Avoid Seasickness on Your Next Cruise

Seasickness can quickly turn a dream cruise into a miserable experience. But with a few smart choices and the proper preparation, you can ensure a smooth, comfortable journey. Here’s how to avoid seasickness and set yourself up for a thoroughly enjoyable sail.

Selecting the right itinerary

Your cruise itinerary plays a critical role in preventing seasickness. Here’s how to choose a route that ensures a smooth journey.

Opt for calm waters.

Choose a cruise that sails on gentler seas. The waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean can be calmer and more predictable compared with more open, vast waters. Alaska’s Inside Passage, which is protected by land and shielded from Pacific Ocean swells, is one of the best options for those prone to seasickness.

Limit time spent at sea.

Avoid transatlantic sails (for example, Miami to London) and transpacific cruises (for example, Vancouver to Tokyo), as these itineraries often feature several consecutive days at sea in rougher conditions. Look for itineraries that include frequent port stops, which means less time spent on open water.

Consider river cruises.

For smoother sailing, book a river cruise. These ships sail on calm, sheltered waters—free from ocean swells. European routes along the Danube or Rhine as well as multi-night cruises on Egypt’s Nile River offer scenic cruising with daily port stops.

Selecting the right ship

The size and design of your cruise ship can impact how much movement you feel while on board. Here’s what to look for.

Seek ships with stabilizers.

Larger, newer ships have advanced stabilizers that reduce movement by counteracting the ship’s natural rocking. Royal Caribbean Quantum Class ships, for example, have stabilizer fins that keep the ship from leaning too far to either side. This helps ensure a smoother journey.

Skip small ships on ocean voyages.

Expedition-style ships and small vessels are more affected by ocean swells, which can increase the risk of seasickness. Larger ships are better equipped to handle rougher open seas and high winds.

Consider the ship’s shape.

Opt for ships with a wider, square design, which tend to perform better in rough seas, reducing side-to-side motion that can trigger nausea.

Selecting the right stateroom

Stateroom location can make all the difference in how you feel during your time at sea. Here’s how to choose a room that will reduce the risk of seasickness.

Stay midship.

The middle of the ship, both lengthwise and vertically, experiences the least motion. This is especially helpful on smaller ships or if your itinerary takes you into open water with rougher seas.

Stay on a low level.

Staterooms on the lower decks typically experience less rocking than those on the higher ones. Avoid rooms at the bow (ship’s front) or stern (ship’s back), as they can be more easily affected by swells.

Splurge on a balcony stateroom.

If budget allows, choose a stateroom with a balcony. This is a win-win for the fresh air and views of the horizon, which can help reduce sensory conflict that leads to nausea.

Book early.

Midship staterooms on the lower decks fill up quickly, as they are the most stable and comfortable locations, especially for those prone to seasickness.

Key preparations before your cruise

It’s wise to be prepared for seasickness, even if you’re confident that you can evade it. Should seasickness unexpectedly hit you, you want to be ready.

Pack motion sickness remedies.

While ships sell motion sickness aids on board, it’s more economical to bring your own. Over-the-counter options typically work best when taken before you start to feel queasy. You can bring ginger tea or candies to help settle your stomach. Additionally, consider packing acupressure wristbands to help ease nausea.

Consider a prescription patch.

If you experience frequent or severe motion sickness, ask your doctor about a scopolamine patch. The patch is placed behind your ear eight hours before sailing to help prevent nausea and vomiting for up to three days.

Eat light and stay hydrated.

In the days leading up to your cruise, choose light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid foods that are spicy, greasy, or heavy. Staying hydrated is also key; skip alcohol, which can cause dehydration and worsen seasickness.

With the right planning, you can keep seasickness at bay and sail full speed ahead for ocean breezes and unforgettable views.