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Lindsey Markwood

Preventing Seasickness on a Cruise

Updated: May 9, 2024

You can’t wait to embark on the cruise you have booked through Markwood Magic (or are considering booking) as the departure date is approaching fast. To get to the various ports of calls you will visit, the cruise ship will spend some time in the open sea. To make the ride smoother, many cruise lines equip their ships with stabilizers on both sides that reduce the motion you feel onboard. But what if you are prone to motion sickness or sea sickness? How can you avoid it? This article will offer some advice and suggestions to prevent or lessen sea sickness before and after booking your cruise.


What can you do to prevent seasickness – Before booking

First and foremost work with Markwood Magic. When I hear there is a traveler that is prone or worried about seasickness it will effect which itinerary I will book for them. It also changes which ship and time of year. For example, while the Fall is a more economical season to travel, there is a higher probability of a tropical storm or hurricane developing in the Caribbean. This can cause the ocean not to be as calm as it usually is. I also change look at different cabin locations within the ship to make sure it is right for you and your traveling party. Booking on a lower deck and as close to the middle is possible is one way to reduce the chance of getting seasick. (It’s the small things like this that can make a big difference).


A cruise ship in the ocean
Scarlet Lady in Bimini, Bahamas

What can you do to prevent seasickness – After booking/on the cruise

• Try not to stay still. Keep moving. You can pace back on forth on the deck or balcony. Why? It will give you something to do and keep your mind off the possibility of getting sick.

• Get fresh air. If you are in an inside cabin, go to a lower deck with access to fresh air. If you have a balcony in your cabin, open it up and go outside.

• Look at the horizon. Finding something to focus on helps to reorient you.

• Try to get enough sleep. This is especially true the night before your cruise. Having less sleep can increase the chances of sea sickness.

• Get as close to midship as possible. Typically less ship movement is felt here. You can usually feel more movement on the forward (front) and back(aft) part of the ship.

• Avoid reading a book or using electronic devices.

• Have a plastic bag near by. This won’t prevent anything, but it will can give you piece of mind.

• Wear a patch – prior to cruising schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can prescribe a patch for you to wear for the cruise.

• Medications: there are several over the the counter anti-nausea meds. Talk with your doctor to determine which is the best for you

• Avoid foods that are fatty.

• Some cruisers find that having something with ginger to eat/drink also helps.

• Don’t forget, if needed many cruises have a medical facility onboard if you need it.

Please note: this is not medical advice. We are not medically trained. For medical questions, please talk to your doctor.


Happy cruising travelers! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!


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