The best seasickness remedies

Even the most seasoned cruisers can occasionally experience seasickness. Motion sickness occurs when repetitive movements, such as the motion of a ship, cause a disconnect between the signals sent to your brain by your inner ear and what your eyes perceive. This sensory conflict can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more, which vary from person to person. While seasickness can be challenging to manage, it’s important not to let it overshadow your trip. To help, we’ve put together a guide to the most effective seasickness remedies.

Modern cruise ships are fitted with stabilisers designed to minimise side-to-side motion, greatly reducing the risk of seasickness. Larger ships typically offer a smoother experience, making it less likely that you'll feel unwell. However, those prone to motion sickness when travelling by car or plane may be more susceptible. While seasoned travellers are less likely to experience symptoms, seasickness can sometimes occur. The location of your stateroom can play a crucial role in reducing motion sickness and enhancing your comfort on board. Opting for a stateroom on a lower, centrally located deck can help minimise the sensation of movement. The middle of the ship experiences less sway, while lower decks, being closer to the waterline, provide a greater sense of stability. Additionally, choosing a balcony cabin or suite can be beneficial, as the access to fresh air may help.

If you’re worried about feeling unwell on your cruise or have experienced seasickness before, there are plenty of solutions available. Many people turn to medicinal remedies, ranging from over-the-counter options to prescriptions from their GP. These treatments are typically most effective when taken before travelling or at the first signs of discomfort, but some can still offer relief even after symptoms begin. Even if you don’t usually suffer from seasickness, it’s wise to pack some just in case. Additionally, some cruise lines offer travel sickness tablets for purchase onboard, providing extra peace of mind.

Eating may be the last thing on your mind if you're feeling nauseous. However, studies have shown that eating small, frequent meals can be an effective way to help prevent or alleviate seasickness. If you are feeling unwell, avoiding heavy, greasy or acidic foods is usually a good idea. These types of food can be slow to digest and can actually make motion sickness symptoms worse. Instead, opt for bland, light and starchy foods like crackers, toast, bananas or plain rice. It’s also crucial to ensure that you remain hydrated, as dehydration can worsen symptoms. 

Focusing on a distant, stationary object like the horizon can help reduce motion sickness by stabilising your position and easing an upset stomach. This technique provides your brain with a consistent point of reference, aligning signals from your inner ears and eyes to resolve the sensory conflict that causes seasickness. It allows your brain to better process the movement of the ship, helping to differentiate between your body's natural motion and the ship's sway, ultimately reducing feelings of nausea.

Ginger is widely recommended for those who suffer from motion sickness, as studies have shown it to be a safe, natural, and effective way of reducing nausea. With anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes an upset stomach and may even mute signals from the brain to the digestive system. Ginger has been known to keep blood pressure consistent and can help settle your stomach, thanks to its positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Whether you grate fresh ginger into a hot tea, snack on ginger biscuits, or sip on ginger ale, this versatile remedy can help to ease discomfort.

Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to promote healing, balance, or relief from various conditions. It is believed that acupressure can improve blood flow, relax muscles, and even alter the pain messages that nerves send to the brain. Many swear by the effectiveness of acupressure in combating seasickness. A key point, known as Pericardium 6 (P6), is located on the inside of the wrist, about two finger widths above the centre of the wrist crease. Applying gentle pressure to this spot is believed to help alleviate travel sickness, offering a natural and easy remedy for nausea relief. There are acupressure bands, commonly known as seasickness bands, that are available to purchase from pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers. These bands gently apply pressure to the P6 acupressure point and are most effective when worn before starting your journey.