Ultimate Guide to Seasickness When Cruising: Prevention, Treatment & Insurance
Cruise vacations are an incredible way to enjoy a Caribbean getaway or explore the world, but for some, the joy of the open sea is tempered by the discomfort of seasickness. Whether it’s your first cruise or you’ve already got your sea legs, symptoms of seasickness can creep up anytime.
Understanding how to manage your discomfort during rough seas or cruising to the next port can help you enjoy the voyage and focus on creating memories, rather than looking for the nearest can of Ginger Ale while you anxiously await the next shore excursion.
These expert tips on motion sickness prevention and treatment offer how cruise insurance can help offer you relief and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your cruise with peace of mind.
What is Seasickness?
Cruise travel sickness, or seasickness, occurs when your inner ear, eyes, and body send conflicting signals to your brain. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or experience, though some individuals are more prone to it.
These symptoms are triggered when the ship moves through big waves or intense currents.
Typically, people dealing with motion sickness feel symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Headache
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, typically starting shortly after boarding the ship.
How Common is Seasickness While Cruising?
Seasickness is relatively common, especially for first-time cruisers or those sensitive to motion. According to the CDC, seasickness is one of the most common diagnoses for passengers seeking medical care on cruise ships, affecting up to 25% of travelers and accounting for about 10% of visitings to the medic onboard.
However, some say that most people don’t get seasick under normal circumstances because modern ships have stabilizers and navigational equipment to reduce movement. But, certain locations and times of the year can create conditions to increase the risk, like the choppy waters of Antarctica or the TransAtlantic, so it’s wise to understand your body and prepare for what you need.
Only You Can Prevent Seasickness When Cruising
Do you know where the best place to be on the ship is to help you avoid getting seasick on a cruise ship? Can choosing the right cruise line help mitigate any potential sickness? We’ll get into all this, so keep this information handy.
- Ship Size Matters: If you have a propensity for seasickness, smaller ships can worsen your symptoms. Whether you choose Royal Caribbean or Carnival, consider cruises with a giant boat with stabilizing options.
- Acclimate Yourself: Before setting sail, the CDC recommends spending time on deck to get used to the ship’s motion. So try to get there early.
- Stay Hydrated and Avoid Heavy Meals: Drinking water and eating light meals can help prevent nausea. Avoid alcohol and greasy or spicy foods, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Use Preventative Medications: Many people find over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine effective.
- Focus On The Horizon: This can help stabilize your inner ear. When your eyes are fixed on a fixed point, like the horizon, it provides a visual reference that matches the motion your inner ear is detecting, reducing the conflict and thereby the symptoms of seasickness.
- Stay Busy: Distractions like games, reading, or socializing can take your mind off the motion, and if you can do all those activities
- Eat Green Apples: As it turns out, an apple a day can keep the doctor away, at least on a cruise ship. Cruise crew members attest that eating green apples can help ease any feelings of nausea. Worth a try!
Treatment Options for Motion Sickness on a Ship
If prevention strategies don’t work, there are several treatment options available, including natural remedies:
- Over-the-Counter Medications: If you didn’t take medication before boarding, you can still take it when symptoms begin. Motion sickness medications like Dramamine, Bonine, meclizine, and Scopolamine patches effectively mitigate seasickness symptoms. Read labels carefully, however, for any interactions, allergies, or side effects like drowsiness, and plan accordingly.
- Prescription Medications: If necessary, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications like Scopolamine patches for severe cases.
- Ginger and Peppermint: Ginger and peppermint are natural seasickness remedies known for their anti-nausea properties. Ginger tea and peppermint candies can help soothe your stomach.
- Acupuncture: Acupressure wristbands that apply compression to specific pressure points can help alleviate symptoms.
- Fresh Air: Getting fresh air can often help reduce nausea. Spending time on deck and taking deep breaths, inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth can provide relief.
Why Am I So Sick After a Cruise?
Sometimes, you might still feel unsteady or sick even after your cruise ends — this is a common condition known as land sickness or Mal de Debarquement Syndrome. It occurs when your body struggles to adjust to stable ground after being on the water. It’s a temporary condition and usually resolves within a few days, experts say; however, please check with your doctor before relying solely on this information.
How Long Does Motion Sickness Last on a Cruise?
Motion sickness typically lasts a few hours to a day, but symptoms can persist longer in severe cases, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms that continue after the cruise usually resolve within a few days, but of course, check with your doctor about your symptoms.
How Cruise Travel Insurance Can Help Seasickness
Travel insurance can be hugely helpful if you experience motion sickness and need to make trip changes. More than just a financial safety net, it provides security and protection.
Here’s how:
- Medical Coverage: Travel insurance can cover these costs if you need medical treatment onboard or at a port of call due to severe seasickness.
- Evacuation Coverage: In rare cases, severe seasickness can lead to a medical emergency requiring evacuation. Travel insurance can cover the significant costs associated with medical evacuations.
- Trip Interruption: If your cruise is interrupted due to severe seasickness, travel insurance can help cover the cost of catching up with your cruise or returning home.
Bottom Line: By taking preventative measures and knowing your treatment options, you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind. And with the right travel insurance, you’re protected from the unexpected, ensuring your trip is smooth sailing from start to finish. Of course, if you need help choosing the best travel insurance policy, we’re ready to help!