How to Avoid Sea Sickness on a Cruise: My Travel Tips from a 13-Day Pacific Crossing (Even in 20+ Feet Seas)
- Kim Heiter
- Nov 5, 2024
- 6 min read
Growing up in central Florida, I had plenty of opportunities to cruise. Port Canaveral was only one hour away and neighbored my favorite surf spot (yes, there are waves in Florida—albeit best ahead of a storm—but calm seas never made a skilled sailor, and all that jazz). The few friends I knew who went on cruises were motivated either to gamble, drink underage, or island hop the Caribbean—though never staying in any port of call for more than a few hours. In short, it just never appealed to me. It's not to say I swore to never take a cruise, but even as I got older and found friends I was able and willing to travel with (a tall task for the solo traveler in me), cruising still didn’t appeal.
Why I Finally Decided to Cruise
When I found myself seeking conference and networking opportunities earlier this year, I was surprised to learn about Nomad Cruise and the digital nomad conference they would be hosting in early fall, crossing from Vancouver, Canada to Yokohama, Japan, with two stops in Alaska. Some of you might be aware I was in Japan earlier this year. An even more select few might recall the nearly three-year challenge I experienced in rebooking flights to Japan that were originally scheduled to leave, two days before COVID was officially announced a pandemic. So, to find a travel conference that would take me back to Japan and check off two additional bucket list destinations in the process while crossing the Pacific Ocean? Sign me up!
The only hurdle I was going to have to overcome was my severe propensity to motion sickness, a point many who are close to me made sure to point out.
Tackling Sea Sickness on a Cruise
If you're one of the lucky ones who's never experienced sea sickness on a cruise (or in a car, a train, or even just while walking—it can happen), then bully for you. It sucks! And it's really hard to understand the severity of the feeling if you've never known it. Kind of like explaining period cramps to a man. Anyone who suffers from motion sickness knows symptoms can come on suddenly and often takes a while to right yourself because it's often not just one symptom but a combination. Symptoms can include a sick stomach, distorted vision (especially when trying to read something while moving), an imbalance of equilibrium—I often feel between my eyes, and sometimes a flash of heat throughout your body. One day you only experience one symptom and other days you get the full kitchen sink experience. It's the opposite of super fun.
Had a friend not recently told me about medicated motion sickness patches (which discreetly sticks behind your ear), I might not have been able to make this journey at all. As it was, I was trusting the science without having tried it before and testing it in a pretty extreme way—crossing the Pacific Ocean over the course of 13 days.
I traveled with enough patches (they came four to a box) to get me through the entire trip, changing them every three days (alternating ears). While I started out cautiously optimistic, I can whole heartedly vouch for their effectiveness, especially when we experienced three consecutive days of 20+ foot swells. There was one fairly significant side effect (clearly stated on the label): it may cause blurry vision.
Blurry Vision and Bifocals
If you're like me, a 40-something who is only now entering the world of "readers," blurry vision is a frustration I’m only recently becoming accustomed to (if you can ever become accustomed to blurry vision). Before I left my previous position, I spent what remained of my FSA on converting my nice framed reading glasses (AKA: the expensive pair) into a pair of bifocals (instead of burning the balance band-aids and condoms—look who's finally a grown up? Damn it.).
In my day-to-day life, I don't often wear my bifocals, favoring my drugstore single-frame readers when doing computer work or reading. That said, thank goodness my vanity kicked in and I packed this pair for my trip (the frames are very flattering) and not my single-lens generic readers because I ended up needing to wear them every day, all day, due to the medication. In fact, my notable souvenir from Juneau, Alaska, was a stronger pair of over-the-counter readers for "day 1" of each new patch, when my vision was most impacted. They're cute and blue, so not money wasted.
Tips for Combating Sea Sickness on a Cruise
The medicated patches were a game changer for me, but they’re not the only way to combat sea sickness. Here are a few additional tips to help you stay steady on your feet when cruising the high seas:
1. Choose Your Cabin Wisely
If you have the luxury of selecting your cabin, opt for one that's located in the middle of the ship, close to the waterline. This is where the movement is felt the least and can make a significant difference on rough days. I was toward the back of the ship, which actually had quite a bit of rocking. However, I had sprung for the shared room with an attached balcony. Not only did this provide immediate access to fresh air, but it also offered such a lovely view, especially along the coastline of Canada and Alaska.
2. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of nausea and dizziness, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I traveled with my refillable water bottle and made sure it was full throughout the day. Normally, I don't take ice in my water, but I found that really cold ice water was soothing at sea. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can also help keep you hydrated and soothe your stomach if you're starting to feel a little unsettled.
3. Fresh Air and Horizon Gazing
When you start to feel off-balance, step outside and focus on the horizon. The combination of fresh air and visual stability can help your brain recalibrate and reduce motion sickness. If your ship offers a wrap-around, outside walking loop, that’s a great way to stay active, get fresh air, and find your equilibrium.
4. Ginger Everything
Ginger is one of the oldest natural remedies for motion sickness. If you're not into feeling medicated, ginger candies, capsules, or even sipping on ginger ale can work wonders if you're feeling a little off.
5. Pressure Point Wristbands
Acupressure wristbands are another non-medicated option. These bands apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point on your wrists, which some studies suggest can alleviate nausea. Personally, they’ve never made me feel better, but others swear by them.
6. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
While a cocktail or a cappuccino may be part of your vacation experience, try to limit these if you're feeling sea sick, as they can contribute to dehydration and exacerbate motion sickness. (Boo, I know.) I will say, with the medicated patches, I was able to eat and drink everything I wanted (even if my waistline didn’t appreciate it) without feeling sick.
7. Stay Busy
Keeping your mind engaged in activities—whether it’s attending workshops, mingling with fellow travelers, or reading—can distract you from the sensation of motion and help you acclimate more smoothly. Having been a private events manager for the last seven years, I was incredibly impressed with the sheer amount of ship-sponsored activities offered each day. The fact that I was onboard for an educational conference gave my brain all the distractions I could possibly handle, and I loved every moment of it. I think a large reason I enjoyed the cruise as much as I did was because it was a conference first and a travel experience second.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, sea and motion sickness can feel like an intimidating barrier for many travelers, especially those who, like me, are prone to motion sensitivity. But with the right preparation and a few thoughtful strategies, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the adventure of a cruise without feeling like you’re auditioning for a role in a shipwreck scene.
Whether you lean on medicated solutions like the motion sickness patch or opt for natural remedies and mindful practices, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Trust me—after facing down 20-foot swells with just a patch and a pair of bifocals, I can say that sailing the Pacific is worth the effort.
Next up on my bucket list: crossing the notorious Drake Strait (eventually)!
If you're prone to sea or motion sickness and want to share a story or travel tip, I'd love to start a conversation. Leave a comment below!
And if you're one of those lucky ones (like men who never experience period cramps) feel free to share this article with someone who might be struggling with ways to mitigate their symptoms. You don't have to understand to show you care.
תגובות