CRUISE SICKNESS OR MOTION PROBLEMS

Some people just have a problem with motion and or sea sickness.  You are not alone and there are several things that can help you find your sea legs.

One of the most suggested remedies is Transderm Scopolamine, a patch that is applied behind your ear, at least 8 hours before sailing, this can last up to 72 hours before another patch is required.  The patch is only available by prescription, the patch is only preventative, not a treatment and can cause possible side effects such as dry mouth, blurry vision, drowsiness and dizziness.

You can find over-the-counter drugs used to deter and or treat, include Dramamine, Meclizine or diphenhydramine.  On all the ships I have been on these are given freely and are usually at the pursers desk or the doctors office. Stronger and more successful prescription drugs can only be obtained from a doctor. These drugs will include Promethazine and ephedrine, which when taken together produce fast results as well as potential side-effects such as sleepiness.  If the problem persists, see the ship doctor, they have seen it before.

If drugs are not a choice for you, put on a Sea-Band wristband the moment you get on the ship.  These are easy to wear and you will see plenty of other passengers with them on.  This wristbands contains a plastic bead that puts pressure on the palm side of your wrist.  Effective in both curbing nausea and vomiting without any side-effects, it comes in both adult and children's sizes and can even be used by pregnant women.  These Sea-Bands are available without a prescription at any major drug store before you leave home.

To accustom yourself to being on a ship, once you get onboard go to the high deck and look directly at the horizon and get your equilibrium.  If possible, always book a mid-ship cabin that is mid category.  Not to low and not to high for the ship noise.  Try and stay away from the front and back of the ship where more movement will be felt, especially on rough sea days and nights. 

Not everyone will feel motion sickness or seasickness onboard.  I have been on many ships where waves were over over 10-12 feet and some people were having a hard time while others didn't miss a beat.

You might also consider cruising and finding a larger ship that will not sway as much as some of the smaller ships in rough water.  The big mega-liners have stabilizers and the size of the ships is so large that small and average waves will not really impact the ships motion as much as on a smaller ship like the Windstar ships or the yachts of SeaDream and Seabourn. 

If you are really having problems, you will want to slow down on the eating and think about eating unbuttered toast or crackers.