In 2024, almost 35.7 million people will go on a cruise, myself included. While I love the warm days spent in port, unlimited ice cream, and dips in the pool while watching a movie on the outdoor screens, there is one thing I hate about cruising: seasickness.
Symptoms of seasickness can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and cold sweats. After sailing on more than 50 cruises across the world and in all types of weather, I’ve perfected my lineup of holy-grail packing essentials to help keep my seasickness at bay.
Whether you’re new to cruising and are worried about the motion of the ocean or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for a new remedy to keep seasickness under control, we’ve got you covered with tried-and-true products worth a spot on your packing list. But first, a few things anyone prone to seasickness should consider before booking a cruise.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
FAQ:
What’s the difference between small and large ships?
There are many differences between small and large ships, but when it comes to seasickness, the bigger the vessel, the better. Passengers on smaller ships are more likely to feel every wave and bump that hits the side of the cruise ship. Cruisers who sail on large ships are less likely to feel the waves crashing against the hull. Just know that even on the world’s biggest ships, the ocean is a strong force of nature, and if there are swells from a passing storm or rough seas, you may still get sick.
What cruise lines have stabilizers?
All modern cruise ships have stabilizers, which act as a counterbalance to keep the vessel from rolling from side to side. The stabilizers create drag in the ocean water to help keep the ship steady and lessen the noticeable movement of the ship. The less movement, the less likely you are to have seasickness.
More to consider before booking a cruise:
When booking a cruise, where and when you’re sailing can impact your likelihood of seasickness. Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from June until November, and before, during, and after storms the waters can be choppy. If this is a concern for you, book your cruise before or after hurricane season. You’ll also want to consider cabin location. Those looking to have the least motion in your room will want to book a stateroom that is mid-ship and on lower decks.
My number one tip for first-time cruisers:
My top tip for first-time cruisers is to be proactive instead of reactive. If you know you get motion sickness on theme park attractions or in a car, start taking some motion sickness pills or put on a motion sickness patch before the ship leaves port on day one. There’s nothing worse than sitting at a poolside bar enjoying the ocean views and suddenly feeling nauseous.
The best products to help with seasickness:
Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
