How Can You Reduce the Risk of Seasickness?

Seasickness is one of the most common concerns people have before taking their first cruise. Even experienced travellers can wonder how they will react once the ship leaves port, particularly if they have previously felt unwell on ferries, boats or other forms of transport.

The good news is that there are several practical ways to reduce the risk of seasickness and make yourself more comfortable if symptoms do occur. Modern cruise ships are designed to provide a stable journey, but conditions at sea can still vary, and some passengers are naturally more sensitive to motion than others.

Preparation can make a significant difference. Understanding what causes seasickness, choosing the right part of the ship, eating sensibly and knowing what remedies may be available can all help you approach your cruise with greater confidence.

What causes seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness.

It happens when the movement your body feels does not fully match what your eyes are seeing. Your inner ear helps control balance and senses motion, while your eyes send visual information to the brain.

When these signals do not agree, some people experience symptoms such as:

For example, you may be sitting inside a cabin looking at a room that appears completely still while your inner ear detects the movement of the ship.

Not everyone experiences seasickness in the same way. Some passengers may feel slightly uncomfortable for a short time, while others are much more sensitive to movement.

Are cruise ships likely to make you seasick?

Cruise ships are considerably larger than many other types of vessel, and their size can make movement less noticeable than it would be on a small boat.

Modern ships may also use stabilisation systems designed to reduce rolling movement.

However, no ship can completely eliminate the effects of the sea.

Weather, wave conditions, the ship’s route and your own sensitivity to motion can all influence how much movement you experience.

Some passengers may complete several cruises without ever feeling unwell, while others can notice symptoms even in relatively calm conditions.

If you already know that you are prone to motion sickness, it is sensible to prepare before travelling rather than assuming the ship’s size will prevent the problem.

Where on a cruise ship is movement usually felt less?

The amount of movement can vary depending on where you are on the ship.

As a general principle, areas nearer the centre of the vessel and on lower decks tend to experience less noticeable movement than areas high up or towards the front and back.

Think of the ship as a long seesaw. Movement can be more noticeable towards the ends, while the middle remains relatively stable.

For passengers particularly concerned about seasickness, cabin location can therefore be worth considering when booking.

You might look for accommodation:

Cabin availability and ship layouts differ, so check the deck plans for the specific vessel you are considering.

If motion sickness is an important concern, you can also ask your cruise line or travel agent about suitable cabin locations.

Can fresh air help with seasickness?

For some people, yes.

Spending time outside can help because you are able to see the horizon and visually connect the movement you feel with the movement of the sea.

Looking at a stable point in the distance may help your brain process the motion more effectively.

If you begin to feel slightly unwell, you may find it more comfortable to:

Fresh air itself may also feel more comfortable than remaining in a warm or enclosed room.

If weather conditions make outdoor areas unsuitable, try looking through a window where you can see the horizon.

Should you avoid reading while the ship is moving?

If you are prone to motion sickness, reading can sometimes make symptoms worse.

When you look at a book, phone or tablet, your eyes are focused on something that appears stationary while your inner ear senses the movement of the ship.

This mismatch can contribute to nausea or dizziness.

If you start feeling uncomfortable, consider stopping activities that involve focusing closely on nearby objects.

This might include:

Instead, look out towards the sea or close your eyes and rest.

You do not necessarily need to avoid reading throughout your cruise. Many passengers can read comfortably in calm conditions. The key is paying attention to how you feel and stopping if symptoms begin.

What should you eat before and during a cruise?

Food choices can influence how comfortable you feel.

Travelling on an entirely empty stomach is not always helpful, but neither is eating a very heavy meal shortly before the ship sails.

A moderate meal can be a better option.

If you are concerned about motion sickness, you may prefer relatively simple foods rather than particularly rich, greasy or spicy meals.

Small amounts of food eaten regularly may also feel easier than one very large meal.

Foods that some travellers find easier to tolerate include:

There is no universal seasickness diet, and everyone reacts differently.

The important point is to avoid making your digestive system work harder than necessary if you already feel slightly unsettled.

Does drinking water help?

Staying hydrated is important, particularly if you are feeling nauseous.

Take regular sips of water rather than waiting until you feel very thirsty.

Dehydration can leave you feeling tired, dizzy or unwell, which may make it more difficult to distinguish between motion sickness and other causes of discomfort.

You may also want to moderate alcohol intake, especially during the first part of your journey.

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and dizziness, potentially making seasickness symptoms feel worse.

Enjoying a drink may be part of your cruise holiday, but if you are unsure how your body will respond to the ship’s movement, it can be sensible to take things slowly at first.

Can ginger help with seasickness?

Ginger is commonly used by travellers who experience nausea.

It is available in several forms, including:

Some people find ginger helpful, although its effectiveness can vary.

If you are considering supplements, particularly if you take other medicines or have an existing health condition, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional first.

Natural does not automatically mean suitable for everyone.

Ginger sweets or biscuits may be a simple option for passengers who find the flavour soothing, but they should not be considered a guaranteed treatment.

Can medication help with seasickness?

Medication can help some people manage motion sickness.

Different types of travel sickness medicine are available, and some need to be taken before travel rather than after symptoms have already developed.

If you think you may need medication, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before your cruise.

They can advise on an option that is appropriate for you based on factors such as:

This is especially important when choosing medicines for children, older passengers, pregnant travellers or anyone with existing medical conditions.

Do not wait until you are standing at the cruise terminal to investigate your options if you already know motion sickness is likely to be a concern.

Should you take seasickness medication before sailing?

Some motion sickness treatments are most effective when taken before exposure to movement.

However, exactly when a medicine should be taken depends on the specific product.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the medicine or the advice given by a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Taking medication unnecessarily or using more than recommended is not advisable.

If you are unsure whether to use preventative treatment, ask for professional advice well before your departure date.

That gives you time to understand how the product should be used and whether it may cause side effects such as drowsiness.

What should you do if you start feeling seasick?

If symptoms begin, do not panic.

Motion sickness can feel unpleasant, but mild symptoms may improve once your body adapts to the ship’s movement.

Try to reduce the sensory conflict that may be causing the problem.

You could:

  1. Move somewhere you can see the horizon.
  2. Sit or lie down.
  3. Avoid reading or staring at screens.
  4. Take small sips of water.
  5. Eat something light if you can tolerate it.
  6. Get some fresh air where appropriate.
  7. Rest.

If you have previously received professional advice about travel sickness medication, follow the instructions provided.

Cruise ships also have onboard medical facilities, although the availability and cost of treatment can vary. If symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by anything that concerns you, seek medical assistance rather than assuming everything is simply seasickness.

Does lying down help?

Rest can help some passengers.

If you are tired, your tolerance for motion may feel lower, so getting enough sleep before and during the cruise can be useful.

Lying down and closing your eyes can also remove some of the conflicting visual information that contributes to motion sickness.

If your cabin location experiences noticeable movement, you may prefer to spend some time in a quieter central part of the ship before returning to your room.

Again, everyone responds differently, so experiment with what feels most comfortable for you.

Can anxiety make seasickness feel worse?

Worrying excessively about becoming ill can make the start of a cruise more stressful than necessary.

Anxiety itself can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and sweating, which can feel very similar to motion sickness.

If you are nervous about sailing, preparing in advance can help.

Know what you will do if you start feeling uncomfortable. Bring any appropriate remedies, understand where your cabin is located and remember that you can move to an open deck or quieter area if necessary.

Having a plan often feels more reassuring than repeatedly wondering whether you will become seasick.

Try not to spend embarkation day monitoring every small sensation in your body.

Give yourself time to settle into the ship and experience the journey.

Does seasickness improve after the first day?

For some passengers, yes.

The body can sometimes adapt to the movement of the ship over time, meaning symptoms become less noticeable after several hours or a day.

This process is sometimes referred to as getting your “sea legs”.

However, this is not guaranteed.

Changes in sea conditions can also mean someone feels perfectly comfortable one day and slightly unwell the next.

If you are susceptible to seasickness, continue using the strategies that work for you rather than assuming the issue has permanently disappeared after one calm day.

How can weather affect seasickness?

Rougher sea conditions can make ship movement more noticeable.

Cruise lines monitor weather conditions carefully and may change routes or schedules when necessary, but passengers may still experience periods of stronger movement.

If you know rough weather is expected, it can be sensible to prepare before symptoms develop.

Consider eating lightly, staying hydrated and spending time in parts of the ship where movement is less noticeable.

Always follow announcements and safety instructions from the crew.

Should seasickness influence the cruise you choose?

If you are particularly sensitive to motion sickness, the itinerary may be worth considering when choosing your cruise.

Some routes spend more time in sheltered waters, while others involve longer periods crossing open sea.

Time of year and weather patterns may also affect conditions.

However, sea conditions cannot be guaranteed on any route.

Rather than choosing a cruise solely on the assumption that one itinerary will always be calm, consider a combination of factors:

A shorter first cruise may appeal to someone who is unsure how they will respond to life at sea.

Should you prepare before travelling to Southampton?

Reducing stress on embarkation day can help you start your holiday feeling comfortable rather than exhausted.

If you are driving to Southampton, plan your route and parking arrangements in advance.

Allow enough time to reach the city without rushing, particularly if several cruise ships are departing that day.

Southampton Park & Cruise provides pre-booked cruise parking with transfers to Southampton cruise terminals.

Knowing where you will park and how you will reach your terminal removes one practical issue from the morning of your cruise and allows you to concentrate on the journey ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does seasickness usually last?

This varies considerably. Some passengers experience mild symptoms for only a short time, while others may feel uncomfortable for longer. Some people also adapt to the ship’s movement after the first day.

Can you suddenly get seasick if you have never had it before?

Yes. Previous experience does not guarantee how you will react to a particular journey. Sea conditions, tiredness, anxiety and other factors can all influence how you feel.

Are larger cruise ships better for seasickness?

Larger ships often feel more stable than smaller vessels, but they can still move in rough conditions. Cabin location and individual sensitivity also matter.

Is it better to be inside or outside when feeling seasick?

Many people find fresh air and being able to see the horizon helpful. However, weather conditions and personal preference will determine what feels best.

Can children take seasickness medicine?

Some travel sickness medicines may be suitable for children, but age restrictions and dosing vary. Always seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional and follow the instructions for the specific product.

What happens if seasickness becomes severe on a cruise?

Cruise ships have medical facilities for passengers who become unwell. If symptoms are severe, persistent or unusual, contact the onboard medical team rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself.

Preparing for a More Comfortable Cruise

You cannot control the sea, but you can control how well prepared you are.

Choosing a sensible cabin location, staying hydrated, eating appropriately, getting fresh air and understanding your medication options can all help reduce the risk of seasickness.

For first-time cruisers, it is also worth remembering that worrying about motion sickness does not mean you are certain to experience it. Many passengers who are initially concerned find that they adjust quickly once the ship is under way.

Prepare sensibly, seek professional advice if you know you are prone to motion sickness and give yourself time to adapt to life at sea.

You can also make embarkation day easier by arranging the practical parts of your Southampton journey before leaving home. Southampton Park & Cruise offers safe and secure cruise parking at a staffed facility with 24-hour CCTV monitoring, together with transfers to Southampton cruise terminals.

Phone: 02380 719 229
Email: info@southamptonparkandcruise.co.uk
Website: https://www.southamptonparkandcruise.co.uk/

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