Best Cruise Boats For Seasickness-Free Sailing

Seasickness can be a real downer on a cruise, but there are ways to prevent it and alleviate its symptoms. Firstly, when booking a cruise, opt for itineraries that stay within calmer waters, such as the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean Sea. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best to avoid rougher waters like the North Atlantic or the Caribbean during hurricane season. When it comes to choosing a cabin, go for one on the lower decks and towards the middle of the ship. This area experiences less movement than the higher decks and the front or back of the ship. If you want to splurge, booking a cabin with a balcony can be beneficial as you can get some fresh air, which often helps with seasickness. Alternatively, a room with a window can also be helpful as it provides a view of the horizon, allowing your eyes and inner ear to stay in sync. If you're feeling unwell, try natural remedies like ginger, peppermint, or acupressure wristbands, or opt for over-the-counter medication.

Where is the best place on a cruise boat for seasickness?

Lower decks, middle of the ship

If you're prone to seasickness, choosing a cabin on the lower decks and towards the middle of the ship is a good idea. This is because the lower you are on a ship, and the more towards the middle, the less movement you will feel.

The upper decks and the front and back of the ship tend to sway the most, so it's best to avoid these areas if you're susceptible to seasickness. The lower decks experience less movement than the higher decks, so it's worth booking a cabin on a lower level.

The middle of the ship also experiences less motion than the front or back. A low-down, central cabin will help you feel less movement. The main dining rooms are usually located on the lower decks, so eating there is a good idea if you're feeling seasick.

If you can, book a cabin with a window or a balcony. This will allow you to get some fresh air, which can help with seasickness. Being able to see the horizon can also help to reduce seasickness, as it gives your eyes and brain a chance to "sync up" and reprogram your sense of balance.

If you're worried about feeling seasick, it's also a good idea to choose a larger ship. Larger ships tend to have stabilizers, which help to reduce the amount of motion felt on board. Some newer ships are built with advanced stabilising technology, which ensures a smoother ride.

Larger, newer ships

If you're prone to seasickness, choosing a larger, newer ship can be a good option to minimise the risk of feeling unwell. Here are some reasons why:

Stabilising Technology

Newer ships tend to have more advanced stabilising technology, which plays a crucial role in reducing the rocking motion of the ship. While older ships may have stabilisers, the technology might not be as sophisticated, making them more prone to rocking. The latest ships use gyroscopic stabilisers with state-of-the-art fins that are adjusted by an onboard computer according to sea conditions. These stabilisers can eliminate about 85% of the side-to-side rocking motion.

Size of the Ship

Larger ships require bigger waves to be rocked. Smaller ships, on the other hand, are more susceptible to the motion of the waves. As a general rule, ships with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers are large enough to reduce the impact of rocking.

Itinerary and Destinations

When selecting a cruise, consider the number of consecutive days at sea. Itineraries with more than two consecutive days at sea often venture into open waters, where the worst weather conditions can occur. To avoid this, opt for cruises with no sea days or choose itineraries that stay within a sea, such as European cruises in the Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, which typically offer calmer waters.

Cabin Location and Deck Choice

Even on larger, newer ships, your choice of cabin location and deck can impact your seasickness. Cabins located in the middle of the ship, on the lower decks, experience less motion than those at the front or back and on higher decks. Additionally, consider booking a balcony cabin, as having access to fresh air and a view of the horizon can help alleviate seasickness.

Other Considerations

If you're particularly prone to seasickness, consider the time of year for your cruise. For example, avoid hurricane season when cruising in the Caribbean, as it can lead to increased wave height and ship movement. Also, pay attention to the shape of the ship; squarer, top-heavy ships may fare worse in high seas and strong winds.

Sea bands

The efficacy of sea bands is still unclear, with some scientific research studies investigating whether acupressure helps with nausea and vomiting. A 2018 study in the journal Cancer found that these types of bands did not significantly reduce nausea in pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, older studies showed that they reduced migraine-induced nausea as well as the frequency and severity of nausea in pregnant women.

In addition to sea bands, other ways to help seasickness include choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, having access to fresh air and a horizon view, and natural remedies such as ginger, peppermint, and acupressure or acupuncture.

Fresh air

If you're feeling seasick, getting some fresh air can work wonders. If you're in an interior cabin, you might want to try going to a more open part of the ship, such as the pool deck or balcony. This can help calm your nerves and reduce uncomfortable sweating.

If you're in a cabin with a balcony, step outside and take in some fresh air. The sea salt air can help you feel better, and you'll be able to see the horizon, which can also help alleviate seasickness symptoms.

Even if you don't have a balcony, try to get to the middle of the ship, where you'll experience less motion. Find an open window, breathe in the fresh air, and focus on the horizon. This can help your mind and body get back in sync and alleviate your seasickness symptoms.

If you're still feeling seasick, you can try over-the-counter medications like Dramamine, Meclizine (also known as Bonine), or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These medications can help prevent or alleviate seasickness and are available without a prescription. However, keep in mind that these medications may cause drowsiness, and alcohol will make this side effect worse.

If you're looking for a drug-free option, Sea-Bands are acupressure wristbands that help with vertigo and nausea. They're easy to wear and can be found at major drug stores or on Amazon.

To prevent seasickness, it's also important to book the right cabin. A cabin on the lower decks in the middle of the ship is ideal, as it minimises the amount of motion you'll feel. If possible, book a cabin with a window or balcony so you can get fresh air and see the horizon. This will help you maintain your balance and reduce seasickness symptoms.

In addition to the location of your cabin, the size and type of ship you choose can also impact your susceptibility to seasickness. Larger, modern ships tend to have advanced stabilizers that reduce motion. So, if you're worried about seasickness, consider choosing a newer and bigger ship, such as those in the Royal Caribbean's Oasis class or Carnival's Excel class.

Finally, when choosing your itinerary, avoid voyages that spend a lot of time sailing in open water. Instead, opt for cruises that stay within a sea, such as European cruises in the Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. These areas typically have calmer waters, which can help you avoid seasickness.

Natural remedies

Seasickness can be a miserable experience, but there are natural remedies to help combat it. Here are some tips to help you feel better and make the most of your cruise:

• Ginger is a popular natural remedy for seasickness. It can be consumed in various forms, such as powder, tea, pills, candy, or even fresh ginger root. Some people also find ginger ale helpful.
• Apples, especially green apples, are believed to help with nausea.
• Aromatherapy with certain essential oils can be effective. Try lemon, cedarwood, lemongrass, lavender, or spearmint.
• Citrus fruits, such as limes, can provide instant relief. Suck on a lime or try sniffing citrus essential oils.
• Acupressure wristbands, such as Sea-Bands, stimulate the P6 acupressure point associated with nausea relief. These are drug-free, have minimal side effects, and can even work for hangovers.
• Magnetic wristbands that apply pressure to specific points on the wrist may also help prevent seasickness.
• Aromas like anise, basil, chamomile, and peppermint can be soothing. Try sucking on peppermint candy or inhaling peppermint oil.
• CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and is known for its calming properties. It may help reduce nausea and other uncomfortable feelings associated with motion sickness.
• Alcohol prep pads can be useful. Some people find that sniffing these pads can help alleviate seasickness symptoms.
• Breathing techniques may help ease nausea and prevent hyperventilation and vomiting.
• Avoiding certain triggers can make a difference. Stay away from strong smells, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.
• Staying active and keeping your mind occupied can help. Try exercising, meeting fellow travellers, or listening to audiobooks while watching the horizon.
• Decongestants and nasal sprays can help keep your nasal passages clear, reducing the impact on your inner ear canals.
• Rest and sleep are essential. A well-rested body can better cope with seasickness, so make sure to get enough sleep before and during your cruise.

Frequently asked questions