One thing people are always surprised to hear is that I actually suffer from seasickness.
Yep — someone who cruises as much as I do still deals with motion sickness from time to time. But here’s the thing: I refuse to let that stop me from cruising.
Over the years, I’ve learned what works for me, and thankfully there are so many options available now — from natural remedies to medications — that seasickness doesn’t have to ruin your vacation.
My Go-To Remedy: Sea Bands
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For years, I have relied on Sea Bands. These are acupressure wristbands that work by applying pressure to a specific point on your wrist that helps reduce nausea. They are drug-free, easy to use, and honestly, they have never failed me.
The only thing I never loved? The look of the traditional bands.
Recently, I decided to try a newer, thinner style band that looks much more like a bracelet and is way more aesthetically pleasing. It’s also waterproof and doesn’t get soaked like the seabands do which is also a nice feature. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable (once I adjusted the band to my size) and discreet they were while still giving me the same relief I’ve always gotten from acupressure bands. What I also liked about this product is that it offered alternative pressure points you can use the bands for other ailments like anxiety, migraines and insomnia. I haven’t tried those pressure points yet but I’m going to give the migraine one a try for sure.
If you’ve avoided Sea Bands because you don’t like the bulky look, these newer styles may be worth trying.
There are also more high-tech options now that are FDA-cleared and designed to look more like a smartwatch or fitness band rather than a traditional seasickness bracelet. They’re definitely more expensive, but many cruisers swear by them for both effectiveness and appearance.
The Green Apple Trick
Years ago, during some rough seas, a stateroom steward gave me one of the simplest cruise tips I’ve ever received:
“Eat a green apple.”
I’ll admit, I was skeptical. But surprisingly… it worked.
Ever since then, I make it a habit to grab a green apple from the buffet and keep it in my cabin just in case I start feeling queasy. Whether it’s the tartness, the freshness, or just settling the stomach, it has helped me more than once.
It’s such an easy thing to try, and now it’s part of my cruise routine.
Ginger Ale & Ginger Remedies
Another thing that helps me is ginger ale. Sipping on it usually settles my stomach enough to keep nausea from getting worse.
A lot of cruisers also swear by ginger chews, ginger candies, or ginger supplements. Ginger has been used for motion sickness for years, and many people prefer it because it’s a more natural option.
Popular Seasickness Medications
While I personally lean toward natural remedies, many cruisers use medications very successfully.
Some of the most popular options include:
- Bonine
- Dramamine
- Prescription motion sickness patches worn behind the ears
These can be very effective, especially for people who know they are prone to motion sickness. Just keep in mind that some medications can cause drowsiness, so it’s always smart to test them before your cruise if you’ve never used them before.
A Few Other Tips That Can Help
Besides remedies, there are also a few things that can make a big difference onboard:
- Choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck if possible
- Look at the horizon when feeling motion
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid overeating
- Get fresh air outside
- Avoid too much alcohol if seas are rough
And honestly? Modern cruise ships are incredibly stable compared to what many people imagine. Most sailings are smooth enough that you may never feel much motion at all.
Don’t Let Seasickness Stop You From Cruising
If you’ve avoided cruising because you’re worried about seasickness, don’t let that fear stop you.
Trust me — if someone like me, who does get seasick, can still love cruising this much, there’s hope!
The key is finding what works for your body and being prepared before you sail.
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Happy Cruising!
