How to Prevent Seasickness

I put off going on a cruise for way too many years. My reason? I am extremely sensitive to motion. My mother said that when I was an infant she couldn’t rock me in a rocking chair without me bringing up everything that was in my tiny stomach;-). And I did not outgrow it. To this day I can not even swing on a swing without feeling very ill. But I learned how to prevent seasickness and share my tips with you today.

My wonderful doctor told me that I would be fine on a cruise. He would prescribe the Scopolamine patch, I would put one on three days before leaving for the cruise and I would change the patch every three days. With a lot of hesitation, I tried it and guess what? I have become addicted to cruising! In an abundance of caution on that first cruise I did take along Bonine but fortunately did not need it.

I started the patch on my second cruise but had a bad reaction so I took it off and ordered this motion sickness wristband from Amazon. I wore the Reliefband wristband and only took Bonine on days that were a little rocky. That did the trick for me and now I always cruise with both.

Here is my list of things that can help if you get motion sick. Most remedies I have personally tried and a few were tried by close friends. All of them helped! Read on to learn how to prevent seasickness.

1. Scopolamine Patch:

This is the patch I wore on my first cruise. It does require a doctor’s prescription. One major supplier does not carry it anymore and for a time there was a shortage, but it is now available. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders when talking. Side effects can include dry mouth, blurry vision, drowsiness, and dizziness. I wore the patch behind my ear, starting three days before sailing. It needs to be changed every three days and switching sides is recommended to avoid a rash.

2. Reliefband 1.5 Motion Sickness Wristband:

 This anti-nausea band releases a pattern of pulses that stimulate a nerve under the skin called the median nerve. The pulses run through the body’s nervous system to the part of the brain that controls nausea, creating a rebalancing effect, relieving the symptoms of motion sickness. I have heard these are used by pregnant moms to get them through the early days of their pregnancy. All I know is that it works! I do carry an extra battery when I am on a cruise.

3. Bonine vs Dramamine:

Both of these brands are available over-the-counter. I recommend you test these while still at home to see which works best for you. They all can have side effects. I prefer Bonine, my husband likes Draminine Non-Drowsy. Go figure, they appear to have the same ingredients!

Bonine is 25 mg of meclizine hydrochloride. Directions say to take 1 – 2 chewable tablets daily. For children and adults 12 years and older.

Bonine Non-Drowsy with Natural Ginger is a dietary supplement that contains concentrated ginger. The manufacturer says that one Bonine Ginger softgel matches the potency of two Dramamine Naturals capsules.

Dramamine (original) is 50 mg of dimenhydrinate. Directions say to take 1 – 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours.

Dramamine (less-drowsy) is 25 mg of meclizine hydrochloride. Directions say to take 1 – 2 tablets once a day.

Dramamine Non-Drowsy Naturals Made with Natural Ginger is a ginger supplement made with 1,000 mg of ginger. Directions say to take 2 capsules, not more than 4 capsules in 24 hours.

Dramamine for Kids is 25 mg of dimenhydrinate. Directions are on the package for ages 2 – 12.

4. Cabin Location:

You will feel less movement at mid-ship, in a cabin that is a bit lower, close to the waterline. If you can not get a mid-ship cabin then book a mid-aft cabin. The more forward you are the more you will feel the movement of the ship. Also, book an exterior room if you are prone to motion sickness. If your budget allows a balcony room, open the door for fresh air. It has been said, looking at the horizon can help calm your stomach.

5. Green Apples:

Green apples are said to help calm a nauseous stomach. They contain pectin, which helps neutralize the acids in your stomach and can prevent you from feeling nauseated. Be sure to pick up a couple and keep in your cabin in case you start to feel ill.

6. Ginger:

Ginger comes in many forms. There are ginger pills, powders that can be added to drinks, ginger tea, fresh ginger and ginger candies. Ginger candies are a very popular remedy of seasickness. Click here to see one recommended ginger candy. There is also a ginger pear flavor that many like, click here to see that flavor. Be aware that ginger should not be taken with some medications, especially blood thinners. Best to check with your doctor before taking any of these.

7. Other helpful hints:

 If you are feeling ill, head up to the top deck. Sit or stand by the railing, focus on the horizon and take slow breaths until the discomfort passes. During minor flare-ups, head to the ship’s movie theater or another activity center. Focusing on something engaging won’t prevent motion sickness, but it may help take your mind off the discomfort until it’s no longer noticeable.

If you enjoyed How to Prevent Seasickness then you should read Tips for First-Time Cruisers.