Let’s be honest — few things can ruin your cruise faster than feeling queasy as the ship rocks beneath you. Whether it’s your first sailing or your fifteenth, seasickness is a real concern for many cruisers — and you’re not alone in wondering how to stop it before it starts.
The good news? With the right prep and tools, you can totally prevent or manage motion sickness so it doesn’t wreck your vacation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 20 highly effective remedies — from smart cruise planning and natural remedies to proven medications and clever cabin tricks. Plus, we’ll answer a few FAQs along the way so you know what to expect.
What Is Seasickness on a Cruise?
Seasickness — also called motion sickness at sea — happens when your brain receives conflicting messages from your eyes, inner ear, and body. On a cruise ship, this might mean your body feels movement, but your surroundings look stable.
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea or queasiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Vomiting (in severe cases)
- Headaches or fatigue
Some people feel symptoms almost instantly. Others only notice it when the seas get rough. The key is treating it early — or preventing it altogether.
Is Seasickness Common on Cruise Ships?
Here’s the truth: most modern cruise ships are incredibly stable. They’re equipped with massive stabilizers that reduce motion, especially during rough weather. On calm itineraries, many cruisers won’t feel the ship move at all.
That said, some motion is still possible — especially in:
- Smaller ships
- Forward cabins
- High decks
- Itineraries with open-ocean crossings
So while it’s not guaranteed you’ll get seasick, being prepared is smart — especially if you’re new to cruising or know you’re motion-sensitive. Here are 20 highly effective remedies to prevent seasickness on a cruise.
1. Choose a Calmer Cruise Itinerary
Not all cruise routes are created equal. Some sail through open ocean (like transatlantic cruises), while others hug the coastline or stick to calmer waters.
Good picks for smoother sailing:
- Caribbean (especially Western routes)
- Gulf of Mexico
- Mediterranean in summer
- Alaska’s Inside Passage
Why it helps:
These regions tend to have calmer seas year-round, reducing your chance of rough sailing.
2. Pick the Right Cabin Location
Your cabin location matters — a lot. Think of the ship like a seesaw: the middle is the most stable.
What to book:
- Mid-ship cabins
- On lower decks (closer to the waterline)
- Avoid far forward or high-level cabins if you’re sensitive
Why it helps:
Mid-ship and lower-deck rooms experience less motion, which can help reduce or completely prevent seasickness. A travel agent can help you find the best location based on your ship and itinerary.
3. Eat Green Apples
Sounds too simple, right? But it works.
Green apples (especially Granny Smith) contain pectin and natural sugars that help calm an upset stomach. They’re a longtime remedy used by cruise staff and seasoned travelers alike.
Why it helps:
Pectin stabilizes stomach acid, and the crunchy texture + light sweetness settles your tummy naturally.
Pro tip: Grab a few from the buffet and keep them in your cabin — just in case.
4. Ginger Candies or Tea
Ginger is a natural anti-nausea hero. You can take it in many forms — tea, capsules, chews, or dried ginger — and it works well as both a preventative and early remedy.
Why it helps:
Ginger has compounds (like gingerol) that reduce nausea by calming your digestive system. It’s also non-drowsy and safe for most people.
Try: Organic ginger candies or ginger chews from Amazon or your local pharmacy.
5. Use Bonine or Dramamine (Non-Drowsy Formulas)
Over-the-counter meds like Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy are proven to fight motion sickness — and they’re cruise must-haves for many travelers.
Why it helps:
These antihistamines calm the inner ear, reduce nausea signals, and prevent the imbalance that causes motion sickness.
Best practice:
Take them before you feel symptoms, ideally 1–2 hours before sailing or when seas are expected to get choppy.
6. Consider Acupuncture (Before or Onboard)
While not for everyone, acupuncture has been shown in studies to relieve nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness. It stimulates specific points on the body to restore balance.
Why it helps:
It may regulate the vestibular system (which controls balance), helping reduce motion sensitivity.
Benefit:
If you’re already using acupuncture for other health reasons, talk to your practitioner about a few sessions before sailing — or see if your ship’s spa offers it!
👵 Cruiser anecdote: One passenger’s mother-in-law with vertigo swears by a pre-cruise acupuncture tune-up — and it kept her balanced all cruise long.
7. Try Sea-Bands (Acupressure Wristbands)
Sea-Bands are elastic wristbands with a small plastic button that applies gentle pressure to your Nei-Kuan (P6) pressure point, known for reducing nausea.
Why it helps:
While they may look simple, many people report real relief from motion sickness using acupressure. Best of all — no drugs, no drowsiness, and they’re reusable.
Benefit:
Ideal for those wanting a natural, medication-free option. They’re also kid-friendly and can be worn discreetly during activities.
💡 Cruiser tip: Wear them before symptoms start for best results.
8. Use a Motion Sickness Patch (Scopolamine)
These small prescription patches stick behind your ear and deliver a steady dose of scopolamine, a powerful motion sickness medication.
Why it helps:
They work continuously for 72 hours and are one of the most effective pharmaceutical options available.
Benefit:
Great for longer cruises or people who know they’re prone to motion issues. You apply it once and forget about it.
⚠️ Note: Some people experience dry mouth or blurred vision as side effects. Ask your doctor if it’s right for you.
9. Stay Hydrated (And Don’t Overdo Alcohol)
You’re on vacation — cocktails flow freely. But dehydration can make motion sickness symptoms worse.
Why it helps:
Proper hydration keeps your body balanced and reduces symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Alcohol and caffeine, meanwhile, can throw off your equilibrium and upset your stomach.
Benefit:
Drink water regularly, especially when sunbathing or walking in port. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay on top of it.
10. Get Fresh Air When You Feel Queasy
If you start feeling off — even just slightly — step outside immediately. Fresh air and a clear view of the horizon can help your body recalibrate.
Why it helps:
Being outside removes conflicting sensory input (like a moving ship with still walls) and helps reduce that dizzy, off-balance feeling.
Best spot:
Mid-ship on an open deck. Bring a green apple or ginger chew with you and take a few deep breaths of sea air.
11. Practice Controlled Breathing
Your breath can be a powerful tool against seasickness. Deep, rhythmic breathing has been shown to calm the nervous system and reduce nausea.
Why it helps:
When you feel anxious or motion sick, your breathing becomes shallow — making the symptoms worse. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing help relax your body and reduce stress signals.
How to do it:
- Inhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 7 seconds
- Exhale slowly for 8 seconds
Repeat for a few minutes — ideally in fresh air or a quiet spot.
Benefit:
This method has been backed by studies from naval medical centers and can reduce motion sickness symptoms by up to 70% when practiced early.
12. Try Vitamin B6 Supplements
Vitamin B6 isn’t just for energy — it’s also been shown to reduce nausea in both pregnancy and motion-related studies.
Why it helps:
B6 helps regulate neurotransmitters that influence nausea and queasiness. It’s gentle on your system and doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Dosage tip:
50–100mg before your cruise and during rough sea days can help prevent that “off” feeling.
Benefit:
It’s natural, inexpensive, and often recommended by cruise medical teams as a preventative option.
13. Wear Anti-Motion Sickness Glasses
They may look a bit goofy, but these glasses are backed by real science. The frames contain liquid-filled rims that simulate a moving horizon, helping your brain correct sensory confusion.
Why it helps:
Motion sickness often occurs when your eyes don’t see movement but your inner ear feels it. These glasses help your senses sync up.
Benefit:
In studies, up to 95% of users reported relief from nausea and dizziness. Worth the funny look if it saves your cruise!
14. Avoid Screens During Rough Seas
If you start feeling woozy, put the phone down. Looking at a fixed screen (like a phone, tablet, or even a book) while your body feels motion only makes nausea worse.
Why it helps:
This sensory mismatch is a top trigger for seasickness — your eyes say you’re still, but your body says you’re moving.
What to do instead:
- Look at the horizon
- Go for a walk outside
- Focus on something in the distance
Benefit:
Staying present with your surroundings gives your brain better signals and prevents that “spinning” sensation.
15. Strategic Meal Planning: Eat Small, Protein-Rich Meals
An empty stomach makes seasickness worse — but overloading your belly can do the same.
Why it helps:
Frequent, light meals (especially with protein) help stabilize blood sugar and keep nausea at bay. Large, fatty, or spicy meals can make symptoms worse.
Smart snack ideas:
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Cheese cubes
- Bananas
- Crackers with peanut butter
Benefit:
You’ll avoid the rollercoaster of hunger and bloat, and keep your digestive system calm during bumpy seas.
16. Inhale Peppermint Oil or Sip Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a natural stomach soother that also reduces nausea and anxiety — both common cruise triggers.
Why it helps:
The menthol in peppermint helps relax your digestive tract and has a cooling, calming effect on the nervous system.
How to use it:
- Keep a small bottle of peppermint oil to sniff when symptoms start
- Ask for peppermint tea in the buffet or café
- Rub a drop of diluted peppermint oil on your wrists or temples
Benefit:
It’s a simple, natural fix that fits in your pocket — and smells way better than other remedies.
17. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Cruise ships have low-frequency engine vibrations and background noises that can mess with your balance — especially when lying in bed.
Why it helps:
Noise-canceling headphones reduce auditory stimulation and help your body relax, particularly during rough seas or at night.
Benefit:
Better sleep, less sensory overload, and reduced motion sickness. Bonus: they also block out hallway noise and chatty neighbors!
18. Desensitize Yourself Before the Cruise (Habituation Training)
If you’re highly prone to motion sickness, preparing your brain ahead of time can make a big difference.
How it works:
Gradual exposure to motion — like sitting in a rocking chair, swinging, or light spinning rides — helps your inner ear adjust before the cruise.
What studies show:
Just 10 minutes of motion exposure every other day for 1–2 weeks before your trip can reduce seasickness risk by up to 60%.
Benefit:
This strategy takes a little effort, but it trains your body to adapt to movement — like a warm-up for your cruise vacation.
19. Stay Mid-Ship on Lower Decks in Rough Seas
Even if your cabin is forward or higher up, you can move to a more stable public area when the seas get rough.
Best places to go:
- Mid-ship lounges
- Lower-deck bars
- Central dining rooms or atriums
Why it helps:
Maritime studies show that the center of gravity of the ship moves the least. Less rocking = less nausea.
Benefit:
You’ll instantly feel more balanced, and it might be all you need to reset your system.
20. Wear a Firm-Fitting Hat or Headband
It might sound simple, but wearing a snug-fitting hat, cap, or headband can actually help stabilize your head and reduce motion sensitivity — especially outdoors or on breezy decks.F
Why it helps:
A firm hat provides light pressure around the forehead and temples, which some people say creates a grounding sensation (similar to weighted blankets for anxiety). It also reduces excessive visual stimulation, which can trigger dizziness.
Benefit:
This method is completely natural, easy to try, and doubles as sun protection during port days. Plus, headbands can be worn indoors without looking out of place.
Cruise pro tip: Pair a snug hat or athletic headband with ginger chews or Sea-Bands for a multi-sensory combo that many cruisers say works wonders!
Recap: The Smart Cruiser’s Guide to Beating Seasickness
Let’s face it — seasickness is no fun, but it doesn’t have to ruin your cruise. Today’s ships are designed for stability, but rough seas or sensitive systems can still throw your balance off.
With these 19 effective remedies, you’re armed with the tools to prevent, treat, and overcome nausea at sea.
From natural tricks like ginger, peppermint, and acupressure, to medications, breathing exercises, and strategic cabin hacks — there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Quick List Recap: Seasickness Remedies to Pack or Try
Natural remedies:
- Green apples
- Ginger candies
- Peppermint oil
- Vitamin B6
- Sea-Bands
- Acupuncture
Medications:
- Bonine
- Dramamine
- Motion sickness patches (Scopolamine)
Lifestyle & strategy:
- Pick a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin
- Choose calmer itineraries
- Stay hydrated
- Eat small, protein-rich meals
- Avoid screens when seas are rough
- Use breathing techniques
- Use noise-canceling headphones
- Practice motion desensitization before your cruise
- Firm-Fitting Hat or Headband
Have you ever experienced seasickness on a cruise? What helped you the most? Drop your tips in the comments — it might just save someone else’s vacation!
Happy cruising — with no queasy days in sight! ⚓
