Sea Sickness
Sea sickness
Sea sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a type of motion-induced sickness caused by the movement of a boat, ship, or other watercraft on the waves. It occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and other sensory receptors, leading to disorientation, nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms.
Common symptoms of sea sickness include sweating, nausea, cold sweats, vomiting, and dizziness.
Sea sickness can be prevented or reduced by taking anti-motion sickness medication, avoiding strong odors or foods that can trigger nausea, staying hydrated, and focusing on the horizon. Some people may experience less sea sickness over time as their bodies adjust to the motion of traveling by water.
Choosing your ship & cabin
The larger ships have more modern technology with stabilizers and you don’t feel as much motion as you do on the smaller ships. If you want to feel less motion then you definitely want to be on a larger ship. The tiny Fantasy & Spirit Class ships really let you feel movement if certain conditions are met.
Regardless of which ship you choose, if you’re concerned about sea sickness then you want to choose a cabin on the lowest level of the ship as possible. The lowest point on a fulcrum feels the least amount of motion. The higher deck you are, the more you are apt to feel. You also want to be as close to midship as possible. The closer to the front of the ship (fwd) you are or rear of the ship (aft), you’re going to feel more motion. So if you’re on the lowest deck in the center of the ship, you’re going to feel the least amount of motion.
There are also variables that can enhance your sea sickness, such as alcohol and rough seas.
Medications
Sea sickness medications are designed to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness caused by being on a boat or ship. The most common medications used for sea sickness are antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine). These medications work by blocking the action of histamine in the body, which is one of the main chemicals responsible for the symptoms of motion sickness.
Other medications used for sea sickness include scopolamine patches, which are placed behind the ear, and ginger supplements, which are believed to help reduce nausea. It is important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any sea sickness medication to discuss potential side effects and drug interactions. It’s also essential to follow the instructions carefully, including dosage and timing, to avoid potential complications.
First and foremost, if you think you’re going to get sick, get something before you step foot on the ship. Not only is it much cheaper but it’s easier to be proactive than it is to be reactive to sea sickness. Once sea sickness hits you, it’s hard to make it go away until you step on land again.
You can get some medicine on-board from the medical center or guest services or even room service. I do have 6 different things I take with me just in case when I sail. These are all over the counter and can be purchased on Amazon.
