You’ve booked your dream cruise, but as the departure date draws nearer, you start dreading the nausea and dizziness that might come with it.
Seasickness is very common and happens when the brain receives conflicting messages from the motion-sensing parts of your body.
If you’re prone to feeling queasy once you’re out on the water, here’s what you can do to find relief, without reaching for medication.
8 Ways to Cure Motion Sickness at Sea
Here are 8 natural remedies for your Bahamas cruise or wherever else you’re headed that will soothe the stomach and calm your nerves.
1. Choose a Mid-Ship Cabin
To experience the least amount of rocking during your cruise, the coolest cabin to book is a lower-deck, mid-ship cabin. One with a window or balcony so you can get some fresh air if you start to feel nauseous.
Keep in mind that larger ships also have stabilizers, so opt for a cruise on a bigger boat.
2. Use Acupressure Wristbands
The “Neiguan” point is located just below your wrists and is well-known for relieving nausea when light pressure is applied.
Acupressure wristbands are designed to hit this spot, so pack a pair for your voyage.
3. Eat Light and Include Mangoes
Avoid carb-heavy and rich or acidic foods since they can agitate your stomach. Instead, go for light salads, lean protein, and fruit.
Mangoes are especially beneficial for seasickness. They contain high levels of vitamin C and polyphenols, both of which are shown to alleviate vomiting and support your immune system.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Drink Smart
A cocktail or two may make you feel calmer, but it does nothing to settle your stomach.
Besides making you feel rough, it also dehydrates you, which dampens your immune system and worsens the effects of seasickness.
Opt for plenty of water to maintain hydration. Sugar-free carbonated beverages are also good, like soda water or ginger ale.
5. Ginger, Chamomile, and Peppermint Are Your Friends
Ginger has been used for over 3,000 years to treat motion sickness, so make it your cruise bestie. Peppermint and chamomile also have similar benefits.
A good travel packing hack is to bring ginger, chamomile, and peppermint tea with you. That way, you can have a soothing drink whenever the sickness hits.
There are also teas and Chinese herb mixes specially created for motion sickness and immune support that you can try.
6. Change Your Position
Position matters when you’re feeling sick on the sea.
Head up on deck and gaze at the horizon. The fresh air will help the stomach, and keeping your eyes on the horizon will calm those conflicting messages that are reaching your brain.
Also, try to face the direction that the boat is traveling in. This helps your sense of balance (inner ear) disconnect from your visual sense.
Alternatively, lying down may help you more. The best thing to do is experiment with different positions to find one that makes you feel better.
7. Choose Music Over Reading or Your Phone
It sounds strange, but sitting with your head down and focused on a page or screen can increase the sensory disconnect between your eyes and the inner ear, worsening your symptoms.
Instead, listen to music or chat with other people. The distraction will also take your mind off how you are feeling.
8. Avoid Other Seasick Passengers
If the seas are particularly choppy, then there’s no doubt others will start to feel seasick.
This is your cue to find a quiet and isolated spot. If people around you are sick, then it’ll make you feel worse, and that’s the last thing you want.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let motion sickness stand in the way of a cruise of a lifetime. With some careful planning and making the right nutritional choices, you will enjoy a boosted immune system and a calmer stomach.
