How to overcome sea-sickness on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ships feature a number of exciting activities to keep Cruisers of all styles highly occupied and entertained. Passengers can dance, gamble, take a class, see a show, watch movies, swim, exercise, eat and drink, all of which reflects the positive side of cruising. There is however another story to tell, as the cruise experience for many passengers is not always comfortable due to the motion of sea, that causes the unenviable feeling of nausea and sickness.

Symptoms

Sea sickness is a general term for an unpleasant combination of symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, that can occur when you are travelling. ‘Sea sickness’ is also known as ‘Motion sickness’. According to the scientists, sea sickness has to do with how your brain perceives movement. It usually means that the brain gets conflicting messages about the body's motion or position. In most cases, these symptoms can be improved as your body adapts to the conditions causing the problem. However, some people do not adapt and experience symptoms until they leave the environment which causing them.

Causes of sea sickness
It is thought everyone can potentially get motion sickness, but some are more vulnerable than others. According to medical professionals, sea sickness is more prevalent in children and women, particularly if pregnant or having their period. Of equally interesting note, women and elderly people are also susceptible. Furthermore, If somebody has migraine headaches, is also more likely to suffer from it.

However, scientific studies have shown that psychological factors are related to the causes of sea sickness. For instance, some passengers become seasick by suggestion. They simply convince themselves that being on a ship will make them ill!

Preventions

The best way to deal with sea sickness is to try and prevent it before it ever happens as it is more difficult to stop it once it started. A general rule is that if somebody has a history of motion sickness, it would be better to avoid the smaller vessels.

13 Top Tips

1. On a cruise ship its better to get a cabin close to the center of the ship as in the mid-ship and mid-deck there is less motion.
2. Whenever possible it's advisable to spend as much time as possible out on deck, using the horizon as a point to maintain your equilibrium.
3. Closing the eyes and lying down on your stomach might also help.
4. Things like stuffy rooms and foul smelling odors can contribute to the nausea factor, so staff and passengers are advised to keep their room well-ventilated.
5. Stress can also make sea sickness feeling worse.
6. For the crew to minimize this symptom, it will be useful to stay focused on their responsibilities.
7. Diet also plays big part. Small frequent meals are more likely to help you avoid getting sick. Ginger tablets, peppermint and milk thistle, dry fruits and dry crackers are all believed to help prevent and relieve sea sickness.
8. One of the most widely recommended remedies is Transderm Scop, a scopolamine patch applied behind the ear at least eight hours before exposure, with effectiveness for up to three days.
9. There are also acupressure bracelets that can wear to help relieve nausea, but their effectiveness is subject to debate. The bracelet, or band, applies pressure to the palm side of your wrist. The bands are also used by chemotherapy patients and pregnant women (more information: http://www.sea-band.com/shop).
10. Habituation is another treatment. The theory is that over time the repetitive exposure to the stimuli will help to decrease the response, or the sickness.
11. Balance training through yoga and meditation are a couple of other alternative therapies which someone can try.
12. Motion Sickness Pills can also work for some people. Of course, we recommend that you talk with your doctor before giving your children any new medications.
13. Last, but not least, it is important for the people who get sea sickness to reduce their movements, keep a fresh flow of conversation, good fun and keep their attention to diving helps distract the mind from the motion of the boat.

Conclusions

Mild symptoms of motion sickness can usually be improved with self-care techniques, such as closing your eyes and distracting yourself by listening to music. On the other hand, for those who can forget about it, it's often smooth sailing!

In any case if you are going on a Cruise soon especially off-season, be prepared to deal with Sea Sickness or it will deal with you!