How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise (for Crew and Passengers)
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Getting seasick on a cruise can ruin what should be a relaxing time at sea. Not everyone feels it – but if you’re one of the unlucky ones, even the idea of a wobbly deck can put you off. That’s a shame, because once you find your sea legs, cruising can actually be amazing.
Whether it’s your first contract, your first holiday cruise, or you just never quite adjusted after a few sailings, there are ways to manage – or even avoid – seasickness altogether. After years at sea, I’ve seen pretty much everything – and can tell you what’s worth trying, what’s placebo, and what to pack.
So, if you're heading out soon and worried seasickness on a cruise, here’s how to prepare like a pro – and stay upright on board.
Contents
How to Prevent Seasickness Before Your Cruise
Start strong. Prevention is way easier than fixing seasickness once it hits. Here's what to do before you step onboard…
You might also like: Travel Essentials for Cruise Packing (From a Crew Member)
Pick your cabin wisely
If you’re booking your own cabin, choose one midship and on a lower deck. The movement is less noticeable there compared to the forward or aft sections.
Avoid sailing during stormy seasons
For leisure cruisers, research weather patterns. If you're crew, well – you don't get to choose, but awareness helps mentally.
Start motion sickness meds before boarding
Some meds work better when taken before you feel sick. Follow the instructions – don’t wait till you’re queasy.
Get good sleep the night before
Fatigue makes seasickness worse. If you're already tired or hungover, your body’s going to have a harder time adjusting to motion.
The Best Natural Remedies for Seasickness
If you're not into taking medicine (or just don't have any), these are some natural ways cruise crew – myself included – try to manage seasickness…
Essential oil
Essential oils won’t stop seasickness entirely, but some scents can calm your senses and make you feel a little more grounded. Peppermint oil is the go-to for many – just dab a bit on your temples or under your nose when you start feeling off. The cooling effect is surprisingly soothing, and it can help with headaches too.
Some crew also like lavender for its relaxing scent, or ginger oil, which is known to ease nausea. Even eucalyptus can give a refreshing boost if you're feeling sluggish or stuffy. Just make sure to use them sparingly in shared spaces – strong scents aren’t everyone’s favourite in close quarters.
Light food and drinks
On rough sea days, I go for bland or fizzy things – crackers, green apples, or even soft drinks (which I normally avoid). Even if you're not hungry, eating something light can help settle your stomach and prevent it from getting worse. There’s something about bubbles or biting into a crisp apple that really helps.
Herbal balm
This might just be in my packing list, but I’ve found Tiger Balm helpful when I’m feeling queasy. It’s not a cure, but dabbing a little under my nose or behind my ears seems to ease the discomfort. Most crew I know actually use White Flower balm oil, which has a similar effect – strong menthol scent, super refreshing, and oddly comforting when nausea hits.
Acupressure wristbands
I’ve seen crew wear these – stretchy bands that press on a pressure point on your inner wrist. While they don’t always work, some swear by them for calming mild nausea.
Ginger
I’ve heard ginger is great – ginger tea, chews, even ginger ale. I don’t keep it around myself, and I haven’t seen many crew use it, but it’s one of those natural remedies that always comes up when people talk about seasickness.
Over-the-Counter Options to Consider
There’s no pharmacy onboard, and unless you already know you get seasick, you probably won’t think about bringing meds until it’s too late.
That said, most cruise lines put out motion sickness tablets at reception or guest services, especially when rough weather is expected. You can also get them from the ship’s clinic if needed – sometimes free, sometimes not, depends on the line.
If you’re the type who likes to be prepared, you can ask a pharmacist back home to recommend something before your contract or vacation. But honestly? A lot of us just wait and see.
How to Manage Seasickness During Rough Sea Days
Even if you’ve prepped well, your onboard routine still matters. Here’s how to adjust your habits once you’re at sea…
Eat small, frequent meals
Avoid heavy, greasy food. Salty, bland snacks are your friend. Even if you don’t feel like eating, having something in your stomach helps reduce nausea.
Go outside and look at the horizon
It sounds weird, but it works. Your body reorients when your eyes see what your inner ear feels. Fresh air helps too.
Avoid reading or screens while the ship’s moving
Focusing your eyes on something still while everything else is moving is a one-way ticket to nausea. Save the Kindle for calm days.
Stay hydrated, but sip
Drink water throughout the day – but don’t gulp. Small sips prevent dehydration without sloshing your stomach.
Sleep with your head toward the bow
It can help with stability. Try it for a few nights and see if you sleep better during rocky seas.
Rest if you need to
If it’s really bad, don’t push through it. Ask to be excused from duties (if you're crew) or rest in your cabin (if you're a guest). And if you're stuck in a tiny crew cabin, a few small adjustments can make a big difference during your first rocky voyage.
Cruise ships today are a lot more stable than smaller boats, but seasickness on cruise ships can still sneak up on anyone – even seasoned crew. Some people adjust after a few days. Others never fully get used to it, but figure out how to manage it enough to keep going.
So if you do get seasick, know this: it passes. (Or not. Results vary.)
But with the right prep, a few helpful habits, and a sense of humour, you’ll probably be okay –. And once the queasiness fades, you’re left with the good stuff: the sunsets, the salt air, and the slow, weird magic of life at sea.
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