Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a common issue that affects many cruise travellers. While the idea of sailing on crystal-clear waters may seem like a dream, the reality of seasickness can quickly turn this idyllic experience into a nightmare. In this article, supported by scientific research, I delve into the causes of seasickness, the symptoms to watch out for, and most importantly, natural remedies to prevent and alleviate it. Additionally, I offer valuable advice on choosing the right cabin and other practical tips to ensure a calm and enjoyable cruise. Based on recent scientific studies, this article serves as your comprehensive guide to enjoying your voyage without the discomfort of seasickness.

The Origin of Seasickness

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why we experience seasickness. Seasickness arises from a sensory conflict between the brain and the muscles. Simply put, the inner ear (vestibular system) detects the movement of the ship, while your muscles send signals to the brain indicating that you are stationary. This creates confusion within the brain as it receives conflicting information—one signal suggests your body is in motion, while another indicates you are not. This sensory mismatch can also occur in cars, trains, or even airplanes.

Studies (referenced below) show that women and children are generally more susceptible to seasickness, which tends to decrease after the age of 50. However, seasickness can affect anyone, even seasoned cruise enthusiasts. It’s important to note that medical research is still ongoing, and the complete mechanism behind seasickness is not yet fully understood.

Myths About Seasickness

1) The longer the days at sea, the more intense the seasickness will be. This is a misconception. A study conducted on Icelandic fishermen demonstrated that seasickness can occur within minutes or hours of being on a boat, regardless of the total time spent at sea. Duration is not a determining factor.

2) If I suffer from motion sickness in cars, I will definitely get seasick. This is also false. Although the underlying mechanism is similar, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest a direct link between the two. A person might feel nauseous in a car while being perfectly fine on a boat, and vice versa.

3) Lying down and closing your eyes makes seasickness worse. Incorrect! It has been shown that resting with your eyes closed or sleeping can actually reduce symptoms. By allowing the brain to "reset," it can better process the conflicting signals it is receiving.

4) The size of the boat doesn't matter. False! Seasickness is more common on smaller boats than on larger ships. Bigger vessels offer greater stability, thereby reducing the movements that can trigger seasickness.

Symptoms of Seasickness

Seasickness typically presents with nausea, headaches, dizziness, pallor, and cold sweats. Extreme fatigue may also be experienced. These symptoms can sometimes subside after a few hours at sea or upon returning to solid ground.

How to Combat Seasickness

If you are affected by seasickness, know that it’s not a foregone conclusion and there are measures you can take to prevent or treat it.

Dos and Don’ts for Combating Seasickness

5 Things to keep in Mind: Cold, Hunger, Fatigue, and Fear

It is essential to avoid feeling cold, or even to anticipate it. I recommend always carrying a large scarf or shawl that you can easily slip into your bag. This will allow you to cover up before you even start to feel cold. Next, ensure you are not hungry by eating healthily. Avoid fatty and heavy foods that can exacerbate symptoms. Green apples are often recommended as they aid digestion, which is why you will always find them on board ships! It is also advisable to drink plenty of water, so try to hydrate before you even feel thirsty.

Thirdly, get plenty of rest! Don’t hesitate to take naps to allow your body to recover. However, avoid staying in your cabin reading or watching television or your phone, as screens are not ideal for combating seasickness. It is also crucial to have a good night’s sleep before boarding!

Finally, be mindful of your state of mind. Fear and anxiety can contribute to triggering seasickness – this is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are convinced you will get seasick, there is a strong likelihood that you will!

The Cabin Location on the Ship Matters

The location of your cabin on the ship is a crucial factor in avoiding seasickness. It is advisable to choose a cabin located on the lower decks and in the centre of the ship. Although central cabins are usually more expensive, investing a bit more can save you from discomfort, which is well worth it! Indeed, the movement of the ship is felt much less in the centre, reducing the risk of seasickness. Thus, even if these cabins are pricier, spending a little extra could provide you with a more pleasant and worry-free voyage. Additionally, I recommend opting for a newer ship as they are equipped with large stabilisers to reduce the ship's movement.

Itineraries/Regions and Times to Avoid

Certain seas are renowned for their challenging navigation, particularly the English Channel and the tip of Brittany, especially in winter! Crossing the Channel only takes about an hour and a half, but the currents there are extremely strong. Many travellers feel unwell after a ferry crossing, while they might navigate the Mediterranean for three weeks without any issues. The North Sea, especially in winter, is also known as one of the most turbulent and difficult seas to navigate.

Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America and the Drake Passage, which separates South America from Antarctica, are also notorious for their often rough waters. Similarly, the Cape of Good Hope, south of South Africa, should be avoided, particularly in winter if you are apprehensive about violent sea movements.

Finally, the Caribbean Sea is known for being very calm; however, I would advise avoiding the hurricane season (August to October) if you are prone to seasickness. Regarding the Bermuda Triangle, very few cruise ships venture into this region.

It is important to remember that in the event of challenging maritime conditions, the captain will never take risks with passengers or the ship. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the itinerary to be altered to avoid a storm.

If you think you are susceptible to seasickness, I also recommend choosing an itinerary with many port stops and times at sea during the night. This way, you will spend a good part of the day on land and be at sea mainly while sleeping. You might also consider a river cruise!

Getting Fresh Air, but Not Just Any Way

If you start experiencing symptoms of seasickness, I recommend going up to the upper deck or to the balcony of your cabin (if it is located in the centre of the ship). From there, focus on the land (if visible) or the distant horizon. This will help your brain better interpret the movements and restore some balance. However, be cautious: avoid directly staring at the sea, as this could worsen the symptoms.

Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

According to an article (see source below), being surrounded by people who are not suffering from seasickness might contribute to improving your own condition. Although science does not yet fully explain this phenomenon, it appears to be related to several factors. People who do not experience seasickness often adopt a more stable posture, such as spreading their legs, which might positively influence those affected through a form of mimicry. Additionally, the calm and serenity of individuals who are not seasick might also have a soothing effect on those who are, reducing their anxiety and creating a more reassuring environment.

Natural Remedies for Seasickness

Essential Oils

Peppermint essential oil is a great ally against seasickness. You can apply it to your wrists and temples, or take it orally by placing a few drops on a neutral tablet. However, it is important to use essential oils with caution. They are not suitable for children, pregnant women, or individuals with heart conditions, among others. Before using essential oils, I recommend consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Acupressure Bands

These bands apply pressure to specific acupuncture points and can help reduce the symptoms of seasickness. Their main advantage is that they do not have any side effects, providing a natural and risk-free option for relieving nausea associated with seasickness. If you do not have acupressure bands, you can try massaging the acupuncture point (P6), located three fingers' width (index, middle, and ring fingers) from the wrist towards the elbow, on the inner side, between the two tendons. Massage this area in a circular motion.

Eat Green Apples, Bananas, and Fresh Ginger

On ships, you will always find fresh ginger, bananas and green apples! Green apples and bananas are excellent allies against stomach discomfort. Ginger, on the other hand, promotes better digestion. You can also consume them in the form of sweets. Drinking fresh ginger tea before boarding or on the ship will help with digestion and coat the stomach (by neutralising gastric acidity), which can reduce the effects of seasickness.

Meditation and Breathing Techniques

These are related to anxiety. Often, people become anxious when they feel unwell. I recommend meditating (with your eyes closed) to calming music and focusing on your breathing.

Seasickness Medications

Of course, I advise consulting your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any medication. Anti-nausea drugs, as well as antihistamines, are very useful in combating seasickness. Additionally, some cruise lines provide seasickness medications for free at the reception.

Conclusion

As you may have gathered, seasickness, like other forms of motion sickness, remains largely misunderstood by medicine. However, there are many preventive strategies and natural remedies available to alleviate symptoms.

If, despite all these precautions, you continue to suffer from seasickness, consider a river cruise. Rivers have very little movement, and you won’t even feel the boat moving! It is entirely possible to explore the world through major rivers, whether in Asia, Africa, North America, or South America.

Finally, don’t hesitate to share your concerns when making a reservation. Let’s discuss together to choose the best ships, itineraries, times of year, and the most suitable cabin for your needs. The expertise of a professional is essential to optimise your experience and ensure an enjoyable cruise.

My Sources (Give Credit Where Credit is Due)

• Arnardottir, N. Y., Jonsdottir, S. S., & Petersen, H. (2022). Seasickness among Icelandic seamen. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273477

• Khosravi Babadi, M., & Ghassemi, H. (2024). Optimization of ship hull forms by changing CM and CB coefficients to obtain optimal seakeeping performance. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302054

• Launders, N. J., Nichols, G. L., Cartwright, R., Lawrence, J., Jones, J., & Hadjichristodoulou, C. (2014). Self-reported stomach upset in travellers on cruise-based and land-based package holidays. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083425

• Stoffregen, T. A., Chen, F.-C., Varlet, M., Alcantara, C., & Bardy, B. G. (2013). Getting your sea legs. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066949

• Vanlerberghe, C. (2013, July 4). L'importance de la posture pour le mal de mer. Retrieved from https://sante.lefigaro.fr/actualite/2013/07/04/20896-limportance-posture-pour-mal-mer

• Puressentiel. (n.d.). Qu’est-ce que le mal des transports ? Puressentiel. Retrieved August 18, 2024, from https://fr.puressentiel.com/blogs/conseils/comment-lutter-contre-le-mal-des-transports

• Au Paradis du Thé. (2023, August 25). 20 remèdes de grand-mère contre le mal des transports. Bien-être et relaxation. https://www.auparadisduthe.com/blog/remedes-naturels-contre-le-mal-des-transports/