cruise sea sickness patches

Do you really need a motion sickness patch for your cruise?

You've boarded your first cruise and spy lots of your shipmates sporting a patch behind their ears. Why are they wearing this? Does it improve their cruise experience? What do all those people know that you don't?

Those little circular patches you see behind the ears of so many cruisers are most likely a prescription drug called scopolamine transdermal system. It is often prescribed for situational nausea and vomiting after surgery. However, it is also useful for motion sickness, as you might experience on board cruise ships. The medication contained in the patch is slowly released into the wearer's system over the course of three days. It works through the central nervous system to calm the digestive system.

Now that you know, you might develop a case of FOMO. Should you have asked your doctor for patches for your cruise? When I mentioned the patches to my primary care physician (a fellow cruiser), her response was quick and a bit snarky, "What is up with everybody thinking they need scopolamine patches to go on a cruise?"

She explained that she sees many people with no history of motion sickness who want them. However, she cautions they aren't for everyone.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

After talking with my doctor, I did further research on prescription motion sickness patches for cruising. Here's what I learned about whether you really need that scopolamine patch — or if you're better off without it.

You might not need a patch to weather your cruise

Motion sickness is a possibility on a cruise ship, but don't assume you will experience it on your sailing. Most large ships are stabilized to prevent excessive motion, and the average cruise (especially to popular destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean) takes place in calm waters.

Also, some people are more prone to seasickness than others. If you frequently ride roller coasters and don't have trouble on airplanes no matter how turbulent, or if you can sit in the backseat of a car on a winding mountain road, you probably aren't prone to feeling nauseated from movement.

For many people who do feel ill on a cruise, motion sickness is a limited-time event. It might hit you during the first 24 hours of sailing, quickly calming down as your nervous system adapts to the motion. Symptoms might only affect you when the exact set of circumstances appears that disturbs your equilibrium enough to cause nausea. They may then disappear as soon as the ship rights itself, so to speak, or when you head to the more stable lower decks and gaze out at the horizon.

In this case, too, wearing a patch for the duration of the cruise is not warranted.

Still, there are some people who will become ill just reading about rocking ships or turbulent flights and are extremely nervous about heading out to sea on a boat. If that's you, patches for the duration of any cruise are something you might consider.

Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Not everyone can use scopolamine patches

The active medication in the patches can interact with some other medications. It's a long list and includes common over-the-counter medications like Benadryl. You, your doctor and your pharmacist should carefully evaluate your potential for medication conflicts if you plan to use motion sickness patches during your cruise.

Also, patches aren't the only seasickness remedy you can try. Some people use over-the-counter medication tablets, such as Dramamine or Bonine. You can also try alternatives to medicine like acupressure bands for your wrists or settle your stomach with foods such as green apples, ginger ale or ginger candies, and crackers.

Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise

The patches can have surprising side effects

A motion-sickness patch may look innocuous. However, it is still a prescription medication and can have adverse side effects not to be taken lightly. Consider the possibility of ill effects before you commit to the patch on your next cruise.

For example, I met a woman who put on a patch during her first cruise. She discovered several hours later, as she was putting makeup on that the pupil in one of her eyes was fully dilated — the eye on the side where her patch was placed. She thought she was having a stroke. She contacted her physician, who advised her to immediately remove the patch. The dilation subsided, and all was well for the remainder of her cruise.

She had not experienced any seasickness before using the patch nor after removing it. She had simply taken a proactive approach, just in case. Her medical chart now includes her reaction with a note that she cannot use scopolamine. She does, however, intend to cruise again and hopes her lack of motion sickness on her first cruise will hold true in the future.

Other side effects of the patches include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and even disorientation. Also, a big problem for many cruisers is that you should not consume alcohol while wearing the patch. Doing so intensifies the side effects, especially drowsiness and dizziness.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Patches can be useful in rough seas

Although ship captains aim to avoid dangerously rough seas, cruise ships are designed to handle far larger waves than one might think. That means choppy rides may occur. You'll know rough seas are ahead when you see motion-sickness bags strategically placed in the stairwells.

Scopolamine patches can be useful on any cruise with the potential for large waves, such as hurricane season sailings, transatlantic crossings and cruises through notoriously rough waters, such as the Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica. If you're nervous about feeling ill during any of these sailings, that is the perfect time to talk to your doctor about a prescription for patches.

Related: What to do if you find yourself on a wildly tilting cruise ship

If you are prone to motion sickness in general, talk to your doctor about prescription patches. My physician said she wouldn't have a problem prescribing the patches for someone going on their first cruise if they don't have conflicting medications or conditions and understand that there are side effects.

There are a few itineraries and seasons for which even the most sea-hardy among us might proactively take along a supply of patches. It's better to be prepared and not need them than to suffer through a rough ride without any relief.

If you have successfully worn scopolamine patches in the past without side effects, consider only wearing one the first 24 hours of the cruise or when rough seas are expected.

Bottom line

If you've never cruised but generally don't experience motion sickness, don't assume you'll need seasickness medication for your first sailing. You might be surprised that a cruise ship's ride is much smoother than you thought.

However, if you're worried motion-induced nausea may sideline you during your cruise, talk to your doctor about the best motion sickness medications before you sail.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

Sharing is caring!

If you’re going on a cruise and concerned that you might get seasick, you’re not alone. Asking “how to prevent seasickness on a cruise” , is one of the most common questions people have when planning a cruise.

After all, getting seasick really could ruin your vacation. While it’s less likely to happen on today’s large, modern cruise ships, I can tell you from personal experience, it does still happen.

The good news is that there are effective remedies for motion sickness, and these work very well on a cruise. 

In this post, I share 10 ways to prevent, treat and ideally avoid seasickness altogether while cruising. I’ve included recommendations for seasickness medications, as well as natural remedies that really work.

As well, we’ll go through some frequently asked questions about how to manage seasickness on cruise ships. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to deal with the motion of the ocean, and prevail!

Seasickness on a Cruise

First, let’s go through what to expect if you do get seasick while on a cruise.

What are the symptoms of seasickness?

The symptoms of seasickness on a cruise can include feeling dizzy or having a headache. You may have also feel nauseous, have stomach cramps and even vomit.

For me, early symptoms of motion sickness include lightheadedness and a mild queasy feeling. I try and catch it at this early point, and after more than 20 cruises, this has worked for me.

The tips that I share below will help you to manage any seasickness symptoms.

Why does motion sickness happen on a cruise ship?

How come people get motion sickness on a cruise? Motion sickness happens due to repeated or continuous movement that affects our inner ear and sense of balance. As the cruise ship sails, some people can be affected by this motion.

Seasickness is another way to motion sickness, but on a cruise ship. You may also have heard the expression, “mal de mer”, which is French for sickness of the seas.

How likely are you to get seasick on a cruise ship?

Even though concerns about getting seasick on a cruise is a very common worry, especially for first time cruisers , most people will be fine. Modern cruise ships are built with stability and comfort in mind, and have stabilizers which are used, especially in rough seas.

However, you may feel some motion or slight vibration while on a cruise. I mention this as we were a bit surprised to find this out on our first cruise.

So many people said “you won’t feel the ship move” . They mean well, but on some cruises you’ll feel more movement then others, so it’s best to be prepared. 

In some cases, the ship can hit rougher seas and high winds, and there will be some rocking. However, let me assure you that a large cruise ship will feel nothing like the movement on a small boat or even a ferry.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Cruise

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Life Well Cruised is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

One of the best ways to deal with seasickness on a cruise, is to prevent and avoid it if at all possible. These 10 seasickness prevention tips are ones that have worked for us, as well as many avid cruisers and crew. 

1. Pick the right cruise cabin location

Before we get into what seasickness medications work best and some other tips and tricks, we should talk about cruise cabin locations.

To prevent seasickness, be sure that you choose the best stateroom location possible. If you’re new to cruising and unsure how you’ll feel, choose a mid-ship location.

These are the most desirable cabins because there will be less movement in the middle of the ship. Whether you choose an inside cabin , or a balcony cabin , try and choose a cabin that is as center as possible.

If a mid-ship cabin isn’t available, then opt for an aft cabin  or mid-aft stateroom. If at all possible, try to avoid a forward cabin , as many cruise passengers report feeling more motion in this location. 

A travel agent can help you to pick the best cabin for you, and look out for any other cabins to avoid .

2. Pick a “calm” cruise itinerary 

While the seas can be unpredictable, there are some cruise itineraries that generally have calmer seas, than others. If you’re concerned about getting seasick, avoid trans-Atlantic crossings and other itineraries where the seas can be fierce.

Your travel agent will be able to help you navigate the possibilities (pun intended), as a rule of thumb, the Western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico tend to have more stable seas.

3. Green Apples

Would you like to know a cruise tip that really works to get over seasickness on a cruise? Eat a granny smith or green apple.

This has long been a favorite crew and passenger tip. In our experience, it really does help.

Often, eating a green apple will settle the stomach if you start to feel nauseous due to seasickness. Apparently, the pectin in green apples helps to neutralize acid in the stomach, and the natural sugar helps settle the stomach

You’ll find green apples in the buffet, so it’s a good idea to take a couple back to your room, in case you need them later on in the cruise.

4. Ginger candies

Another natural remedy for dealing with motion sickness while cruising is ginger. If you don’t want to eat raw ginger, you can buy ginger candies or even dried, sugar coated natural ginger.

Some cruise lines, such as Cunard , even give out ginger in the evening with dinner when the seas are rough.

While I prefer not to eat raw ginger, I always bring some ginger candies and usually find them very effective in preventing seasickness before it starts.

Recommended: Ginger candies – organic and gluten free (Amazon)

5. Bonine or Dramamine

An over the counter medication like Bonine or Dramamine, can be highly effective to deal with symptoms of seasickness, so you can enjoy your cruise. 

In our experience, worked very well, alleviating seasickness symptoms without drowsiness.

Make sure to bring a pack or two your toiletry bag or cruise first aid kit . This way, if you need it you won’t have to hope the shop is still open on the cruise ship. 

Recommended: Bonine Motion Sickness prevention tablets (see Amazon reviews & price here)

6. Seabands

A favorite cruise essential for many, seabands are wristbands that alleviate motion sickness symptoms. They work with acupressure buttons to prevent symptoms of seasickness and many cruisers have very good results. Seabands are natural and contain no medication, plus, they’re reusable.

If you think that you may be prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take along seabands for both adults and children , in case.

  Recommended: Seabands (check on Amazon for variety packs)

7. Motion Sickness Patch/Scopolamine

If you’re prone to motion sickness, scopolamine patches, which are placed behind the ear, are very effective in preventing seasickness.

They are a preventative treatment, and should be used ideally before symptoms begin, and need to be changed every 3 days. They may only be available by prescription, so talk with your doctor to see if they’re right for you.

There are also non-prescription seasickness prevention patches available, that many use and find effective. Check out the information and reviews to learn more.

8. Acupuncture

Another preventative treatment for motion sickness on a cruise is acupuncture . An alternative treatment, it’s effectiveness isn’t conclusive. Anecdotal reports suggest many patients have had good results.

My mother-in-law, who also suffers from vertigo periodically, uses acupuncture before she goes on a cruise. I’ve been on cruises with her, and have seen how it definitely worked for her. She was well and unaffected, even while others were swaying and turning green during an evening of very rough seas.

If you already use acupuncture, you may want to ask your practitioner if he or she thinks it will help to prevent seasickness on your cruise. As always, please do check with your physician.

9. Keep hydrated

It may sound simple, but keeping hydrated by drinking a lot of water will help prevent feelings of seasickness. While on a cruise you may be getting too much sun and even drinking too many alcoholic drinks, which can lead to becoming dehydrated. 

By keeping hydrated, your body will be at it’s best and less prone to nausea, headaches, dizziness and upset stomach. It’s also helpful to avoid very fatty or spicy food.

Cruise tip – Bring along a refillable water bottle , to stay hydrated on your cruise.

10. Get fresh air

If you suddenly start to feel unwell, with symptoms dizziness and nausea, try and get fresh air as soon as possible. A good place to sit is on the Lido deck, near the mid-ship pool. This location, in the open space and with a sea breeze, is probably the best place to grab a green apple and wait for symptoms to subside.

There is also advice to look at the horizon. This may work for some, however in our experience, if there are large waves, this may do more harm than good.

A word of caution – often taking medication to remedy or even prevent motion sickness symptoms as soon as they start is most effective.

Best Motion Sickness Medication for a Cruise

As a recap, these are the most effective and recommended seasickness medications and natural remedies for a cruise (all Amazon links).

Seabands (for adults)

Seabands (for children)

Dramamine (long lasting nausea relief)

Dramamine for kids (see choices on Amazon)

Ginger candies

Motion sickness patches

Watch our YouTube video below for more tips on preventing seasickness while cruising

Recap: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

A common concern for new cruisers, is how to avoid and prevent getting seasick on a cruise. In this post, we went over what to expect on a cruise, and how likely it is to feel symptoms of motion sickness on a modern cruise ship.

We also shared 10 effective tips for preventing and dealing with seasickness on a cruise. The remedies include both seasickness medication and natural remedies, that have been shown to be useful and helpful for cruisers.

Don’t forget to pack some seasickness medication or prevention treatments to bring along on your cruise vacation.

Have you ever been seasick on a cruise? What tips, medications or treatments did you find worked best?

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have

What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise (packing list)

25 Cruise Essentials Most Popular on Amazon

21 Things People Forget to Pack for a Cruise (and regret)

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

Let’s connect:

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised  (Vlogs and cruise tips)

Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

15 Comments

I read this article prior to going on a cruise to the Bahamas and found some of these tips very helpful. When searching for an acupressure band I came across NoMo Nausea at CVS. It is an silicone acupressure wristband that is infused with peppermint essential oils. I have tried sea bands before and while they provided slight nausea relief for me, I found the peppermint scent combined with the acupressure to work more effectively when reducing my sea sickness. Hope this helps for others who also experience seasickness!

Hi Juliette,

Firstly, thanks so much for reading this and then taking the time to come back and add your suggestion. That’s really interesting – I’ll have to keep an eye out for a seaband combined with that scent.

I’m sure your personal suggestion will be helpful to someone.

Hope you enjoyed your cruise!

Hello! Thank you for all the great information.. Another thing that helps with seas sickness is lime. Slicing and smelling the lime really works. I learned this on a snorkeling trip in Mexico. I want feeling well from all the bobbing in the water and was given lime by the locals and in a short time I was feeling myself again. On my last cruise I asked my waiter to bring me lime slices as the dining room was in the front of the ship and soon the entire table was enjoying the lovely sent of lime and feeling great!

Thanks so much for this! Great info!

Glad the info was helpful Becky. Have a great cruise!

• Pingback: What You Need to Know if You're Cruising Out of South Florida - Coastlines to Skylines

I love using Motioneaze oil. You rub it behind your ear and it really works! Expensive on the ship but not too bad on Amazon or at CVS.

Thanks Tricia. I’ve never heard of it or used it, but that sounds great.Great tip to pre-buy rather than get it on the ship.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂

Ilana and Tricia – I experienced fairly serious motion sickness on our 2nd sea day — I wasn’t the only one, as the ship staff stocked those “special bags” everywhere.. Nevertheless, I was wearing seabands, I took Dramamine; tried all sorts of remedies and preventives; and nothing worked all day until my friend gave me Motioneaze. Within minutes of applying this behind my ears, I felt immensely better. (It’s possible that the seas were finally calming by then!). Thank you for great posts!!!

Thanks for sharing the recommendation!

Tricia,, I have never heard of this, going to check it out. Thanks so much!

My understanding is that it is good to look at horizon so your eyes and ears “agree”. It works for me.

That’s awesome and good advice. That works for me, but my husband will feel more sick. I have a feeling it’s because the wobbly feeling has already set in.

Thanks Patty for the comment – I know it will be helpful to others 🙂

Dramamine now makes a “Non-Drowsy Naturals” version of their motion sickness pills. I have always found that regular Dramamine and Bonine make me feel very sleepy (even the non-drowsy formulas). However, I was able to take the Dramamine Naturals version (made with ginger) and it worked just as quickly on the motion sickness and did not make me drowsy at all.

That’s great to know Melissa. Thanks so much for sharing how well this worked for you. I love ginger so perhaps I’ll try it next cruise 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How I Finally Discovered A Seasickness Cure That Lets Me Take Cruises

• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Travel Tips
• Types of Travel

To say I get seasick very easily is a sick understatement.

I’ve gotten seasick on a 2,000-passenger cruise ship in the Caribbean. I’ve gotten sick on the 100-car auto-ferry that putters sturdily from Lewes, Delaware, to Cape May, New Jersey. I got sick while snorkeling on gentle waves in Baja Mexico, on both a Jetski and a pontoon boat on a tiny lake in Michigan, and even, somehow, while rocking silently in a motor boat roped to a dock. 

But I have never vomited. Instead, I become nauseated and disoriented and I simply shut down, withdrawing from any contact or activity with my fellow travelers. I disappear into an exquisitely uncomfortable, dizzy isolation. I am light-headed, inert, and lame-brained.

The symptoms seemed so strange — so different from the toilet-hugging episodes others report — that I began to wonder if this was actually motion sickness at all, or just some idiosyncratic behavioral response to waterborne travel: I hate being here, go away. 

But a detailed summary published by the National Library of Medicine validates my experience. For some, motion sickness “may appear to untrained observers as apathy, boredom, irritability, and personality changes.” In more severe cases, it says, one symptom can be “social isolation.”

On the Mexico snorkeling trip, a friend saw how I was behaving and thought my wife and I had gotten into a terrible argument.

It would be so much easier to just puke and be done with it. 

Why Motion Sickness Happens

Nearly everybody is susceptible to motion sickness in extreme cases. Friends who have taken small-ship cruises to Antarctica through hellish storms report that nearly all the guests were curled in their beds, with buckets at their sides.

Habituation can reduce the effects, which explains why the crews of those Antarctic ships empty the guests’ buckets instead of filling them themselves. But most of us are not on the water in rough conditions often enough to get used to it.

To oversimplify, motion sickness occurs when the various systems in your body responsible for balance — your inner ear, eyes, bones, and muscles — are in conflict with each other. Let’s say you’re just sitting at a café on the middle deck of a mega cruise ship the size of an aircraft carrier. Your body feels stable. The surface of your cappuccino is placid. You have no view of the sea. But your inner ear registers subtle motion. 

This conflict of inputs leads to a cascade of physiological actions, with alarm signals rushing through your brainstem, thalamus, and cortex, finally reaching the vomiting center and resulting in a powerful nausea.

Yes, medical sources call it the “vomiting center.”

What I’ve Tried For Sea Sickness

Because my strong tendency to motion sickness restricts my travel choices, I have diligently tried everything said to work by many others. 

• Dramamine, Bodine, Marezine: All are powerful, widely available antihistamines. They knock me out. Worse, they provide little relief.
• The Transderm Scop patch: Widely considered the medical intervention that best balances positive benefits and negative side effects, it’s a prescription patch you wear behind your ear. I gave it a try on a cruise. It helped a bit on calm western Caribbean waters. But the patch made me dizzy and drowsy. 
• Ginger ale, ginger candy, ginger supplements: Nope.
• Acupressure wrist bands: You must be kidding.

What Finally Cured My Motion Sickness

Recently, a friend and her new boyfriend Dean — a proud open-water sailor and owner of a 37-foot sailboat he keeps not far from Annapolis, Maryland — invited my lovely wife and me for an afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay.

We wanted to accept the social invitation. Winds were expected to be light, around 10 mph according to the National Weather Service, with waves up to 3 feet. 

I told Dean about my delicate constitution, and he said, conspiratorially: Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

He assured me he had a medication all sailors use in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Mediterranean — everywhere he sails. In most places, it’s available over the counter. While it’s an antihistamine, it doesn’t make you drowsy. Nobody Dean knows bothers with other treatments. It’s the go-to drug for the British Royal Navy. 

The drug is called Stugeron, known generically as cinnarizine .

About half an hour before we motored away from the dock, he handed me a plastic-and-foil blister pack. Take one 25 milligram pill, he said. I did.

Miraculously: It worked. 

For the first time, I was able to enjoy the water like a normal person. We spent a couple of hours rockin’ around the bay. I realize waves of 3 feet are not rough seas, but they were more than enough to have sent me unprotected into a stupor. Throughout, I was symptom-free. I was able to run ropes through pulleys and fasten them to cleats and so forth.

I was able to feel the breeze on my face and tug my hat against the wind, enjoying the view, the spray, and yes, even the constant bobbing up and down. The monster wakes generated by distant cargo ships didn’t faze me a bit.

Getting Your Hands On Stugeron

The FDA has stubbornly refused to approve Stugeron for sale in the U.S. This is because Stugeron is a calcium channel blocker. Those who take blood pressure medicine recognize this kind of drug can, in rare cases, lead to low blood pressure. The FDA ruled that this exposes too many people to risk allowing its use, even under a doctor’s supervision.

Many other nations’ medical agencies disagree. I am no doctor or medical expert, so I leave it to others to figure out if the FDA is right and everybody else is wrong, or vice versa.

But all this means my new sailing buddy Dean and I simply need to order Stugeron by mail from a Canadian pharmacy. (If you are at risk of low blood pressure, I recommend you educate yourself further before doing so.)

I placed an order. The pills arrived without incident. I feel like a new world of travel opportunities is open to me. 

A gourmet small-ship cruise of the Baltic! A remote snorkeling adventure in Australia! A journey among the Greek islands! A small-ship voyage to Antarctica? Who knows?

They live in Bethesda, Maryland, not too far from their two boys, who are both married and fully launched.

Seasickness is one of the most common (and worst) ways to spoil a vacation. Constant nausea, headaches, and discomfort are the last feelings anyone wants, especially while traveling or enjoying a getaway. Motion sickness on a cruise can affect anyone, even people with little to no prior history of it. Thankfully, there are a variety of steps you can take to prevent and stop sea sickness in its tracks during your cruise.

Note that every person is different, so popular options that work for some may not be the best choice for others. For first-time cruisers, it’s worth trying a few remedies to find the best motion sickness medication that works for you.

What Causes Motion Sickness on Cruises?

Best over-the-counter nausea medicine for cruises: dramamine and bonine (mild to moderate), prescription scopolamine patch for cruises (moderate to severe), prochlorperazine suppositories: when all else fails (severe), natural and holistic treatments for motion sickness (mild).

• Practical Tips on Preventing Seasickness on a Cruise

To fix motion sickness, knowing what causes it is important. When you’re inside a moving cruise ship, your eyes perceive everything as still. Meanwhile, your inner ear, which works to keep your body balanced, senses movement and sends contrasting signals to your brain. This mixed messaging can cause unpleasant effects ranging from slight discomfort to strong nausea and vomiting.

What is the Best Medicine for Cruise Motion Sickness?

While prevention is the best defense, there's a wide range of options to find the best medicine to take on a cruise. Between over-the-counter, like Dramamine and Bonine, to prescription-strength, such as Scopolamine patches and suppositories, and various alternatives like acupressure bands and natural remedies, you’ll be well-equipped for smooth sailing.

Over-the-counter antiemetic drugs like Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and Meclizine (Bonine) are both effective and easily accessible, making them some of the best seasickness medication for cruises.

Dramamine medication for seasickness on cruises works by blocking the signals to the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. It’s effective for 4-6 hours and should be taken as needed (not exceeding the maximum daily dosage recommended on the package).

While it’s widely recognized as the best medication for motion sickness on a cruise, a common side effect of taking Dramamine for cruises is drowsiness, which may temporarily sideline you from vacation activities. A non-drowsy option is available but isn’t considered to be as effective as the standard formula.

Bonine is another great medicine for cruisers facing motion sickness, hailed for its long-lasting effects ranging up to 24 hours for a once-daily dose. Bonine’s fast-acting relief properties also make it one of the best nausea medicine for cruises that may hit rough, choppy waters unexpectedly.

Like Dramamine, Bonine may cause drowsiness, with additional side effects like dry mouth and headaches. If you’re planning to enjoy alcohol during your cruise, consider other anti nausea for cruise options. Mixing alcohol with Dramamine or Bonine can intensify their side effects significantly.

If you’re looking for a more potent medicine for seasickness, cruise patches are an excellent choice. Among patches for motion sickness, cruisers tend to choose Scopolamine over others. This transdermal patch delivers long-lasting relief to your central nervous system and gut when placed behind your ear, working for up to three days after application.

The Scopolamine patch is recommended as the best motion sickness patch for cruisers who’ve experienced moderate to severe seasickness in the past.

Known as the best seasickness patch for cruises for its ease of administration and consistent effectiveness, it’s important to be prepared for possible side effects like dry mouth and dizziness. Consult with your doctor first if you have a history of respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, urological, psychiatric, renal, hepatic, or muscular disorders. Avoid alcohol while using Scopolamine as the combination can heighten side effects.

One less commonly prescribed, but arguably the most effective medicine for cruise motion sickness, is physician-administered Prochlorperazine (Compro or Compazine). This suppository is typically available onboard, especially for guests facing severe symptoms such as cold sweats, pallor, and constant vomiting. Your cruise physician can assist with administration up to twice a day.

Prochlorperazine works by quickly targeting and neutralizing substances in your body that cause nausea and vomiting. Its effects usually last about 3 to 4 hours before having to be re-administered. Prochlorperazine is the best seasick medicine for cruisers who can’t hold down food during their cruise, especially children older than 2 years.

Common side effects of Prochlorperazine include dry mouth, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, and stuffy nose; however, they are usually mild and go away on their own Prochlorperazine is not recommended if you have a history of blood clots, bowel blockage, or epilepsy. Talk to your cruise physician if you begin to experience nausea or vomiting at sea.

Apart from medicines, motion sickness bands, or acupressure sea-bands, are one of the more gentle seasickness remedies cruisers tend to opt for. Sea Bands for cruises work by pressing a plastic bead against the Nei-Kuan pressure point on your wrist. By hitting that pressure point, the median nerve is stimulated, which disrupts nausea signals from being sent to the brain.

A frequently asked question is “can you wear sea bands overnight”? While the answer is yes, the effectiveness may differ from one person to another.

For some people, natural methods are the best remedies for seasickness on a cruise, with ginger being a popular choice. Ginger works to ease nausea by clearing out your stomach and can be taken in many forms, like candies, teas, or pills.

Essential oils, like peppermint and lavender, complement your natural arsenal by soothing stomach discomfort and promoting overall well-being. Try inhaling these oils through a diffuser to relax the gastric muscles, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Many travelers swear by a combination of holistic treatments as the best motion sickness remedy for cruises. Mix and match these remedies to naturally prevent nausea and vomiting without medicine.

Practical Tips on How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

One of the best motion sickness prevention for cruises is to care for your health and well-being while on board, making it easier to have fun and explore. Here's a brief checklist of how to prepare effectively:

• Room Selection : The best cruise rooms for motion sickness are in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck.
• Cruise Cabins to Avoid : Do not book a room at the front or back of the ship, since that is where motion is felt the most.
• Stay Refreshed : Avoid big, rich meals and alcohol. Eat lighter foods in smaller portions, while drinking plenty of fluids. Drink water or drinks with electrolytes, and avoid heavily caffeinated or sugary drinks.
• Eat Green Apples : The pectin in green apples neutralizes stomach acid, and the natural sugars can settle a queasy stomach. Tossing a couple into your diet can make green apples seasickness solutions that are both effective and delicious.
• Get Enough Sleep : Make sure to stay well rested during your cruise. Sleep deprivation can worsen motion sickness symptoms.
• Limit Technology Use : Looking at a screen can worsen motion sickness symptoms. Try to spend as little time on screens as possible well on the ship.
• Avoid Smoking : Smoking can enhance motion sickness symptoms.

Sail Beyond Seasickness

With the best cruise motion sickness medicines on hand, visit Cruisebound to find your next cruise. Whether you opt for a cruise medicine or a non-pharmaceutical remedy for nausea, the world's wonders are yours to explore without the worry of motion sickness.

• Cruise Tips / Cruising

How to Prevent Sea Sickness on a Cruise

by Prof. Cruise · Published May 31, 2022 · Updated February 12, 2024

Some people find out they’re prone to sea sickness the hard way, on their honeymoon where they spend the first three days in bed not doing what one is supposed to be doing in bed on their honeymoon. And by “some people,” I mean Mr. Cruise and I. But despite what was lost (mystery and the contents of our stomachs) on that cruise 11 years ago, I still managed to gain a love and passion for cruising that led me to eventually quit my job as a college professor to cruise and write about cruising full-time. But it also led to years of research and trial and error in a quest to find the best sea sickness solutions for myself and my family.

So the purpose of this post is to share and compare 5 of the most widely used sea sickness remedies, all remedies I’ve tried myself and several I still rely on today. While 4 of the 5 are available over-the-counter and while I’m technically a “Dr,” I’m not the kind of doctor that can give you reliable medical advice. And even if I were, I thought north was whichever way one was facing until high school and still have to check for a small birth mark on the inside of my arm to tell left from right, so I don’t think you’d want me performing any procedures requiring directional awareness. All that to say, speak with an actual medical doctor about the best options for your individual circumstances and needs. But hopefully this gives you a place to start in understanding your options.

Cruise Sea Sickness Remedies Compared

I’ll discuss each of these 5 popular sea sickness remedies individually, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, but if you’re a visual person or have the attention span of a terrier puppy attending a training school adjacent to a Brazilian steakhouse, here’s a quick, visual overview:

Five Options to Prevent Sea Sickness on a Cruise

And here are more details about these five popular options I’ve tried to prevent sea sickness on a cruise.

Herbal Over-The-Counter Sea Sickness Patches

I use these patches available to purchase on Amazon , but most brands are very similar:

How do herbal over-the-counter patches work to prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

A unique combination of herbs absorbed through the skin prevent nausea and vomiting by adjusting the control of the vagal nerve leading to the gastrointestinal tract and expanding the capillaries of the skin to improve micro-circulation and increase the amount of oxygen getting to the brain. I have no idea what any of that means, but these patches have always worked great for me and I just picked up another pack for my next cruise:

Sorry for the weird photo. I’m not in witness protection or anything, I just didn’t feel like dealing with my brows so early in the morning. But can anyone spot the Norwegian Sun in the background?

Advantages of herbal over-the-counter sea sickness patches for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• 100% natural and drug free
• Inexpensive
• Safe for kids
• Does not cause drowsiness or dizziness
• No prescription required
• Easy to apply and remove
• One patch lasts up to 3 days
• Safe to use with alcohol
• No large pills to swallow

Disadvantages of herbal over-the-counter sea sickness patches for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• May not work well for some with a history of severe motion sickness

When I worked as a collage professor I used to take a group of students to China for three weeks every summer and was always fascinated by the medical treatments provided when myself or one of my students became ill or injured. While they seemed foreign and initially I was sometimes skeptical, they generally worked great and I reminded myself that billions of people have been successfully treated using eastern medicine throughout history. Which brings us to one of the most popular methods – drawn from eastern medicine, but used across the globe – for preventing and treating sea sickness: Sea-Bands .

How do Sea-Bands work to prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

A plastic knob sewn into the inside of a knitted elastic wristband exerts pressure and stimulates the Nei-Kuan (P6) acupressure point.

Advantages of Sea-Bands for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Safe for children and available in child sizes
• No side effects
• Begin to work immediately

Disadvantages of Sea-Bands for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• They are unattractive
• They get in the way of wearing a watch or jewelry

Ginger Capsules

Ginger capsules, another remedy for sea sickness drawn from eastern medicine, have been very effective for me in both preventing and treating sea sickness. For many years they were my go-to until I started experiencing some heartburn and acid reflux with them. I still pack them (along with some antacids) for every cruise and use them along with herbal patches on extra rough sea days.

I use these Dramamine brand non-drowsy ginger capsules .

How do ginger capsules work to prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

While the effects of ginger are still be studied, it is believed that it treats nausea associated with motion sickness by preventing gastric dysrhythmias and the elevation of plasma vasopressin. I have literally no idea what any of that means, but it works and well-known and trusted western brands like Dramamine are now selling ginger capsules as a treatment for motion sickness.

Advantages of ginger capsules for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Safe for kids 6+ (if they can swallow a large capsule)

Disadvantages of ginger capsules for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Capsules are large and some may find them difficult to swallow
• Can cause acid reflux or heartburn

While Bonine is marketed as “LESS DROWSY than Dramamine,” it contains a medication called meclizine which can still cause mild to moderate drowsiness. But if you want a non-herbal over-the-counter medicine, this is the best I’ve found.

How does Bonine work to prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

Meclizine, the active ingredient in Bonine , is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of histamine in the body.

Advantages of Bonine for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Small, chewable tablets are easy to take
• Very effective in both preventing and treating sea sickness in most people
• Available without a prescription

Disadvantages of Bonine for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and headaches
• Not safe to use with certain other medications, especially opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Be sure to check with your doctor.
• Not safe to use with alcohol
• Not safe for children under 12

Scopolamine Prescription Patches

If you have a history of severe motion sickness, you may want to discuss Scopolamine prescription patches with your doctor.

How do Scopolamine patches work to prevent sea sickness on a cruise?

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication and works by calming your stomach and blocking signals in the part of your brain that causes nausea and vomiting.

Advantages of Scopolamine patches for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• One patch lasts 3 days
• Can be very effective for those with a history of severe motion sickness

Disadvantages of Scopolamine patches for preventing sea sickness on a cruise

• Prescription required
• Can cause drowsiness, blurry vision, confusion, and dry mouth
• You must take it at least 4 hours prior to sailing
• It’s not effective for treating nausea or vomiting that’s already happening
• Not safe when taken with certain other medications (check with your doctor)

Which of these sea sickness remedies do you currently use when cruising?

These days I always apply an over-the-counter herbal patch behind my ear prior to boarding and switch it out every few days. I also pack ginger capsules which I occasionally still take at the first hint of (rare with the patches) nausea. I also pack Bonine as a backup, but haven’t had to use it in over a dozen cruises and it’s probably long expired by now. If you’re new to cruising, I’d suggest speaking with your doctor about your particular circumstances (any medications you’re already taking, etc) and packing several different options deemed safe for you. Everyone is unique and you’ll find many people fiercely loyal to each of the options I’ve discussed. Find what works best for you, but let me warn you, regardless of what you choose, you might disembark from your first cruise with a new addiction: to CRUISING! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN so you can refer back to this guide later and be sure to share with your cruising friends and social medial groups!

Homework (10 points): Read my 20 Pro Tips To Save Money On A Cruise Ship . And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

Instagram  (@profcruise)

TikTok  (profcruise)

*I participate in several affiliate programs including Amazon Associates and may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase products through links on my site. All funds go to support the work of the blog. Thanks for your support!

Share this:

You may also like....

Live From The Carnival Miracle On Her First Post-Covid Cruise To Alaska

July 28, 2021

 by Prof. Cruise · Published July 28, 2021 · Last modified August 3, 2021

ms Noordam Signature Suite Tour and Review

January 7, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published January 7, 2023

25 Holland America Dining Secrets

December 28, 2022

 by Prof. Cruise · Published December 28, 2022 · Last modified January 3, 2023

• Next story Excursion Review: Mahajuitas Cove, Yelapa, and Lunch in Puerto Vallarta
• Previous story Carnival 8 Day Dinner Menus, Updated May 2022

About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

Email Address

Subscribe To Blog

Search and you shall (hopefully) find!

Save on shore excursions.

Start your own travel blog with hosting from Bluehost!

Popular Posts

• Find a Cruise

If the only thing standing between you and an unforgettable cruise vacation on one of Celebrity Cruises’ luxury ships is worrying about whether or not you’ll get seasick on a cruise, these tips about dealing with motion sickness will ease your mind and body so you can happily book your cruise.

What causes seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that results when what your eye sees is out of balance with what your inner ear senses. If your body feels motion but your eye doesn’t see it, your senses become confused and can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and tiredness.

Motion sickness can happen in almost any mode of travel, such as cars, trains, or even on a roller coaster.

How long does seasickness last on a cruise?

If you feel seasick at the start of a cruise, the good news is that for the great majority of passengers, seasickness usually subsides once you get your “sea legs,” which means your senses adjust and your equilibrium returns.

For most passengers who feel seasick at the start of a cruise, taking over-the-counter remedies and using the techniques recommended in this article will help you feel better in a few hours to a day or two. In some cases, particularly in rougher sea weather, seasickness may last longer.

Can you feel the ship move on a cruise?

Celebrity Cruises’ fleet of innovative cruise ships are so well designed and engineered that most of the time you won’t even feel the ship moving. Each ship is designed to give you as smooth a ride as possible without compromising the multiple activities available onboard and the spectacular on-deck views.

Our ships have stabilizers to keep the boat from rocking. Even a tilting of 1% is considered unacceptable, and Celebrity Cruises uses advanced technology to make sure your ship stays stable and calm.

What kind of cruise ships are best to avoid seasickness?

If you’re concerned about being seasick on a cruise, it’s good to know that Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships , which include Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, and Celebrity Reflection, are built for smooth sailing, with fin-like stabilizers mounted beneath the ship’s waterline to ensure smooth sailing.

To give you an idea of the size and heft of these ships, each is built in post-Panamax dimensions, meaning they are too large to sail through the locks of the Panama Canal. At 122,000 to 126,000 tonnes, they glide through the water at a comfortable average speed of 24 knots, or about 27 miles per hour. They are steel-hull constructed and built with the safety and comfort of passengers in mind.

Celebrity’s newest class of ships, the Edge class, which includes Celebrity Edge and sister ship, Celebrity Apex , are the largest ships in our fleet. At 129,500 tonnes and reaching average cruising speeds of 22 knots, or about 25 miles per hour, they, too, are steel-hull constructed with stabilizers to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers they carry.

Where is the best place to sail to avoid getting seasick on a cruise?

If you know you’re especially susceptible to seasickness, avoid itineraries that spend a lot of time sailing in open water. Cruise itineraries that stay within a sea, such as European cruises that sail along the Mediterranean Sea or Caribbean cruises that depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico are often good bets for having relatively calm waters during cruises.

One way to test the waters if you’re concerned about getting seasick on a cruise is to book a short cruise on a large ship that sails in calm water. We offer 2-night cruises from Florida to the Bahamas on our Millennium-class ship, Celebrity Infinity, and our newly revolutionized Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Equinox.

You’ll have one day at sea in each direction in the usually calm waters between Fort Lauderdale or Miami and the Bahamas. When in port, you’ll have a day to relax and play in the warm sunshine, clear blue water, and white-sand beaches of Nassau .

Another way to minimize your chances of becoming seasick on a cruise is to book a cruise that sails on one of our largest ships, like Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Apex, with 10- or 11-night itineraries that sail within the generally calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cruise from Rome on a 10-night itinerary visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean, like Sicily, Naples, and the gorgeous Greek Islands. Or, sail an 11-night itinerary departing from Rome to Naples and Messina, Corfu, Greece, and up the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, and Trieste in Northern Italy.

On each of these sailings, you’ll only have two nights at sea, with the remaining time spent in port enjoying the glorious sights and pleasure of the Mediterranean.

When choosing an itinerary to avoid seasickness, consider the time of year as well. For instance, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is outside the hurricane season—the months of June through November—as they can increase the wave height and the ship movement you might feel while at sea.

Read: Cruising During Hurricane Season

What’s the best stateroom location to avoid motion sickness on a cruise?

To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you’re worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda. Fresh air access and a horizon view will help alleviate seasickness symptoms.

If lower levels are already booked or you’d like to be on a higher deck for an elevated view or to be closer to the activities on the top decks, book a stateroom in the middle of the ship and avoid staterooms near the front or back (bow or aft) of the ship.

The ships’ deck plans will help you pinpoint the best stateroom location for your needs.

Read: Cruising While Pregnant

What remedies are available to alleviate seasickness on a cruise?

One way to avoid seasickness on a cruise is to get enough rest. Lack of sleep and exhaustion can make you more susceptible to motion sickness.

Motion sickness medication and natural remedies

If you think you might experience motion sickness on a cruise, it’s best to be prepared. There are several over-the-counter, natural, and doctor-prescribed remedies that can help. Be sure to pack whatever seasickness remedy you choose in your carry-on bag, and take as directed, which may mean a few hours prior to boarding your ship.

If you have a doctor-prescribed transdermal patch (scopolamine), apply it as directed at least four hours before boarding your ship. The patch is active for three days, so if you’re traveling on a longer cruise, you should pack replacements.

Don’t panic if you forget to pack motion sickness medication. At the guest relations desk onboard, you’ll find tablets that will help combat seasickness.

There are also some tried and true natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms of seasickness. Ginger, whether in pill form or as a candy, is easy to keep handy as you cruise. Sucking on peppermint candy or smelling peppermint oil is also helpful.

Acupressure & acupuncture

Wearing an acupressure band around your wrist is another natural way to alleviate sea sickness. If you want to take pressure-point therapy one step further, forego the band and seek out an acupuncture specialist. Our onboard spas have acupuncture technicians who will help you relieve your motion sickness.

Though being seasick on a cruise may make you want to curl up in your stateroom and stay there, you’ll be amazed at how dramatically better you’ll feel if you get out and breathe in some fresh air. At the very least, step out on your veranda, take a breath of fresh air, find a spot on the horizon, and keep your eyes on it.

Make an effort to get up to the top deck and do the same. Breathing in fresh air while keeping your eyes on the horizon helps your mind and body get back in sync and may alleviate your symptoms.

What should I eat and drink to avoid motion sickness on a cruise ship?

It may sound like the last thing you want to do, but keeping your stomach full by eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can help ward off nausea from seasickness. At the very least, regularly sipping ginger ale and eating crackers may do the trick for the first 24 hours.

If you’re prone to seasickness, be cautious of your alcohol intake as alcohol can increase dehydration and exacerbate the effects of motion sickness.

Staying hydrated during your cruise is vital, as dehydration can make you feel more seasick.  Our Zero Proof drink package includes unlimited bottles of sparkling and still water, such as San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Evian.

Now that you know how to combat seasickness, browse our cruise itineraries , view cruise accommodations, fights, and activities all in one place or speak to one of our cruise vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086.

Related Itineraries

Bahamas & Perfect Day

• 3 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $549 USD

Key West & Bahamas

• Starting from $563 USD

Bahamas Getaway

• Starting from $603 USD
• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $766 USD
• Starting from $1202 USD

Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $1699 USD

Related Articles

How to Prepare for Your First Cruise

8 Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Port

11 Cruise Picture Ideas

How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler

Bucket List Cruises for Seniors Over 60

What Is a Tender Port?

What Is a Transatlantic Cruise?

How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

14 Essential Cruise Packing Tips

Cruises vs Resorts: Which Is Best?

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Please view our Privacy Policy .

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

The Truth About Seasickness

Our chief medical consultant gives us his best tips on preventing seasickness..

One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is “What if I get seasick?” We understand where the concern comes from, and we have answers. We’ve enlisted Dr. Benjamin Shore, Chief Medical Consultant at Royal Caribbean, to break down the basics and whether it’s actually common for guests to experience seasickness while vacationing at sea.

“Considering the large size of today’s cruise ships , seasickness is rarely a problem,” says Dr. Benjamin Shore. He adds that with innovative design and engineering, ships can also safely navigate around inclement weather , and use stabilizers—fins built off a ship’s port and starboard sides along the water line—to reduce side-to-side motion so most guests never experience any motion sickness.

Before we get to the specifics, here are the basics: Motion sickness occurs when what you see conflicts with what your inner ear senses. In other words, if you’re sitting in a car (not moving) but your inner ear detects movement (the car just hit 70 mph on the highway), the two signals being sent to your brain don’t match. Those mixed signals confuse the brain, and the sensations and symptoms (dizziness, nausea) are the result.

In the event that seasickness does develop, Dr. Shore assures that it’s unlikely to really interrupt your adventure, since all Royal Caribbean ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the dedicated Medical Center on each of our ships, free of charge.

“Additionally, for more troublesome seasickness, our Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide,” Dr. Shore says.

Sometimes the best treatment is prevention. “It’s best that guests who know they are prone to seasickness consult their doctor prior to departure,” Dr. Shore says. If your personal physician thinks it’s appropriate, he or she can prescribe a patch that you can wear to prevent the onset of seasickness. “For prescription patches like Transderm Scop, it’s important for it to be applied prior to boarding to be effective,” he adds.

Dr. Shore notes that there are also lots of natural remedies that can help alleviate motion sickness. “Anecdotally, ginger seems to be helpful, and some people find various aromas (like anise, basil, chamomile and peppermint) or eating dry crackers, even after the onset, of seasickness can help.” If a few sips of ginger ale or chewing fresh ginger doesn’t do the trick, he also suggests going for a short walk to the center of the ship, the most balanced area on board and therefore least likely to produce seasickness symptoms.

An unexpected solution Dr. Shore suggests is “the smelling of newspaper print!” He says, “science has no idea why this works so well, but it actually seems to diminish the sensation of nausea.”

With Dr. Shore’s advice and Royal Caribbean’s staff of medical professionals, it’s only smooth sailing for our guests!

If you’re ready to explore Royal Caribbean’s many destinations (more than 260 ports around the world), click here to set sail on your next vacation.

Related Articles

Where You'll Find Sea Turtles Around the World

Top 4 Destinations To Get Your Culture On

Top Tips and Destinations Around the World

What Clothing To Pack For Your First Cruise

• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

How to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise

By Carnival Cruise Line

Pack Your Medicine

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Remember to Eat

Get Some Air

Watch the Horizon

Avoid Books and Screens

Head to the Middle

Try Acupressure

Look Into Alternative Medicine

There is little better in life than sitting back and enjoying a cruise on the open sea. From the fun onboard activities to the amazing exotic locations, there’s a lot to love about traveling with Carnival cruises . However, the last thing you want is for your wonderful trip to be ruined by something you can’t control. If you are inclined to motion sickness but want to ensure an enjoyable cruise, take the following steps to avoid seasickness.

If you know the rocking of the waves might upset your stomach, plan ahead by packing some medication for seasickness. Antiemetic drugs, or medicine that keeps one from feeling nauseous, are readily available over the counter in drug stores nationwide. Your doctor can prescribe stronger scopolamine medicine in patch or pill form as needed. Either way, be sure you remember to pack these medications to keep you from feeling sick as you cruise to your destination.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

You might find it difficult to rest the night before your cruise – who wouldn’t be excited before a trip like this? However, exhaustion can exacerbate the effects of motion sickness and make you more susceptible to feeling ill. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before setting sail, so your body is rested and ready to fight seasickness if it rears its ugly head.

It may feel counter-intuitive, but traveling on an empty stomach is more likely to make you feel ill than traveling after a light meal. To help settle your stomach, have a simple snack about one hour before you depart, and remember to continue snacking every few hours throughout the cruise. However, avoid fatty, acidic or spicy foods to keep from getting nauseated. You may want to avoid alcohol if you feel like you may become ill, since the dehydration it causes can lower your resistance to sickness.

If you start to feel the telltale signs of nausea, head out onto the deck for some fresh air. This change of environment will alleviate the rise in your body temperature (save that for a day on the beach in the Caribbean ), and the wind in your face will help reduce uncomfortable sweating. While there, focus on your breath to bring yourself back down to a calm and relaxed state.

Most seasickness is attributed to a disconnect between your senses and your physical movement. Watching the water speed past can be disorienting, and trying to keep your balance as the ship moves might only result in motion sickness. However, mariners have been advising this tip forever: simply look out at the horizon – a stable focal point – to reorient yourself. This will help to reset your equilibrium. To make your life a bit easier, request a room with a window so you can keep your eyes on the prize whenever you need to!

While kicking back with a novel or laptop on the way to The Bahamas may sound like a dream, there’s also a good chance it will trigger motion sickness. Watching a stationary object like a book can convince your middle ear it’s wrong, making you feel nauseated. Instead, focus on the horizon or rest with your eyes closed to avoid confusing your body.

The swaying and seesawing of the boat will be most extreme on the outside edges, so head to the middle of the ship to alleviate some of the effect. You may even want to book a room in this area of the cruise ship so your nights are less rocked by the motion of the ocean.

Another popular method for decreasing seasickness is through wearing a wristband that will apply pressure to a spot on your wrist. Whether real or placebo, many people swear by this trick. If you don’t have a wristband on you – or you left it at home when you set sail for Mexico – you can try pressing your wrist with your opposite thumb for relief.

Looking for something to try before you travel to your destination ? Some studies have shown a correlation between getting proactive acupuncture treatment and minimized seasickness. This method focuses on the same area as acupressure wristbands, but it could be useful if you want to try preventing seasickness before you even set sail.

If you aren’t keen on taking pills, rest assured there are plenty of ways to combat seasickness using natural substances. Chewing on ginger or sipping ginger ale is a common approach, but you could also try some classic aromatherapy. Scents like peppermint and lavender can calm your senses and encourage important deep breathing when feeling nauseated.

Of course, if you still find yourself feeling seasick, know that Carnival is happy to get you back on your feet. Head to the Medical Center or call room service for motion sickness pills that will help you feel healthier and ready to greet the day again.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

Thanks for visiting! GoodRx is not available outside of the United States. If you are trying to access this site from the United States and believe you have received this message in error, please reach out to [email protected] and let us know.

How to Deal With Seasickness on a Cruise

Afar’s special cruise correspondent has been on dozens of cruises in her life. despite being prone to seasickness, she has mostly avoided it with these remedies..

• Copy Link copied

Don’t let rough waters ruin your cruise vacation.

Photo by Caleb George/Unsplash

I am a cruise writer who suffers from seasickness. But of the approximately 170 cruises I have been on in my life, I have only actually been sick twice, once in particularly strong waves off the coast of Corsica and once when the Pacific was misbehaving off Baja.

I’ve avoided motion sickness on a cruise by bringing the best motion sickness medicines for cruising and by being familiar with factors that contribute to not feeling great—and how to avoid them. For those who don’t know what seasickness is, it starts with your brain getting conflicting information from your inner ear and eyes.

“Inside the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the inner ear detects changes in both up-and-down and side-to-side acceleration as one’s body bobs along with the boat,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . “But, since the cabin moves with the passenger, one’s eyes register a relatively stable scene. Agitated by this perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.”

Here are some tried-and-true tips and advice for how to avoid motion sickness on a cruise.

Carefully pick your ship and destination

The medications currently available for motion sickness are strong enough that I recently felt only slightly off while crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage (sometimes referred to as the Drake “shake”) between Cape Horn and Antarctica , albeit while the seas were mostly cooperating.

Still, you can ensure a smoother ride by sticking to destinations with relatively calm waters. Popular cruise itineraries tend to be on routes that are less prone to rockiness, such as in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Alaska’s Inside Passage . Once you venture deep into the Atlantic and Pacific, you never know what you’ll get. You may want to keep this in mind if you are a first-time cruiser testing your sea legs.

You’ll experience virtually no seasickness on most river cruises . A great option for those who fear getting seasick are the mostly calm inland waters traversed by river ships.

Modern cruise ships have stabilizers, for a relatively smooth ride wherever you cruise. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you’ll typically feel little movement. Smaller ships may be more of a challenge, but here too you’re likely to find stabilizers. A new generation of expedition ships from brands such as Lindblad Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions are designed with an inverted bow, known as an X-Bow, for a smoother ride.

Choose the right cabin

If you are worried about getting seasick, don’t book a cabin or suite at the very front (or forward end) of the ship, at the very back (aka the aft) of the vessel, or on the upper deck of a ship. These staterooms often feel the most movement. You are better off finding a cabin dead center in the middle of the ship, the most stable area. Also, you might want to make sure you book a cabin with windows so that you can look at the horizon when the ship starts rocking—while it doesn’t work for everyone, keeping your eyes on the horizon can offer a stabilizing effect for some.

The best motion sickness medicines for cruises

If you are worried about being seasick, pack some seasickness medication—options include Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Bonine (meclizine). There is a downside to these medications, in that they may cause drowsiness. (There are some nondrowsy options available as well.)

My rule of thumb is to take a half a pill when I first get onboard and until I feel my body has adjusted to the movement of the sea (which may or may not occur after a couple of days on the water). If you have kids who have a tendency to get carsick, you may want to ask your pediatrician about Dramamine for kids that you can give them when they board and as you figure out how they are responding to the movement of the water.

I also listen carefully to the captain’s daily announcements, which usually include a weather forecast for the day ahead. If waves are predicted to be high (more than 15 feet by my standards), I will make sure to take motion sickness medicine—because the reality of the meds is that they don’t really help once you feel sick, so plan accordingly.

If you forgot to pack medication and are feeling ill, ask at the guest services desk or the medical center—they will likely have medicine and the pills are often free.

What if it gets very choppy?

If I am on a route known for rough weather, such as in the Antarctic, I switch out the over-the-counter pills for a prescription Transderm Scop (scopolamine) patch, which goes behind your ear and steadily delivers medication for up to three days. It’s strong and not for everyone, so ask your doctor whether it’s right for you. A downside to the patch is it can make you very thirsty. The patches are also expensive and may not be covered by your health insurance.

In a worst-case scenario, if you are suffering in very rough seas, the ship’s medical team may be able to give you a shot, which can help keep you from getting sick (aka vomiting) but not necessarily from feeling bad.

Homeopathic remedies

Acupressure wristbands , ginger pills , and candied ginger are among the nonmedication ways to deal with seasickness, and some people swear by them. It sounds completely counterintuitive, but you’ll also feel better if you aren’t hungry, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends eating small amounts of food frequently to help prevent motion sickness. Fortunately, finding food is not a problem on most cruise ships. The CDC also recommends staying hydrated, while limiting both alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

AFAR’s senior travel news editor Michelle Baran, a fellow sufferer of seasickness, says the wristbands work for her to help avoid getting seasick on a cruise; she also chews mint-flavored gum to help ward off stomach problems when sailing. Similar to seasickness medications, the wristbands will often only work if they are slipped on before the water actually gets choppy (she just puts them on and keeps them on for the duration of the cruise). She will also drink a bubbly soda such as ginger ale or cola and will make sure to look at the horizon to stabilize if she gets motion sickness on a cruise—though, like me, she has mostly managed to avoid seasickness by being prepared with medications such as Dramamine and using the above preventative measures and remedies.

Being out on deck in open air sometimes helps, but my own fail-safe remedy if I am feeling ill and all else fails is to lie down and shut my eyes, and either sleep or listen to music or the TV in my cabin.

Why am I still dizzy after a cruise?

Some people feel like they are still moving when they get off a cruise ship, as their body adjusts to being back on dry land. According to the Cleveland Clinic , this is totally normal, and the symptoms in most cases disappear within a day or two. If they don’t, you may have a rare syndrome known as Mal de Debarquement (MDD) that is still under study. The Clinic recommends you consult with your doctor if the symptoms persist.

>> Next: The Essential Cruise Packing List

Free Shipping on Orders $45+ (Domestic and International)

Item added to your cart

Sea Sickness Patch for Cruisers (1 Box per Person per 7 Day Cruise)

All patches are:, • all natural, • safe and effective, • non-drowsy, • fast acting, • water-proof, • approved for use on children (3 & up), • can be combined with use of alcohol.

Fast Shipping

30-Days Trial

Easy Returns

1. tear the protective layer off the patch, adhere the adhesive layer above the navel or the back of your ears., 2. attach the morning of the cruise and replace patch every 18-24 hours or as necessary..

The only all natural Sea-Sickness remedy recommend by doctors!

Rated 5/5 by 88 + happy customers.

The Most Trusted Sea-Sickness patch

We tried them all and found most sea-sickness patches only cured some of the symptoms of sea-sickness. this sea-sickness patch is the best one that we found especially for the constant swaying motion of cruise ships., these patches have been tested to be more effective than scopolamine, bonine or motion-eaze. they are also one-fifth the price of rx prescribed scopolamine patches., 100% all natural ingredients.

Cinnamon Bark

Datura Flower

Frankincense

Dosage Chart

*each patch lasts 18-24 hours depending on the person. use the chart above to determine how many you will need. , what customers like you are saying, rated 5/5 by 88+ happy customers, getting ready for our cruise, we haven't embarked on our cruise yet but we plan to use our ship-eez, - rory b.

• Verified Customer

Worked Amazing

This was my first time using ship-eez sea sickness patches instead of the prescription ones and they worked amazing, -  robin p., worked great for our family, we had one night on the cruise that was a little rocky. the ship-eez was a big help, -  sue elder.

Money Back Guarantee

We love our sea sickness patch for cruisers and are confident you will too that’s why we’re offering a 30-day, risk-free trial. if you’re not satisfied, we’ll gladly issue a full refund in accordance with our return & refund policy, customer reviews.

I never get seasick on these!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Had high winds for 24 hrs. Got sea sick once Had 55 mph cross winds for a few hours. Really big swells.

Went on a 7 day cruise with rough seas and ship eez worked great!! So thankful I bought it.

No side effects and definitely no motion sickness.

Worked great for me and my husband. Also have enough for my next cruise!

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

5 ways to beat seasickness on your next cruise

If there's one thing that will kill your vacation vibe quicker than a delayed flight can ruin your plans, it's getting seasick the first night on a cruise. It happens to a lot of people, and the cure for motion sickness is different for everyone.

First off, what is seasickness? According to WebMD , which classifies it as the same thing as motion sickness, you can expect symptoms like nausea, headaches, sweating, and vomiting. Dizziness and cold sweats are also associated with strong bouts of motion sickness.

Lucky for the weak-stomached of the world, cruise ships are often large enough to avoid the expected "rocking" motion that comes with a boat ride. Without the constant reminder that, yes, you are rolling about on the sea, your inner ear is confused into thinking you're on solid ground. Massive cruise ships also come with built-in stabilizers that react to choppier seas by balancing out the waves for an easier ride. Now, hit an extra bad patch of weather, and all bets are off — just as turbulence irritates motion sickness on an airplane or a particularly bumpy road would bring about car sickness .

There are a couple of things you can do to combat seasickness. Read on and learn:

Choose your cabin wisely.

In an interview with Yahoo , Susan Suver — who manages medical operations at Holland America Line — shared that the location of your cabin is key. "The more towards the middle of the ship, the better," Suver said. "You’ll feel more stable. If you have a tendency to get seasick, avoid cabins the farthest aft [rear] or the farthest forward."

Take medication.

There are some over-the-counter options out there for those looking to kick seasickness symptoms aside. Dramamine and Bonine are both great options for when you know you're going to be hitting some choppy areas. Doctors are also able to prescribe stronger medications, but this requires an office visit — plan accordingly.

Use a motion band.

There are wristbands on the market that utilize acupuncture to relieve the wearer of motion sickness and its symptoms. If you're not a fan of bracelets, there are also patches that can be worn behind the ear to help prevent the side effects of seasickness. Transderm Scop is one of these medications, which requires the wearer to put it on eight hours before they expect their motion sickness to occur. The best part: It lasts up to three days.

Take in the ocean view.

If you find yourself with a bad bout of motion sickness, CruiseCritic.com recommends taking in some fresh air and seaside views to help alleviate your discomfort. The fresh air will help you re-center, and staring at the horizon will help balance your inner ear.

Eat the right things.

There are certain foods that help combat motion sickness. If you start to feel it coming on, LiveStrong.com recommends you reach for one of these:

• Ginger — Pro tip: Candied ginger is a great vacation snack!
• Saltine crackers
• Lemon — Water with a lemon wedge or two will not only help, but it's refreshing.
• Olives — These little guys help reduce saliva, making it harder to get that pre-vomit salivation.

Don't let a little bit of motion sickness keep you from embarking on an ocean adventure. There's plenty you can do before and after motion sickness hits to make sure your vacation goes according to plan.

Related Articles

• Health & Household
• Health Care
• Over-the-Counter Medication
• Digestion & Nausea
• Motion Sickness & Nausea

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

MQ 14ct Motion Sickness Patches Non Drowsy, Sea Sickness Patch Behind Ear for Cruise Ship Travel, Waterproof Car Sick Patches Fast Acting & Long Last up to 72H

( $0.30 / Count )

( $0.15 / Count )

( $0.19 / Count )

( $0.06 / Count )

( $0.05 / Count )

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• SAFE AND EFFECTIVE - 100% Natural Herb, without side effects and causing drowsiness. MQ Motion Patch is an effective solution for almost anyone who has struggled with motion sickness, whether in a car, a plane, or a boat
• FAST ACTING AND LONG LASTING - Apply 10 minutes before the travel, it lasts about 1-3 days. The patch can be used behind the ear and on the navel at the same time if motion sickness is serious
• WIDE APPLICATION - MQ Sea Sick Patches can be used on long car rides, airplanes, trains, cruises, ferry rides and amusement park rides for motion sickness problems
• SIMPLE TO USE - Remove the white plastic backing from the tan-colored round patch, apply the adhesive surface to the dry and hairless area of skin on the navel or behind your earlobe, one patch behind each ear
• PORTABLE DESIGN - Small and Light-weight to fit in your pocket, bag or suitcase, perfect for bringing with you everywhere!

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

From the brand

MQ, a global personal care and health brand, was established in 2013 and popular in Europe and America, chosen by millions of households. We insist on finding natural, gentle, and harmless ingredients from plants to create exceptional products.

Great for cruises, boats & sailing

Great for car rides & road trips

Great for flying

MQ Sea Sick Patches

Product description.

1. Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women for children under 4 years of age.

2. Do not use on allergic skin, on wounds or damaged skin

3. Keep out of reach of children and pet.

Product details

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.15 x 3.31 x 0.55 inches; 3.53 ounces
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ May 20, 2019
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Henan Xinyongtai Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L3PFC5P
• #36 in Antinausea Treatments

Compare with similar items

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

Review of MQ Motion Sickness Patch

The Kuhlmanns

FULL REVIEW ~ MQ 14ct Motion Sickness Patches

Rae’s WAY Overdoing It

5 Things I Must Have In My Bag When I Travel

🌺 Cleotina Reviews

Motion Sickness Patches (perfect for cruises)

Wanderlust Keva

Motion Sickness Patches, I don't travel without them!

Sweet Pembroke Home

Let's unbox this

The Eliott Family Of 7

Motion Sickness Patch good for theme park rides too

Important information

Legal disclaimer.

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, and value of the medication. For example, they say it works well without making them drowsy. Some appreciate the roughness and value. That said, opinions are mixed on adhesion and nausea relief.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the medication. They mention that it works phenomenally, is very effective, and lasts for up to four days. Some say that it's available without a prescription.

"...But behind the ears they definitely stay put.Anyways, they work great ! In fact I think they work better than they should...." Read more

"Used this on my first cruise and it definitely helped . Super easy to apply and no side effects...." Read more

"...I didn’t notice any side effects and they worked perfectly ." Read more

" Worked very well " Read more

Customers like the value of the medication. They say it's well worth the money, cheap, and effective. Some customers also mention that it works perfect with low cost compared to prescription bring. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and value of this product.

"These were so easy, cheap , and effective. My husband and I used on our honeymoon and it worked great...." Read more

"It works and the price is worth it " Read more

" Worth every penny and more!!!! Went on a cruise and through an unexpected storm, despite rough seas, these things helped sooo much!..." Read more

" Great price and they do the job" Read more

Customers like the medication for motion sickness. They mention it helps with motion sickness, prevents it on buses, planes, and boats, and is a drug-free cure.

"They absolutely do help with motion sickness . One issue is, if you sweat, just a little, they will fall off...." Read more

"...These patches worked like a charm... no motion sickness what so ever. I cannot recommend them enough!" Read more

"The motion sickness patch fell short of my expectations , doesn’t stay on for long...." Read more

"...for 2 days even after showers before I needed to replace it and no motion sickness !!" Read more

Customers say the medication has no side effects and helps prevent nausea and vomiting. They also say it's perfect for car trips and helps with sea sickness on a cruise.

"...Super easy to apply and no side effects . Patch lasted about 3 days till it started lifting on me." Read more

"...a plane with no issues, and ride coasters/virtual rides and did not get sick at all ...." Read more

"...Even with my usual occassional dizziness, my stomach was completely unborthered !" Read more

"...The first flight, the nausea was minimal . I was still upright and able to keep my head up during the flight...." Read more

Customers like the roughness of the medication. They say it works great for car travel, cruises, and flights. Some customers also mention that plane rides are easier with the patches.

"...We haven't had to pull over one time. The Indianapolis trip went great ...." Read more

"Used these yesterday on a speedboat ride in the Bahamas, the trip was rough & I never felt sick!..." Read more

"...Where normally I would be so light headed and sick. Plane rides are easier too !..." Read more

"Bought for boat trip. I get so sea sick these where great for the car ride as well. Definitely get!..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the nausea relief. Some mention that it provides excellent relief for dizziness and vertigo, while others say that it made them lightheaded and nauseous.

"...Unlike anti-nausea pills, this product doesn’t make you drowsy . I do double up though, one behind each ear. And they work for at least 48 hours...." Read more

"...The only side effect was a bit of drowsiness but nothing that a quick catnap couldn't handle...." Read more

"...It honestly may be in my head, but one day it even helped with a hangover during a long windy drive :)" Read more

"...motion/waves of the ship on water almost constantly, but never felt dizzy or nauseous at all...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the adhesion of the medication. Some mention that it sticks fine and stayed on until they showered, while others say that it fell off easily.

"...One issue is, if you sweat, just a little, they will fall off ...." Read more

"...You can bathe and shower with them on, they stay put , at least behind the ears...." Read more

"...They did not stay on as well as expected but seem to work fine. I would but again." Read more

"...I found they stayed stuck for about 12 hours , and it was difficult to place them correctly to avoid sticking them to my hair...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the smell of the medication. They mention that it has a terrible smell.

"...p.s. They definitely smell very strongly , so keep that in mind when you sit next to strangers." Read more

"...I would absolutely purchase again. There was a slight weird smell to them, but nobody backed away from me or seemed repulsed so I don’t think they..." Read more

"...The patches had a slight herbal smell that seemed to dissipate quickly...." Read more

"...One of my kids made a comment about them smelling kind of weird , but it wasn't noticeable to me or anyone else...." Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

Disclaimer : While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Supplements
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Staying Ahead of Seasickness on Open Waters

You may not be able to avoid it, but you can help the symptoms of seasickness

• What to Avoid
• How to Prepare

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that some people experience while traveling on open water. It can cause distressing symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Seasickness often fades as people adjust to the sensations of being on the water, but there are ways to try to get relief more quickly.

This article will discuss the causes and symptoms of seasickness and give tips for handling or avoiding seasickness.

rudi_suardi / Getty Images

Why Does Seasickness Happen?

The exact cause of seasickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by mixed sensory messages between what you see and what your body senses when you are on the water.

If you try to read a book on a boat, the page looks still, but your body is feeling the boat's rolling motion. You may step forward, but the boat may tilt you back. That confuses the systems that maintain our sense of balance, which are coordinated by the central nervous system. They include:

• The inner ear, sometimes called the labyrinth, which detects and monitors the direction and position of your head
• The eyes, which tell you where you are in relationship to your environment
• Receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints called proprioceptors monitor movement and position by sensing pressure

A mismatch between the signals can throw off parts of the brain that handle involuntary processes such as digestion and lead to nausea and vomiting.

Telltale Seasickness Symptoms

Seasickness has very distinct symptoms. If you are on a boat or ship and begin to feel the following, you are very likely seasick:

• Cold sweats

Are Seasickness and Motion Sickness Different?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. Other activities that may cause similar symptoms include traveling in a car, flying on an airplane, or going on amusement park rides like a roller coaster. Video games can also cause motion sickness.

How to Get Over Seasickness

You can take different approaches that may help you get over seasickness more quickly. They include:

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for seasickness are available for purchase without a prescription. They include:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine) antihistamine : Take one hour before travel, then about every six hours while on open water.
• Phenergan (promethazine) antihistamine: Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding. Can repeat in eight to 12 hours if needed.
• Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) antihistamine : Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding, then one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed. If you take the less drowsy formula, take it only once a day.
• Bonine (meclizine) anti-nausea medication : Should be taken about an hour before boat travel, then every four to six hours as needed.
• Marezine (cyclizine) anti-nausea medication : Should be taken at least 30 minutes before travel, then every 24 hours as needed.

The recommended dose of these medications may be smaller for children or older adults; follow the directions on the package carefully or talk to your healthcare provider. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines are less helpful for seasickness.

Prescription medications available through a healthcare provider include:

• Transderm Scop (scopolamine) : An antimuscarinic, it blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is linked to vomiting. The medication is in a patch you put on your skin six to eight hours before your trip, which can be effective for up to three days.
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) : This stimulant is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can also help nausea. Do not take more than as directed, as it can be habit-forming. Can be particularly effective in combination with scopolamine.
• Reglan (metoclopramide) : This dopamine receptor antagonist helps speed digestion, which can relieve nausea. Take as directed by your healthcare provider.

Motion Sickness Wristbands

The use of wristbands is based on acupuncture and acupressure points on the wrist. Some believe stimulating these points can control or alleviate nausea. Wristbands for motion sickness usually come with a button that, when pressed, is said to reset the inner ear's balance system. They are available OTC but have not been proven to be effective.

Actions You Can Take

There are ways you can help avoid or reduce seasickness without medication . These include:

• Stay still as much as possible.
• Sit facing forward (in the direction the vessel is traveling).
• Look at the horizon.
• Tilt your head in the direction of any turns the boat takes.
• Take slow, mindful breaths.
• Listen to music.
• Try food or drink containing ginger .
• Stay hydrated.
• Get fresh air.
• Go out on deck rather than staying in a cabin.

The good news is that seasickness, even if you do have it, tends to resolve within a day or two as your body gets acclimated to being at sea.

Side Effects of Seasickness Medications

Seasickness medications can help alleviate nausea, but may make you feel drowsy or sleepy, disoriented, have dry mouth, or blurred vision. Always take them as directed.

What to Avoid With Seasickness

If you do feel yourself getting seasick, avoid the following:

• Eating heavy, greasy meals
• Drinking alcohol
• Facing backward (away from the direction of motion) while sitting

Preparing for Seasickness Before Travel

If you are planning on taking medication for seasickness, follow the directions carefully and talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when and how to take it. It can help to eat lightly and avoid alcohol before traveling.

If you can, take some short boat rides before you take a longer trip, which may help your body become more accustomed to the sensations of being on the water.

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness, thought to be caused by sensory confusion, that leads to nausea and vomiting when traveling on water.

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help. Some of these medications can make you drowsy, give you a dry mouth, or have other side effects. Take them as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider.

You may also be able to reduce or avoid getting seasick by eating lightly, staying hydrated, focusing on the horizon, facing forward, and finding a distraction like listening to music. Food or drink containing ginger may also help. Reading is not advisable while on open water. Seasickness usually passes in a day or two in most people.

Ärzteblatt DÄG Redaktion Deutsches. The neurophysiology and treatment of motion sickness . Deutsches Ärzteblatt . doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0687

American Physical Therapy Association. How does the balance system work?

Chang E, Kim HT, Yoo B. Virtual reality sickness: a review of causes and measurements . International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction . 2020;36(17):1658-1682. doi:10.1080/10447318.2020.1778351.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Yellow Book. Motion sickness.

MedlinePlus. Scopolamine transdermal patch.

Zhang LL, Liu HQ, Yu XH, et al. The combination of scopolamine and psychostimulants for the prevention of severe motion sickness . CNS Neurosci Ther . 2016;22(8):715-722. doi:10.1111/cns.12566.

MedlinePlus. Metroclopramide .

McGill Office for Science and Society. Can you turn nausea off at the wrist?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motion sickness .

National Ocean Service. What causes seasickness?

Karrim N, Magula N, Saman Y. Antihistamines for motion sickness . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012715

By Nancy LeBrun LeBrun is a Maryland-based freelance writer and award-winning documentary producer with a bachelor's degree in communications.