Seasickness
Seasickness strikes some on a calm cruise – others avoid seasickness even on cruises on the roughest seas
Tips and Advice About Seasickness on a Cruise
As our ship’s doctor here aboard Prow’s Edge explains, it is much easier to avoid seasickness than to treat it once it has started.
Seasickness is not a common complaint for cruise passengers, except maybe for those who want more attention. In fact, you are not likely to feel any motion at sea on the large cruise ships all of which are equipped with stabilisers that eliminate excessive motion.
Seasickness should not be of concern unless you are headed into stormy weather or are cruising across the oceans on an older, smaller cruise ship.
To avoid motion sickness, or the severity of it once it strikes, the sound advice is to take care of your immune system while you are on your cruise and not to overindulge in alcohol and cigarettes, or more food than you would normally force your body to deal with. Most importantly, make sure you are getting your required quota of sleep hours. Partying all night and burning the candle at both ends may be fun at first, but it wears your immune system down.
Preventative medicines can stave off motion illness if stormy seas are ahead, and these include antihistamines, phenergen and scopolamine. Many cruise ships have an abundant and free supply of some of the milder, over-the-counter anti-seasickness medications.
If you do choose to go the prescription path, let your doctor or pharmacist know of any other medications being taken.
Pay attention to the location of your cabin. The place to be is in the middle of the ship where there is less movement. During the day, public rooms in this area would be a better idea for those prone to motion sickness.
If you do fall ill it is a good idea to get lots of fresh air and to avoid greasy or spicy foods, citrus and sodas.
One of the natural alternatives is ginger root – a time-proven remedy for upset stomach, indigestion and cramps. The suggested dose is 1 capsule 3 times daily to relieve symptoms. Ginkgo is also excellent for chronic dizziness and lightheadedness. The recommendation is for 3 (40mg) capsules daily.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) found in brewer's yeast, rice husks, unrefined cereal grins, whole wheat, oatmeal, peanuts, organic meats, lean pork, most vegetables, bran and milk, can help combat motion sickness. 100mg B complex the night before your journey begins can work wonders.
Some passengers swear by anti-seasickness wristbands that have a small protuberance that presses a pressure point on the underside of wrist.
What is Seasickness Exactly?
Medical expert and travel enthusiast Joe Springfield explains some simple facts about seasickness.
What is seasickness exactly? Well, let's find out.
Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that is due to erratic stimulation to the brain from sensory receptors. Sounds too complicated? Stay with me!
Seasickness is prompted by constantly changing movement. Fluid in the ears' semicircular canals moves with the body's motion, and this stimulates receptors in various parts of the brain. Here we go!
Mixed signals may cause the brain to produce signals causing headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting – none of which are agreeable vacation companions.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please note that the information on these pages is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
