Best Motion Sickness Medicine for Cruises
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?
- What is the Best Medicine for Cruise Motion Sickness?
- Practical Tips on Preventing Seasickness on a Cruise
What Causes Motion Sickness on Cruises?
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.
Best Over-the-Counter Nausea Medicine for Cruises: Dramamine and Bonine (Mild to Moderate)
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.
Prescription Scopolamine Patch for Cruises (Moderate to Severe)
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.
Prochlorperazine Suppositories: When All Else Fails (Severe)
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.
Natural and Holistic Treatments for Motion Sickness (Mild)
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.