A FEAR of seasickness is one of the main reasons that people are
turned off cruising – but most of the time, cruises are smooth sailing,
and those nauseous feelings are easily preventable.
Seasickness is simply motion sickness that occurs on watercraft, so
it may be more likely to afflict people who feel ill in cars, planes or
rollercoasters. It is the reaction of your inner ear equilibrium system
to the unfamiliar motion of the ship, which causes stress on the
balancing portion of the brain. Sometimes, it can take a while to “find
your sea legs”.
While there is some disagreement about whether to lie down, the
consensus seems to be to steer clear of your bed, unless it’s at the
very first sign of queasiness.
Over-the-counter medications (available from pharmacies) are
extremely effective, but the tablets must be taken before boarding
the ship, not when you are already on the ocean.
Don’t wait until you are feeling unwell and hope it will pass. If you
are very concerned, see your doctor for a prescription for a stronger
medicine.
Below are some experts’ tips on how to avoid and alleviate the
dreaded mal de mer.
Brett Jardine, general manager, International Cruise Council
Australasia:
“One thing I do know is that every individual is different. Of all the
possible remedies, the best I have used are the patches you stick
behind your ear. Unfortunately, you can’t buy them in Australia but if
you have a good friend in New Zealand, they can be purchased over
the counter there. I did hear recently that champagne works well –
which could explain why my wife doesn’t suffer from it at all!”
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, Gap Adventures:
”Close your eyes and lie down and take it easy for a bit. This must be
done from the minute you’re feeling a bit queasy, and not after you
are sick. If you manage things before you actually get sick, you can
avoid it.”
Samantha Griffiths, cruise consultant, Champagne Travel Halls
Head:
“Sit up on deck or on your balcony and watch the horizon in the fresh
air. Always works for me.”
Sandy Greenwood, general manager, Adventure Associates:
“Get it before it gets you. If you suffer from seasickness generally,
take medication before you leave port. If you are heading into rough
seas, go to your cabin early and stay in your bed or bunk before it
gets too rough.”
Dick West, founder, Explor Tours:
“Green apples and ginger ale.”
Leighton Schembri, Cruise Guru:
“Green apples, and filling up on a lot of food, or if possible, lay down
on a deck chair on the promenade deck and avoid higher decks of
the ship.”
Noree Kahika, Queensland state manager, Uniworld Boutique
River Cruises:
“The great thing about river cruising – no seasickness. The boat
travels an average speed of four knots, so it really is hard to believe
that it’s moving at all.”
If all else fails, ask the crew for assistance or see the ship doctor.
