Seasickness: how likely, and what helps

It's the worry that keeps a lot of people from booking their first cruise — and for most cruisers, it never materializes. Modern ships are large and fitted with stabilizers, many popular itineraries sail sheltered or calm waters, and plenty of people who feel queasy in a car are perfectly fine at sea. Still, if you're prone to motion sickness, there's a lot you can do to tilt the odds before you ever board.

Choose a steadier trip

The biggest levers are the ones you pull when you book:

• A bigger ship rides more smoothly than a small one. If motion worries you, lean toward the larger vessels.
• Calm-water itineraries help. The Caribbean's sheltered waters, Alaska's Inside Passage, and river cruises are among the gentlest going; open-ocean crossings are the liveliest.
• Cabin position matters. A cabin midship and on a lower deck feels the least movement — the ends of the ship and the high decks move most. (More on this in our guide to choosing a cabin.)

Simple things that help onboard

If the sea does pick up, a few old sailor's habits genuinely help: look at the horizon or get out on deck for fresh air rather than staying in an enclosed space; keep something in your stomach with light, plain food rather than sailing on empty or overfull; stay hydrated and go easy on alcohol, which makes it worse; and lie down with your eyes closed if a wave of it hits — most episodes pass. Many people also find ginger (tea, candies, or chews) settling, and some use acupressure wristbands, which are drug-free and harmless to try.

If you want a remedy

Effective motion-sickness remedies exist, from over-the-counter options you can pick up at any pharmacy to prescription options for people who are especially prone. Which one is right for you — and whether it's a good fit alongside anything else you take — is a question for your pharmacist or doctor, ideally before you travel so you can try it ahead of time. Every ship also has a medical center that can help if you're caught out.

A note from the desk

If seasickness is the thing holding you back, tell us — it's one of the easiest worries to design around. We can steer you toward a larger ship and a calmer itinerary, and help you pick a midship, lower-deck cabin, so the odds are in your favor from the start. Ask an advisor and we'll find you a gentle first cruise.