I don’t get seasick. Well, I never used to get seasick. Now? It has happened recently, and it will likely happen again. But I will not let seasickness keep me home, and neither should you. Seasickness, or any motion sickness, is no reason to stay on dry land. I’ve got a few tips to make it easier on you, and the people traveling with you.
If you begin to feel queasy or dizzy, many people will tell you to look at the horizon. Well, that doesn’t work. But here are a few things that do work:
- Get some fresh air. Go outside. Sit on a lounge chair. Breathe. Spend as much time outside as possible. Trust me, it helps.
- Don’t drink too much water. I know it sounds silly. After all, isn’t water the answer to many ailments? Not this one. Too much sloshing around in your stomach will not do you any good.
- Do enjoy a ginger ale with a splash of bitters. The ginger ale I’ve known about for a while but adding the bitters was a tip picked up from the bar manager on our recent transatlantic cruise. He should be aware, as he and his crew have endured all possible sea conditions.
- Lie down. Either in bed or on the aforementioned lounge chair, but do lie down for a while and don’t rush yourself getting up.The buffet will wait. I promise.
- Eat something. This one is my dad’s tip. To be fair, this is his answer to most things, and he is usually right. Especially here. Eat something light, like toast or a bowl of soup. This is not the time for onion rings and fettuccine Alfredo.
- Don’t be a martyr. Many products on the market can help your predicament. From acupressure wristbands (my dad swears by them) to meclizine (the drug in Bonine and Dramamine – my preference), just take something to ease the pain. If you don’t have any meds with you, your cruise line usually has some at Guest Services, and they’ll give them out free of charge.
Bottom line: just because you get motion sick, or seasick, is no reason to stay home. Go out and see the world by ship, but make sure you take a few precautions. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
