CRUISE SHIP SEASICKNESS WORRIES

Mal de mer is the French term for seasickness but seasickness has been spoiling peoples seafaring enjoyment for decades. Cruising passengers now have a better chance of avoiding the problem and less than 4% of all passengers suffer these days.

Seasickness is rare because of the technology of modern cruise ships. Even in rough weather the passengers feel little or no sense of being in rough waters due to the stabilisers, called underwater fins, on each side of the hull to counteract the rolling motion.
 
It is still possible, however, for some passengers to develop anything from slight nausea to severe vomiting. The brain receives confusing messages causing the inner ear's receptors to be imbalanced because the mind and brain are used to us moving around on stable non moving surfaces. If the surface suddenly starts moving in another direction a signal is sent to the brain saying something is wrong.

Continuous confusing messages cause headaches, dizziness, paleness and yawning. These symptoms soon get worse and nausea and vomiting occur, seasickness. We still do not know why some people suffer from seasickness and others don't.
 
 

There are different remedies that you can try because both sailors and experts have their own thoughts on how to prevent or cope with seasickness.

-If you feel the ship moving go out on deck and walk up and down until your legs feel they are adjusting to the balance.

-Let the cool sea breeze refresh your face and suck a piece of orange if you feel nausea coming on.

-Focus on a steady point when on deck, like the horizon or land.

-Avoid a heavy meal, a light snack is better because a heavy meal may make you feel bloated and sick.

-Dramamine, a chewable anti histamine tablet will be available on board for you to take.  

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-Scopoderm contains scopolamine which has proved to be a successful remedy for seasickness. There are possible side effects such as drowsiness and blurred vision.

-The Ship's doctor can give you an injection if you are suffering badly but it may make you drowsy and want an early night!

-An aromatherapy oil called Travel Oil put on the forehead is a natural alternative and may help.

-Ginger is another natural remedy. Put half a teaspoon of powdered ginger in a glass of warm water or milk and drink. It is claimed this will help prevent seasickness for eight hours.

-Sea bands or Aquastraps are wrist bands which have a pressure button that presses against an acupressure point called Pericardium 6 on the lower arm. Put them on before you board the ship and wear one on each arm for the duration of the sailing.

-ReliefBand, another wrist band but this one is supposed to emit electrical signals that interfere with the signals to the brain that cause nausea.

Don't forget that most cruise ships spend lots of time sailing in warm calm waters so you should be able to have a wonderful holiday without the worries of seasickness.

 

 

 
 
Try searching on the Internet for "cruise ship seasickness" and you will be amazed just how many pages are on offer. Try it for yourself by hitting the search button below!