Q: I’m taking a winter cruise where the seas may be rough. How can I prepare for potential seasickness?
A: Seasickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals about motion from your inner ears, eyes and body. Winter cruises can be especially challenging because rougher seas increase the ship’s movement. The good news is that there are several strategies to prevent or reduce nausea.
Start with prevention: Choose a cabin midship and on a lower deck, where motion is less noticeable. Take over-the-counter medications such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine about 30–60 minutes before departure. For multi-day trips, prescription options like scopolamine patches can be highly effective; discuss these with your doctor before your cruise. Some people also find ginger or acupressure wristbands helpful for mild symptoms.
Onboard, focus on motion management: look at the horizon, stay on deck when possible, and avoid reading or staring at screens during rough seas. Eat small, frequent meals and stay hydrated. If you start feeling queasy, rest in a quiet, well-ventilated area, and keep your remedies handy. Finally, avoid alcohol or overly rich foods if you begin to feel unwell. With preparation and awareness, most travelers can enjoy their cruise comfortably, even in rough winter waters.
— Dr. Charles Tapley is a family medicine specialist with CHI Memorial Family Practice Associates – North River and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. to correct the author of this piece.