If you get motion sickness... where's the best place to be on a cruise ship?

Question

My husband and I are planning a Disney cruise in January... Only problem: he gets motion sickess... a lot. Is there an "IDEAL" place on the ship that will minimize his discomfort? I've heard some ideas from a few folks and wanted to get your opinions as well! Thanks. (Here's to NOT being green!)

Answer 1

The big cruise ships these days are so stable you'll probably feel more like you're still on the dock than in the middle of the ocean.

Still, ships do sway a bit in rough weather.

The most stable spot in a ship -- the spot with the least apparent motion -- is in the exact center (top to bottom and side to side). That would mean an interior cabin without windows (usually the least expensive accommodations, since most people want a view).

Why is that?

Think of a see-saw. If you're on the end, you'll move up and down the farthest. The balance point in the center moves much less. If the see-saw were a ship, pitching in the waves, the bow and stern would have the most movement. The center the least.

It's the same with a rolling ship that's swaying sideways in the waves.

So the place that will have the least amount of movement is right in the middle. The farther you get away from that spot, the more movement you'll feel.

Answer 2

You want to take a mid ship cabin on a lower deck. This is the best location to prevent seasickness. If you can not get a midship cabin get towards the back. Never towards the front on a high deck.

Think of it this way (this is a bad analogy)
If a building is in an earthquake, the higher up you are the most it moves. Same thing on a ship because the stablizers are located in the middle on below the water.
so stay lower.

Also the rutters on the back of the ship help for support. If a swimmer is crossing the pool he controls with kicking his feet while the arms and head have to be controled.
So stay away from the front.

Most cruise lines carry free dremamine (this made be spelled wrong), but if your hubby gets tired from medication go buy the new low-dose version over the counter before you travel.

Answer 3

I hadthe same worry when I was planning to go on a cruise some years back. However, to my pleasant surprise, the worry was unfounded because the cruise journey was very 'smooth' in the high seas. While roaming around in the ship, I did not at any time felt tha ship was moving at all.
The only time I know it was moving was to stand at the deck and looked towards the sea ..where it was crusing at a pretty fast speed.

I had since went on more cruises and enjoyed every minute of it.

A cruise ship is unlike a trip taken on a smaller cruise boat where you get to smell the diesel, people crowding around the deck and seats, felt the movement o fthe boat ....these will make one dizzy.

Answer 4

I have the same problem. It's better when you stay in the upper deck areas. However, in a cruise, that is almost impossible since you will have to go back to your room sometime. Go to your doctor and ask for a prescription for the behind-the-ear motion sickness patch (http://www.transdermscop.com/). It only costs about $10 without insurance and lasts 72 hours. This really works! You just put it on half and hour before boarding and change after 72 hours. This is how I was able to go on cruises. Plus, it does not make you drowsy like Dramamine.

Answer 5

In front of the ship and gazing at the horizon. I am not kidding. I have motion sickness and that's my secret. Never look down at the waves. Don't worry cruise ships are not that fast and furious he'll do just fine. Besides he has a loving wife to care for him. :)

Answer 6

The lower you can get on the ship the better also being in the middle helps. My husband was told by a crew member on our first cruise the best thing to do for motion sickness is to eat a green apple first thing in the morning. I do not know why this works but it does he has not gotten sick since he started doing this but it has to be a green apple. I hope you have a great cruise!

Answer 7

Motion sickness pills are the best idea. Don't think there is a best place unless it's on the Katamaran looking ships. Those ones don't move much to motion sickness won't be much of a problem. On the old fashioned ones I don't think there is a best place. It all moves.

Answer 8

try to get a cabin on the lowest deck in the middle of the ship. that is were you will feel the least motion. most large cruise ships have stabilizers and you don't feel any movement. i get seasick too. the patches tend to make me very thirsty, so be sure and have lots of waters available. you can also get a doctor to give you a pill called anavert. it is for vertigo, but does very well for motion sickness without the drowsiness. happy sailing!!!

Answer 9

I get seasick. The ONLY place that I'm even remotely comfortable on a ship is ON DECK. The reason is because I can see the horizon on deck. It might help if your cabin has a large window.

I didn't get a chance to try any seasickness medications. I've heard good things about those patches that you wear behind your ear.

Good luck. I hope you both enjoy your cruise.

Answer 10

You will feel the least motion amidships (both front to back and side-to-side) on a lower deck. However, I believe that most people who get seasick feel better when they can see outside, which means an outside cabin and possibly higher up (cabins on the lowest decks may have only a porthole rather than a larger window).

Be aware that lower decks are also closer to the engines, and you may hear engine noise or feel significant vibration, especially in the rear half of the ship. This is why the most expensive cabins are commonly on an upper deck in the forward half of the vessel.