How to Stay Healthy Onboard

🌊 Seasickness: What It Is and How to Beat It

• What is seasickness?
  Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. It happens when your brain gets mixed signals from your inner ear and your eyes. Your body feels movement, but your eyes say everything’s still. Your brain does not appreciate this disagreement.

• How to prevent it:

  • Choose the right ship and cabin location.
    Newer, larger ships have great technology to stabilize and reduce motion. The most stable spot on the ship is midship and mid-deck, where motion is felt the least. Avoid guaranty rooms if you're unsure if you will be affected.

  • Medicate before you feel sick.
    Motion sickness meds or patches work best when taken about an hour before sailing, not after symptoms start. Speak to your doctor before taking any new drugs and before you board for any prescription needs.

    • Meclizine (Bonine) seems to be a fan favorite for effectiveness and for being non-drowsy https://amzn.to/49wAmvo

    • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) https://amzn.to/4py2fcw

    • Scopolamine transdermal patch (prescription only)

    • OTC patch https://amzn.to/4jzXFJF

    • Bands (some say a scented band works best, buy infused or infuse with peppermint oil yourself) https://amzn.to/4qi6RVC

  • Eat lightly at first, and stay hydrated.
    Heavy, greasy meals on an empty stomach can make symptoms worse, as can alcohol and caffeine. Try having a green apple each morning, it is said to work wonders!

  • Stay rested.

    A well-rested body is better-equipped to ward off or handle seasickness.

• How to relieve it:

  • Get some fresh air and sit still.
    Step outside, face forward, look at the horizon, breathe deeply, and let your brain recalibrate. Facing the opposite direction of the ship's movement may increase symptoms.

  • Try ginger candies, soda, tea. https://amzn.to/4qr9tQX

    The calming effects of ginger can help settle a nauseous stomach.

• Good news! Most cruisers feel fine once they find their sea legs, usually within a day or two.

🤧 Colds, Flu, and Covid at Sea

• What causes them?
  These illnesses are spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. On a cruise ship, shared spaces, elevators, and buffets make it easier for germs to travel.

• How to avoid them:

  • Boost your immune system pre-cruise with your preferred supplements. https://amzn.to/4buPbBj

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially before eating.

  • Avoid touching your face.

  • Bring Lysol wipes to wipe down high touch areas. https://amzn.to/4pBE0ui

  • Use your knuckle, elbow, or shirt to press buttons and open doors, or have a door-opener tool on hand. https://amzn.to/49vBrUx

  • Keep some space in crowded areas when possible. Take the stairs in place of elevators (watch those railings), sit behind instead of in front of others, choose to eat outside, where available.

  • Get enough sleep. Vacation exhaustion lowers immunity.

• Does hand sanitizer help?
  Yes, especially for respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and Covid. Hand sanitizer is a great backup when soap and water aren’t nearby, but washing your hands is still the gold standard. https://amzn.to/3Ndyj8h, https://amzn.to/3NhV9vq

• Pro-tip: pack medications. Buying on board is EXPENSIVE! Here's an easy way to store and identify them: https://amzn.to/49MXBTo

🚫 Norovirus: The One Everyone Talks About

• What causes norovirus?
  Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with an infected person. It’s not exclusive to cruises, but ships get attention because cases are closely tracked.

• How to avoid it:

  • Use all the same tips as other illnesses, above.

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water often, especially before eating.

  • Avoid touching buffet utensils directly if you can use napkins or other tools.

  • If you feel sick, report it and isolate. This helps stop the spread.

• Does hand sanitizer help?
  Not reliably. Norovirus is resistant to many alcohol-based sanitizers. Soap and water are far more effective.

• What passenger percentage is considered an outbreak?
  On cruise ships, an outbreak is defined as 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting symptoms. That number is lower than many people expect, which is why outbreaks sound more common than they actually are.

⚓ Anchoring It All Together

Cruising is still one of the safest and most relaxing ways to travel when you take a few simple precautions. Choose the right cabin, wash your hands like a pro, medicate early if needed, and listen to your body.

A little prevention goes a long way toward smooth seas and memories that don’t involve the medical center.

Because the thing you should be catching on a cruise… are sunsets. 🌅🌊

Love cruise tips like these? Follow us on our socials for more insider tricks and clever finds from across the internet. We’re charting what’s making waves in cruise life — so you can sail smoother, shine brighter, and travel smarter. ⚓

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vessel-sanitation/faq/index.html

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