Will I Get Motion Sickness on a Cruise?

I love to travel. However, if the roads are winding, I have to drive or I get nauseous. As a passenger while driving down the freeway, I can't read a book or look at the map without my stomach taking a turn. I haven't taken a helicopter ride that did not end with me begging to get out. But I love water and the idea of a cruise sounded like such a great idea except for the stories I had heard about motion sickness.

I decided to give a 3-day cruise a try, and I'm so glad I did. My sister provided me with some hideous magnetic bracelets, but I just couldn't wear them because they were so... hideous. I was sure the motion sickness would hit, but it never did. I never got nauseous. The boat was so big, that there was very little motion and it didn't feel like I was on a boat except for the fact that I was surrounded by the big blue sea and sunshine.

Then I tried a 4-day cruise - no problem. A 5-day cruise - no problem. A 7-day cruise - no problem. I even had a cabin at the front of the ship and at night I could feel a gentle rocking up and down while I lay in bed, and I LOVED it! I enjoyed every minute of all of my cruises. The food was amazing, relaxing in the sun by the pool at sea was what I needed, and exploring on shore was even more fun.

Had I listened to stories from fearful people who sailed long ago before modern cruise ships with hi-tech stabilizers, I would never have discovered my favorite way to vacation. I spent most of my time outside of my cabin - lounging on the sun deck, exploring at ports, dining with a view, and I even took a golf lesson on deck! My advice? Try it. Take a 3-day cruise and test the water. Cruising is popular for a reason. I'm glad I took a chance.

If you're still worried because you've never cruised before, there are a couple of simple solutions to prevent motion sickness. As a back-up plan, some people have recommended taking non-drowsy Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine, and take just half of a pill if you feel some symptoms. Sometimes, even the non-drowsy versions can make you feel a bit drowsy--so don't over do it.