Even on the biggest, most stable cruise ships, motion sickness can sneak up on you. I’ve seen it happen to first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike — and once it hits, it’s hard to bounce back quickly.
On our last Royal Caribbean cruise, I took one Bonine pill every morning as a preventative measure, just in case. I never felt sick the entire trip, and I think that habit played a big part in it. Here’s what I’ve learned (and what I recommend) to help you avoid seasickness so you can enjoy every moment of your cruise.
1️⃣ Pick Your Cabin Strategically
Where you sleep makes a difference. Mid-ship and lower decks feel the least motion. If you book forward or aft, you’ll feel more movement in rough seas — especially during certain itineraries like Atlantic crossings or hurricane season.
On one cruise, I noticed the most ship movement on Deck 6 near the photo gallery and big staircase. But when I stayed aft on Deck 7, I barely felt a thing.
2️⃣ Start Remedies Before You Feel Sick
Motion sickness prevention works best when you start early. Products like:
- Bonine (Meclizine) – Less drowsy than regular Dramamine.
- Ship-EEZ Sea Sickness Patches – More than $1 each but fast-acting, and you get 30 in a pack so they last for multiple people or sailings.
I keep Bonine in a small pill organizer just in case, but I prefer to start before the ship even leaves port. Waiting until you already feel queasy is too late — prevention is key.
3️⃣ Try Natural Remedies for Mild Cases
Cruise ships stock green apples and ginger tea because they actually help some people. Crew members swear by them, and they’re worth trying if you’re feeling off but not severely sick.
4️⃣ Watch What You Eat the First Night
Heavy food + ship motion is a bad mix. If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, stick to lighter meals until you’re sure you’ve found your sea legs.
5️⃣ Remember — Stabilizers Help, But They’re Not Magic
Modern cruise ships have stabilizers that reduce side-to-side movement, but they can’t erase all the effects of rough weather.
💡 Pro Tip: I keep my Cruise Essentials Amazon List updated with seasickness prevention items like Bonine and the Ship-EEZ patches. If you have them in your bag, you’ll be ready for any situation — and hopefully never have to spend a sea day lying in your cabin.
Final Word
Seasickness doesn’t have to ruin your cruise. With the right cabin location, a smart prevention plan, and a few backup remedies, you can sail comfortably and enjoy every part of your trip.
Charity Bradley 
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