Motion sickness on a cruise is commonly known as seasickness or kinetosis. Seasickness is a form of motion sickness specifically triggered by movement on water, manifesting as discomfort, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Despite the massive size and stabilizing technology of modern cruise ships, they still move, especially when traveling through rough waters or open seas. This movement is enough to disturb the body’s balance system and trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals.
The Sensory Mismatch: Why Motion Sickness Occurs on Ships
The cause of seasickness is a sensory conflict within the brain. The brain relies on three main sources of information to understand position and movement: the eyes (visual system), muscles and joints (proprioception), and the inner ear (vestibular system). Motion sickness begins when these signals contradict one another, sending conflicting messages about movement.
The vestibular system, which controls balance, is housed in the inner ear and detects motion through the semicircular canals (rotational movements) and the otolith organs (linear movements and gravity). On a ship, the inner ear detects constant rocking and swaying, signaling motion to the brain.
If you are inside a cabin looking at a fixed wall or reading, your eyes send a signal suggesting you are stable and motionless. This disconnect between the inner ear sensing motion and the eyes seeing stillness creates a “neural mismatch.” The brain’s confusion triggers a stress response, which manifests as the common symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Individual susceptibility varies widely.
Immediate Relief and Prevention Strategies
Choosing a cabin location that minimizes movement is a primary preventative measure. The least motion is felt on the lower decks and in the midship area, which is closest to the ship’s center of gravity. Conversely, the highest decks and the front or back of the ship experience the greatest degree of motion.
Behavioral strategies reduce the sensory mismatch by aligning visual and vestibular input. Looking at the fixed horizon provides the eyes with a stable external reference point that confirms the motion the inner ear is sensing. Fresh air can also alleviate nausea, making a balcony or outside view cabin preferable to an interior room. Focusing on an activity or task can help distract the brain from confusing signals.
Over-the-counter medications, primarily antihistamines, are common preventative measures. Drugs like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) work by affecting the central nervous system to reduce sensitivity to motion signals. These medications are most effective when taken before symptoms begin, often an hour or more before sailing. A potential side effect of many antihistamines, however, is drowsiness.
A prescription option is the scopolamine transdermal patch, which is applied behind the ear and releases medication over several days. Scopolamine is highly effective but must be applied hours before anticipated motion.
Non-drug remedies include ginger, often taken in capsule form, chews, or tea, which may help soothe the digestive system and reduce nausea. Acupressure wristbands are another non-medical option that applies pressure to a point on the inner wrist, though reported effectiveness varies.
Adjusting to Land: Understanding Post-Cruise Symptoms
After disembarking from a cruise, many passengers report a temporary sensation of still rocking or swaying, commonly called “getting your sea legs.” This feeling occurs because the brain’s balance system had adjusted its function to maintain stability on a moving platform. It takes time for the brain to “un-learn” the constant movement and readjust to stable ground.
The technical name for this persistent feeling is Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS), which translates as “sickness of disembarkment.” MdDS is characterized by a persistent feeling of internal motion, like rocking or bobbing, even when sitting or standing still. For most people, this sensation is short-lived, resolving naturally within a few hours or, at most, a couple of days.
A diagnosis of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome is reserved for individuals whose symptoms persist for a month or longer. The condition is considered a neurological disorder related to the vestibular system, although the exact cause is not fully understood. The post-cruise feeling of movement is usually a temporary, normal adjustment that resolves without intervention.