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Seasickness – how to cope during a cruise
Seasickness can catch even experienced sailors off guard. Nausea, dizziness, or general weakness can effectively ruin the pleasure of sailing. Fortunately, there are many effective, practical ways to prevent it or minimize symptoms without having to give up on the trip. In this article, we provide tips on how to cope with seasickness during a cruise.
What is seasickness and why does it affect sailors?
Seasickness is a common ailment that occurs during sailing, triggered by the motion of the vessel. Its cause is a conflict of sensory signals – the balance organ (the inner ear) registers movement that is not confirmed by visual stimuli. As a result, the body reacts with symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and general weakness.
Seasickness on a yacht can occur in both beginners and experienced sailors – especially at the beginning of a trip or during unfavorable weather conditions.
If you are just starting your sailing adventure, check out our guide:How to Start Sailing? A Guide for Beginners.
In what situations does seasickness manifest?
Symptoms of seasickness most often appear:
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at the beginning of the trip, before the body adjusts to the rocking,
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during prolonged time spent below deck,
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while reading, writing, or working on a laptop,
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during strong rocking of the yacht or sudden course changes.
Although seasickness mainly results from sailing conditions, its symptoms can be significantly alleviated by using proven methods.
How to prevent seasickness before the trip?
Good preparation is key. Here are proven ways to prevent seasickness:
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Eat a light meal before departure – avoid fatty, heavy, and spicy foods.
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Get enough sleep – fatigue and lack of rest significantly increase the risk of symptoms. A well-rested night before the trip is one of the best preventive measures.
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Stay hydrated – drink water regularly, avoid alcohol and excess caffeine, which can lead to dehydration and worsen your condition.
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For your first trip, choose a shorter route – gradually acclimating to conditions at sea makes it easier for the body to adapt and reduces the chance of symptoms in the future.
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Stay outdoors – preferably on deck, with a view of the horizon. Being below deck can intensify symptoms, especially when the vessel is rocking heavily.
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Avoid straining your eyesight – reading, writing, or using a laptop during the trip can trigger seasickness symptoms.
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Consider using medication – there are many over-the-counter preparations available, but it's worth consulting a doctor beforehand, especially if you plan a longer trip.
Following these recommendations significantly reduces the risk of seasickness symptoms during the trip.
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What to do during the trip if symptoms appear?
If, despite your preparations, seasickness symptoms occur – don't panic. Here are proven ways to alleviate discomfort:
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Stay on deck – access to fresh air and looking at a fixed point, such as the horizon, often brings relief.
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Take a stable sitting or semi-reclining position – preferably in the central part of the yacht, where the rocking is least felt.
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Avoid sudden movements and excessive physical activity – try to calm your body and limit unnecessary exertion.
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Sip water slowly – regular hydration helps stabilize the body.
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Rest in silence and focus – avoiding excess stimuli (noise, bright light, conversations) can speed up recovery.
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Reach for anti-nausea medication – if needed, appropriate preparations can be used. It's advisable to consult a doctor before the trip to choose the right remedy.
Natural ways to alleviate seasickness symptoms
Many sailors also turn to natural methods to relieve seasickness symptoms:
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Ginger – in the form of tea, capsules, or candies, is known for its nausea-relieving properties.
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Wrist bands – apply pressure to points that, according to acupressure principles, correspond to regulating stomach function.
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Cold water and fresh air – splashing your face with cold water or being outdoors often provides quick relief.
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Conscious diaphragmatic breathing – slow, deep breaths can help reduce nausea.
These natural methods are safe, easy to apply, and do not burden the body – it's worth using them when symptoms appear.
More information about seasickness can be foundhere.
Don't give up on the trip due to seasickness.
Seasickness is a condition that one can learn to cope with. In most cases, the symptoms subside after one or two days of sailing, as the body adjusts to the new conditions. Therefore, it is not worth giving up on sailing plans – the most important thing is to be properly prepared.
Table: What to do to avoid or alleviate seasickness
| Stage of the voyage | Recommended actions | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Before the voyage | Eat a light meal; get enough sleep; hydrate your body | Alcohol, heavy and spicy foods |
| At the beginning | Stay on deck; look at the horizon; avoid unnecessary stimuli | Going below deck, reading, using a phone |
| When symptoms appear | Sit or lie down in a stable position; drink water; chew ginger; use pressure bands | Staying below deck, intense effort, straining your eyes |
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