Few things can derail a cruise faster than that creeping wave of nausea. One minute you’re soaking in ocean views, the next you’re gripping the rails, queasy and miserable. But according to a cruise expert, one of the simplest ways to feel steadier at sea is knowing exactly where to go on the ship when symptoms start.
Motion sickness is incredibly common, with about one in three people considered highly susceptible to the disorienting condition brought on by driving, boats rocking, airplane turbulence and other kinds of movement. Almost anyone can experience it if exposed to intense enough motion, making seasickness a concern for both first-time cruisers and regular travellers.
“With most of a cruise holiday spent onboard the ship, aside from the occasional on-land excursion, seasickness is far from ideal,” says Mark Barton, a cruise expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, who has over 25 years’ experience in the maritime industry.
“Extreme nausea caused by seasickness can be a real dampener on the holiday you’ve been looking forward to all year, but it doesn’t mean you need to avoid cruising entirely. The key is knowing how to reduce movement and what to do as soon as symptoms start.”
The best place to go if you feel seasick
According to Mark, the front of the ship is often where passengers feel the most movement, while the middle of the ship is usually the most stable.
“If you start to feel seasick, avoid heading to the very front of the ship or up to the highest decks, where movement can feel more pronounced. The best place to go is the middle of the ship, ideally on a lower deck, as this is where the motion is typically less noticeable.”
“If you’re booking a cabin and know you’re prone to seasickness, a midship cabin on a lower deck is generally a safer choice than a cabin right at the front, back, or very high up.”
Health advice also commonly recommends reducing motion by sitting in the middle of a boat, looking straight ahead at a fixed point such as the horizon, and getting fresh air where possible.
Do green apples actually help with seasickness?
One seasickness tip often shared by cruise passengers is eating green apples. While it should not be treated as a guaranteed cure, Mark says it may be a useful comfort hack for some travellers.
“Green apples are one of those cruises tips many regular passengers swear by. There isn’t strong evidence to suggest they prevent motion sickness in the way medication can, but they are light, crisp and easy on the stomach, which may help some people manage mild nausea.”
“If eating a green apple helps you feel better, there’s usually little harm in trying it, but I’d see it as a support rather than a solution. If you’re prone to severe seasickness, it’s still worth planning ahead with the right cabin location, over-the-counter remedies, and advice from a pharmacist.”
Viral seasickness hacks – are they help or hype?
Mark says many cruise passengers swap seasickness tricks online, especially on Reddit, but not every hack has strong evidence behind it.
“It’s understandable that travellers look for quick fixes when they’re worried about feeling sick at sea, but I’d be cautious about treating viral tips as guaranteed cures. Some may be harmless comfort measures, but they shouldn’t replace proven steps such as choosing a lower, midship cabin, getting fresh air, looking at the horizon, or using motion sickness medication as directed.”
The one-earplug trick: Some travellers claim wearing one earplug in only one ear, often the non-dominant side, can help the brain ignore conflicting balance signals.
Mark’s view: “The theory sounds plausible because motion sickness is linked to mixed signals between the eyes and inner ear, but there is no strong evidence it reliably prevents seasickness. If tried, travellers should make sure they can still hear safety announcements and their surroundings.”
Ginger sweets or ginger tea: Ginger is commonly used for nausea, though results can vary from person to person.
Mark’s view: “It may be worth packing as a comfort option, but severe or recurring seasickness is often better managed with pharmacist-approved remedies.”
Pressure-point wristbands: These are more established than many social hacks, but they still do not work for everyone.
Mark’s view: “They may help some travellers but should be treated as something that may curb symptoms rather than a guaranteed solution.”
Staring at the horizon: This is one of the more sensible tips because it helps give the brain a stable visual reference point.
Mark’s view: “It is worth trying this early as soon as you feel any symptoms, alongside getting fresh air and moving to the middle of the ship.”
What to do in the first 10 minutes of seasickness
Mark shares practical steps for holidaymakers who begin to feel unwell onboard:
Move to the middle of the ship on a lower deck. “Getting to a more stable part of the ship can make a big difference. Avoid the bow and higher decks if you’re already feeling unsteady.”
Look at the horizon and get fresh air. “Focusing on a fixed point helps your brain make sense of the motion. If it’s safe and comfortable to do so, getting fresh air can also help.”
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. “Heavy, greasy or spicy foods and alcohol can make nausea worse, so keep meals lighter if you’re worried about seasickness.”
Take seasickness tablets preventatively. “If you know you’re prone to seasickness when travelling by ship, you can take seasickness tablets preventatively, so the medication can take effect before symptoms hit. Always read the instructions carefully and never take more than the recommended dose.”
Use anti-nausea bands. “Motion sickness bands can be useful for some people who suffer with seasickness. They work by placing pressure on a point on the inside of the wrist, which may help reduce nausea for some travellers, although they do not work for everyone.”
Choose the right insurance. “In case of illness which requires urgent medical attention, including seasickness related illnesses such as dehydration caused by extreme vomiting. Standard travel insurance is unlikely to cover a claim if you haven’t specified you’re going on a cruise, so it’s highly recommended to buy specific cruise travel insurance cover that includes cruise-related illnesses and cabin confinement.”
When to consider a river cruise instead
For travellers who experience intense seasickness, Mark says river cruises can still be a gentler alternative.
“River cruises are often much easier on the stomach than sea cruises,” Mark explains. “The tides and currents on a river are much less intense than at sea, which can make the journey smoother and slower paced for those who are sensitive to motion.”
Avanti’s Quiet Cruise Guide features a selection of river routes for holidaymakers who want to enjoy the laid-back life on deck while reducing the risk of seasickness, from the Mekong River in Southeast Asia to the Danube in Central Europe, the Nile in Egypt and the Rhône in France.
“Cruising should be enjoyable, not something travellers feel anxious about,” Mark adds. “With the right preparation, the right spot onboard, and a few sensible steps as soon as symptoms appear, many people can manage seasickness more confidently.”
