Seasickness develops when the movement information seen by the eyes does not match the signals received by the body’s vestibular system. Common symptoms include:
-
Dizziness.
-
Nausea.
-
Vomiting.
-
Cold sweats.
-
Fatigue.
The CDC recommends several non-drug measures, such as looking at the horizon, lying down or closing your eyes when possible, drinking enough water, and eating small amounts rather than letting your stomach get too empty or too full.
Before the trip
If you know you are prone to seasickness:
-
Get enough sleep.
-
Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol.
-
Do not eat a very greasy meal.
-
Have a light meal before the journey.
-
Bring water.
Do not stay up all night looking at your phone and expect seasickness medicine to solve everything.
On the boat
Some people feel better when they:
-
Look at the horizon.
-
Close their eyes.
-
Rest their head against something.
-
Limit reading.
-
Limit screen time.
-
Move to a well-ventilated area if the crew allows it.
Do not get up and walk around without assistance while the boat is moving fast or the sea is rough.
Motion sickness medication
The CDC notes that many motion sickness medications can cause drowsiness and that not every medication is suitable for everyone; children need individual advice about the type and dosage. Therefore:
-
Ask a doctor/pharmacist before the trip if necessary.
-
Follow the instructions exactly.
-
Do not increase the dosage on your own.
-
Do not combine several types because you are “afraid the medicine will not be strong enough.”
-
Be careful with alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness.
If you are pregnant, have an underlying condition, or regularly take medication, it is even more important to seek professional advice beforehand.
After vomiting
Inform the boat staff. If you are still alert and can swallow normally:
-
Take small sips.
-
Rest.
-
Avoid trying to eat a lot right away.
When should you stop treating it as merely “seasickness”?
Seek medical assistance if you have:
-
Continuous vomiting to the point that you cannot keep water down.
-
Drowsiness or reduced alertness.
-
Fainting.
-
Difficulty breathing.
-
Chest pain.
-
An unusually severe headache.
-
Weakness or paralysis.
-
Symptoms that do not fit ordinary seasickness.
Repeated vomiting can cause dehydration, and symptoms thought to be “seasickness” may sometimes actually have another medical cause. In an emergency → 112.
Children
The CDC notes that motion sickness is common in children aged 2–12 and emphasizes that adult medication should not be given to children without professional advice. Do not give a child a medication for the first time at the port without knowing how the child will react.
Quick checklist
-
Get enough sleep.
-
Eat a light meal.
-
Drink enough water.
-
Look at the horizon.
-
Put your phone down.
-
Medication → ask a doctor/pharmacist if necessary.
-
Do not increase the dosage on your own.
-
Children should take medication according to professional advice.
-
Vomiting with inability to keep water down/reduced alertness → seek medical care.
