The Motion Of The Ocean

Perhaps nothing can ruin a cruise faster than seasickness. If you are prone to this gut-wrenching condition, you are far from alone.

Although common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, seasickness actually is in your head. Motion sickness is a natural response to the sensory stimulation. The confusion of signals sent from your eyes to your brain and inner ear are what prompt the unpleasant symptoms.

The good news is that seasickness can be treated effectively, and you can even prevent it to a significant degree. Remember, seasickness is in your head, so you can control the condition with planning, behavior, and healthful actions. Get a good night's sleep before you board your cruise ship. Enjoy your ship's cuisine, but cut back on dairy products and foods high in sodium.

And above all, don't let fear of seasickness prevent you from cruising. If you find yourself feeling a little green, there are always things you can do to stop seasickness in its tracks.

Prescription Pad

• Scopolamine. That's the patch you see behind some cruiser's ears. The medication is absorbed through the skin, and the skin behind your ear is particularly permeable. Apply the patch 4 to 8 hours before you embark on your cruise. One patch should provide relief for 3 days. Since this is a prescribed medication, you will need to see your doctor.
• Meclizine. Take these prescription antihistamine pills every 6 to 12 hours, as needed for seasickness. Side effects may include dry mouth and lethargy.
  TIP: Most sick bays onboard have Scopolamine in tablet form (Bromide) to dispense to ill passengers.
  
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  Nature's Remedies
  Ginger root has been used to prevent and treat nausea. You can take the powdered root in capsules form.
  
  Acupressure bands work, as reported by many cruisers, by applying pressure to the P6 point at the wrist.
  
  Try not to think about moving. Find a spot on the ship, perhaps mid-deck, that is table and calm. Focus your eyes on the distant horizon and try not to move your head.
  
  Avoid reading while experiencing symptoms of nausea.

(excerpt: :Porthole Magazine, Feb 2010)