Even after all these years and countless cruises, one of us still gets travel sick in a car, bus, plane or boat. It's an awful feeling, and it can genuinely put a dampener on what should be a relaxing holiday. Over the years we've picked up a handful of tricks that actually work, so we thought we'd put them all in one place for anyone else who dreads that queasy, off-balance feeling as soon as the ship leaves port.
Why Seasickness Happens in the First Place
Before we get into the tips, it helps to understand what's actually going on. Seasickness isn't a traditional illness — it's your brain getting conflicting signals. Your inner ear senses the rocking motion of the ship, but if your eyes are fixed on something stationary (like a book or your phone), your brain gets confused about whether you're moving or not. That mismatch is what triggers the nausea. Once you understand that, a lot of the tricks below start to make a lot more sense.
Bring the Right Seasickness Tablets
If you're prone to motion sickness, come prepared rather than hoping for the best. Pack seasickness medication before you board — don't rely on being able to buy it once you're at sea, because onboard medical centres can charge a premium (we've seen basic seasickness tablets marked up to AUD $15–20 for a small pack). A standard box from an Australian pharmacy will usually cost you somewhere between AUD $8 and $15.
Where possible, choose a non-drowsy option so you can still enjoy shows, dinners, and shore excursions without feeling half-asleep all day. Ginger-based tablets or acupressure wristbands (around AUD $15–25 at pharmacies or camping stores) are also worth packing as a gentler backup. The golden rule: it's much easier to prevent seasickness than to treat it once it hits, so take your first dose before you even feel unwell, ideally the night before or morning of departure.
Head to the Middle of the Ship
Not all areas of a cruise ship move the same amount. You'll usually feel the most motion at the very front (the bow) or the very back (the stern) of the ship. Unfortunately, that's often exactly where theatres, buffets and some restaurants are located — cruise lines love a good view.
If you start feeling unwell, move toward the centre of the ship and, if possible, a lower deck. The movement is generally much gentler there, and it can make a genuinely noticeable difference within minutes. When we're booking a cabin, we always try to pick a mid-ship room on a lower deck for exactly this reason — it's a small booking tip that saves a lot of discomfort.
Sit by a Window (or Better Yet, Get Outside)
This is a big one, and it ties back to that inner-ear-versus-eyes mismatch we mentioned earlier. If you can, find a window and look at the horizon. Letting your eyes actually see the motion helps your brain catch up with what your body is feeling, and it settles your stomach far faster than staring at a screen ever will.
Sometimes the best remedy is the simplest one: step outside and take a walk on an open deck. Fresh air, natural light, and a clear view of the horizon can work wonders. Even a short ten-minute stroll around the promenade deck can help reset how you're feeling completely.
Go Easy on Heavy Foods
When the ship is moving, big greasy meals are not your friend. We know it's tempting with all-you-can-eat buffets calling your name, but try lighter options — grilled fish, plain rice, crackers, fruit — and avoid overly fatty or rich dishes until you feel steady again. Alcohol and heavy carbonated drinks can also make things worse, so maybe save the cocktails for calmer waters. Simple foods really do make managing nausea much easier.
Change Your Mindset
We once asked a cruise captain if he ever gets seasick when the waves are strong. He laughed and said, "No, I feel like a baby getting rocked to sleep." That completely changed how we think about it. Shifting your mindset from "I feel unwell" to "I'm enjoying this" genuinely helps.
Distraction does wonders too. Since seasickness is really just your brain getting mixed signals, the trick is to give it better signals to focus on — chat with your travel companions, watch some live entertainment, or find a deck game to get involved in rather than lying in a dark cabin dwelling on it.
Final Thoughts
A bit of ship movement doesn't have to ruin your cruise. With the right preparation and a few smart adjustments — medication packed early, a good cabin location, some time by a window or out on deck, and lighter meals — you can manage seasickness and still have a fantastic time onboard.
Know your body, act early, and don't be afraid to take a break when you need it. If you're planning your first cruise, it's also worth reading up on general travel safety — our guide to avoiding scams when travelling covers useful tips for shore excursions and port stops too.
Our Tip Summary
- Pack non-drowsy seasickness tablets before you leave home (AUD $8–15 at any pharmacy) — don't wait to buy them onboard.
- Book a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin if seasickness is a concern.
- Find a window or get outside for fresh air and a horizon view at the first sign of queasiness.
- Stick to lighter meals and go easy on alcohol when the seas are rough.
- Reframe the motion as relaxing rather than unsettling — mindset genuinely makes a difference.
Do you have a seasickness remedy that works for you? Share it in the comments below — we love learning new tricks from fellow cruisers, and we're always adding to our own kit before the next trip!
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