Subtitle: Tales of Turbulence and Triumphs – A Guide for Cruise Travelers and Motion Sickness
Our transatlantic trip on the MSC Divina brought us face-to-face with the unpredictable dance of the open sea. Six uninterrupted days at sea unfolded, offering both tranquil sea and moments of turbulence. Leah had already prepared for the possibility of motion sickness way before we even stepped onto the first airplane to the port of origin.
Armed with Benadryl for nighttime queasiness and the trusty Scopolamine patch, Leah confidently faced the first legs of our air travel. Quarter by quarter, the patches held her from the unsettling waves of motion sickness while our ship was through the Mediterranean. Smooth sailing reigned supreme until we bid farewell to Gibraltar and embraced the vast expanse of the open sea.
However, a night of stormy seas tested even the most seasoned sailors among us. The relentless rocking of the ship became a ceaseless lullaby, invoking a sense of seasickness that crept upon Leah. As the ship’s pharmacy became our haven for relief, we discovered a multitude of remedies.
First on the list was a wristband designed to alleviate motion sickness. While it provided some relief, the real hero emerged in the form of motion sickness gum. Chewing away the discomfort within minutes, Leah found herself on steadier ground, ready to face the seas once more.
Interestingly, we later learned about the ship’s medical staff as an option. They offer sea sickness tablets without the need for a prescription or charge. A convenient solution for those who find themselves grappling with the undulating waves, these tablets stand as a testament to the cruise industry’s commitment to passenger comfort.
Reflecting on our ramble, we’ve gathered some insights for fellow cruise travelers facing the potential challenge of motion sickness during extended sea days:
Patches As A Precaution
Apply Scopolamine patches well in advance of anticipated motion, ensuring they have ample time to take effect. Leah has had better luck with the prescription versions and contacts her doctor before all of our trips. While the patches used to cost an arm and a leg, thankfully, they are cheaper now- or at least our insurance covers them better now.
Motion Sickness Gum
Consider keeping motion sickness gum on hand for swift relief. The taste might be a small trade-off for the almost instantaneous comfort it provides.
Motion Sickness Wristbands
Explore motion sickness wristbands, which work for some travelers and are non-intrusive in their application. We didn’t carry those with us and were grateful to find them in the store of the ship. However, I am sure we could find them much cheaper had we bought them ahead of time.
Ship’s Medical Services
Don’t hesitate to inquire about sea sickness tablets available through the ship’s medical facilities. It’s a convenient option for quick relief. Not positive if this is something that is only provided free of charge on Transatlantic trips, but it is something we will be checking out on our next cruise.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate motion sickness, so ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout your journey.
Choose Your Cabin Wisely with Motion Sickness in Mind
Opt for cabins located in the ship’s center or lower down, where motion is often less pronounced. We started working with a cruise line travel agent. Not only is she good at finding good deals and options, she also worked with us to find rooms that would best suit our needs.
Navigating the seas, much like navigating life, requires adaptability and a sense of preparedness. Armed with these insights, fellow travelers can set sail with confidence, ready to embrace the highs and lows of the open ocean with a spirit that remains unbridled by the sway of the waves. We ran through several options for motion sickness as we were on the ship. Check those out for more information and help!
