Nothing can spoil your luxury vacation at sea faster than seasickness. It’s a common concern that can dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic travelers. Regardless of whether you’re sailing on a massive ocean liner or a modest boat, and whether the waters are calm or rough, seasickness doesn’t discriminate. Nausea, discomfort, dizziness and the unsettling possibility of vomiting can plague those susceptible to its effects.
So, how can you avoid or remedy seasickness for when you next set sail? Kate Kalamaga, Founder and owner of Tropicalboat Luxury Yacht Charters & Rentals shares some tips for the same.
#1 Pick your cabin wisely
The front and back of your vessel feel the motions of the ocean more than the middle. So, choosing a cabin towards the bow will make you more likely to experience seasickness.
Depending on the size of your vessel, it may be impossible to avoid this. If so, minimize time spent in your cabin and avoid lying down.
Some ultra-luxury superyachts are likely to have a master guest cabin on the upper middle decks of the yacht with 180-degree window views and is the perfect place to hide away while feeling under the weather.
#2 Get fresh air
You can’t open windows on a boat for obvious reasons, and smaller cabins are likely to get stuffy quite fast. Get out on deck and enjoy the fresh air if you want to find your sea legs faster.
Again, some ultra-luxury superyachts will have specially designed, sealable doors leading to the outside decks, perfect for providing the soothing effects of fresh sea while you bask in the quiet luxury of the master cabin.
#3 Keep your eyes on the horizon
Dedicating time to acclimatizing to your new surroundings will help you avoid or remedy seasickness. Spend time on the deck each day allowing your body to get used to your new surroundings and motions.
Part of this involves watching the horizon to help your brain harmonize the difference between the movement your body is feeling with the movement that your eyes are seeing.
So, kick back and relax while watching that stunning horizon each day.
#4 Eat little and often
A good crew will happily prepare any foods and drinks you fancy.
But certain foods and rich drinks can make your symptoms worse, so it’s best to hold back while you’re feeling sick and rather enjoy frequent but small snacks during your journey to help keep nausea at bay.
#5 Stay hydrated
Ginger has long been used as a remedy for nausea and vomiting, particularly ginger tea. Stock up on a good-quality ginger tea to bring with you on your journey or request the crew provision for this on your upcoming journey.
The bonus is that while ginger tea soothes the feelings of nausea and keeps vomiting at bay, it will also hydrate you.
#6 Watch the weather
Seasickness is more likely when you’re vigorously bouncing around rough and choppy waters. So where possible, check with the captain that conditions are fair and sailing will be smooth before setting off.
Rough conditions are unpredictable and make it much harder to find your sea legs. Plus, you’re less likely to want to spend time taking in fresh air or watching the horizon in rainy, windy weather.
#7 Bring medication backups
If these tips don’t work, there are fail-safes you can bring with you but the catch is that some preparation is required and you might experience some side effects.
Seasickness tablets can be very effective in preventing seasickness but they are most effective when taken before seasickness sets in.
Side effects will depend on the kind or amount of medication you’re taking, so look these up beforehand and choose accordingly.
If this puts you off, some travelers opt for acupressure wristbands. These are a drug-free alternative to seasickness relief but not everyone finds this effective.
