Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise?
All first-time cruisers are worried about seasickness. I know where the concern comes from and I have answers.
One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is “What if I get seasick on my cruise?” As someone who avoided going on a cruise vacation for this very reason, I understand where the concern comes from, and I have answers.
In this article:
Why you probably won’t get seasick at all
How to prevent seasickness
Professional advice in case it happens
Symphony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean
Why you probably won’t get seasick at all
Ships today sail with thousands of passengers onboard, most are not hearty seafaring people that can take whatever the sea throws at them. Cruising wouldn’t be as popular if getting seasick was a common occurrence.
The cruise lines know this too. They want you to be loyal customers and to return for future cruise vacations.
Newer ships are built for passenger comfort and safety above all. They use innovative design and engineering technology that helps keep the ship steady, like stabilizers and sophisticated weather technology.
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas compared to Titanic (photo credit: The Smithsonian Channel)
The sheer size of cruise ships today means that you’re not going to be bobbing around like a cork in the ocean. Cruise ships are floating cities, it takes a lot to move them.
Most of the time, I don’t even know the ship is moving unless I look out a window.
I like to use the water glass test - something I came up with while onboard, it’s the teacher in me.
While at dinner look at your glass of water. If the ship is rocking, you will see the water in your glass swaying back and forth, because water always tries to remain level. I have yet to see the water move, on any cruise I’ve been on.
How to prevent seasickness
Sometimes the best treatment is prevention.
Avoid excessive alcohol and overeating. Avoid reading small print as well. The only time I started to feel a little seasickness coming on was while I was trying to read a book. I put the book down and felt better right away.
“It’s best that guests who know they are prone to seasickness consult their doctor prior to departure,” says Dr. Shore, Chief Medical Advisor at Royal Caribbean.
If your personal physician thinks it’s appropriate, he or she can prescribe a patch that you can wear to prevent the onset of seasickness.
As a travel professional, I recommend a Bahamas cruise for your first journey out there. Waters between the coast of Florida and the Bahamas are known to be very calm. This is why cruising in the area is so popular.
Most Bahamian cruises are 3 or 4 nights, so it’s just the right amount of time to earn your sea legs.
What to do if you get seasick on your cruise
In the event that seasickness does develop, it’s unlikely to really interrupt your cruise.
Dr. Shore notes that there are lots of natural remedies that can help alleviate motion sickness.
“Anecdotally, ginger ale seems to be helpful, and some people find various aromas (like chamomile and peppermint) or eating dry crackers, even after the onset of seasickness, can help.”
If a few sips of ginger ale don’t do the trick, he also suggests going for a short walk to the center of the ship, the most balanced area onboard and therefore least likely to produce seasickness symptoms.
For this same reason, I recommend booking a midship room on a lower deck.
Cruise ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the ship’s Medical Center.
“Additionally, for more troublesome seasickness, Royal Caribbean’s Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide,” Dr. Shore says.
If you’re ready to plan your cruise with the care of a professional, click here to set sail on your next vacation.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Save Now, Sail Later with Disney Cruise Line in Early 2024
Disney Cruise Line Returns to Picture-Perfect Tropical Destinations in Early 2024.
Disney Cruise Line is about to release early 2024 itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Voyages will be from Florida (Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale), Galveston, and New Orleans, and San Diego.
Why book a 2024 cruise now?
I always say that the best way to save on a cruise is to book as far in advance as possible. As stateroom inventory goes down, fares go up and it happens quickly.
Experienced cruisers wait for these announcements and it’s why Disney Cruise Line loyalty club members have early booking perks, ahead of the general public.
Bookings open to the general public on Dec. 15, 2022.
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:
Platinum Castaway Club Members: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022
Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022
Early 2024 Disney Cruise Line Itineraries
The Disney Dream will begin early 2024 with an assortment of three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the western Caribbean.
All sailings from Florida will include a stop at Castaway Cay.
Caribbean Adventures from Texas and Louisiana
The Disney Magic will embark on Caribbean adventures ranging in length from four to six nights through the end of January.
Upon returning for another month-long stint between March and April, the ship will sail cruises ranging from four to seven nights to the western Caribbean during the popular spring break period.
New Orleans will welcome the Disney Magic back for a second consecutive year in February 2024 with four-, five- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.
Mexican Escapes from California
After returning from its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, the Disney Wonder will arrive in San Diego, California in March 2024 for three- to seven-night voyages to Mexico, including the Baja peninsula.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Insider Guide to Chill Island at Perfect Day at CocoCay
If your ideal beach day involves a quiet stretch of powdery shoreline, tranquil waters and plenty of rest and relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. Perfect Day at Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
If you want to slow down, work on your tan and spend some time recharging, there’s Chill Island. Perfect for both couples and families, this area of Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best place to relax and soak up the island vibes.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Plenty of Shade
There’s no need to worry about getting ashore early to claim a beach chair and umbrella on Chill Island.
This part of Perfect Day at CocoCay has an abundance of loungers and umbrellas along its shores, and they’re all complimentary.
One of the best things to do at Chill Island if you’re visiting with a group of friends or your extended family — or if you want to upgrade your romantic getaway — is to reserve one of the Chill Island cabanas.
Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and comes with attendant service.
Reserving a cabana on Chill Island is a great option for families who want an added level of comfort, or couples looking to elevate their day of relaxation.
Just remember they are subject to availability.
You Have the Option to Play
True to its name, Chill Island is really all about the chill factor — but that doesn’t mean you won’t have the option to break up all that shoreside lounging with a bit of action.
There’s a shack nearby where you can rent snorkel equipment to check out some of the vibrant coral reefs located just offshore.
Keep an eye out for the friendly manta rays that call the island home — they’re not shy and don’t mind swimming up close to snorkelers.
There’s also a dock in this area where you can join a jet ski tour of the island.
You can book water activities ahead of your cruise on Cruise Planner, onboard the cruise ship before you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay, or on the island during your time ashore.
Just remember that equipment and spots on the tours are subject to availability, so it’s usually recommended to book ahead.
If you’ve already booked your cruise and you’re ready to start planning your itinerary for Perfect Day at CocoCay check out Cruise Planner now.
Two Side - Two Vibes
Compared to most of the other areas on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is definitely the most tranquil spot around.
But the north end is the calmer and more secluded side, and a preferred pick among couples.
The south end has more activity, since that’s where you’ll find the Snorkel Shack and the dock for jet ski rentals and tours.
Lunch and Lounge
One of the best things at Chill Island is that you don’t really have to leave the area for anything if you don’t want to.
Chill Island boasts the largest restaurant on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Grill, serving a wide range of delicious options tailored to any kind of diet or preference.
You’ll find crisp salads, tasty sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fresh fruit, and grilled favorites like BBQ chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
For dessert, there’s soft-serve ice cream, cookies and brownies.
The food is free at Chill Island so make sure you save room for seconds.
There’s also a towel station nearby, in case you forgot to grab one on your way off the cruise ship.
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Sip In Serenity
When you feel it’s time to unwind with an ice-cold brew or your favorite summertime cocktail, you have plenty of options right on Chill Island.
On either end of the beach you’ll find the Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr. bars, both serving adult beverages.
And just offshore, the fan-favorite Floating Bar is easy to spot.
All you have to do is swim out to the gently-bobbing tiki hut to enjoy your Coco Loco with a side of sea views.
Beverage packages purchased on the cruise ship or via Cruise Planner app on Perfect Day at CocoCay, so all you need to bring is your SeaPass card.
No matter how chill you want to go while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is the ultimate go-to spot for laid-back beach vibes.
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Have questions about planning your cruise vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
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See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
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