Why I Keep Booking Cruises Even Though My Motion Sickness is Really Bad

I’ll never forget feeling nauseated for 24 hours straight when my husband I were on the first sea day of a 10 day cruise in January, 2025. It was winter. The seas are supposed to be calmer during the colder months.

We were headed to to our second stop in St. Thomas after visiting Princess’s beautiful private island in the Bahamas, Princess Cays.

I remember sitting on the bed in our cabin, tying my shoes because we were going up to walk on the top deck.

And all of a sudden, the nausea hit me like a brick, and wouldn’t let go until the next day. My dear husband finally was able to procure some medicine from the concierge desk, because I was too weak to go there myself. That was after they went on and on about how all I needed to do was eat a green apple. And somehow that was a cure-all.

Trust me. I wouldn’t have been able to eat a green apple if my lif depended on it…Let alone keep it down.

I was feeling so bad, I told my husband we were going to have to fly home at the St. Thomas port. Thankfully, I felt better by then, and had no trouble the rest of the cruise.

Before you ask, yes I was taking over-the-counter Meclizine which worked great except for that rough sea day. In fact many passengers were having problems.

It was funny because that sailing was in January when the seas are supposed to be calm. We sailed on the same ship in July through the very same passage way, and the ocean was like glass. Even though summer is when waves are supposed to be at their choppiest.

During that July trip I began to experience some side effects from the medicine, so I decided that may be my last cruise.

But alas, it is not! My hubby and I are booked on Legend of the Seas in a few months. Why, you ask, would I take the chance again? Am I a glutton for punishment or what? No, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world (as of this writing.)

I have booked a mid ship cabin and am confident a mix of ginger candy, a motion sickness wrist band and prayer will work!

Also, I have found that refraining from eating heavy foods makes me feel less nauseated. Hence, that rough sea day when I got sick, we had just returned from breakfast where I had downed a big ole slice of French Toast!

Will a Large Ship and Better Stabilizers Help?

In this Reddit thread, the OP hasn’t sailed in 15 years due to her severe motion sickness. But wants to try again on a larger vessel.

The responses are mixed as to weher that will help. One poster suggests medicating as much as possible and securing a cabin mid ship on a lower deck.

Another seems to think that yes, the stabilizers are better now, but believes they are only used during the day and then “turned down” at night so the ship can speed ahead.

I don’t know if that is true or not, but it is OK by me. Hubby and I are usually up early and go to bed before 10 at least. So, if there is a little more motion while I am sleeping, I don’t think I will be bothered by it.

There is no turning back now. I put down a non-refundable deposit, because I am determined to make cruising work for us. (My husband has no problem with motion sickness.)

We live in Florida and the terminals are so close. Cruising is somewhat of a way of life down here.

So…It’s all or nothing. Will let you know how I do.