Seasickness can turn an amazing cruise vacation into a miserable experience. The good news: cruise seasickness remedies exist for nearly every symptom, before and during your sailing.

We’ve tried several different cruise seasickness remedies over the years. One thing we’ve learned: there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. Some cruisers prefer a drug-free option like Sea-Band wristbands or ginger chews. Others want the convenience and longer-lasting protection of medication. Families often need a product designed specifically with kids in mind.

Below are the seasickness products we recommend, plus a few free strategies worth trying.

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Our Favorite Seasickness Products for Cruises

Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Wristbands

If you want a drug-free option, Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Motion Sickness Bracelets are one of our go-to picks. These reusable acupressure wristbands apply pressure to something called the “P6 point” on your wrist. We don’t know why or how they work, we just know they do.

Sea-Band Anti-Nausea wristbands are small, lightweight, washable, and easy to toss into your carry-on. I picked up on a pair on my very first cruise on the Carnival Glory as I got a bit seasick and had to purchase these from the gift shop. Trust me, it’s a much better price to buy these before your cruise!

We especially like that no medication is involved. That makes them appealing for cruisers who want to try something before reaching for a pill.

That said, I do want to set realistic expectations. There’s not a ton of “proof” that acupressure bands deliver on their marketing promise. Motion sickness is very individual, though, and if Sea-Bands work for you, they’re inexpensive and reusable.

Why we recommend them:

• Drug-free option
• Reusable and washable
• Lightweight and easy to pack
• Can be worn before symptoms begin
• No prescription required

Fun fact: Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Wristbands are the only item that has been with me on every one of my 99 cruises to date. I will not cruise without them.

Sea-Band Ginger Chews

If you like having something to reach for when your stomach feels unsettled, Sea-Band Ginger Lozenges are another product we keep handy. Yes, it’s the same Sea-Band brand as the wristbands above.

Ginger has been used for nausea for a very long time. Some research suggests it may help with motion sickness, though the overall evidence is mixed. Like the wristbands, if it works for you, who cares what the research says! 😉

We like these because they’re easy to toss into a pocket, backpack, or excursion bag. They’re especially handy when you’re away from your cabin and don’t want to carry a bottle of medication.

Think of these as one more tool in your seasickness arsenal, not a guaranteed cure.

Dramamine Less Drowsy

When we want medication, Dramamine Less Drowsy is one of the options we recommend looking at. The active ingredient is meclizine, and this formula is designed to provide relief for up to 24 hours. Plus, It’s also available in a travel-size package, which makes it easy to pack for a cruise.

What is meclizine and is it safe? Meclizine is an antihistamine. The Mayo Clinic states that meclizine is used to control nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. As with any medication, always check with your doctor before taking (legal disclaimer, of course!)

Despite the “Less Drowsy” name, drowsiness can still occur. The manufacturer recommends avoiding alcohol and using caution with driving if you feel drowsy. Unless you’re the Captain, you shouldn’t have to worry about that last one. 😉

We like this package for cruising because of its size. It barely takes up room in your luggage, and one dose can protect you for much of the day.

Always follow package directions. And as a reminder, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new products.

Seasickness Products for Kids

If you’re cruising with children, don’t assume an adult motion sickness medication is appropriate for them.

Look specifically for products formulated for children. Follow the age and dosing instructions on the package closely. The CDC recommends caution with motion sickness medications in kids. Some antihistamines can cause significant sedation, or in some children, the opposite: paradoxical agitation.

That’s why we include a kid-specific motion sickness option in our Cruise Essentials recommendations.

Don’t Wait Until You’re on the Ship

Here’s one of our biggest pieces of advice about seasickness remedies for cruises: buy them before your cruise. Seriously. Trust us on this one.

You don’t want to discover you’re prone to seasickness after you’ve already boarded. You definitely don’t want to be standing in the onboard gift shop looking for relief.

The ship knows they’ve got you.

Once you’re onboard and feeling miserable, convenience gets expensive fast. Items that are cheap and easy to find at home can cost a lot more on the ship.

That’s why we recommend packing your seasickness supplies before you leave home. Sea-Bands, ginger chews, and motion sickness medication are small and inexpensive. They take up almost no room in your suitcase.

Buy them before you cruise. Your wallet will thank you.

Three Free Ways to Help Prevent Seasickness

Not every seasickness strategy requires buying something. Here are a few things to consider when booking your cruise.

1. Choose a Midship Stateroom

Consider choosing a stateroom around the middle of the ship.

The ends of the ship generally experience more movement, while the middle experiences less. If seasickness worries you, location is worth weighing when picking a cabin.

2. Choose a Lower Deck

A lower stateroom is also worth considering if seasickness is a concern.

The farther you are from the center of the ship’s movement, the more motion you may feel. A lower, midship cabin can be a smart choice for sensitive stomachs.

These aren’t guarantees; you can still feel movement anywhere on a ship. But choosing your cabin strategically is one extra step you can take to reduce motion sickness.

3. Try Green Apples

This one’s a cruise tradition we’ve heard from plenty of cruisers: green apples.

Some cruisers swear eating green apples settles their stomach when they feel seasick. There isn’t strong evidence behind this, so we wouldn’t call it a proven treatment. But if you enjoy them, they’re cheap and easy to try (oftentimes the ship’s buffet will have green apples available for passengers).

And honestly, something light and refreshing never hurts when you’re feeling queasy.

What If Nothing Works?

If over-the-counter products aren’t cutting it and you’re still struggling with severe seasickness, talk with your doctor before your cruise.

A doctor may prescribe a scopolamine patch, worn behind the ear, that can protect against motion sickness for up to 72 hours. The CDC considers it an option for longer, more intense motion exposure.

Prescription medications carry potential side effects and aren’t right for everyone. Discuss this with your healthcare provider before sailing, not once you’re already onboard.

And if you do get a prescription, fill it before your cruise. See our theme here?

Perfect Gift for Cruisers

Seasickness products might not be the most glamorous cruise gift, but they’re incredibly practical.

A small motion sickness kit can be a thoughtful gift for a first-time cruiser, someone who is nervous about their first sailing, or a friend who already knows they’re prone to seasickness.

Put together a little cruise care package with Sea-Bands, ginger chews, travel-size motion sickness medication, and a few other cruise essentials. It’s inexpensive, useful, and something the recipient will genuinely appreciate if they need it.

And if they don’t need it? Even better. They’ll have it ready for the next adventure.

Must-Have Cruise Essentials

Motion sickness products are just one part of being prepared for a cruise. After more than 150 cruises, we’ve learned that having the right gear packed before you leave home can make your vacation easier, more comfortable, and a lot less stressful.

We’ve put together our complete list of must-have cruise essentials, including the products we personally use and recommend. You’ll find everything from luggage trackers and passport holders to magnetic hooks, cruise luggage tags, packing accessories, and more.

If you’re getting ready for your next sailing, check out our complete Cruise Essentials guide and see what we recommend taking with you.

Browse our complete list of Cruise Essentials and start preparing for your next cruise!

Illustrations created via AI assistant for This Cruise Life.