Seasickness and health on a cruise
The short answer
How much motion you feel depends on the ship, the route and the weather. If you're prone to seasickness, choose a cabin low and in the middle of the ship, bring a remedy you've tried before (tablets, bands or a patch prescribed by your doctor), get fresh air and look at the horizon.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
- Cabin: low and midship.
- Remedies: over-the-counter tablets, acupressure bands, or a prescription patch. Try tablets at home first so you know how they affect you.
- On board: fresh air, the horizon, light food, small sips of water. The medical center and guest services can help.
- Routes: open-ocean crossings, the North Atlantic and some stretches of the Pacific are rougher than the Caribbean and Inside Passage.
Every ship has a medical center, but care there is charged, and most US health plans don't cover it. That's why travel insurance with medical cover matters.
First-timer questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
5 questions on this page
How common is seasickness on a cruise?
Large modern ships have stabilizers, and how much motion you feel depends on the route and the weather. People prone to motion sickness should still plan their cabin and bring a remedy.
What is the best thing for seasickness on a cruise?
Prevention: a low, midship cabin, a remedy you've tested at home, fresh air and looking at the horizon. Ask your doctor about prescription patches if you're very prone.
Which part of a cruise ship is worst for motion sickness?
The front and the highest decks move most. Low and in the middle moves least.
Can you feel rough seas on a cruise ship?
Yes, in bad weather you'll feel the ship roll or pitch, more on smaller ships and on open-ocean routes. Captains adjust course and speed to ease it.
Are cruise ships safe in big waves?
Cruise ships are built for heavy seas and captains route around severe weather. Rough days are uncomfortable, not dangerous, for the ship.