The Worst Spot on a Cruise Ship for Seasickness

Worried your first cruise will leave you feeling seasick? You’re not alone – and the spot you choose on the ship matters far more than most people realise.

I hear this concern all the time, especially from first-time cruisers or anyone who’s suffered from motion sickness before. It’s completely normal to feel unsure, particularly when you’re imagining days at sea with no escape.

What many people don’t realise is that seasickness isn’t random. Certain areas of a cruise ship are far more likely to trigger it, while others are surprisingly stable – even in rougher seas.

Choose the wrong location and your holiday can feel very long very quickly. Choose the right one, and you might not feel a thing.

And there’s one part of the ship that causes problems far more often than people expect…

The Worst Part of a Cruise Ship for Motion Sickness

The parts of the cruise ship that are the worst for motion sickness are the high decks at the front or the back (bow or aft). This is because as you move away from the centre of the ship, you’re more likely to feel the movement.

Modern cruise ships have advanced technology to minimise the movement felt on a cruise ship. These stabilisers work by counteracting the ship’s roll and maintaining balance even in rough waters, hence why the centre of the ship is the best place to feel the least amount of movement, if any.

The Best Place to Be on a Cruise Ship to Avoid Seasickness

The best place on a cruise ship to avoid seasickness is the middle and lower decks. There is less sway in the centre of the ship, near the water line.

Staterooms with a window or a veranda are good rooms to book, as you can look at the horizon to help with motion sickness. This gives your brain a reference point to focus on.

If the cruise ship has a promenade deck, it’s the best deck to limit any possibility of feeling unwell. This is because you’re low down, out in the fresh air and can look at the horizon.

If the worst happens and you need to be sick, you’ll never be far from the bathroom, or you could be sick over the side of the ship, as there’s no one below.

Avoid the Front and the Back of the Ship

Neither the front nor the back of a cruise ship is good for seasickness. Ideally, you want to be in the middle of the ship. This is where the movement is at its lowest, making it feel more stable so that you will feel the minimum movement possible. 

If You Are Worried About Getting Seasick on a Cruise

If you’re considering booking your first cruise, it’s good to know most people will never get seasick, even when the water is choppy.

Cruise lines invest heavily in the best technology, such as stabilisers. The ships are so well designed that most of the time, you won’t even feel the ship moving. 

The cruise lines definitely do not want passengers to suffer whilst on a cruise. In fact, a good hint of whether the Captain is expecting rough seas is the paper bags which will suddenly appear around the ship, usually hanging on the balustrades.

Also, there will be an announcement and an update on your cruise ship’s TV. 

Choosing the Right Cruise

However, if you are particularly susceptible to seasickness, there are several things to bear in mind when booking your cruise to prevent seasickness. Choose a large, modern ship and carefully pick your room’s location. 

Also, consider the season and choose a destination where the water is expected to be smooth.

For example, it’s best to avoid the Caribbean during hurricane season or the Bay of Biscay, as the waves can get high, so you’ll more likely feel the movement of the sea. You may want to book somewhere known for calmer waters, such as the Mediterranean, in the summer. 

If you want to book a cruise but are concerned about seasickness, try a short cruise on a large ship that sails in calm waters first. This way, you can gauge your comfort level, and once you feel at ease, you can gradually extend the duration of future cruises.

For more tips, I have put together this article on the 16 Tricks Guaranteed to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise.

Self-Care to Prevent Seasickness

If you are prone to seasickness, it’s not just about where you are on the ship to consider. It’s also about looking after yourself on the cruise.

Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, as these can all contribute towards being seasick. Whilst at sea, you may also want to avoid the gym too, as running on a treadmill or cross trainer while the ship is moving can add to the motion sensory overload. 

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer while on your cruise ship, it may be temporary while your senses adjust and your equilibrium returns. If it continues, make sure you get plenty of rest, get some fresh air, stay hydrated and take over-the-counter medication. 

Don’t worry if you forget to bring any with you; on most cruise ships, you can contact guest relations or the medical centre, where you can get tablets to give you some relief.

Some people prefer natural remedies, such as ginger, which is often recommended for its anti-nausea properties. Others use acupressure wristbands, which have a round button and, when worn presses on an acupressure point to prevent or relieve seasickness. (These can be found here if you are in the UK or here if you are in the US).

Final Word

Seasickness is one of the biggest worries for first-time cruisers, but in reality, it’s far easier to manage than most people expect. Modern cruise ships are designed for stability, and simply choosing the right location on the ship can make a huge difference to how you feel.

For most people, staying near the middle of the ship on a lower deck is enough to avoid any discomfort at all. Add in fresh air, a view of the horizon, and a few sensible self-care habits, and cruising quickly becomes far more relaxing than stressful.

If you’ve been hesitating to book a cruise because of seasickness fears, don’t let it put you off. With a little planning, there’s a very good chance you won’t feel unwell at all – and you’ll be free to enjoy everything that makes cruising such a popular way to travel.

Because the worst part of your cruise shouldn’t be something that’s entirely avoidable.

Related Topics

• The Best Deck on a Cruise Ship (to Avoid Seasickness and Noise)
• 16 Tricks Guaranteed to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise
• Cruise Ship Norovirus Statistics & How To Avoid Sickness
• Surviving Storms at Sea! (Real Stories from Cruise Ship Passengers)