By Dr Richard Dawood
Ask the experts: Dr Richard Dawood, a travel health expert, outlines the different ways to tackle seasickness on a cruise holiday.
Nicky Pagett, Walton, N Yorks, writes
My husband is keen to try a cruise but I am apprehensive as I suffer from motion sickness. I have even been sick on a yacht moored in a flat calm sea off Fraser Island in Australia. Is there anything I could take to ensure a happy cruise? I have tried travel-sick wrist bands, which did not work.
Dr Richard Dawood, travel health expert, replies
The best choice of remedy boils down to personal preference, with trial and error to find one that suits. A popular, convenient option is the scopolamine patch – a small stick-on patch containing a drug that is slowly absorbed through the skin. Each patch can last around three days, and is highly effective. If you do need extra help, today’s large liners have well-equipped medical centres on board.
Bear in mind, though, that while many people have the same concerns about going on a cruise, motion sickness is quite rare on most large, modern cruise liners. Most ships have powerful stabilisers to counteract any rocking motion. These ships are so massive that even in rough weather any motion is greatly reduced.
So, pick a large, newer vessel. Choose an itinerary with a cruise terminal at every port so you do not need to use small boats to come ashore. And travel with an anti-nausea remedy in reserve, just in case.