Cruise: Holidaymakers can eliminate seasickness by opting for one of these specific cabins
CRUISE holidays can be ruined by the onset of sudden seasickness. According to experts, however, there are some hotspots onboard that are perfect to those prone to a bout of mal de mer. Where are the best cabins for those suffering from seasickness?
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Seasickness is not uncommon amongst travellers, with some cruise-goers more prone to feelings of queasiness than others. While there are plenty of remedies to try and tackle what sea-farers call mal de mer, it turns out there are some spots onboard the ship that are ideal for those experiencing an unsettled stomach.
Since cabins are the place guests may find they spend the most time, opting for a sturdier location is an added way to ensure the sickness is kept at bay.
Yet with cabins spread throughout the cruise ship, finding the right spot might seem confusing for first-time guests.
According to well-travelled experts from The Points Guy UK, the key is to bag a cabin right in the middle of the ship.
Mid-ship cabins are renowned for their stability.
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“You won’t feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel,” states the expert.
This is because the centre axis isthe zone least impacted by the rock and roll of the ocean beneath.
“Even in very rough seas, you’re not going to move nearly as much as the ship goes up and down in the waves as someone located at the far ends of the ship,” they add.
Meanwhile Cruise Critic expert Kerry Spencer suggests ensuring your central cabin is also lower to the bottom of the ship.
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“The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel,” she explains.
Even passengers hoping for a balcony should steer clear of soaring heights if they hope to avoid seasickness.
“Aim for an outside cabin in the middle of the ship – the natural balance point,” continues Kerry.
“Having a window will also give you a consistent view of the horizon to help you maintain your equilibrium.”
Meanwhile, the worst offenders for sickness are cabins situated high up at the front and back of the vessel.
Though they offer sweeping views of the surrounding scenery, these cabins also tend to feel the impact of any rough waters.
For guests who find themselves in a cabin elsewhere on the ship, the good news is there are plenty of other methods to beat mal de mer.
Kerry has some additional handy tips up her sleeve that can quickly aid those feeling green around the gills.
“One of the most widely recommended remedies is a scopolamine patch that is applied behind the ear at least eight hours before you sail,” says Kerry.
The US-manufactured treatment can be purchased online for UK sailors and is said to be effective for up to three days.
There are also some natural remedies said to combat the ocean illness.
“Ginger is a very popular remedy, which studies have found can greatly alleviate nausea associated with motion sickness,” she says.
“The root can be taken as sweets, powder, tea and pills. Another favourite is eating green apples.
“And indeed, some ships even offer plates of green apples and crackers as part of their room service menus, to help people overcome any motion-induced nausea.”