Over the years, word has spread of the Antarctic’s natural beauty and its array of unique wildlife. As a result, an Antarctic cruise has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in recent years.
During an Antarctic cruise, tourists will have the opportunity to experience the stunning scenery and wildlife firsthand. They will also get to visit some of the world’s most isolated and remote areas, which are otherwise inaccessible to most people.
While an Antarctic cruise can be an expensive vacation, it is an experience that is sure to be unforgettable. For those who have always dreamed of visiting the Antarctic, a cruise is definitely the best way to go about it.
If you’re planning an Antarctic cruise, chances are you’re wondering how to avoid seasickness. After all, the Drake Passage is notoriously rough, and even experienced sailors can find themselves feeling queasy in these waters.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid seasickness on an Antarctic cruise. Here are a few tips:
Ginger
Yes, you read that right. Simple as it may be, it’s effective in curing seasickness and preventing it altogether. Just take note that it’s not like that most of the time. For the most part, you’ll still feel seasick, but not as much. You may take ginger candies or even brew in a cup of tea.
Or you may take it the Die Hard way, where you just cut little slices of ginger and eat it raw. The best thing about it is that it’s very cheap and only takes up a little space in your luggage unless you bring sacks of ginger onboard.
Fresh Air
You’re lucky if your room is on a high floor on the cruise. Having some fresh air does miracles for seasickness, and the more fresh air you have, the lesser your seasickness symptoms will show.
You can also just go outside your room and find an open area where you can see the ocean and feel the breeze. You can also sit in the skipper if it’s allowed, as it’s usually the ship’s highest point. Not only will you have fresh air, but chances are you’ll also see how the crew drives the boat.
Look to the Horizon
This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but it’s legit that many scientists also recommend it. Seasickness is due to your conflicting sensory organs because of motion sickness. If you choose to look at something over the horizon, preferably a landmass, you’ll manage your seasickness greatly.
This is your brain telling your eyes that everything is still in the cabin, thus creating an illusion that you’re not feeling the waves of the seam, greatly reducing your seasickness. Essentially, you’re giving your brain a point of reference, which makes you more aware of the ship’s motions, along with your movements, which helps greatly when trying to manage your seasickness.
Sea Bands
Although there is still contention on the effectiveness of sea bands, also known as motion sickness bands, among sailors and passengers alike, many people and experts have proven that sea bands greatly help manage your seasickness. It’s derived from the ancient practice of acupuncture.
Sea bands are elastic bracelets with plastic studs attached to the inner surface of the band. These bands put pressure on an acupressure point believed to relieve nausea and vomiting. Sea bands are relatively expensive and common on ships, but some swear by the digital ones that vibrate and use batteries.
Don’t Lose Sleep and Rest a Lot
Sometimes, it will take a few days before the first onslaught of seasickness hits you. You might take this time to have fun while on the cruise from quark expeditions, like partying and stuff, so it’s quite hard to stay still. However, you should take this time to sleep and rest if you don’t want to suffer the rest of the trip stuck in your room, vomiting your guts out.
This is especially true if you’re warned that the following days will have high seas, making you seasick if you’re not a veteran sailor.
Take Medicines
Seasickness is due to neural activity; thus, there are medicines such as antihistamines that you can take to minimize these effects. The medicines can help you soothe the nerves in your inner ear and suppress the brain’s vomiting response to these effects. They come in pills and should be taken before the symptoms appear.
If you’re not a fan of taking pills, you can opt for patches for seasickness that you can put behind your ear.
Final Words
To combat seasickness and enjoy your cruising adventure, you might want to follow these tips as they will give you more time to enjoy yourself with your family and friends. They will also help ensure that your Antarctic cruise is a smooth one. Bon voyage!