sea sickness

Sea Sickness on a Ferry: How to Prevent and Manage It

Worried about feeling seasick on a ferry? You are certainly not alone.
For some travellers, the thought of seasickness can be enough to put them off travelling by ferry altogether. However, there are several things you can do to make your journey more comfortable.
From choosing where to sit to getting some fresh air, a little preparation can make a big difference.

What causes seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. It can happen when your eyes and inner ear send different signals to your brain. For example, your eyes may see a stationary cabin. However, your inner ear can feel the movement of the ferry. This mismatch can leave you feeling unwell.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Feeling tired
  • Vomiting

Some people are more sensitive to movement than others. Conditions can also vary considerably between different ferry crossings.

Can anyone get seasick on a ferry?

Yes. Even experienced ferry passengers can occasionally feel seasick. You may be completely comfortable on one journey but feel unwell on another. The weather, sea conditions, ferry and route can all affect how much movement you experience.

However, being prone to travel sickness does not necessarily mean you need to avoid ferry travel. There are plenty of simple things you can try.

How to avoid seasickness on a ferry

If you know that you suffer from motion sickness, prepare before you travel.

You will normally feel less movement towards the middle of a ferry than at either end. If possible, find a comfortable seat around the central part of the ship. Avoid spending too much time at the bow or stern if the ferry is moving heavily. On larger ferries, you may also find the movement less noticeable than expected.

If you begin to feel unwell, looking towards a fixed point in the distance can help your senses adjust to the ferry’s movement. Head outside onto the passenger deck if it is safe and open. Fresh air can also feel much more comfortable than sitting inside a warm cabin.

Reading a book or staring at your phone can make motion sickness feel worse for some people. Your eyes are concentrating on something that appears stationary while your body feels the ferry moving. Instead, look outside, listen to music or chat with your travelling companions.

Try not to board immediately after eating a very large or heavy meal. Instead, choose something relatively light before travelling and keep some simple snacks with you. It is also sensible to stay hydrated throughout your journey.

Worrying about becoming seasick can make the journey feel more stressful. Find somewhere comfortable and try to relax. Listening to music or closing your eyes can help distract you from the movement. If you have booked a cabin on a longer crossing, lying down may also help.

Can you take travel sickness tablets for a ferry?

Travel sickness medicines are available from pharmacies and may help some passengers. Different medicines have different instructions and may not be suitable for everyone. Some can also cause side effects such as drowsiness.

Therefore, speak to a pharmacist or medical professional if you are unsure which option is suitable for you. It is also important to follow the instructions carefully. Some travel sickness medicines need to be taken before your journey rather than after symptoms have started.

Please note: Ferryto.eu does not provide medical advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and speak to a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional if you have questions about medication.

Do seasickness bands work?

You may have seen travel sickness wristbands in pharmacies and travel shops. These bands apply pressure to a point on the inside of your wrist. Some travellers find them useful, although experiences vary. They are drug-free, which makes them an option worth considering if you prefer not to take travel sickness medication.

Does ginger help with seasickness?

Ginger is another popular option for people experiencing nausea. You can find ginger in several forms, including ginger tea, biscuits and supplements. Some travellers find ginger helpful, while others notice little difference. If you want to try it, a packet of ginger biscuits is certainly easy to pack for your ferry journey.

Are larger ferries better for seasickness?

Generally, a larger ferry can feel more stable than a small vessel, although sea conditions still make a big difference. Large ferries operating major international routes are designed to handle open-sea crossings. Many also use stabilisation systems to reduce uncomfortable movement.

However, no ferry can completely eliminate the effects of rough seas. If seasickness is a major concern, consider the type of ferry and length of crossing when comparing your options.

Is a daytime or overnight ferry better for seasickness?

There is no single answer because everyone experiences motion sickness differently. Some passengers prefer shorter daytime crossings because they spend less time at sea. Others prefer an overnight ferry where they can book a cabin and try to sleep through much of the journey.

Think about what makes you most comfortable when choosing between ferry routes. A longer crossing is not automatically a worse option, particularly if you have access to a private cabin and comfortable onboard facilities.

What should I do if I feel seasick onboard?

If seasickness starts during your crossing, try not to stay focused on how you are feeling. Put away your phone or book and find somewhere comfortable. If possible, get some fresh air and look towards the horizon.

Take small sips of water and avoid heavy food until you feel better. If you become very unwell or are concerned about your symptoms, speak to a member of the ferry crew. They can tell you what assistance is available onboard.

Don’t let seasickness put you off ferry travel

The possibility of seasickness can be worrying, particularly if you have experienced motion sickness before. However, many ferry journeys are comfortable. Modern ferries also offer plenty of space to move around, relax and get some fresh air.

Prepare before you travel, choose where you sit carefully and give yourself time to settle into the journey. You may find travelling by ferry much easier than you expected.

FAQ

Still have questions about seasickness and ferry travel? Here are some quick answers to the most common questions passengers ask before setting sail.

Try to stay towards the middle of the ferry, where movement can feel less noticeable. Looking outside towards the horizon may also help.

Yes. It is still possible to experience seasickness on a large ferry. However, larger vessels can often feel more stable than smaller boats.

You do not necessarily need to travel on an empty stomach. However, a light meal may feel more comfortable than a large or heavy meal.

Looking at a phone, tablet or book can make motion sickness worse for some people. Try looking towards the horizon instead.

Speak to a member of the ferry crew if you feel very unwell. They can advise you about the assistance available onboard.

They can be for some travellers. Booking a cabin allows you to lie down and potentially sleep through much of the crossing. However, conditions vary between routes and individual sailings.