In this guide
Seasickness is one of the most common reasons cruisers visit the ship’s medical center. The CDC estimates it affects up to 25% of cruise travelers, even on large, stabilized ships, and lists it among the most common diagnoses onboard (CDC Yellow Book: Cruise Ship Travel).
This guide compares the options you’ll hear about most often. It’s general information, not a recommendation for you. Medicines suit some people and not others, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you choose.
Why seasickness happens
Your inner ear senses the ship moving, but your eyes (especially indoors) tell your brain you’re standing still. The NHS explains that these mixed signals are what make you feel unwell. Typical symptoms are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, and feeling cold and pale (NHS: Motion sickness).
The options at a glance
| Option | How it’s used | What official sources note | Ask about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scopolamine patch (prescription in the U.S.) | Placed behind the ear at least 4 hours before needed; lasts up to 3 days | Can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and confusion. FDA warning (June 2025) about overheating, mostly in children and adults over 60 | Glaucoma, age 65+, heat exposure, other medicines |
| Meclizine (antihistamine tablet) | Taken about 1 hour before travel, per label | Works best before symptoms. Can cause drowsiness and dry mouth | Glaucoma, enlarged prostate, asthma, age 65+ |
| Acupressure wristbands | Worn on the wrist | The NHS says they “do not work for everyone” | Low risk; fine to try alongside other measures |
| Ginger | Tablets, biscuits or tea | Listed by the NHS as something to try | Blood thinners or other medicines (ask a pharmacist) |
| Non-drug habits | Cabin choice, horizon, fresh air | First-line advice from the NHS | Everyone |
Sources: MedlinePlus: Scopolamine patch, MedlinePlus: Meclizine, NHS: Motion sickness.
Scopolamine patches
According to MedlinePlus, the scopolamine patch is used to prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness. It is applied to hairless skin behind the ear at least 4 hours before you need it and can stay in place for up to 3 days (MedlinePlus).
Things worth knowing before you talk to your prescriber:
- Heat warning. On June 18, 2025, the FDA warned about a risk of hyperthermia (dangerously raised body temperature) with scopolamine patches. Most reported cases were in children under 17 or adults over 60. That matters on hot-weather cruises.
- Older adults. MedlinePlus notes that people 65 and over should not usually use scopolamine, because other options may be safer.
- Side effects include disorientation, dry mouth, drowsiness, dilated pupils and dizziness. Withdrawal-type symptoms can appear after removing a patch that was worn for several days.
- Washing hands after applying the patch matters. Getting it in your eyes can dilate your pupils.
Meclizine tablets
MedlinePlus describes meclizine as a medicine to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness from motion sickness. It is most effective if taken before symptoms appear, about 1 hour before travel (MedlinePlus).
- It can cause drowsiness, so be careful with alcohol and with excursions where you need to stay alert.
- MedlinePlus advises telling your doctor about glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, urinary blockage or asthma. It also notes that older adults should not usually take meclizine.
- Follow the label or your pharmacist’s directions for dosing.
Wristbands and ginger
The NHS lists acupressure bands among pharmacy remedies but is candid that they “do not work for everyone.” It also suggests trying ginger as a tablet, biscuit or tea (NHS). Neither is a guaranteed fix. Many cruisers pack them as a low-risk first step and keep other options available after speaking with a pharmacist.
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Habits that help (from the NHS)
- Reduce motion. On a boat, the NHS suggests the middle. On a ship, that usually means a lower, midship cabin.
- Look at a fixed point, such as the horizon.
- Get fresh air when you can.
- Avoid reading or screens while you feel queasy.
- Skip heavy meals, spicy food and alcohol shortly before or during rough seas.
When to visit the medical center
If you can’t keep fluids down, feel faint, or symptoms don’t settle, go to the ship’s medical center. They can treat seasickness, but expect to pay. Treatment is billed to your onboard account (see what cruise medical bills really look like).
Questions to bring to your doctor or pharmacist
- Given my age, medicines and conditions, which option is safest for me?
- Should I try it at home before the cruise to check for side effects?
- How should I time it before boarding or before rough-weather days?
- Is it safe with alcohol, sun and heat, or my other prescriptions?
Sources
- CDC Yellow Book, Cruise Ship Travel: https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/cruise-ship-travel.html
- NHS, Motion sickness (reviewed June 2023): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motion-sickness/
- MedlinePlus, Scopolamine Transdermal Patch (revised July 2025): https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682509.html
- MedlinePlus, Meclizine: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682548.html