If you're concerned about getting seasick on your next cruise, you should know there are steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of motion sickness. Although modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that minimize pitching and rolling, some cruise passengers are more sensitive to motion sickness than others and should take precautions.

Although the effects of motion on the ocean can’t be tested until you hit the high seas, there are some effective cruiser-tested ways to prevent and avoid seasickness on a cruise.

Preventative medicine

Talk with your doctor before the cruise about getting preventative medicine. There are oral or skin-patch medications available to treat severe symptoms, while milder effects can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Most cruise ships have over-the-counter medications available for sale as well as medical centers on the ship.

Know about Sea-Bands?

Photo by Britt Reints (Creative Commons BY on Flickr)Sea-Bands are soft, comfortable bands you can fit on your wrist to avoid motion sickness on a ship or in a moving vehicle.

Try acupressure bands. Sea-Bands and other pressure-point wrist bands have been known to relieve nausea.

Ginger helps

Head for the galley. Ask the ship for ginger-based products to help calm woozy stomachs. Ginger ale and ginger chews are helpful, and I've heard that chicken broth can help, too.

Focus afar

Stare at the horizon. Studies have shown that focusing on the horizon line can help the brain achieve balance. (If only that worked in my everyday life!)

Choose a big ship

Pick a large ship. Although modern ships are equipped with stabilizers to reduce the pitch and roll of the ship, the larger vessels can distribute the motion better, which can make it seem like the ship is not moving as much.

Go low with your cabin choice

Pick the right stateroom. Location matters. Select a cabin on a lower deck toward the middle of the ship.

Choose a cruise with smooth sailing

Pick an itinerary that is less prone to stormy weather. The Southern Caribbean is a good choice for calmer seas compared to Antarctica, for example.

Your take

Those are the tricks I've found that work. What are your tricks? Please share your tips below!

Updated from an earlier version.

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