seasickness disney cruise

How to Avoid Sea-sickness on Your Disney Cruise

Last Updated on February 6, 2020

There is little better in life than sitting back and enjoying a cruise on the open sea. From the fun onboard activities to the amazing locations, there’s a lot to love about  traveling on a Disney cruise.

However, the last thing you want is for your wonderful cruise interrupted by sea-sickness.

Ask Your Health Care Professional

Allergy medication and other medications sold over the counter should be supplemented with expert advise from your doctor. We sometimes take for granted that these drugs are right there and easily purchased and used based on the description on the label.

There can be serious side-effects or allergic to some medications. Expert advi ce from your doctor is an important step in staying healthy on holiday.

What is Motion Sickness?

Without getting too scientific, or graphic, motion sickness is when your body and eyes can’t agree on what is happening around you and your brain is confused. There are many theories as to why your brain reacts this way, but everyone can agree on how the brain reacts.

But why? Why does looking out into the gently rocking ocean cause your body such distress?

If we all think back to high school science class, vomiting is the body’s natural defense mechanism against poisons and other intruders. When your body and eyes can’t agree on what is happening to you, you brain believes you are hallucinating. And why would a perfectly healthy individual suddenly start hallucinating? Because they have been poisoned, so says your brain.

And there is no talking your brain down either. Once she gets an idea in her head (no pun intended), there is no going back. Remedies, time and avoidance are the only way to clear up the confusion and get back on track.

The following remedies will help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness until your body has a chance to adjust to its new surroundings and level itself off.

If you are inclined to motion sickness but want to ensure an enjoyable cruise, here are a few ways to avoid getting seasick on your cruise

Some Common Prevention

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you need to take sea-sickness medicine before you feel sick, other wise it won’t be effiective.

Motion sickness medication is not 100% effective. You can still feel the effects just maybe to a lesser extent.

Be sure to pack enough for the length of your trip but if you need more, the gift shop and the Medical stations will be able to help you out.

Avoid the Portholes

Looking out the portholes was disorienting. The theory behind this remedy is perception; watching the motion in the ocean while your body stays relatively still (because Cruises are equipped with amazing stabilizers these days), your brain is confused and the result is nausea.

Fresh air and steering clear of the disorienting portholes. By getting outside, your body can have a more encapsulating feeling of moving with the waters you are looking at. If your brain believes your body is moving along with what you are looking at, it is no longer confused. This is called The Sensory Conflict Theory.

Hydrate Often ; Stick to soothing beverages

Stay away from any drinks with carbonation. If the lack of flavor is an issue for you try Mio or another water additive.

Peppermint and ginger are both known to calm upset stomach

Avoid Over Indulging

Any child will tell you, eating too much only makes your tummy ache worst, not better. Stick to starchy foods like soda crackers, bread, and rice. They will help absorb gastric acid and settle a queasy stomach. Carry a few packets of soda crackers around to munch on during the day and keep a few next to your nightstand at night.

You will want to eat small, plain meals throughout the day. Green apples, saltines, and ginger (in the form of a pill, powder, tea) are all natural stomach soothers. It is a good idea to avoid fatty foods or those high in salt and sugar, and avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to sailing. These will give your stomach the best chances of beating body’s urge to be sick.

Focus on the Fun

Focusing your attention, ie your Brain, on the fun that you are trying to have, and not wallowing in the fun that you are missing out on, will help distract you from your nausea.

In order to maxmize on fun, one needs to avoid the Cabin. To acclimate to shipboard life and get those sea legs working, it is best to spend as much time as possible outside on deck .

Avoid Becoming Anxious

Worrying about how your family doing without you, that you are missing out on all the fun, or anything else that you can possibly worry about while on a Disney Cruise, will only make things worse.

Being anxious in and of itself can bring on nausea, so if you can’t join in on the fun, at least try to relax and make the best of the situation.

Stateroom Location 

The best location for a stateroom if you suffer from motion sickness is the middle of the ship. This is where you get maximum stabilization (??) and will feel the least ocean movements. After being queasy all day, a good nights sleep should help take the edge off.

Length of Cruise

Longer cruises, and on bigger ships, are often the most stable in terms of rocking. Cruise ships, Disney included, like to spend their money where they know they will get a great return on investment. Adding their best stabilizers on their larger ships, as well ships intended to take longer cruises will have the maximum impact on their bottom line.

Although, this doesn’t mean we suggest booking a 10 day cruise right away. If you aren’t sure that you, or someone in your party, will be able to handle such a long cruise and potentially be ill for the majority of it (or all of it), we would suggest starting off slow. Research which ships have the best specs and book one of their shorter cruises. They tend to rotate a few of the shorter routes from time to time.

Avoid Multiple Days at Sea

Being able to get off the ship and relax your stomach is a great way to slowly acclimate to life on board. One day at sea may be all you can handle, and that’s ok. Because you have tomorrow at Castaway Cay to look forward to.

Excursion Planning

Plan to spend as much time as possible off of the ship. A docked ship is still in the water, and still rocks with the ocean. Get off the ship as soon as you can, and don’t get back on until you absolutely have to. This way, you can maximize your land-based relaxation and fun. Who knows, this may have been the quick break your body needed to get its act together and finally give you some relief.

Avoid Powers of Suggestion

Please ask your friends and family to stop asking you how you are doing, pointing out that you look sickly or anything remotely suggesting that you could be or are showing signs of sea-sickness.

The mind is a powerful thing, after all, and that little nudge could be the difference between a little uncomfortable to a full day in bed.

Avoid Key Triggers

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the not-so-great feeling of being off balance. , and poor ventilation as strong smells can overwhelm the senses.

Also, it is best to avoid reading. If you must, read small passages at a time and take frequent breaks to look up and find the horizon.

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I Wasn’t Ready For Motion Sickness On Our Cruise. Tips I Would Follow to Do Differently!

Disney Cruises are great experiences for families with the great on board dining, Broadway-style shows, Disney character meet and greets plus amazing pools. One thing that can get in the way of that great experience is if you experience motion sickness or vertigo on a Disney Cruise which is pretty common with many adults.

There are a variety of different medications that can be used to help motion sickness on a Disney Cruise although it varies between person to person. Something that may work for you for motion sickness in other situations may not work the same on a cruise.

On my recent Disney Cruise, I wasn't ready for the motion sickness nor did I think it would affect me! I'm not someone that is super sensitive to motion sickness although some theme park rides can cause me dizziness. I learned the hard way that I should have arrived prepared and here are all the tips of things I would do differently on a future Disney Cruise.

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In this planning guide:

Medications for Motion Sickness on a Cruise

There are a few medications available to prevent motion sickness on a Disney Cruise. Everyone is different and what works for one person won't work for another so that's really key to keep in mind. It's just trial and error when it comes to motion sickness.

While I did come prepared with Bonine, I wish I would have brought MORE options with me in case that method didn't work. It's a pretty helpless feeling to be out at sea and realizing you should have sought out a prescription motion sickness medication before your trip.

The cruise ship will have medication available, including sea bands, in the gift shops along with the Health Center. As for the prescription option listed below, no such luck on that one.

Here are some of the most common medications with their pros and cons:

Dramamine and Bonine

Dramamine is a traditional medication for motion sickness. There are two version of Dramamine: non drowsy and regular. The regular version contains dimenhydrinate but it can make people pretty drowsy so it's not often the most popular option.

The non-drowsy option has meclizine which is meant to offer similar protection from motion sickness without the drowsiness. Bonine, another popular motion sickness medicine, also has this same ingredient.

In my case, I usually take Bonine at theme parks that might have attractions that cause me dizziness so I brought it with me on our Disney Cruise. While I use this medication often at theme parks, it did nothing for me on the cruise which was disappointing since this was the only medicine I brought.

Transderm-Scop Patch

This medication is available by prescription only. This is a patch that you wear behind the ear and is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. It works by correcting the imbalance of natural substances (acetylcholine and norepinephrine) that can occur in motion sickness. It also blocks certain signals to the brain that can cause nausea and vomiting.

I saw lots of people on our Disney Cruise wearing this patch and have heard it works well for many people. This is something I will pursue for my next Disney Cruise to see if this method works for me. Since this requires a prescription, you will need to make time to see your doctor to get one before a cruise.

These are all essential packing items for your Disney Cruise!

Natural Motion Sickness Remedies

There are a lot of tried and true methods for natural motion sickness remedies that are popular among cruisers. Here are some of the best common methods.

During my cruise, the Health Center had print outs with this information to give guests so I utilized many of these (that were available to me) during the trip and this did help me regain my balance a bit.

• Sea bands are acupressure wristbands that stimulate a point on the wrist that can help sea sickness.
• Use essential oils like peppermint.
• Face the direction the ship is moving.
• Look to the horizon.
• Change positions from a standing to a lying down or vice versa.
• Get some fresh air.
• Drink ginger ale.
• Stay off screens.
• Avoid alcohol.

The list here could be endless as motion sickness is something really personal to the individual experiencing it. But it's good to have methods on hand to try just in case you experience it.

Disney Cruise Line Health Center

I did utilize the Health Center during my first full day at sea once the vertigo got so bad. Turns out, this is pretty common. The Health Center door is even equipped with tip sheets you can take and plenty of stock of meclizine. They recommended I take it before bed, it was a stronger dose than my Bonine, and by the next day I was feeling so much better.

While I still felt unsteady on the ship, I did not have the same dizziness that was plaguing me the first two days. For me this medicine did the trick, whether it was the stronger dose or taking it before bed, but it helped me quite a bit. And of course, you do begin to gain your “sea legs” by the third day of your cruise so I am sure that also helped.

It's comforting to know that the Disney Cruises are equipped with a Health Center that is prepared to help you with motion sickness. They were kind and it did ease my anxiety a bit to know I had these resources close by. For guests that suffer from severe vomiting for motion sickness, they do have shots on hand to help combat this. Keep in mind that many of those extra services will be at an extra charge but if you need them, they are available.

Best Rooms on Disney Cruise For Motion Sickness

There are also some preventative measures you can take to prepare for your Disney Cruise if motion sickness is a worry.

Depending on where you are on the ship, you will feel the rocking and movement more. I noticed it the most at the very front or end of our ship, in these areas I found I couldn't stay there too long or I would begin to feel dizzy the first few days. Once I got my motion sickness under control, then I was able to navigate it just fine.

This is also true for the location of your stateroom! If you are worried about motion sickness, you want to opt for a stateroom that is located midship where the ship is the most stable. This is the best advice all around, head to the middle of the ship if you are feeling any motion sickness.

You may also consider if you want a verandah stateroom or not. Does fresh air help your motion sickness? It may help to have an outside space to get fresh air as needed or to look into the horizon. If seeing the ocean makes it worse, then perhaps an inside stateroom is for the best. We had a verandah room but for me personally, I did better when I wasn't looking at the ocean so I had those curtains closed those first two days! It is really personal preference, motion sickness impacts everyone differently.

What is the Best Cruise Length for Motion Sickness?

It may seem counter intuitive but a longer cruise might actually work better for motion sickness on a Disney Cruise! You have more port stops, chances to get off the ship and get your land legs, plus more time to get used to the ship itself.

Depending on the cruise, shorter cruises might move quicker which means you will feel the ship moving much more than cruises of longer lengths. This all varies depending on the cruise type.

The benefit of a smaller cruise is that if you are impacted by the feeling and don't enjoy it, you know that an end date is near in your future.

Dealing with Motion Sickness on Disney Cruise

Motion sickness is horrible to experience on a Disney Cruise but feel comforted that this is a common experience so there are plenty of remedies to combat it. You can still have a successful and enjoyable Disney Cruise if you prepare in advance, just in case.

I am thankful that I went to the Health Center right away so that I could enjoy the rest of my cruise without any issues. Do not hesitate to reach out to them if you need advice.

To prepare for my next Disney Cruise, I plan on asking my doctor for prescription for the motion sickness patch to have on hand just in case. But first, I plan on utilizing meclizine before bed leading up to the cruise since I know that worked for me.

Despite experiencing motion sickness my first two days at sea, I had such a great time on our Disney Cruise and I can't wait to do our next one. There are methods to deal with motion sickness on a Disney Cruise and it's worth trying to figure out so you can experience the fun.

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All Disney Cruise ships have advanced stabilization technology that helps reduce some of the movement you may expect to feel on a cruise. High winds or rocky seas can create some extra movement so this really depends on the person,

The rooms that are best on a Disney Cruise for motion sickness are any of the lower deck rooms located midship.

The cabins at the front of the ship are going to be the worst for motion sickness as you will feel the boat movement the most there.

The Health Centers on the Disney Cruise all provide meclizine for no extra charge.

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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How to Avoid Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise

By: Author Patty Granger

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2018

These are my suggestions on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise because there is nothing worse than paying the premium for a Disney cruise and being seasick the whole time. I was petrified on my first cruise that this was going to be me. However, with much preparation, I was able to pretty much avoid motion sickness on my Disney cruise. I did have one small incident while playing a little too much mid-ship detective agency (no windows, small corridors) but I was able to quickly recover with some meds and a short nap.

The great news is that all of the Disney cruise ships feature state of the art technology that helps keep the boat stable and minimize rocking. All of the Disney ships are HUGE (even the two oldest) and most of the time you will feel just as if you were on land. The crew also does a fantastic job of navigating around bad weather as much as possible. This is especially key when you are planning on cruising during hurricane season.

Before we get into the list of products and tips that I have for you on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise, I have one more important note. You always know your body best . If you are prone to motion sickness then you should seek out professional medical advice (aka prescription medication).

Hydrate Often

They always have free fountain water available to you so it’s a good idea to bring along a water bottle and always stay stocked up. Staying hydrated has so many health benefits including helping you avoid getting motion sick.

If you can afford the splurge get a Veranda room so you always have access to that fresh ocean air. There is nothing like fresh air to help calm you when you are starting to feel nauseous.

Avoid the Bubbles

I know if you’re not feeling well your reaction may be to go for a ginger ale but we actually recommend staying away from any drinks with carbonation. If the lack of flavor is an issue for you try Mio or another water additive.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Ginger pills, avoid over indulging.

I know this one is hard, it’s all you care to eat, unlimited ice cream and soda! An overstuffed tummy doesn’t make anyone feel good and a rocking boat can just exacerbate this. Think back to Thanksgiving and how you felt after eating that big meal. So while it may be tough at least try to stop eating when you are full. If you get hungry an hour or two later remember you can always get those warm cookies delivered to your room.

I found skipping the carbonated beverage on our last trip made a world of a difference. So you may just want to try cutting out food or drinks that you know can sometimes be a trigger on land.

Pick the Perfect Stateroom

You may have already heard this, but if you want to feel the least amount of rocking there is an ideal section of the boat. The midship staterooms are best for this and the lower deck stateroom as well. The next two best sections are the aft followed by the forward staterooms. On our last cruise, we got midship and really noticed a difference. We hit some really rough seas and our room was much less rocky than the dinner we had one night in the aft of the boat.

We hope these tips help you Avoid Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise! Remember the best thing to do is stay calm, take meds if needed and get a much needed nap. If you have other tips we would love to hear from you in the comment section below!

I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!

Dealing with Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise

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I recently went on my first Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy , and it was pure paradise! Unfortunately, I’m a sufferer of motion sickness, and despite my best efforts, I felt a bit under the weather throughout the trip. I was able to make the best of my trip, and still had a phenomenal time, but definitely learned some lessons about how to keep my stomach happy. Here, I’ll share some of my best tips for beating motion sickness on your Disney cruise!

Our dining room attendant gave me some words of wisdom when I was feeling a bit sick at sea. He told me that he, too, used to deal with seasickness, but was able to beat it by planning ahead! If you’re prone to motion sickness, you have to take the seasickness medicine before you feel sick, or else it won’t do the trick. That means applying that patch behind the ear 4 hours before you set sail, taking those pills before the sea starts rocking your stomach, and putting on your Sea Bands before you step on that ship! I wore the patch, which has worked well for me in the past, but didn’t quite get the job done this sailing. Other guests informed me that the patch doesn’t work well for them, and suggested trying out the patch on solid ground before sailing to make sure it wasn’t the patch, itself, that was making me woozy! I learned that many veteran cruisers find the motion sickness pill to be much easier on them!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

I didn’t want to be a pain asking for help when I felt nauseous, but when I finally did, I was so pleased with all of the assistance I got! Disney Cruise Line has a medic on board who will provide complimentary seasickness medications (again, you need to take these before feeling sick). Like I mentioned before, I planned ahead and wore the motion sickness patch, so I wasn’t a candidate for a trip to the medic, but it was definitely nice to know they were there if I needed.

I wasn’t feeling up for the French onion soup I ordered at dinner, so I headed back to my stateroom one night during the meal and called room service. This complimentary service has a limited menu that can be delivered to your stateroom 24/7 during your cruise (bring some cash for tips, though!). I called down and asked for some chicken noodle soup and peppermint tea. Minutes later, my food arrived, complete with crackers!

The next afternoon, we saw our dining room servers in the buffet. Our dining room attendant, head server, and assistant server all spotted me, came over to ask how I was feeling, and offered their own tips and tricks for surviving the waves! Our assistant server offered me some great advice; don’t think so much! Try to distract yourself with activities; I have to admit, it helped!

AVOID THE PORTHOLES

This is something I learned over the course of our three-night sailing, and as strange as it may be, it definitely helped. When we were sailing, looking out the portholes was disorienting for me, making me feel worse. For some reason, watching the waves go by through a porthole made me feel dizzy, and I found it best to look straight ahead when walking past a porthole. I felt best sitting up on Deck 11 where I could get some fresh air. We also found that closing the window blinds in our stateroom was also a big help. Fresh air and steering clear of the disorienting portholes kept my stomach settled!

STICK TO SOOTHING BEVERAGES

I’m a tea-lover, and Disney Cruise Line has tons of Twinings tea flavors, which made me very happy! I found that the peppermint tea and lemon ginger teas were very soothing on my stomach! Peppermint and ginger are both known to calm upset stomachs, and I drank plenty of both throughout my trip. Tea is available 24/7 up on deck 11 by the pool and from room service, and I definitely took advantage of its availability. If you spotted me at the theatre or watching a movie, I probably had a cup of tea in my hand! I avoided coffee and other acidic beverages, even when feeling good, just to be safe. I also kept some crystalized ginger handy for the same reason. If you’re not a Twinings fan, bring your own tea bags along; you can get hot water anywhere to steep a soothing cuppa!

ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED, EVEN IF IT’S NOT BEING OFFERED

We all know that Disney can make dreams come true. When you have a stomach ache, forget the pixie dust, crackers are the true dream! We were relaxing on the lido deck and I wanted a mild snack, some crackers or a banana, but the buffet, Cabanas, was closed between meals. We found a server, and even though the buffet was closed, he gave me about 30 crackers to munch on. I felt bad for interrupting their work, but was met with nothing but smiles and genuine concern for my stomach! The crew truly wants you to have a magical trip; as insignificant as a few crackers may sound, this gesture made my day (and the crackers really settled my stomach). Again, you can always call room service, too, if you want something between meals!

FOCUS ON THE FUN!

I’d been waiting for this trip for months, and I wasn’t about to let an upset stomach ruin my trip! I filled my purse with Pepto Bismol tablets and Tums, chewed some peppermint gum, and munched on crackers throughout the trip to keep my stomach satisfied when it was feeling funky. I also listened to my body: if something sounded good, I indulged, and if something sounded too risky, I avoided it.

The best thing I did, though? Have a blast! We made it to every show, saw some movies, enjoyed late night fireworks, and relaxed on the beach. The more fun I had, the less I worried about my stomach. Of course, when I was feeling my worst, I headed to the stateroom for some soup and a movie, but once I was able to get up and move around, I kept busy!

Sure, nobody sets out to feel under the weather on their dream vacation, but I was able to enjoy my time. My memories from this trip are laughing, relaxing, joking around with Goofy, watching movies, seeing shows, and having the time of my life. I made sure to focus on the fun, and even with the belly troubles, this was one of the best vacations of my life.

What tips do you have for feeling motion sickness on a Disney Cruise Line sailing? Share your suggestions in the comments!

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Ways to Prevent Getting Seasick on Cruise Vacations

Are you looking for ways to prevent sea sickness on a cruise? If so, you’re not alone.

In fact, before sailing on my first cruise, the potential of dealing with motion sickness was one of my biggest concerns about cruising. If you ask experienced cruisers for tips on how to manage motion sickness, you will get all sorts of answers.

Many people don’t even feel the ship moving at all on their vacation. I, on the other hand, immediately feel a difference once the anchor is lifted and the ship starts to pull away from the dock on embarkation day.

In this post, we will discuss the best ways to avoid feeling seasick on a cruise ship. We will discuss planning tips to help you prevent motion sickness before you are even onboard.

We will also discuss how to manage seasickness during your cruise vacation. So, continue reading below for our best tips on how to prevent getting seasick on a cruise!

Motion Sickness on Cruise

If you are a first-time cruiser, you may have many questions about motion sickness. For example:

• Do cruise ships make you seasick?
• What are the symptoms of seasickness on a cruise?
• Where do you feel the most motion on a ship?

Unfortunately, the truth is that cruise ships can make you feel seasick. As mentioned above, many people don’t feel the motion at all. However, those of us who do feel nauseous while cruising may explain the symptoms in different ways.

Since motions from car rides, swing sets, and amusement park attractions tend to make me feel nauseous, I anticipated the need to manage seasickness prior to my family’s first cruise.

However, the seasickness I felt from the ship’s rocking wasn’t really the same as these other motion sickness experiences. If you’re looking for scientific information on the causes of seasickness and its relation to the inner ear, you can check out this post .

So, what does seasickness feel like?

Seasickness symptoms can be different for each individual. For me, the feeling of seasickness wasn’t really the same as getting sick from the motion of a car. Instead, motion sickness on a ship felt similar to riding on those moving walkways at the airport.

It’s almost like your head and body don’t seem to be communicating with one another about whether or not you are actually moving. In other words, seasickness can make you feel like you’re walking on unstable ground.

Seasick Yet Still Docked

You may notice the feeling of seasickness before you even leave the dock on embarkation day. I typically don’t notice the ship’s motion immediately upon boarding. However, by mid-afternoon, I can tell that the boat is swaying a bit. This typically happens around the time the crew lifts the anchor to prepare for sailing away.

How to Prevent Sea Sickness on a Cruise

It’s hard to specify what helps those feeling seasick because each experience is different. My husband and two daughters don’t feel the cruise ship moving at all when we sail. I, on the other hand, feel queasy a few hours after boarding.

Below, I’ll discuss the best ways I’ve found to avoid sea sickness on cruise vacations. Again, what works for one individual may not work for another.

Additionally, seasickness may bother one traveler for the entire trip while another cruiser may only feel symptoms for a few hours. In my experience, I typically end up getting used to the feeling of the ship moving. Therefore, seasickness doesn’t last the duration of a cruise.

The first evening is always the worst, but the next morning is a huge improvement. After that first day, I tend to almost enjoy the motion without feeling queasy.

Wear a Motion Sickness Bracelet

There are all sorts of treatments you can try for seasickness, including patches and things to place behind your ear. I tend to rely on motion sickness medication and bracelets.

Acupressure wristbands are a great option for cruisers who are worried about feeling motion sickness during their trip. You can find several acupressure bands at places like Amazon, but I typically use Sea-Bands. Once the ship begins to move and I start to feel queasy, I put a Sea-Band on each wrist. These motion sickness bracelets instantly help ease the nausea.

Sea-Bands are reusable, so you can pack them over and over again for multiple cruise vacations. I still use the same set I purchased years ago. The motion sickness bracelets also take up very little space in your suitcase, which is a plus! These are the Sea-Bands that work really well for me.

When packing for a cruise, I like to keep the Sea-bands in the bag we carry onto the ship with us rather than in the luggage we check. This way, I have access to the bracelets as soon as I need them.

Get Fresh Air

Fresh air can do wonders to help lessen the side effects of seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, it may be a good idea to book a balcony cabin so that you have easy access to the outdoors. 

If you aren’t able to book a stateroom with a balcony, your cruise ship should have plenty of public spaces for you to get some fresh air. The pool deck is a great place to spend time if you’re starting to feel a little queasy. 

Additionally, many ships have an outdoor jogging track that provides plenty of outdoor space as well as spectacular views.

Snack on Green Apples

​ Many crew members who live and work on the ships will tell you that green apples are great natural remedies for cruise ship nausea. If you start to experience motion sickness, you can try to munch on green apples to see if they alleviate any feelings of nausea.

Try Over the Counter Medications

​ Before your trip, you can purchase over the counter motion sickness pills to pack in your bag. I like to take one of these tablets starting the night before the cruise. This way, the medicine is already in my system when I board the ship.

​You’ll find several different brands of over the counter medications available at your local pharmacy or on Amazon. Many of these even offer a version for kids. 

If you are worried about experiencing motion sickness on your cruise, you could the medicines to your cruise packing list so that you have them handy on your trip.

Additionally, if you experience symptoms of motion sickness while onboard the ship, the medical center should have seasickness medications for you to try.

Drink Ginger Ale

​ If you’re searching for another natural remedy to motion sickness, you can try sipping on ginger ale while onboard. Ginger ale and other products with ginger, like chewing gum, are often used to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. They are also a great way to try to combat seasickness on a cruise ship.

Best Room for Motion Sickness

If you want to avoid feeling seasick on a cruise, you can try to reserve a cabin that is less prone to motion. Below, we will discuss the best cruise rooms for seasickness to help you choose the right cabin for your trip.

It’s important to note that people feel the ship’s movement in different ways. For example, before my family started cruising, I read a lot of advice about booking a stateroom on a lower deck of the ship.

You will also often find that experienced cruisers feel less motion in the middle of the ship. Historically, staterooms located on a lower deck that’s in the middle of the ship are less prone to feeling the ship swaying back and forth.

Personally, I do not notice a difference in the ship’s motion based on the deck I am on. Furthermore, I don’t have any issues with seasickness when spending time at the back or in the middle of the ship.

The main culprit for motion sickness when I cruise tends to be the front of the ship. This is true even if I am standing on a low deck in the front of the ship.

So, when you are looking for the best cruise rooms for seasickness, my advice would be to stay away from the front of the ship. You should feel much less motion in cabins in the middle or at the back of the ship.

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Additionally, you may hear a lot of chatter about how modern cruise ships are built in such a way as to better handle the motion of the ocean. Or that smaller ships allow you to feel the movement of the ship more than big cruise ships do.

While these statements could technically be true, it has been my experience that large, modern ships are not immune to rough seas. My family and I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas , which is a newer, massive cruise ship, and we suffered from motion sickness on this trip more than on any other.

The good news is each ship (on all cruise lines) features a medical center where you can find motion sickness medications and upset stomach relief so that your entire trip isn’t ruined by the effects of motion sickness.

Motion Sickness after Cruise

During my first cruise vacation, I was so focused on preventing seasickness on the ship, I didn’t even consider the possibility of feeling motion sickness after the cruise.

If you’re wondering if seasickness after a cruise is a thing , it totally is! As crazy as it sounds, it sometimes takes longer to get your equilibrium back after the trip than during the cruise.

The feeling of seasickness after a cruise can last for several days or more. I typically feel a bit seasick for the first week after getting of the ship.

This isn’t usually a nauseous type of sickness. You just have a case of sea legs while getting a sense that your body is still sailing even though it clearly isn’t.

Final Thoughts on How to Prevent Getting Seasick on a Cruise

Overall, it’s important to note that the motion of the ship typically has no negative impact on any of my family’s trip plans. We are usually able to enjoy ourselves during the entire vacation even if we are feeling a bit of motion sickness.

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If you prepare for the possibility of feeling seasick, you should be able to easily avoid and manage your symptoms. Try to pack any remedies you would like to try so that you have them handy onboard. But rest assured that even if you aren’t super prepared, the medical center on the ship should be able to help you.

Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a seasoned pro, we hope you experience the least amount of motion on your trip and that you have the best cruise vacation ever! 

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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How to Avoid Seasickness

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Do you get seasick on a cruise? This is a big concern for many people and can even prevent some from choosing to sail on a cruise.

Whilst some people definitely do experience seasickness, for most people it is not an issue.

The modern cruise ships of today are much more stable than they were even a decade ago. Technology has moved on a lot to help prevent seasickness.

However, motion sickness, or its ocean based equivalent, sea sickness. is still a very real concern for many people. If you are unfortunate enough to experience it you will definitely want to take steps to avoid it.

Here are some tried and tested remedies to help you avoid seasickness, including practical steps, natural remedies and motion sickness medication.

We have ads on our blog to provide this as a helpful resource for you We also use affiliate links; if you click on a link and purchase an item we may receive a small commission.

SEASICKNESS 101

How does it feel.

There are a number of symptoms and you may experience these in an combination.

Broadly the symptoms of seasickness are nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, cold sweats, yawning and loss of appetite.

If you have it, there is usually not mistaking the symptoms!

Related: How to Pack the Best Cruise First Aid Kit

Why Does it Happen?

The simplest explanation is that motion sickness is caused by an in balance in the inner ear. When you experience motion on a ship your brain is getting different signals from your eyes, your muscles and you inner ear (which deals with balance).

With all of these conflicting signals coming to the brain it gets confused and starts to defend itself by producing motion sickness symptoms.

How to Pack the Perfect Cruise Carry On Luggage

Will it Affect Me?

No one really knows why some people are more likely to get motion sickness than others.

There is some evidence that there is a genetic element to deciding who is more prone to seasickness. It is generally accepeted that children under 12 and pregnant woman are also more likely to experience symptoms.

Also, women are more likely to get seasickness than men.

Interestingly it is very rare for children under 2 to suffer. And there is some evidence that your likelihood of getting seasickness reduces with age.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT SEASICKNESS?

Prevention is better than cure.

Once seasickness starts it is more of a challenge to stop it.

Here are some ways that you can minimise your chances of experiencing seasickness.

Choose Your Ship Wisely

Some ships are more stable than others.

As a general rule, the more modern and the larger the cruise ship is, the less movement you will feel on board.

If you are comparing ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Wish is currently the largest and the newest of all the ships.

Having sailed on all of the Disney ships I can say that they are all pretty stable, but you do feel less movement on Disney Wish than you do on one of the smaller ships, Disney Wonder .

Pick the Right Stateroom

This really can make a big difference.

You feel the movement of the ship very differently depending upon where you are on the ship.

Mid ship and lower decks are the best bet if you are prone to seasickness. You may get amazing wake views from that aft cabin, but you may regret your choice if you start to feel sick.

I first realized just how much of a difference the position of a cabin can make when I was sailing many years ago with my parents. They had an aft cabin and I was about 20 cabins down the hall.

Sailing around the Bay of Biscay, notoriously rough seas, it was very clear just how much more movement there was in the aft cabin than in one not even that far away towards midships.

You may also want to avoid an inside cabin.

Being able to see the horizon can help to avoid seasickness. So pick an Outside Cabin with a window, or if your budget allows, book a Verandah. Having your own balcony can also help as you will also be able to easily get into the fresh air.

Be Aware of Where You are Sailing

You need to choose your sailing carefully.

Some seas are notoriously rougher than others.

If you are sailing on an Alaskan Cruise, pick an Inside Passage itinerary rather than one which sails through the Gulf of Alaska. These are usually the one way Alaskan cruises rather than the usual roun trips from Vancouver and Seattle.

Transatlantic cruises can also be more prone to rough seas, so perhaps don’t pick this as your first cruise.

Also the Pacific Ocean can be particularly challenging to sail smoothly through.

Although you will only find a limited number of cruise ships to do this route the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica is most likely going to give you a rocky voyage.

Sailing during hurricane season also means that rough seas are more likely. Sailing during hurricane season is very safe, due to the technology and skill that cruise ship crews now have.

But if you are sailing away from a hurricane, and I speak from personal experience (!) the seas can certainly be pretty rough.

Related: Should I Sail During Hurricane Season?

BEST MEDICINE FOR SEASICKNESS ON A CRUISE

There are many over the counter remedies for seasickness.

The major brands are Bonnie and Dramamine.

For anyone going on a cruise it is probably wise to pack these Dramamine Seasickness Tablets . You can get some that are suitable for children too.

These Chewable tablets are highly rated and suitable for those aged 12 and up.

If you have kids, these medicated lollipops are certainly a way to get them to take the medicine without fuss!

Motion Patches

A lot of people have a great deal of success with motion patches in preventing seasickness.

These Motion Sickness Patches are effective, inexpensive and unobtrusive. You should put them on about an hour before you get onboard.

They can then last up to 72 hours.

With all medications, whether it be over the counter or prescription, they do have potential side effects. Always read the labels and talk to your health care provider.

NATURAL REMEDIES

There are many ways that you can help avoid seasickness that do not involve taking medication.

Eat This Not That

There are certain things to avoid eating and drinking to reduce your risk of experiencing motion sickness.

Dehydration is a big risk factor for many things, including sea sickness, so make sure you are getting enough water.

And I know it may be tempting, particularly with the unlimited drinks packages , but avoid alcohol if you want to minimise your risk.

Avoid fatty, unhealthy foods. Yes this really is possible, even at a cruise buffet !

Green apples can be effective at reducing nausea and these are usually readily available on board.

Ginger can help too. It is a good idea to take some Ginger Chews . These are great for settling an upset stomach. They are inexpensive and very easy to pack for a cruise.

This anti-nausea ginger gum is another great option if you want to avoid medication.

Wristbands for Motion Sickness

Wristbands for motion sickness are such a simple, natural and inexpensive but very effective solution.

These  Sea-Band Adult Wristbands are highly rated and work well for many people.

What do you use as an effective seasickness remedy?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise

By: Author Kristi

Do you have a Disney cruise coming up this year and are a little worried about getting motion sickness?  Even seasoned sailors can get an upset stomach when a ship hits turbulent water so it is better to be safe than sorry. There are plenty of ways to prevent motion sickness and the key to being sick-free is knowledge.

1 . If you know you are prone to sea sickness, you may want to choose a stateroom location that is midship and on a lower level.  This part of the ship is typically more stable and less prone to sway.

2. If you are experiencing motion sickness, be sure to face the direction that the boat is moving and set your eyes on a fixed point like the horizon. 

3. Chew on some Ginger candy .

4. Get fresh air.

5. Use Sea-Bands . These acupressure wrist bands are easy to slip on and can be worn your entire trip or only when you need them.

The idea is that they put pressure on the underside of your wrist which contains a trigger spot that can help combat the signs of nausea.  

These are popular because they don’t cause side effects (like tiredness) that some over the counter anti-nausea meds do.

6. Take Dramamine or Bonine Motion Sickness Relief Pills. The manufacturers of Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy claim that it prevents and treats nausea, vomiting and queasiness with less drowsiness.

If you are someone who would rather take a pill to help combat the side effects of sea sickness, this might be a viable option.

7. Wear a Motion Sickness Patch .  

Have you ever noticed people on cruise ships wearing a small round patch behind their ear?

These are motion sickness patches that help ease discomfort and can be worn for up to three days.  

This patch contains different herbal properties that go through the skin to deliver relief.

No matter whether you are prone to sea sickness or not, the key is to be prepared.  BUT…. if you find yourself unprepared while on board, do be sure to contact the first aid station on the ship.

They should be able to provide you with something to help settle your stomach and make you feel more comfortable.

Do you suffer from Sea Sickness when you travel by boat? What do you recommend?

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Seasickness on Cruises

“will i get seasick on a cruise”.

The number one concern for first cruisers is about seasickness on cruises.

In this guide, I’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to avoid getting seasick on your cruise and the best seasickness remedy available today.

you’ll learn about:

Table of contents.

• Will You Get Seasick On Your Cruise?

Over the Counter Seasickness Medicine

Prescription medicine remedies for seasickness, natural remedies for seasickness.

• My Personal Recommendation: the Seasickness Cocktail

10 Tips to Prevent Seasickness on Cruises

Here’s some good news….

The good news is… most cruisers will never get sick.

But maybe you’ve wondered if seasickness will impact your trip? I know I did. So, let’s start here…

Will YOU Get Seasick on Your Cruise?

T he last thing you want is for the motion of the ocean to negatively impact your vacation.

Unfortunately, predicting whether or not seasickness will impact you is not easy. There are many factors in play and it depends on your own sensitivity to the motion of the cruise ship, as well as the ocean conditions while you are at sea.

Separate individuals will have different physical reactions to the same sea conditions.

However…here is the good news.

Most people don’t get sick on a cruise

Today’s cruise ships are built to make your ride as smooth as possible..

Everyone is different and yes, some people do get sick.

HOWEVER… take some comfort in knowing that most people don’t get sick. Sure, you’ll probably feel some of the ship’s movement, but the majority of people don’t suffer or feel ill.

It’s normal to feel the rocking.

On the first day of the cruise, it is completely normal to feel a little “off” or “strange” as your body adjusts to the motion of the sea.

This doesn’t mean you’ll get sick. For most people this feeling goes away very quickly.

Should YOU worry about seasickness on cruises?

Answer these two questions:.

1) Do you get motion sickness in a car, roller coaster, or have a past history of seasickness? 2) Is there a possibility of inclement weather during your trip?

If you answered YES to either of these questions, it would be wise to take precautions to help you prevent getting sick on your cruise.

And there is more good news…

It’s easier to prevent seasickness than get rid of it

While I can’t predict perfectly if you will get seasick, I can provide you with information to help fight the dreaded “mal de mer”.

The best way to combat seasickness is to prevent it from happening in the first place .

Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid seasickness or at least minimize the strength of its symptoms.

Let’s break down the ways you can prevent getting sick. We will cover:

• Over the counter medicine – primarily Bonine and Dramamine
• Prescription drugs
• Motion sickness wristbands
• Natural seasickness remedies

I will dive into each of these so you can make a smart decision about what might work best for you.

Bonine is an over-the-counter chewable seasickness pill that treats and prevents nausea, dizziness and vomiting for up to 24 hours.

Pros of Bonine

Prevents seasickness symptoms with minimal drowsiness or other side effects, only has to be taken once a day (lasts up to 24 hours), cons of bonine, not recommended for anyone under the age of 12, contains artificial sweetener, warning to avoid alcoholic drinks because it may increase drowsiness, contains lactose (only a con if you are lactose intolerant).

Bonine only has one product on the market, this makes for an easy purchase decision. Each seasickness pill contains 25 mg of Meclizine . You can buy this generic form of Bonine ( Meclizine ) if you want to save some money.

WHEN TO TAKE BONINE Bonine should be taken prior to getting on the ship for maximum benefits.

Most cruisers say to take Bonine starting at bedtime the night before the cruise then every night thereafter while on the cruise.

Dramamine is an over-the-counter seasickness pill that treats and prevents nausea, dizziness and vomiting for up to 6-8 hours.

Dramamine offers several products which have different pros and cons and cross over into other seasickness remedy categories.

The active ingredient is 50 mg of Dimenhydrinate.

There are four basic forms of Dramamine. Each is completely different , so it’s best to understand each one.

1. Dramamine Original Formula

Dramamine’s active ingredient is 50 mg of Dimenhydrinate. You can save a few bucks and get the generic version here .

Pros of Dramamine

Offers dosing instructions for children as young as 2 years old, available in pill form (to swallow) and also in chewable tablets, does not contains artificial sweetener, cons of dramamine, can cause drowsiness, must be taken more frequently - one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours (for adults), avoid alcoholic drinks because it may increase drowsiness, contains lactose (not good if you are lactose intolerant).

2. Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula

Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula contains the same active ingredient ( Meclizine ) as Bonine and is comparable in benefits. In fact, it’s pretty much the same thing.

3. Dramamine Non Drowsy Formula

The Dramamine Non Drowsy Formula is completely different from its regular formula. It is a ginger pill that prevents and treats the symptoms of motion sickness – nausea and vomiting – without drowsiness.

Why is it non-drowsy? It’s active ingredient is natural ginger. This is a natural seasickness remedy (more info below) with no drugs thus it doesn’t cause drowsiness at all.

4. Dramamine for Kids

Dramamine for Kids is the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2-12.

This has the same active ingredient as Dramamine Original , but each tablet is only half the dose (25 mg of Dimenhydrinate instead of 50 mg) and comes in a chewable grape flavor.

It does cause drowsiness so keep that in mind.

WHEN TO TAKE DRAMAMINE Dramamine should be taken prior to getting on the ship for maximum benefits. Most cruisers start taking it a day or two prior to embarkation.

Transderm Scop Seasickness Patch

The Transderm Scop seasickness patch is applied to the skin area behind the ear and can help prevent motion sickness for up to three days per patch.

If you are interested in this seasickness patch, please see your doctor as these are by prescription only. (Unless you live in Canada, where they are available over-the-counter.)

Pros of Transderm Scop Patch

Prescription strength, cons of transderm scop patch, could cause blurry vision, could cause dry mouth, should not be used on children, must see a doctor and get a prescription.

Don’t want to take medications for seasickness?

Ginger is a popular home seasickness remedy for motion sickness due to its nausea-preventing properties. Ginger aids digestion and saliva flow, which help to calm nausea.

Ginger can be taken in many forms to prevent motion sickness. Here are a few options…

• Ginger Root Capsules
• Ginger Herbal Tea
• Hard Ginger Candy
• Chewy Ginger Candy
• Ginger Mints

Ginger Ale is usually available in the main dining rooms. You can also get it at the bars and lounges anytime for an extra charge.

*NOTE: If you have a heart condition, you are pregnant, or are on blood-thinners (or other medications), talk to your doctor before using ginger remedies.

Green Apples

Green apples help to neutralize acid in the tummy, making it useful for preventing motion sickness. Green apples are available at your ship’s buffet and can often also be ordered from room service. Don’t try to bring apples onto the ship or they will confiscate them.

Motioneaze Motion Sickness Relief

Motioneaze is a concentrated essential oil for seasickness that is applied to the skin just behind each earlobe. The active ingredients then travels to the inner ear, easing the symptoms of nausea.

Pros of Motioneaze

No side effects, safe for adults and children, all natural, cons of motioneaze, has a smell - similar to eucalyptus.

Seasickness Bracelets

Motion sickness wristbands and seasickness bracelets are worn around your wrists, with a round stud that presses against the inside of your wrist, emulating acupressure to relieve nausea. All acupressure bands are drug-free and non-medicated. They are therefore completely free of side effects and can be used in addition to other motion sickness remedies and medications for seasickness.

Sea-Band is the most popular seasickness bracelet among cruisers.

These are knitted elasticated wristbands that come in adult and child sizes. The bands need to be snug-fitting and will not work if they are loose around your wrist. (Adults with small wrists may want to consider using the children’s sized bands.)

If you use Sea-Bands , put them on before you get onboard. They are great for preventing, but not nearly as good for treating once seasickness starts.

Pros of Sea-Band Seasickness Bracelets

Washable and reusable, cons of sea-band seasickness bracelets, not the best fashion statement 🙂.

How to Wear Seasickness Bracelets

Motion sickness wristbands are often worn incorrectly. Make sure to read the instructions (see below) to make sure you are putting them on correctly so the pressure is in the exact right spot.

Sea-Bands are sold in packs of two and should always be used together, one on each wrist.

From Sea-Band website:

• Place your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist with the edge of the third finger on the wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is just under the edge of your index finger between the two central tendons.
• Position the button facing downward over the Nei-Kuan point. Repeat the process for the other wrist.
• One band must be worn on each wrist to be effective.

TIP : If you’re posing for photos, you may want to remember to remove your seasickness bracelets first.

Salty crackers are easily digestible snacks that are great for calming the stomach and can be used to prevent motion sickness. Saltine crackers are considered the best because they help absorb excess acid efficiently.

To prevent nausea and vomiting, eat dry crackers and wash them down with a clear, carbonated soda like ginger ale. By doing this every few hours on an empty stomach, you’ll lessen the likelihood that you will get sick.

You can ask for saltines at your cruise buffet.

Peppermint can be very effective in combating motion sickness. The ingredient menthol works to calm your stomach muscles and reduce nausea.

• Keep a peppermint candy in your mouth and suck on it slowly.
• You can also put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief and smell it whenever you need to fight off nausea and vomiting.

Phew! That’s a lot of options! Yeah, that’s probably the most comprehensive list of seasickness remedies you’ll find anywhere.

Alisha Recommends: My Personal Seasickness Cocktail

Here is my personal recipe for how to avoid seasickness on a cruise.

Get these two things:

Bonine + sea-bands.

The combination of Bonine (seasickness pill) and Sea-Bands (natural seasickness bracelet) is my go-to combination for avoiding seasickness on cruises.

Take some Bonine a few hours before boarding the ship. If you don’t take it early, it won’t be as effective when the ship gets underway.

Because a Sea-Band seasickness bracelet is not a drug, it is completely safe to wear while taking Bonine or Dramamine .

How can you prevent seasickness before it happens?

Choose a cruise with calm waters.

Want some calmer water? Try a river cruise, the Alaskan inside passage, or the Caribbean — except during hurricane season. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th but tends to be most “active” from mid-August to mid-September.

STRATEGICALLY SELECT YOUR STATEROOM

Even big cruise ships sometimes encounter rough seas. To ensure the smoothest ride, choose a stateroom on the lower decks towards the middle of the ship. The lower and closer you are to the center of the ship, the less movement you will feel.

I like this analogy from icruise.com :

“Think of the ship as a tree; when the wind blows, the leaves and branches at the top have all the movement, but the trunk of tree has little to no motion.”

If you opt for a verandah stateroom, as you can open your door and let in the fresh air. Keep in mind, however, that verandah staterooms are usually located on higher levels.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE HORIZON

If you’re starting to feel a little queasy, go to an open cruise deck and watch the horizon for awhile. Looking at a stationary object in the distance will help you recover your equilibrium and ward off the subtle feelings of vertigo that cause seasickness. Plus that fresh air can do wonders!

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is known to cause symptoms of seasickness or can make them worse if you’re starting to feel unwell. Drinking alcohol can accelerate dehydration, go easy on the booze. Alcohol also lowers your body’s resistance to seasickness. So, here’s a good tip: stay away from alcohol the night before you set sail!

BEWARE THE POWER OF SUGGESTION

The mind is a powerful thing. If you convince yourself you’re going to get sick, you most likely will. Stay clear of anyone else that might become ill or wants to incessantly talk about the ship’s movement. Yes, it IS possible to get sick by suggestion. So think positive!

If you are prone to motion sickness, reading a book or staring at an electronic screen is likely to make it worse.

GET GOOD AMOUNT OF REST

A good night’s sleep the evening before you travel is wonderful for your body. Being tired or worn down can make you more prone to getting seasick.

AVOID OTHERS NOT FEELING WELL

Steer clear of others who have become nauseous. Seeing and smelling others who have motion sickness is sometimes enough to cause you to become sick.

KEEP SOMETHING IN YOUR STOMACH

It might seem odd, but an empty tummy is not good for motion sickness. Regular, small snacks can reduce the your risk of nausea. Choose what you eat carefully, however. Avoid fried, greasy, or spicy foods; basically anything that isn’t hard on the stomach. That can include dairy and very sweet or rich foods.

KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Each Disney Cruise ship has a Health Center located on Deck 1, Forward. If your seasickness is causing you to have a rough time, the Health Center provides help and complementary medicines. You can also get free motion sickness medicine at Guest Services. Disney truly wants you to have a smooth sailing with Mickey!

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Preventing Seasickness on your Disney Cruise: 3 Tips in 30 Seconds

During the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we had the opportunity to experience the reimagined Disney Wonder on a 3-night cruise to Disney’s Private Island, Castaway Cay. I’m going to admit that I was nervous about our first cruise (ever) and how we would like it. Thankfully, we had no issues, and it was a blast! I’m happy to share my three tips in 30 seconds for preventing seasickness during your Disney Cruise (and what to do if you do start feeling sick).

The Disney Wonder crew would not be complete without Captain Mickey and First Mate Minnie, who greet guests onboard the ship. Special visits from favorite Disney characters are guaranteed to delight the entire family every day on the Disney Wonder. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

The Disney Wonder is one of four Disney Cruise Line ships, and my understanding is the fleet has state-of-the-art stabilizers. That being said, it’s a ship, and it’s on water. As a mom, and a registered nurse, I like to be prepared, and I wanted to try and prevent any of us from being seasick so we could all enjoy our cruise.

First, let me provide my personal feedback on our experience. Our cabin location, 6064, had a verandah and was in the middle of the ship right across from the elevators. This helped in multiple ways. The mid-ship location minimizes the motion of the ship, and the verandah provided a gorgeous view and the chance to sit outside and get fresh air.  If you’re considering a cabin with a verandah, I would highly recommend it. I’ll be writing more details about the reimagined Disney Wonder in another post, but it was so clean and beautifully maintained. From the cabins, common/pool/water areas, decks, all dining locations, to The Oceaneer Club (which is the amazing kid’s club that I’ll be featuring in another post).

Here are my honest answers to the two big questions I had before taking our cruise:

Will we get seasick? My family did not feel sick at all.

Will we feel the ship moving or rocking? I had quite a few cruisers tell me that we wouldn’t even feel the ship moving. This wasn’t the case in our experience. At night, we certainly felt a swaying/rocking sensation. It didn’t bother any of us, but we all felt it.

Here are my three tips in 30 seconds for preventing seasickness and interventions you could try if you do start feeling sick…

#2. Good news, you should enjoy the food and make sure you eat! The food served on the Disney Wonder was fantastic. My son ate two breakfasts every day. You may want to eat plain foods if you’re feeling queasy, but make sure you have something in your stomach. Protein will provide longer, sustainable energy. Be sure to stay well hydrated as well.

If you do feel sick, Disney Cruise Line is prepared to help. The Health Center is open daily during clinic hours and provides non-emergency medical care. Of course, in the event of a medical emergency, there is a doctor and nurse on call 24/7. Fees are charged for services, but they are equipped and capable of helping you feel better so you can enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Lastly, I have to share my overall takeaway after experiencing a 3-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the service and amenities aboard Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations. If you’re looking to take a cruise, without hesitation, my entire family would highly recommend Disney Cruise Line. We truly enjoyed our Disney cruise, and I hope these tips are helpful!

Do you have any questions about Disney Cruise Line or about ways to prevent seasickness? I’d love to hear your personal cruise experiences.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and on Disney Cruise Line for a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas. I paid for transportation  for myself and my family, as well as a conference registration fee. This included lodging, park tickets, some meals, special events , and entertainment. I was provided with some complimentary items. I was not asked to write posts by Disney or other sponsors for this event. As always, opinions are 100% my own. 

Disclaimer: As always, any health-related or wellness content on this blog should not be considered medical advice and should not be construed as such. Additionally, any information contained in this site should not be considered an alternative or replacement for the information given to you by a licensed physician. If you have questions or concerns pertaining to your health/wellness, it is recommended that you speak with your appropriate healthcare professional. This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.

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How to Manage and Avoid Seasickness on Your Next Cruise

Seasickness is a huge problem for many people, and it can ruin your trip if you don't treat it. Luckily, we're here to help you out.

Traveling by boat or cruise is exciting, but your experience onboard can vary depending on the weather. If you have an upcoming sail planned, it’s worth knowing how to prevent seasickness before you depart in case you experience severe weather during your crossing.

Whether you’re traveling on a small boat or a large ship, here are some of the best ways to prevent seasickness while sailing. (Top tip: check out these ideas before you travel so you can download any necessary tools without getting stung by maritime roaming charges).

What Is Seasickness and What Is It Caused By?

Before we dive into how to prevent seasickness, let’s look at what it is and why it happens. Understanding the condition can help you better prepare for and prevent it if the dreaded sensation hits.

Seasickness is a type of motion sickness. When there’s a lot of unusual movement occurring, your brain can’t process the conflicting information your eyes, ears, and body are sending. Your brain’s confused reaction to these muddled signals is what makes you feel seasick.

Symptoms of seasickness can include:

• Rapid breathing and heart rate

Although incredibly unpleasant, there are tools you can use to prevent seasickness. We’ve outlined five steps you can take to help avoid as well as manage feeling ill when at sea.

1. Breathe Slowly and Deeply

According to PubMed , controlled breathing (slow diaphragmatic breathing) has been shown to decrease motion sickness. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent seasickness is to breathe slowly and deeply.

Controlled breathing can be trickier than you think, however, especially if you’ve not tried it before. Many of us are in the habit of breathing quickly and shallowly, so it can take a bit of practice to slow your breath down.

To help improve your breathing, you can download a meditation app that offers breathwork guides . This way, you can be prepared if seasickness overcomes you while you’re traveling.

It’s worthwhile practicing rhythmic breathing before you depart so that if and when seasickness hits, you can call upon this method automatically. Start by breathing through your nose gently and exhaling through your mouth. Try to slow your breathing down and make each inhale and exhale last as long as possible (don’t hold your breath!); counting can help you control the timing.

2. Stay Hydrated

There are plenty of hydration apps around that remind you to drink water , and you may need this reminder when you’re seasick. The thought of putting anything in your tummy while it's somersaulting can make you feel worse, but it’s important to stay hydrated if you become seasick.

The important thing to do when trying to stay hydrated is to sip your water. Downing a glass of water might hit your stomach wrong and come shooting back up as quickly as you swallowed it! (Remember, this is what we’re trying to avoid, not encourage). How you drink is almost more important than how much you drink when you’re poorly at sea.

To help prevent seasickness, make sure you drink plenty of water before you board your ship. Starting hydrated is better than trying to catch up later if you’re struggling to take in and keep down any fluids.

3. Lay Down and Sleep (if You Can)

If you’re feeling dizzy and nauseous onboard, one of the best things you can do is lay down flat on your back. This can help align the sensory cues that your brain has muddled up and will hopefully ease any nausea and other symptoms.

Prior to departing, however, it’s worth getting some extra sleep in to prevent seasickness, as feeling tired and exhausted can make you more susceptible to unpleasant symptoms. If you struggle with getting a good night's sleep, it might be worth trying an app designed to help battle insomnia or even investing in a smart sleep mask to improve your rest time.

Booking a cabin is a good option to help prevent seasickness. If you’re going on a long voyage and you have the option to book a cabin, pick one that’s close to the center of the boat (and lower down, if possible). There’s less motion here which will reduce your chance of becoming seasick. Having a cabin also provides somewhere quiet and private where you can lie down if seasickness hits you.

Even better: try to sleep off the seasickness. Think of sleep as time travel to freedom!

4. Listen to Soothing Sounds to Help Relax

While you’re laying down to prevent seasickness (or any other comfortable position you manage to settle in), listening to soothing sounds will help you relax. Anxiety and panic can make seasickness worse, so an ambient sounds app might do just the trick.

You’ll find plenty of apps for listening to calming sounds on your device’s app store. The trick is to pick one that you know will relax you, so trying out a few different apps when you’re still on dry land is advisable. There is a wide variety of sounds available, from rain and thunderstorm sounds to white noise and ambient music, so take the time to pick a sound app that you enjoy—and that you know will help you relax.

5. Listen to an Audiobook to Distract Yourself

If you’re struggling to prevent seasickness, the next best step you can take is to distract yourself from feeling ill, and what could be more enjoyably distracting than listening to a story?

Looking at your phone’s screen may make you feel worse, but if you are able to control your device with your voice , opening an audiobook app could be your best bet.

Listening to an audiobook is a fully immersive experience as you’re taken away to another world (i.e. a better one than the physical plane you’re currently suffering in!)

Audible is a popular audiobook app with plenty of stories to choose from, and you can often benefit from a free trial of the app if you’re not ready to purchase. Alternatively, there are other free and cheap audiobook apps you can try to find the perfect story to listen to.

If you're not an audiobook person, then you could listen to a podcast series instead. Podcasts are more accessible than audiobooks, and the majority of them are free. Just make sure you download any episodes or books you wish to listen to before you leave. If your ship doesn’t offer free Wifi, you don’t want to be stung with a whopping data bill for connecting to Maritime roaming charges.

How to Prevent Seasickness on Your Next Cruise

Feeling sick aboard your cruise can be miserable and unpleasant, but the steps above can help you prevent seasickness. Remember to take it easy, try to stay still and lay down if you can, and—if severe—reach out for help. There is always a team of trained first-aid staff aboard, so you can ask for help and support.

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Can't comment on that, but I get motion sickness easily. I have found a product called Bonine to be very effective. You take one tablet every 24 hours. I use it whenever I visit Disney World, because if I don't, I can't go on any rides at all. Another plus, is that it also works for general nausea caused by stomach viruses. So if there's a 24 hour bug around, I can take one of those and be nausea free. I get them at Walgreens.

these days, i just buy dramamine in the grocery/drug store. it makes some people sleepy, but i must have developed a tolerance for it.

it definitely works, though.

you could probably check directly with your cruise line to find out about the injections.......

I don't know about injections but they offer free motion sickness medication on board and I saw a lot of people with the "patch" on behind their ear too so I think they offer that too.

Just a little info you may want. I have to use the Patches for motion sickness any time I fly. Make sure that if you use them, you wash your hands thoroughly after applying the patch before you touch anything else, and beware of side effects. I had the pupil of my eye (on the side I was wearing the patch) dilate completely and had to wear sunglasses for an entire day before it went away. I was told that this is a common side effect. Just thought I'd put that out there. Read up on ANY meds you choose to use. :-)

Several years ago I was on a ship with my hubby and I bought wrist bands at AAA that has a button that rests on a pressure point in your wrist that kept me from getting sick. Hubby laughed, he thought they looked dumb, but they did the trick for me. Before on a previous trip, I was miserable.

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My 3 kids get motion sick so I'm worried about them getting seasick. Any recommendation for best medicine for kids to take that won't make them sleepy? I know they have some available at guest services but not sure if good for kids? ”

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What Happens If I Get Sick While On My Disney Cruise?

When planning a Disney Cruise Line getaway, it helps to be prepared for every eventuality from planning out your days at sea with fun and festive Port Adventures to what happens if you get sick while on your cruise.  From motion sickness to seasonal flu to other viruses that can cause havoc to your best laid cruising plans, it’s always helpful to know what options you have available when setting sail with Disney.

There is a Health Center Located on Deck 1 Forward one each of the ships in Disney’s fleet.  If you are feeling unwell then don’t hesitate to pop by the medical center for assistance.  The Center is open during daily clinic hours which is typically 9:30 am – 11 am and then from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm daily.  The facilities provide non-emergency medical care throughout your cruise.  The medic on board will provide complimentary seasickness medications (PLEASE NOTE: These must be taken before you are feeling sick) as well as minor first aid including bandages, and over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

First Aid and over-the-counter medications can also be found on Deck 3 Midship- Many guests don’t know this but you can also pick up over-the-counter medication and basic first aid productions from the Guest Services desk on Deck 3.  Sometimes its much easier to swing by while you are making the rounds that to go down to the clinic.

You can call the Health Center from your stateroom – If you need medical assistance in a hurry you can ring the Medic using 7-3000 from any ship phone or 41-3000 from your Wave Phone.  For non-emergencies, call 7-1923 from any ship phone or 41-1923 from your Wave Phone.

Don’t be afraid to speak up! – If there’s one thing that Disney Cruise Line is world renowned for, it is impeccable customer service. Don’t ever be afraid to let a cast member know if you or someone in your group is feeling unwell.  Whether it’s providing you with some water and crackers to calm your tummy or making sure you have proper medical attention, you’re in an environment where you’ll be well looked after and supported by the crew! Seasickness and other illnesses are a common occurrence and Disney Crusie Line will always strive to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible but you have to speak up first!

Emergency medical services are available –   In the event of a medical emergency while onboard the ship, a doctor and nurse are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It should be noted that the medical personnel are employed by a company independent of Disney Cruise Line and that standard prevailing fees will be charged for services.  Fees incurred at the Health Center will appear on your stateroom account to be paid with your final balance as they are considered “care outside of the United States.” The Health Center will gladly provide guests with the paperwork needed to process claims through health insurance or travel insurance suppliers.  Guests should also note that in some instances, it may be necessary for a patient to disembark the ship and be transported to a nearby medical facility.

EpiPens are available for allergic reactions – If guests have your own EpiPen and you administer it while on board it is requested that you seek emergency medical attention immediately by dialling 7-3000 from a ship phone or 41-3000 from a Wave Phone.  If you forget your EpiPen but suffer from life-threatening food allergies you can get them on a case-by-case basis at the ship’s Health Center.

There is a First Aid Station at Castaway Cay – While spending the day on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay you will also find a First Aid Center near guest services.  It is clearly marked on the map you will be given before venturing to the island.  They will provide many of the same services found at your onboard clinic.

It pays to have Disney Cruise Lines Vacation Protection Plan – I get asked a lot about whether or not getting travel insurance on a Disney Cruise is worth it and my answer is always a resounding yes! Not only does the insurance protect you should you miss your cruise due to any unforeseen circumstances, it also provides you with extra medical peace-of-mind.  Under the policy currently offered by Disney, guests are covered for up to $10,000 toward medical treatment and hospitalization and up to $30,000 to cover emergency transport.  The cost of taking out insurance is 8% of the per person voyage fair and can be added to the total cost of your package at the time of booking right up unti your final payment is due. To find out more about Disney Cruise Line’s Vacation Protection Plan click here.

If you suffer from motion sickness come prepared- The best way to avoid any unexpected surprises especially if you are prone to motion sickness is to talk to your doctor prior to your cruise. They may be able to recommend a prescription or over the counter medication to take with you on your sailing as a precaution.  Most seasickness medication requires that you take it before symptoms of sickness occur. Therefore it is better to be proactive and take the necessary precautions.

We hope we’ve given you peace of mind when it comes to how well you’ll be looked after during your Disney Cruise and what steps to take should you end up feeling unwell.  In many cases guests find that their cruise is smooth sailing with no medical attention required but should illness occur you know what to do!

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Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?   As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you with everything from finding your perfect sailing and stateroom to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at sea.  B est of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at  1.800.801.4025  via email at  [email protected]  or on  Facebook  and let’s get planning!

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Best decks and areas for motion sickness

• Thread starter squirrel4569
• Start date Apr 1, 2014

squirrel4569

Dis veteran.

• Apr 1, 2014

It could end up curdled

squirrel4569 said: Talked the wife into doing a cruise but we've never cruised on anything before so don't know much about it. Probably will do one of the Caribbean or Bahamas cruises out of PC, but all options are on the table at the moment. One of our concerns is motion sickness. My wife gets carsick on car trips often, especially in stop and go type traffic. Some turbulence will make her uneasy when flying, but not so much that she'll toss her cookies or anything. Usually it's worse if she hasn't eaten, which I would guess wouldn't be an issue on a cruise. I've read that some areas are better to prevent motion sickness than others. I'd love to get an oceanview room with a balcony, but not sure if higher or lower or an interior stateroom would be better. Hate to spend a few grand on a trip and have her be miserable through it, so any advice is appreciated. Click to expand...

We have been on 3 cruises so far all 3 times we got a midship room and on the 9th or 10th deck. Me and my wife are also prone to motion sickness. On all 3 cruises none of us DW myself and 3 DS never got sick. On our last cruise my sister came along with her family she was on deck 8 towards the front of the ship... she actually had a oceanview of the front of the ship moving forward. One night the water was a little unstable and all 3 of them in her party got sick.. same cruise we didnt feel anything  

Uncleromulus

Plain grey will be fine.

I am sure that the laws of "physics" do apply and mid-ship lower decks should be the best But my guess is that by now someone has gotten seasick in almost every room on the ship--- including lower deck midship. We were up high and far forward on the Fantasy (12012)and felt almost nothing. But you're in open water on a ship, so almost anything by way of motion could happen---  

Mouseketeer

My husband is very prone to motionsickness. We were deck 7 midship, veranda room and he was fine ( he did wear the patch). We found the lower decks worse than the higher decks for motion. We are cruising the fantasy in May and we chose deck 9 mid/aft this time.  

DISNEY FANTASY

Uncleromulus said: I am sure that the laws of "physics" do apply and mid-ship lower decks should be the best But my guess is that by now someone has gotten seasick in almost every room on the ship--- including lower deck midship. We were up high and far forward on the Fantasy (12012)and felt almost nothing. But you're in open water on a ship, so almost anything by way of motion could happen--- Click to expand...

IMO, the biggest factor is how rough the seas are. It can help a little by being closer to the center, but the best thing is to be prepared. My wife uses non-drowsy Dramamine if it gets bad, works pretty fast. Also having a balcony for fresh air is nice. I always suggest one of the shorter cruises if someone is concerned about something.  

• Apr 2, 2014

I am extremely prone to motion sickness and discovered the wristbands many years back when a friend bought a sail boat and I was invited on for dinner. I knew there was no way I would enjoy it and be able to have dinner and a glass of wine especially in the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean near NY. He gave me the sea bands, and I was fine! Able to eat and drink without any issues. I sailed on the Dream last year wore the seabands all 4 days, I even wore them to sleep. Others on the cruise were ill. I even gave a woman at my dinner table a band because she was getting so ill and it helped her. I am not a fan of the patch or the pills, they all have side affects, drowsiness, dry mouth, etc. And while I am not a big drinker I do like to have a cocktail or a glass of wine which you are not supposed to do with the pills or patch, not an issue with the wristbands  

missyp said: I am extremely prone to motion sickness and discovered the wristbands many years back when a friend bought a sail boat and I was invited on for dinner. I knew there was no way I would enjoy it and be able to have dinner and a glass of wine especially in the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean near NY. He gave me the sea bands, and I was fine! Able to eat and drink without any issues. I sailed on the Dream last year wore the seabands all 4 days, I even wore them to sleep. Others on the cruise were ill. I even gave a woman at my dinner table a band because she was getting so ill and it helped her. I am not a fan of the patch or the pills, they all have side affects, drowsiness, dry mouth, etc. And while I am not a big drinker I do like to have a cocktail or a glass of wine which you are not supposed to do with the pills or patch, not an issue with the wristbands Click to expand...

Sophiathethird

Earning my ears.

• Apr 11, 2014

Just wondering the same thing, very helpful thanks!  

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FAQ: Coping with Motion Sickness on Your Ocean Cruise

First things first – while many new ocean cruisers are nervous about seasickness, experiencing motion sickness symptoms on an ocean liner is by no means a given. Today’s large ocean cruise ships are equipped with advanced motion stabilizer technology. Depending on your itinerary, you may feel virtually no movement of the ship at all. That said, there are some people who are particularly susceptible to adverse effects at sea. Here’s everything you need to know about coping with the motion of the ocean.

Please note: I am not a doctor. Consult with a medical professional if your case is severe or if you have any concerns about combining motion sickness solutions with other medical issues. And of course, be particularly aware that early pregnancy can add layers of nuance to motion sickness and requires extra care with finding a solution.

What is motion sickness?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You can get motion sick in a car, or on a train, airplane, boat, or amusement park ride.”

Who is most likely to experience motion sickness symptoms?

Approximately one in three people experience motion sickness at some point in their lifetime. Women and children age 2 to 12 are most at risk, but it can happen to anyone.

You’re more likely to find yourself with motion sickness at sea if you experience it in other situations such as on roller coasters or when you’re reading in a car. Other factors that may increase your chances of getting motion sickness are a family history of motion sickness, a history of inner ear disorders, frequent migraines, Parkinson’s disease, pregnancy, or if you’re taking medication such as blood pressure or hormone therapies that include dizziness as a known side effect.

If you’re concerned that you may have motion sickness at sea, speak to your doctor prior to sailing. Also, remember that children may have symptoms that need remediation. A call to your kids’ pediatrician may be in order.

Will my stateroom location impact motion sickness?

The rule of thumb is that midship staterooms experience the least rocking, followed by aft and then forward staterooms. Lower decks are more stable than high decks. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a Deck 2 midship cabin may be more comfortable than a Deck 9 forward cabin. The exception to this might be if you find that fresh air helps you, in which case a midship stateroom with a verandah on deck five or six might be your best bet.

Are there itineraries that are more likely to induce motion sickness?

Ocean liners have stabilizers  and other technology that keep motion to a minimum, and the navigation staff does as much as possible to minimize the impact of weather on ship motion. Most of the time, you’ll feel no different on the ship than you would if you were strolling across your own front yard.

Motion sickness is least likely on larger ships and when you’re moving slowly in calm waters, for example in the Alaskan straits, Norwegian fjords, or along the Mediterranean coast. The Caribbean is generally placid, except during hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November. Motion sickness is more likely on smaller ships and on long expanses of open water such as transatlantic crossings.

If you tend toward motion sickness on land and are considering a first cruise, start with a shorter itinerary with minimal days at sea.

Are there things I can do to make motion sickness less likely?

There are a number of things you can do to help derail motion sickness before it starts. These include:

• Eat lightly.  If eating lightly isn’t an option during your entire vacation because, well, vacation, try to arrange for your high-motion activities to take place early in the day, prior to any big meals.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wash your hands often. An upset stomach can start with germ-based problems that become exacerbated with motion.
• Make good choices in port. Similarly, make choices in port that will minimize the likelihood of tummy troubles. For example, stick with bottled water and cooked foods and avoid port adventures involving things like rides on small boats or jeep trips down bumpy roads.
• Limit alcohol consumption . Again, you’ll want to cut down on other potential sources of lightheadedness.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for motion sickness?

You’re less likely to feel motion sickness effects if you focus your eyes on a fixed spot and keep your head and neck as still as possible. Many people also find the sensation of air blowing across their faces to be helpful. Beyond that, here are some motion sickness solutions that are things you can take or use to prepare:

• Take antacids. Tums and Zantac are popular brands
• Take ginger supplements. Many brands. Widely available at drugstores and online. Ginger ale is available on the ships.
• Take Queasy Pops  or Queasy Drops.  Available at drugstores and online to soothe a queasy tummy.
• Smell peppermint or spearmint essential oils.  Many brands. Available at drugstores and online.
• Use Seabands. Acupressure wristband. Available at drugstores and online.
• Use Motion Sickness eyeglasses . Available from  Boarding Glasses  and other online sources.
• Use electrical stimulation bands.  Available from  Reliefbands .
• Take Meclizine Hydrochloride.  A common brand name is Bonine. Widely available at drugstores and online.
• Take Dimenhydrinate.  A common brand name is Dramamine. Widely available at drugstores and online.
• Use Scopolamine.  A patch, worn behind the ear. Must be prescribed by a doctor. Known to have an array of often troubling side effects; speak with your prescriber about this.
• Eat green apples . Ships stock these to give to guests with motion issues.

What should I do if I find myself nauseous at sea?

Rehydrate with plain water or with an electrolyte beverage such as PowerAde and try a bland, non-greasy snack such as saltines or toast.

Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine and Bonine are stocked on most ocean liners. If the ship’s shops are not open, stop by the Guest Services desk onboard. They may be able to provide you with a few doses to tide you over.

Guests who know they are prone to vomiting with motion sickness will want to keep a disposable plastic bag with them at all times.

When should I enlist onboard medical assistance?

A vanishingly small number of cruisers experience severe symptoms. Large ocean vessels sail with a clinic and onboard medical personnel. Speak with them if you have persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.

Any other tips?

Some travelers simply can’t tolerate any movement on an ocean ship. If you fall into this category, you might want to consider a river cruise as an alternative. River cruises , such as those offered by Adventures by Disney move slowly along still river waters. Motion sickness is exceedingly rare on these sailings.

Are you prone to motion sickness at sea? What are your favorite tips? Let us know in the comments!

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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First time cruising, and really worried about my vertigo while on ship. Suggestions???

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• Disney Cruise Line

Disney Magic - Sea or Motion Sickness.

By yessara , October 2, 2007 in Disney Cruise Line

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We will be staying in Deck 7 Stateroom in Disney Magic. Is there a possiblity of getting sea or motion sickness.

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mom x4,grandma x4

You stand a chance of that any where on the ship. it is true the lower decks, mid ship have the least motion.

But remember these ships have stabilizers under the water thst really help to keep them stable.

If your really worried then look into all the different ways to help prevent it with meds.

Look for the less drowsy formulas ro you will want to sleep all through your cruise. Bonine, Dramamine and others all work about the same.

Start taking them before you board the ship for them to work properly youneed to start before you cruise.

also some people get a RX from the Dr for patches that you put behind your ear. You see people all over the ship with them on. I understand some people do get a side effect of blurred vision with the patch.

Many who like to take medicines use ginger pills too. also i have read where people bring along their own ginger ale to sip on and that seems to help.

Others swear by green skinned apples and request them from the kitchen.

So there are many things that you could have to help you of you feel this will be a problem.

Usually after the first couple of hours you will have your sea legs and not really notice the movement that much unless you hit some high seas.

If you go to the show, don't watch the movement of the curtains while waiting for the show to start because they do sway back and forth quite a bit.

I am about to go on my 16th crusie, 15th with DCL and I have had gentle and rough seas and never been sick yet. although sea sickness is real I do think sometimes people worry about it so much they can tend to make themselves feel queasy when they really arnt ill.

so please dont worry about it, just bring some meds just in case and enjoy your cruise. The percentage who really become ill is very low compared to the amount of people on the ship.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

Have a magical cruise!!!

Thanks a lot for your advice.

cruiserbryce

When we were on DCL we stayed on deck 6 and were aft...I get motion sick somewhat easy and had no problems...like someone else said though, its possible to get sick no matter where you are on the ship. There are a lot of variables...when we started cruising I thought it would be a big issue for me but it turned out ok. I have had one day of sickness on a ship...I think a lot of that though had to do with the amount of alcohol I consumed the day before:D

We were in cabin 7500 (deck 7 forward) on our Magic cruise last year (we cruised with mom x4,grandma x4 - Hi Kathy!!). My son is succeptable to motion sickness and he was queasy and so was I. We had some rough seas so we were rocking and rolling. My parents were on deck 2 in the middle and they weren't rocking so much. I always take bonine....better be safe than sorry.

Hi Andy and Danielle,

hope your all well.

It is hard to believe it has been almost a year since we crusied together.

most of the gang is going again this year and those who arnt are going in 08 after Thanksgiving again. It should be a great reunion. They are just as crazy as ever!!!

catch ya later,

It doesn't matter what deck your on, it only matters if you get motion sickness. Over the past six years, with 28 days of cruising, with Disney, usually the seas are calm to moderate. We've encountered seas as flat as glass, over 23 of those days. We had 4 more day's of moderate seas, up to 8 ft. Moderate seas could be a problem for motion related persons. We have had a couple of hours of high seas, 15' plus. These cruises were all Fall cruises. Mid ships is the best place to sleep! Look at your room number, compared to the deck plans. Metrowon

Deck 7 is my favorite one on Disney, It isn't far from the kids pool and it is close to the beverage station. I get sea sick and it doesn't matter which deck I am on. You can buy the less drowsy dramamine. I think walgreens has a generic in it, I take that during the day and the regular stuff at night. In September, I used the transderm scope patch.I was queasy the first night but fine after that.

Enjoy your cruise!

Once again thank everyone for your excellent advice

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I only book a Disney cruise if it's going to the company's private island, Castaway Cay

• I've taken eight Disney cruises, and I always book a sailing that stops at  Castaway Cay .
• Castaway Cay is the company's private island and I love its adults-only beach area.
• You can buy exclusive merch on the island and see Disney characters in special themed costumes.

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record highs this year, but not all itineraries are created equally — especially if you're looking to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

Over the past decade, I've taken eight Disney cruises with my family and friends. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call.

Here's why you might want to do the same.

I love that the ship docks right at the island, so there are no tender ships involved

One of the biggest perks of Castaway Cay is that the ship docks right at the island.

Some other cruise line's private islands, like Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, don't have a dock, so cruisers must take tender ships (small boats) from the cruise ship to the island.

I hate taking tender ships, which can feel like a bit of a time sink, so this is a big bonus to me.

Getting around the island is easy with the complimentary tram

Castaway Cay is about 1,000 acres — though not all of it's developed — so it can take a while to talk to and from the ship to different spots on the island.

Fortunately, the island has a complimentary tram that I always use to get around the island.

The tram takes cruisers from a station near the ship to two other tram stops for the family beaches, and one tram stop at the adults-only beach .

This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

Related stories

Speaking of gear, at Castaway Cay, cruisegoers can borrow free towels as soon as they get off of the ship. There are plenty of towel-return stations around the island, so I also never have to carry wet, sandy towels back on the ship.

I always stop to see the Disney characters in their cute beachwear

I enjoy seeing the Disney characters on the ship, but love seeing Mickey and his pals even more at Castaway Cay.

Characters usually meet in the morning from around 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., but exact times can always be found on the Disney Cruise Line app.

The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. That would never happen in a Disney park.

And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos.

I always take advantage of every chance to hang out at the adults-only beach

One thing I love about Disney Cruise Line and Castaway Cay is that there are plenty of adults-only spaces where kids are strictly not allowed. On the island, that spot is Serenity Bay Beach.

This peaceful chair-lined beach is a quiet spot away from the family beach, where I can sit back and enjoy the view or take a chair down to the water and let the waves crash over me.

Plus, just off Serenity Bay Beach is a fun beachside bar serving up drinks and snacks.

There's also the adults-only lunch spot where I always enjoy a beachside barbecue. My favorite things on the lunch menu are the ribs and macaroni salad .

Before returning to the ship, I send a postcard from the island and check out the special merchandise

I always make a point to stop in at the various shops near the family beach to see the Castaway Cay merchandise. On a recent trip, the shops had everything from spirit jerseys and T-shirts to Christmas ornaments and swimsuits.

And, before I head back to the ship, I stop at the Castaway Cay post office to send postcards back home.

The postcards I use can be found in the desk drawer of Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and are free to take. If you don't want to send the cute postcards off, you can also keep them as souvenirs.

• Main content

Disney Cruise vs. Disney Aulani: Which Vacation is Right For Your Family?

Y ou’ve been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Or maybe both! You are looking to take another Disney vacation but maybe with a bit of a twist to change it up this time. Most Disney-loving families turn next to a cruise vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line or a trip to Hawaii to Aulani, Disney’s resort on the island of O’ahu.

I hear a lot from friends and readers who aren’t sure whether Aulani or a Disney Cruise is the best next step in their Disney travels. I’ve had the good fortune to try both on multiple occasions over the years, experiencing them with my kids at different ages and stages.

Both are travel experiences I’d highly recommend. Although this post pits Aulani vs. Disney Cruise, there really isn’t a winner and loser here. Rather, one trip may simply be better suited to the ages of your kids or the way your family likes to travel. What I hope to do is point out those sweet spots where you are likely to get more out of doing one of these trips compared to the other.

But if budget allows and you have the interest, I sincerely hope Disney-loving families eventually do both!

Check out some of my introductory posts to DCL and Aulani first if you don’t know all the basics:

• Mistakes I Made on My First Disney Cruise
• Comprehensive Review of Disney’s Aulani Resort
• Tips for Disney Cruise Line with Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Disney Aulani Splurges Worth the Money

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Similarities Between Disney Cruise Line & Aulani

Before I dive into the differences between these two vacations, let’s start with the similarities. Disney Aulani (which opened in Ko Olina on O’ahu in 2011) was very much modeled after Disney Cruise Line (which launched in 1998). In fact, Aulani was designed to bring much of the Disney Cruise experience to land. So it’s not surprising that the two have a lot more in common than they have different.

Both are luxury-level (translation: expensive) Disney vacations. If you are used to doing Disney on the cheap by staying in a value resort or an inexpensive off-property hotel at Disney World or Disneyland, you probably aren’t going to be able to do that with either Aulani or Disney Cruise.

To be sure, there are certainly ways to reduce the costs of both Aulani and DCL. But be realistic about the total bill you are going to be facing with either of these vacations.

Both Disney Cruise Line and Aulani offer a vacation experience that is very different from the Disney parks. A trip to Disney World or Disneyland means a lot of walking and logistics navigating theme park lines day after day. You’ll find a totally different daily schedule on an Aulani or DCL vacation.

The footprint and scope of both Aulani and the Disney Cruise ships are smaller. There are no attractions to ride. You can plan much less if you prefer. If you want to spend a day lounging by a pool or visiting a spa, there’s time for that. In fact, that’s really the point of these vacations.

Of course, there’s amazing Disney service and lots of Disney entertainment and characters to experience if you wish. But there’s far less theme park rat race. (Although I can’t promise you won’t encounter crowds and lines in several situations!)

Disney Cruise Line vs. Disney Aulani: Key Differences to Consider

So now on to the differences that matter between these two kinds of vacations. What factors you should consider in picking which one is right for you?

Where Are You Located?

Location, location, location. For families with limited vacation times and sometimes limited patience with little ones on planes, minimizing travel time is often an important factor in making vacation decisions.

For fellow West Coast families, the logistics of getting to Hawaii can be quite simple. And they are even simpler and cheaper now that Southwest Airlines has been flying to Hawaii the last several years. I’m a California girl and can travel to Hawaii on an easy 5 hour flight. As a result, Aulani feels “close” to me.

For families in the Midwest or on the East Coast, however, visiting Aulani is more of a challenge. A Hawaii trip can require multiple plane connections, maybe a redeye flight, and some serious jet lag and time zone changes. That may not be how you want to spend vacation – especially with babies or toddlers. I get it.

The majority of Americans will be much closer to a Disney Cruise Line vacation than an Aulani one. In that case, Disney Cruise may be a smarter choice. DCL currently has five ships (the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, and the new Disney Wish). There are two more on the way (the Disney Treasure and a yet-to-be-named ship that will be Asia-based). Chances are one is stationed closer to you. Itineraries currently include the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, the West Coast of Mexico (Mexican Riviera), Australia, and several more.

Within just North America, cruises set sail out of Florida (Port Canaveral near Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), Galveston, New Orleans, San Diego, Vancouver, and New York City. Indeed, even as close as Aulani is for me, DCL’s San Diego sailings are much closer!

How Flexible Is Your Travel Schedule?

Even though DCL sailings are closer geographically, there is one countervailing factor to consider. Cruise itineraries start and end only on specific days. As a result, it may be harder to find a DCL sailing that fits your ideal schedule constraints. This is especially true given the fact that most travelers fly in a day before a cruise starts to minimize the risk of a flight delay making them miss the ship.

We are encountering just this very challenge as we plan for our Thanksgiving travels. One of my kids doesn’t have the full week off of school this year. We found there simply isn’t a Disney cruise that we could travel to and sail on in the time allotted without having her miss at least one day of school.

Related: Tips for Missing School to Travel

In contrast, Aulani offers the ultimate in flexibility. Guests can arrive and depart on any day of the year at any time. This has meant we’ve been able to squeeze in a visit to Aulani even on a long weekend where a nearby cruise simply wouldn’t have aligned with the kids’ school holidays. So for travelers who need flexibility, Aulani may ultimately be the more flexible of the two.

Do You Want a More All-Inclusive Experience?

Many families prefer to take all-inclusive vacations. They can take a lot of the guess work out of budgeting. Others much prefer to pay a la carte for what they actually consume and value. (For what it’s worth, I’m pretty ambivalent personally about this choice. I usually find myself on a la carte vacations most of the time.)

If you are the type of traveler who values the all-inclusive model, Disney Cruise Line is much closer to an all-inclusive vacation than Aulani. Food and a number of on-board activities and entertainment options are included in the cost of a cruise. There are extras like many drinks, shore excursions, and tips to watch out for, but they are fewer and farther between.

Aulani, on the other hand, is much more like a standard resort vacation. You pay for the room, but all of the food and drinks are an additional expense. Aulani has number of free activities like the amazing pools, waterslides, lazy river, and beach (and kids club – more on that below). But most of the premium experiences cost extra, including an evening show, Aulani’s Ka Wa’a Luau . And as you might imagine, everything else is simply more expensive in Hawaii.

Does Anyone in Your Family Get Motion Sickness?

This may seem like a small consideration but it matters in a big way. There is a small portion of the population for whom cruising is just not a realistic vacation choice thanks to motion sickness or related health issues.

I have a friend who took her 8 year old on a Disney Cruise for the first time only to discover that his stomach was radically incompatible with cruising. He was terribly seasick on the ship for four days straight. In fact, they headed straight to the ER to rehydrate him after docking. He didn’t have any history of other types of motion sickness so this reaction was quite an unfortunate surprise.

It’s impossible to know for sure whether any of your family members will be affected by cruises until you take one. The vast majority of people who don’t already have known motion sickness or related problems will be fine on any cruise, especially with a little Dramamine or SeaBands for backup. I personally have vertigo and have no problems even on small ships in big waves, although my father with Meniere’s disease can no longer cruise. But if this worries you and you have not cruised before, I’d steer clear of a long open water DCL itinerary as your first trip. It’s not much of a vacation for anyone if even one member of the family feels poorly.

If you have someone with known motion sickness issues of any significance, a cruise may be a gamble you just don’t want to take.

Do You Have a Big Family or Need more Space?

If you have more than two kids, you are probably already used to the challenge of standard hotel rooms. Most of them are built for four – if that. Upgrading to larger accommodations or even booking two rooms brings major increased costs.

Big families will likely find that both Aulani and Disney Cruise Line present the usual challenges. As you can probably imagine, however, space is a little easier to come by on land than on sea. Larger suites and condos are ultimately a bit more readily available at Aulani.

Aulani has some more flexible options for larger families because of its abundance of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas ( Related : Find out how we rented at Aulani using DVC points and saved big  or rent from David’s Vacation Club Rentals yourself). One bedroom villas sleep up to 5 people. Families of 6 or more will need to upgrade to the two or three bedroom villas. To be sure, these premium rooms do not come cheap. But the villas have full kitchens and washer/dryers that make them very convenient and even cost-effective for larger families.

Disney Cruise Line does have some options that work for bigger families as well. DCL ships have a number of cabins that sleep 5. They are more limited in supply and may sell out before the rest of the cabins do, so early planning is required. And they are a tight squeeze even when you can find them.

Many larger families often opt to book two connecting cabins on Disney Cruise Line for more space. This limits the cabin types available to you depending on the ship, but can work well. And on cheaper itineraries like those in the Caribbean, this strategy often isn’t prohibitively expensive, although it can be to some destinations.

Do You Want or Need Childcare?

Both Disney Cruise ships and Disney’s Aulani Resort have complimentary kids clubs. (Truthfully, the clubs are built into the cost of the room/cabin. But I prefer to celebrate them as free.) While some of the DCL and Aulani childcare offerings used to be similar, that is not really the case anymore. It’s important to get up to speed on what the parameters are in 2023 to determine what will work best for your childcare needs.

Disney Cruise Line offers two connecting kids clubs, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, included in the cruise cost. Kids ages 3-12 are permitted to visit as long as they are potty trained. No reservations are required, and I’ve never yet seen a club reach capacity. The clubs are open for long hours that give parents a lot of flexibility any time of the day.

All the DCL ships also have a nursery aboard in addition to the kids clubs. The nursery takes kids from 6 months old through age 3 (note that 3 year olds can do either the Oceaneer Club & Lab or the nursery). At $9 per hour, this childcare option isn’t free, but it’s a good value for what it offers.

Aulani has never had a nursery for babies and toddlers like Disney Cruise Line, but it does have a kids club called Aunty’s Beach House . Aunty’s used to operate much more like Disney Cruise Line’s clubs. Parents could drop kids off on a whim for any length of time. Unfortunately, it no longer works this way in 2023.

Aunty’s currently admits kids ages 4-12 only (it used to take 3 years olds too). Reservations are essential and book up weeks in advance online. Kids are limited to one free 90 minute pre-set session per day, at either 8am, 10am, or noon. Aunty’s also is not open in the evenings, so it’s not an option for parents who want to use it for an adults-only date night.

My kids adored Aunty’s in the pre-2020 times. You can probably sense my frustration at the current pared back state of affairs. If you need or want meaningful included childcare, Aulani’s offering doesn’t make the grade at the moment. If you simply want a break from the kids here and there and can plan ahead, it will suit just fine.

The bottom line? If you have a baby or toddler who is younger than 4, there is no Disney-operated childcare option for you at Aulani. And for kids 4-12, the options are more limited at Aulani than on Disney Cruise Line. If you are like my family and often use kids clubs, this difference between Aulani and DCL can be a crucial tie-breaker.

Trips With Tykes Tip : Need a sitter for younger kids or a date night at Aulani? There’s an outside service we recommend with background checked nannies that serves the resort. Find out more about Nanny-Land’s services here and be sure to use Crown Code: TWT for $80 in savings off the registration fee.

Do You Have Teens?

When I first published this post, my kids were still in elementary school, so I had no experience yet with the teenage point of view on Aulani and DCL. But I just recently took a Disney cruise with my daughter for her 14th birthday and we visited Aulani a few months before that. So I grilled her hard on what she thought about both experiences for teens.

Both offer a safe atmosphere where parents can let teens roam and explore independently. While Aulani will always be her first love, she thought Disney Cruise Line currently delivers far more for the teen set.

Disney Cruises simply have so much more for teens to do. They have an abundance of night time programming and exclusive tween/teen clubs, Edge and Vibe. At Aulani, there used to be some programming for teens before 2020, but it hasn’t returned to the schedule. In my experience, Aulani appears to be drawing more families with little ones in recent years than it did before, so there may not be the demand for it ever to return. On our last trip to Aulani, we had a lot of family bonding and fun together, but my daughter grew a little restless not having an organized way to meet kids her age.

That said, Aulani would still work well for teens on a vacation with extended family and friends and built-in socialization. But DCL is better when traveling with just your immediate family because it is easier for teens to make and meet friends on board.

The verdict? If you have an active teen who likes to socialize, the safer bet is DCL. Further reading from fellow travel bloggers who have done both vacations with teens too:

• Guide to Aulani with teens
• What parents of teens will love about Disney Cruises

Do You Have a Passport?

As someone who has been lucky to travel internationally since I was a child, I sometimes forget that most Americans don’t have passports! At $130 per adult and $100 per child in 2023 (+ a $35 acceptance fees for new applicants), they are a big cost that can really add to a trip’s budget.

You obviously don’t need passports at all for an Aulani vacation (for the geographically challenged – yes, Hawaii is a US state). But passports are needed or at least highly advised for most Disney Cruise Line itineraries.

Technically, there are a few exceptions. You and/or your kids may be able to make do with a passport card (only $65) or ID and birth certificate if you are taking a closed loop cruise to many Caribbean countries, Canada or Mexico.

But I don’t recommend this approach at all. If your ship is diverted to a new port due to weather, you might not be able to get off. It’s also risky to travel internationally without a standard passport in the case of a medical or family emergency.

So, if you and your kids are not yet passport holders, definitely factor the cost of a passport into your Disney Cruise Line vacations as you make your travel decisions!

Do You Want to Do More than Disney?

One of the reasons many vacationers choose an Aulani or Disney Cruise Line vacation is that they offer so much more than Disney travel. They come with tried and true Disney service and amenities that families can trust to meet their travel needs. But they aren’t merely a theme park vacation. They are both much more focused on the destination.

It is certainly possible to do either of these vacations and stay entirely within the Disney bubble if you wish. You can go straight from Honolulu Airport to Aulani and never leave until it is time to go back to the airport. If you choose a DCL itinerary that doesn’t have many or any ports of call other than Castaway Cay (or if you don’t get off the ship!), you’ll have a mostly Disney-centric experience as well.

But it’s also possible to explore a lot more on either of these vacations. Aulani is a short skip and a hop away from Pearl Harbor. You can spend a day driving to the North Shore or visiting Waikiki Beach or hiking Diamond Head. You can even combine a few nights of an Aulani vacation with a stay elsewhere in the Hawaiian islands to both save money and see more sights.

And even if you do stay only within the resort, you’ll still learn plenty about the local culture. Disney has worked diligently to make Aulani authentically Hawaiian in its offerings. It’s more than just character meals and pixie dust.

With Disney Cruise Line you can quite literally see the world. Opt for a tropical vacation with a Caribbean or Mexican Riviera itinerary. Or you can explore culture and history in Europe or experience outdoor adventure in Alaska. The numerous options make a DCL trip even more of a destination-focused vacation that just happens to have magical Disney touches.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disney Cruises and Aulani

Still have questions about the Disney Cruise vs. Aulani debate? Here are a few more queries that may have crossed your mind.

Can I take a Disney Cruise TO Aulani?

If you want to have your cake and eat it too by taking a Disney Cruise that includes an Aulani vacation, is that possible? Not exactly.

As of 2023, Disney has added Hawaii to its cruising schedule, but only in a very limited fashion. One ship, the Disney Wonder, stops in Hawaii as it repositions from its summer Alaska itineraries down to Australia in the fall (and then as it returns to the West Coast in spring 2024).

The ship doesn’t stop at Aulani (and in fact, only the fall itinerary includes Honolulu). And these one way trips are 10 days each and quite pricey.

Conceivably, you could DIY an itinerary to do both DCL and Aulani, as follows:

• Depart on the Disney Wonder on October 3, 2023 from Vancouver to Hawaii.
• Debark the Disney Wonder on October 13, 2023 in Honolulu.
• Transfer to Aulani for a stay of several nights.

But realistically, this isn’t going to work for the vast majority of family travelers. Sorry to disappoint!

What costs more: a Disney cruise or an Aulani vacation?

As you can probably imagine, there is no definitive answer to this question. A lot depends on the date you would like to travel. And for cruises, the price can vary based on the destinations involved and the ship.

To help illustrate general costs, I priced out sample 4 night vacations for a family of four on the same dates. Since Aulani doesn’t include food like DCL, I budgeted $250 for a family per day. Believe it or note, this is a reasonable Hawaii food budget if you plan to eat out most dinners but also plan to get some groceries or grab and go food at other times.

For a trip right after Labor Day this year (September 4-8, 2023), here is what the least expensive room/cabin runs for each:

• Disney Magic 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami (inside cabin): $3452
• Aulani $2242 (standard room with current 25% off fall discount) + $250/day food budget = $3242

Here’s another example for early next year (January 8-12, 2024) that includes higher end accommodations (a veranda cabin on Disney’s newest ship vs. a one bedroom villa at Aulani):

• Disney Wish 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (veranda cabin): $5063
• Aulani $4100 (1 bedroom villa) + $250/day food budget = $5100

As you can see, the prices for Aulani and Disney Cruises are generally in the same ballpark. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. For example, Disney Cruises to Alaska tend to be quite a bit more expensive than other cruise destinations. Disney Aulani also tends to run more published seasonal sales where you can sometimes snag a lower nightly room price if you are very flexible.

At Aulani, you can also book a shorter stay to save money. A lot of travelers on a budget who still want to experience Aulani may want to book a one or two night stay and spend additional nights at a more moderately priced hotel elsewhere on O’ahu. Disney Cruises in North America, in contrast, are a minimum of a three night price commitment.

And of course, you also have to consider airfare costs and other add-ons your family might want to experience when making the full cost comparison.

Aulani vs. Disney Cruise: The Final Word

Whatever you decide between Aulani or Disney Cruise Line, I’m fairly confident you will experience a memorable family vacation.

We have enjoyed our times immensely at each and plan to return to both. Aulani was probably a better fit for kids when they were preschoolers/grade school age and Disney Cruise is working a bit better now as our kids get into the teen years. But that could change as both DCL and Aulani make adjustments to their offerings.

Let me know which one your family is choosing (or has chosen) first and why!

Disney Cruise Line & Aulani Vacation Deals!

If you aren’t renting DVC points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals for the Aulani villas, consider using Trips With Tykes partner,  Get Away Today , to book your vacation package with additional perks. Get Away Today specializes in Disney travel and knows Aulani and Disney Cruise Line well (in addition to their bread and butter, Disneyland) so you can take advantage of their expert advice while snagging some deals.

For DCL, they’ll be able to snag you the best in discounts and other perks. For Aulani, their agents constantly monitor new sales and will apply deals and discounts if they are announced after you make an initial booking. Fill out  this form for an Aulani vacation quote request from Get Away Today  and this form for a Disney Cruise vacation quote request (and if you prefer to talk to them on the phone, tell them Leslie at Trips With Tykes sent you).

Disclosure: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Cruise Line has provided my family with complimentary and/or discount accommodations and activities during some of our vacations to Aulani and aboard Disney Cruise Line. Most of our Aulani and DCL trips have been at our own expense. As always, all opinions are my own. 

The post Disney Cruise vs. Disney Aulani: Which Vacation is Right For Your Family? appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

For many, an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You don't want to screw it up because you might not get the chance for a do-over. Unfortunately, it's easier than you think to make Alaska cruise mistakes that can ruin a trip or prevent you from experiencing Alaska to the fullest.

While cruises to the Last Frontier are not polar-cruise-level adventures, they require more careful planning than for a Mexico or Caribbean sailing. You need to get all the details right, from booking the cruise and packing your bags to what to do and see during your cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a list of things you should never do on an Alaska cruise. Avoid these Alaska cruise mistakes, and you'll be on your way to a smooth sailing.

Alaska cruise planning mistakes to avoid

No matter how many times you've cruised before, you might be shocked at how much planning you need to do for an Alaska sailing. Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience.

Assume all Alaska cruises are the same

This is an easy mistake to make on your first Alaska cruise. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip.

Are you looking for a full day of glacier time? Try a midseason sailing that visits Glacier Bay National Park . Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes.

Want to see whales? A round-trip Alaska cruise in June is ideal. Do you want to fish for salmon? You'll want to book at the peak of the salmon fishing season, from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few don't, so make sure it's on the itinerary if you wish to fish.

Are you taking kids on your Alaska cruise? Big ships often have more for kids to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship.

Wait to book excursions

You don't have to worry about booking tours in advance in some cruise destinations. Alaska cruises are not like that.

Alaska shore excursions fill up fast. It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book. The only solution is to sign up for tours as early as possible.

Does this mean you shouldn't take advantage of last-minute Alaska cruise deals if you find them? Of course not. Snap those babies up — just come prepared with a list of second and third choices of excursions, just in case.

Related: Tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Overlook independent excursions

You don't have to stick with ship-sponsored shore excursions in every port in Alaska. On my last Alaska cruise, we booked kayaking independently for our stop in Ketchikan. It was one of the best experiences of the entire cruise. The company picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise ship. We were guaranteed an on-time return to the ship and paid far less than for the ship's kayaking excursions.

If you want to check out independent tours , you can find several Alaska excursion aggregators online or deal directly with independent businesses. Make sure you inquire about tour timing and leave a buffer so you won't miss your ship even if there's traffic or a delay.

Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home

You don't want to find yourself stuck in an airport because of a flight delay when you should be boarding your cruise. To avoid this problem, book your flights to arrive the day before your cruise departs rather than the same day.

If you think it can't happen to you, listen to my most recent flight horror story. I was on not one but two flights on the same day, where minor mechanical problems caused deplaning and two-hour delays. I should have landed at my destination at 11:30 a.m. but didn't arrive until after 5 p.m. Had that been embarkation day, my ship would have sailed without me.

Similarly, it's always best to book departing flights home for the afternoon in case the ship is delayed returning to port or is not cleared by authorities on time. If you're flying in or out of Anchorage, know that all transportation options include several hours of travel from the ports of Seward and Whittier; you might consider overnighting in Anchorage either pre- or post-cruise to play it safe.

Skip the travel insurance

Airline issues aside, Alaska can be a wee bit hazardous. You will encounter slippery slopes and rocky roads — and that's just walking through Alaska port towns. You might be participating in more daring activities than normal, such as flying in helicopters, hiking across glaciers, kayaking icy waters or zip lining through forests. It's easy for something to go wrong.

On my last Alaska cruise, I heard about two passenger emergencies. A kid broke an arm on the ship and needed surgery, so a family of five disembarked in Ketchikan — not exactly a cheap end to their vacation, I'm guessing. Later in the sailing, a sick passenger was airlifted directly off the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we made it to Victoria.

If you live in the U.S., your health insurance is most likely valid in Alaska. You'll be covered for medical expenses but not the other expenses associated with any injury that interrupts your cruise. Travel insurance is the way to go unless you want to pay for flight changes and medical evacuation out of pocket.

Related: The best cruise travel insurance plans

Alaska cruise packing mistakes to avoid

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. The region's unpredictable weather means it can be rainy and 50 degrees one day, then sunny and 85 degrees the next. Mix in boat rides and glacier watching from the ship at 6 a.m., and you have a complicated packing job ahead of you. Don't make these Alaska cruise packing mistakes.

Forget your rain gear

Rule No. 1 on Alaska cruises: Pack rain gear. It might not rain one drop on your cruise, but chances are good that the weather will be wet at some point on your trip. When it does, you'll want the right gear to stay dry and not be drippy and miserable.

Waterproof shoes or boots are a must. For extra protection, spray them with a water-repellant sealer before you pack. You can stow lightweight raincoats or ponchos and pull-on rain pants in your backpack during excursions when you don't need them.

Skimp on layers

Layers are the only way to dress on an Alaska cruise. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

I especially like puffy vests and jackets for Alaska. You can shed the jacket as temperatures allow, then lose the vest if it gets even warmer. Top everything with caps, knit hats, earmuffs and gloves. Those things might be excessive for a stroll through town but important in the wind on a whale watching boat.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Overpack on eveningwear

The dress code on most Alaska cruises is more relaxed than in other cruise destinations. Days are long and outdoorsy, leaving people less enthusiastic about rushing back to the ship to put on fancy clothes and dress shoes.

Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. Jazz up casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with jackets or scarves. You can leave the formalwear and high heels at home.

Cheap out on insect repellant

Mosquitoes in Alaska aren't always a nuisance, but they can be horrendous. Pack insect repellant and full-coverage clothing as though you were planning to visit a rainforest ... because you are.

If you don't plan on checking a bag, pick up bug spray in your departure city or first port of call.

Leave the binoculars and cameras at home

One question I get asked often is whether you can see whales and other wildlife from the ship. The answer is a resounding yes. Unfortunately, much of what you will see is from a distance.

You can solve that problem with a pair of lightweight binoculars. They're also useful for getting a close-up view of glaciers or spotting eagles in port. Consider bringing a pair for everyone in your group because you don't want to fight over one pair when a pod of whales comes into view.

As for cameras, I recommend that everyone in your travel group has a water-resistant camera or a waterproof smartphone case or pouch. I lean toward cameras rather than phones for two reasons. One, most cameras dropped into the depths of an Alaskan bay pose a less traumatic loss than most smartphones. My second reason is in the next section.

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Mistakes to avoid during your Alaska cruise

Once you're on board your ship, it's time to put all the stress of planning and packing behind you. You've made it, and you don't want to let anything get in the way of enjoying your cruise.

Stare at your phone too much

An Alaska cruise is the ideal time to hit pause on your digital life. Sure, you want to capture the amazing scenery, but you know what? Few of the pictures you take will accurately portray the scale of the beauty of Alaska.

The photos you'll enjoy most when you look back next year are the ones of your travel partners enjoying the trip. Take those, then spend your time soaking up the enchantment of this place. The news, the email correspondence and your Instagram followers can take a back seat until you're back home.

Assume the seas will be smooth

Don't be surprised if you feel seasick in Alaska's waters, even if no other cruise has made you feel that way. Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.

Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views. Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people.

Prepare by packing motion sickness relief bands you place on pressure points on your wrists, prescription scopolamine transdermal patches, ginger candies, over-the-counter seasickness medications and herbal motion sickness patches. I've used these for years, with only one failure on a rather small ship.

You can also treat the woozies with seasickness tablets, which are often available free at the medical center or guest services, green apples from the buffet and ginger ale from your ship's friendly bartenders. Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Spend all your time indoors

You packed all those clothing layers — now's the time to use them. The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Don't wimp out in an observation lounge. Bundle up and head outside to fully take in the view. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck.

The best souvenir advice I've received is to buy a cozy throw or blanket at your first port stop. It won't cost a fortune and will serve a purpose for the rest of the cruise. Picture yourself cozy and warm in your fuzzy Alaska souvenir blanket, sipping hot chocolate while watching glaciers calving. Once home, you'll remember your epic vacation every time you snuggle up on the couch.

Sleep through your vacation

This is not a cruise you want to sleep through — and even if that's your plan, you may have difficulty accomplishing it. Long hours of daylight, excursions and glacier viewings that start early and even your own fear of missing out can have you out of bed early and staying up later than you might on any other cruise.

Sleep apps and eye masks may help with the daylight situation. I also find that Alaska cruises are ideal for ordering room service meals. It definitely saves time before morning excursions and can provide a bit of downtime in your cabin for lunch or dinner on occasion.

Fail to try something new

Your Alaska cruise offers many opportunities to try things you might never have the chance to do again. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the frigid Alaska waters or play with sled dog puppies. Or, how about riding in a sled pulled by sled dogs? We already mentioned salmon fishing, which is surprisingly fun, even if you'd never go fishing at home.

The array of things to try in Alaska can be as tame or as adventurous as you want — it's the joy of discovery that's key. I once kayaked in Ketchikan with a woman on her first solo cruise in Alaska. She'd never kayaked before. When our marine biologist guide pulled a sea cucumber from the crystal-clear waters to show us, she squealed with delight when he offered to let her hold it. That's the kind of joy you cruise to Alaska to experience.

Bottom line

You can avoid the most common Alaska cruise mistakes with a little extra planning.

The goal is to have the Alaska cruise experience you and your travel companions long for. Achieve that by choosing an itinerary that gets you to the things you want to see and do, shopping early for excursions (especially the ones you have your heart set on) and packing gear and clothes that will keep you comfy during your Alaska adventure.

Everything else is about stepping outside, breathing in the shockingly clean air and enjoying the cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:

• Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska with points and miles
• The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
• 6 best Alaska cruises for families
• 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

More From Forbes

Disneyland paris is renaming one park to disney adventure world.

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Logo for Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris has announced that its second gate, Walt Disney Studios Park, will undergo a multi-year transformation to breathe new life into the theme park . Along with the expanded offerings at the park, which will almost double the existing footprint of the park, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

The €2 billion investment will include a previously announced Frozen-themed land, dubbed World of Frozen. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because a land of the same title recently opened at Hong Kong Disneyland in China. Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen will debut simultaneously.

“Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These fully realized adventure worlds will become the focus of the park’s new identity and appear as realms that guests discover as they navigate deeper within the park and are invited to participate in adventures inspired by our most beloved stories,” Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive and Senior Creative Executive for Disneyland Paris said in a press release.

When World of Frozen opens it will be located on the edge of Adventure Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter body of water. This will be the center point of the new expansion for the park and will serve as the central hub to the new lands and experiences that are being planned. According to Disney, Adventure Bay will also double as an entertainment stage that will showcase water-based entertainment that combines fountains, music, lights, and special effects.

Construction Starts in April on a New Park Entry

Construction in progress at Disney Adventure World

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Starting this month, the park’s entry plaza will be getting in on the transformation too. The entrance building will go from highlighting a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard to a space that harkens back to the historic movie theaters in Hollywood. The entrance building will be renamed World Premiere and will open in Spring 2025.

Just outside of World Premiere will be World Premiere Plaza. The new theme will bring together facades from Broadway and West End theaters. The plaza will lead to Adventure Way, where a new family-friendly attraction will be constructed. The new ride will be called Raiponce Tangled Spin (or Rapunzel Tangled Spin in English) and is themed after the animated movie Tangled. Also along Adventure Way, theme park fans can to dine at a new restaurant called The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge. The table-service restaurant will include character meet and greets with the Disney Princesses.

“With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we're crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Adventure World that will resonate more than ever with our guests. It’s set to offer unique adventures in immersive worlds, serving as a perfect complement to Disneyland Park,” said Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris in a release.

This is Just the Beginning of Investments for Disney

Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, along with details about ... [+] its design theme, “Heroes and Villains.” The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will draw on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage. (Disney)

In September 2023, Disney announced it would be investing around $60 billion over the next 10 years in its Experiences segment. The investment is going towards “ expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity.”

According to Disney, there are over 1,000 acres of land that the company can use for possible development to expand the current footprint of existing theme parks.

“Throughout our history, we’ve created enormous growth by investing the right amount of capital into the right projects at the right moment,” said Bob Iger , Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “We are planning to turbocharge our growth yet again with a robust amount of strategic investment in this business.”

In 2024 and into 2025, Disney has already announced the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, the completion of the renovation of EPCOT, the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and more at its theme parks. Additionally, three new cruise ships are set to debut and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will start welcoming cruisers this June.

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