“I want to go on a Disney Cruise, but I’m worried about getting seasick…” If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. I get it—I’m prone to motion sickness too. In this blog post, I’ll share the tips and tricks I’ve learned from my Disney Cruise experiences to help you enjoy smooth sailing without worrying about seasickness.
So, let me give it to you straight: Yes, you can get seasick on a Disney Cruise. Bummer, right? But don’t let that stop you from experiencing the magic of Disney at sea. Even though I get seasick, I’m hooked on Disney Cruises! While I can’t promise you won’t feel a little queasy, there are definitely ways to manage it and keep those worries at bay.
You’ll learn about the best spots on the ship to feel less motion and the most effective remedies to keep seasickness at bay. Don’t let seasickness keep you from enjoying everything a Disney Cruise has to offer—let’s make sure you have the best trip possible!
What Causes Seasickness on a Disney Cruise?
Let’s dive into what can trigger seasickness on a Disney Cruise, based on insights from the Disney Cruise Crew Members and my own personal experiences.
How Weather Conditions Impact Seasickness on Your Disney Cruise
Weather is one of the biggest factors when it comes to seasickness. When the wind picks up or the waves get higher, the ship is more likely to rock, increasing the chances of feeling seasick. Unfortunately, predicting the weather isn’t always easy. For example, if you’re sailing from Florida, the period from August to October tends to be the most affected by hurricanes, making it a potentially rougher ride.
However, in my experience, I found that a March cruise from Galveston, Texas, through the Gulf of Mexico was even rougher than sailing from Florida during hurricane season. So, while weather plays a huge role, it can be unpredictable, and sometimes you might encounter rough seas when you least expect it. Keep this in mind as you plan your cruise!
Disney Cruise Routes: What to Expect if You’re Prone to Seasickness
If you’re worried about seasickness, it’s good to know that some Disney Cruise routes are known for rougher seas. According to a Disney Cruise Line crew member, one of the bumpiest rides you might encounter is near Tasmania. The waters there can be so choppy that items on the restaurant shelves might even start to shift! It’s definitely a route where you’ll need to brace yourself for some serious motion.
Other routes to be aware of include the Alaska cruise and voyages through the North Atlantic. These areas can also be prone to significant swells, so if you’re sensitive to motion, you might want to consider this when planning your trip.
Wait, Can the Captain Influence Seasickness on a Disney Cruise?
Yes, it’s true! Just like when you’re in a car, the person in charge can influence how smooth the ride is—and that includes whether or not you might feel seasick. On a past trip aboard the Disney Magic, a crew member casually mentioned, “This captain’s a bit tricky…” which made me a little nervous. But luckily, everything turned out just fine!
Even if you choose a route and schedule known for calmer seas, you can’t pick your captain. They don’t include that detail on the itinerary! So, in that sense, well, good luck!
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SAIL ON a DISNEY CRUISE
While you can’t completely avoid seasickness, you can take steps to reduce it. Being prepared helps both physically and mentally. While you can’t control the weather, you can make smart choices—like picking the right type of ship or the best cabin location—that can make a big difference. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Disney Cruise with more confidence and comfort.
Pick the Right Disney Cruise Ship
When it comes to avoiding seasickness, the size of the ship matters a lot. I’ve struggled with seasickness on smaller boats, like fishing charters and whale-watching tours, which made me hesitant to try a cruise. But cruise ships, especially Disney Cruise ships, are a completely different experience!
Even the smallest ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, like the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, are huge. These ships are 11 decks high and can accommodate around 2,700 passengers—they’re basically floating hotels! When I first stepped onto the Magic, I was surprised by its size. And Disney’s newer ships are even bigger. The general rule is, the larger the ship, the less you’ll feel it move, which can help reduce seasickness.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, going with one of Disney’s larger ships is a smart move. A bigger ship means a smoother ride, making your cruise way more comfortable.
Choosing Your Cabin
Another key factor in avoiding seasickness is where your cabin is located on the ship. Generally, the middle of the ship on a lower deck is the most stable and least likely to experience movement. While cabins on higher decks offer better views, they also tend to experience more motion. Similarly, cabins located at the front or back of the ship tend to feel the motion more than those in the center.
Here’s some good news for those prone to motion sickness: Cabins located in these more stable areas are often less expensive than those on higher decks or with prime views. So, not only can you reduce the chances of getting seasick, but you can also save some money by choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck!
Choosing the Right Dining Table to Avoid Seasickness
When booking your Disney Cruise, you have the option to request a specific table location for dinner during the rotational dining experience. (If you’re not familiar with rotational dining, be sure to check out our guide on it.)
Just like your cabin location makes a difference, where you sit in the dining room can make a difference in how much you feel the ship’s movement. Tables in the middle of the restaurant, which are closer to the center of the ship, are generally more stable and less likely to make you feel seasick. I once thought it would be lovely to sit by the window with a view of the ocean, but watching the waves ended up making me feel a bit queasy. To fully enjoy the all-inclusive dining experience, choosing a table in the center of the restaurant can help minimize seasickness. Plus, these central tables often offer the best views of the dinner shows, making them a great spot for enjoying both your meal and the entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line also offers special adult-only dining experiences for an additional fee, and these restaurants are usually located on higher decks. If you’re planning to dine at one of these venues, it’s a good idea to check the restaurant’s location on the ship to ensure you’ll have a more comfortable experience.
Motion Sickness Medication for Your Disney Cruise
If you’re worried about seasickness on your Disney Cruise, motion sickness medication is a must-have. I’ve found Dramamine to be especially effective. I usually start taking it about an hour before boarding and continue taking it daily throughout the cruise. Once, I forgot to take it, and I definitely felt the ship’s movement much more than usual. Dramamine (Non-Drowsy) won’t make you sleepy, so you can ease seasickness and enjoy your cruise without feeling drowsy!
You can get Dramamine onboard at Guest Services or the Health Center, and it’s also available in the ship’s gift shops. However, since supplies can run out, it’s best to bring your own just in case.
I also recommend taking the medication for a day after you disembark. After a shorter cruise, like a 3-night trip, you might not feel much residual motion on land. But after a 7-night cruise, I found that my body still felt like it was swaying for about a day, so continuing with the medication helped ease that transition back to solid ground.
Seasickness Patches and Wristbands
On Disney Cruises, you might notice other passengers wearing acupressure wristbands or seasickness patches behind their ears. While the wristbands haven’t worked for me personally, I haven’t tried the behind-the-ear patches yet. I’m planning to give them a try on my next cruise, and I’ll be sure to share my experience here afterward!
Natural sea sickness remedies: Green Apples and Lemon Ginger Tea
Here’s a tip I got from the Disney Cruise crew member—green apples and lemon ginger tea can help with seasickness! After hearing this, I made sure to have lemon ginger tea every day on my cruise. You can find tea bags, including lemon ginger, near the soda machines and coffee stations on the pool deck, and it’s all included in your cruise fare. You can help yourself as many times as you like.
One evening, I asked my server for lemon ginger tea at dinner, but unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t have any at that time. I’m not sure if it was just that day or if it’s not usually available in the dining rooms.
But in true Disney Cruise fashion, my server went above and beyond—starting the next day, they brought me lemon ginger tea without me even asking!
It’s these little moments that make Disney Cruises so special.
Acupuncturist on Board
Not many people know this, but Disney Cruises actually have an acupuncturist on board. During your cruise, you can book an acupuncture session to help with various ailments, including seasickness. The acupuncturist can also apply seasickness prevention stickers behind your ears. You’ll find the acupuncturist at the Senses Spa, where you can take advantage of this lesser-known service to help ensure a smoother sailing experience.
Step Ashore at Port Stops
Most Disney Cruise itineraries offer multiple port stops, giving you an excellent opportunity to step off the ship. While disembarking isn’t required, setting foot on solid ground can be a game-changer for seasickness. Even if you’re feeling a bit queasy, spending time on land at a port stop can provide much-needed relief, both physically and mentally. Taking a stroll on shore can work wonders to shake off any lingering seasickness symptoms, setting you up to enjoy the rest of your cruise to the fullest.
Rough Seas Ahead? What to Expect on the Last Day of Your Cruise
From my experience, the last day of a Disney Cruise tends to be the roughest. The ship needs to return to port by the next morning, so it often feels like it’s moving faster than usual. While it’s tempting to pack in as much fun as possible on the final day, I’ve found it helpful to take more breaks and rest a bit more than usual. If you’re prone to seasickness, I recommend scheduling any must-do activities for earlier in the cruise, just in case the motion is more noticeable on that last day.
What to Do If You Still Get Seasick?
Get Some Sleep!
When all else fails, sleep is your best remedy! A Disney Cruise is packed with activities, entertainment, and endless dining options, making it easy to overdo it. But as much fun as it all is, lack of sleep and fatigue can make seasickness worse. If you start to feel tired or unwell, lying down and getting some rest is often the most effective way to feel better.
Even though I’m prone to seasickness, I’ve found that the gentle rocking of the ship makes it surprisingly easy to fall asleep. It’s a bit ironic that the same motion that causes seasickness can also be soothing enough to lull you to sleep, but it really works! So, don’t hesitate to take a nap if you need it, it could be just what you need to get back to enjoying your cruise.
Health Center
Disney Cruises have a Health Center on board to help if you start feeling unwell. If seasickness or any other health issues arise during your cruise, don’t hesitate to visit the Health Center for assistance.
Location: Deck 1 on all Disney Cruise ships.
Best Cruise Plans for Nervous Sailors
If you’re worried about seasickness, starting with a shorter cruise is the best approach. Instead of jumping into a week-long voyage, try a 3-night cruise first. It’s easier to manage, and you might think, “It’s just 3 nights—I can handle that!”
A 3-night cruise with a schedule like this can be ideal:
・Day 1: Board the ship
・Day 2: Visit a port
・Day 3: Visit another port
・Day 4: Disembark
With this kind of itinerary, you get to spend most of your days on land, minimizing the time you spend at sea. This means you only need to be concerned about seasickness in the evenings and overnight. Starting with a short cruise like this can help you build confidence and, over time, you may find yourself ready to take on longer voyages!
Final Thoughts
Based on my personal experience, the most effective way to handle seasickness on a Disney Cruise is to take motion sickness medication like Dramamine. It’s been a game-changer for me and has allowed me to fully enjoy my cruise experiences. The size of the ship also makes a difference, and of course, weather plays a big role as well.
While your cabin location can have some impact, especially on a first-time Disney Cruise, you’ll likely spend most of your time enjoying the restaurants, pools, and various activities around the ship, rather than in your room. For my family, we were only in our cabin to sleep or change clothes.
Everyone’s experience with seasickness is different, but I can tell you that the fun and excitement of a Disney Cruise far outweigh any discomfort. Despite being prone to seasickness, I’ve become a repeat Disney Cruiser!
I hope these tips help you make the most of your upcoming cruise. If you have any other suggestions or know of specific routes or tips for dealing with seasickness, please share them in the comments!
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