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• Not so much anymore, cruises tend to be in calm waters and the ships have gotten so large that their shear size helps lessen the motion.
• Modern weather tracking devices help keep the ship sailing in calm waters by avoiding any storms.
• The improving technologies of large modern ships provide for better stabilizers that counter act the motion of the ocean.
• Modern preventative medications are also readily available. All these factors work together to lessen your chance of seasickness.

• You can book your cruise in calm waters aboard a larger modern ship with stabilizers.
• Book a mid-ship, lower level inside cabin, those have the most stable ride.
• Book a cabin with beds that are parallel to the length of the ship; the rocking is usually easier for your body to handle than a rolling motion.
• Speak with your doctor before you leave for recommendations of preventative medications you could use.
• Some people find an accupressure bracelet around the wrists to be helpful.
• Once on board, spend some time on deck and focus on a fixed point of the horizon. This helps your body to adjust to the motion.
• Avoid alcohol, it will only increase the symptoms of motion sickness.

• You should check, but your ship will probably have an infirmary with a doctor and nurse on staff and available 24 hours.
• If you have any pre-existing conditions that might need medical attention while on board, notify the Cruise Line in advance of booking to see if the type of assistance you’ll need is available.
• Since cruise ships aren’t hospitals and can’t handle all emergencies, you should also check into trip insurance that will help cover the costs of reaching proper medical care if needed. Be sure to read the fine print of the policy to see what is covered. There are exceptions and in many cases pre-existing conditions are not covered.

• When you are off ship, don’t forget that drinking the port country’s water can be dangerous.
• Stick with bottled or boiled water and carbonated soft drinks.
• Remember that the ice in your drink turns into water so order them with out ice.
• Wipe off the tops of cans before you drink from them, or better yet bring some straws to use for drinking.
• Avoid raw foods, as they can also be a good way to get sick.
• Only brush your teeth with bottled water and keep your mouth shut when you’re in the shower, even an accidental spray can get you sick.

• If you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.
• Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
• Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get your vaccinations done early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.
• You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.
• Be careful what you eat and drink.
• Carry complete health information with you on your trip.
• Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Complete and take with you a personal medical history. Your doctor should be able to help you complete the history. It should include:

• Your Insurance Company’s name and address.
• Trip Insurance contact information.
• Contact person in case of emergency.
• Your blood type.
• A copy of your eyeglass prescription.
• A list of current medications with their generic names, brand names can vary in foreign countries.
• A list of allergies, including any known food or drug allergies.
• A list of immunizations with their dates.
• A basic description of your past and present medical condition, including past hospitalizations and any current problems.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Information web page. This site contains updated information and articles on diseases. It also includes guidelines for travel to areas that have suffered a recent natural disaster. The most valuable section of the site is the destination section. This area of the site contains detailed specific information on diseases common to particular regions of the world, along with the recommended precautions and vaccines advised to avoid those diseases.

The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health web page. This site contains information on recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travelers.

The World Health Organization’s Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travelers web page. This site contains information, divided by regions of the globe, on potential health hazards for travelers within that region.

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that helps travelers to avoid illness while traveling abroad. It also helps guide travelers in 125 countries to competent medical care with doctors trained in Western countries that speak either French or English in addition to their native tongues. There is no charge for membership in this organization, but donations are appreciated to help continue IAMAT’s work.

The Medic Alert homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that provides bracelets that identify diseases or allergies from which you suffer. The bracelet also contains a phone number that can be called so medical personnel can have access to your medical records 24-hours a day. There is a registration and yearly membership fee to receive this service.