Preventing motion sickness

Preventive Behaviors

Pick a seat in mid-section of the ship
Face forward and look out of a window
Take deep breaths
Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon or a stationary point in the distance
Avoid reading
Get fresh air (the Surf Break Lanai has outdoor seating)
Minimize upper body and head movement by lying down or leaning against a headrest
Reduce visual stimulation by wearing dark glasses or closing your eyes, sleep if you can
Eat lightly before and during travel, avoid spicy or greasy foods
Avoid alcohol

Medications

Because the motion of our vessel is unlike most other boats and ships you may have ridden, we highly recommend you take a motion sickness remedy well in advance of the voyage - preferably the night before your travel date and more than an hour before boarding. Taking a remedy after you start to feel ill may not help. Try them out a few days beforehand to check for side effects or discuss use with your doctor.

Over the Counter Medications
Several antihistamines are available without a prescription including:

Dimenhydrinate (e.g. Dramamine)
Meclizine (e.g. Bonine, Antivert)
Cyclizine (e.g. Marezine)
Diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl)

Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs for motion sickness include:

Scopolamine ("the patch")
Promethazine (e.g. Phenergan)
Ondansetron (e.g. Zofran)

Other Remedies

Ginger in the form of powdered root in capsules, candies, cookies, ginger ale or tea may have some benefit. Find out more about ginger and its possible side effects.
Acupressure applied to the inside of the wrist (either by direct finger pressure or commercially available wrist bands) seem to help some people.

Recommendations provided by Dr. Vernon Ansdell, who specializes in Travel and Tropical Disease Medicine and heads Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s Travel Medicine Clinic, which is open to the public.