How to prevent seasickness on board our ferry
Useful strategies to avoid nausea and other travel discomforts
The deep blue sea stretching to the horizon, the breeze on your face, and the promise of new adventures approaching with the crossing. Traveling by sea is a wonderful experience, a bridge between everyday life and discovery. However, for some, this idyllic journey can be clouded by an unwelcome guest: seasickness. Nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare.
Forget ineffective viral remedies and discover truly helpful strategies based on the understanding of the mechanisms behind seasickness.
What causes seasickness?
Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a natural response of the body to sensory conflict. The brain receives conflicting signals from our senses: the inner ear (vestibular system) detects the ship’s swaying motion and changes in balance, while the eyes, often focused on a fixed point inside the ship, do not perceive this movement. In addition, sensors in the muscles and joints (called proprioceptors) send to the brain information about the body’s position that doesn’t match the motion detected by the other senses.
This “short-circuit” of information confuses the brain and triggers the symptoms of seasickness. Understanding this mechanism is the first step toward adopting effective strategies.
At Ichnusa Lines, we fully understand how important it is to enjoy every moment of the crossing between the beautiful though often restless waters of the Strait of Bonifacio. That’s why, even though our ship is equipped with an advanced stabilization system that ensures safety and smooth sailing even in rough seas, we’ve prepared this guide, the result of our experience, to help you prevent and manage seasickness, turning your journey into a pleasant experience from the very first moment.
Proactive Strategies to Prevent Seasickness
Prevention can be the key to a comfortable journey free of seasickness. Here are some tips to apply before even boarding the ship:
- Get enough rest: start your journey well-rested. Fatigue can make your body more vulnerable to motion discomfort.
- Eat a light but substantial meal: avoid heavy, greasy, or overly spicy foods before departure. Opt for light but nourishing choices like toast, crackers, or non-acidic fruit. Also avoid boarding on an empty stomach.
- Stay hydrated: drinking water before and during the crossing can help ease seasickness, as dehydration often worsens symptoms. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or carbonated beverages.
Once on board, here are some practical tips to help you manage seasickness:
- Fix your gaze on the horizon: one of the most effective strategies. Focusing on a stable point outside the ship (like the horizon) helps realign the sensory information received by your brain.
- Get fresh air: try to stay on deck or in well-ventilated areas. Fresh air can relieve nausea. Avoid enclosed spaces and strong odors.
- Move slowly and deliberately: avoid sudden and rapid head or body movements. Move slowly and with control.
- Distract your mind: engage in activities that keep you mentally occupied: read (without staring for too long), listen to music, or chat with fellow passengers. Avoid tasks requiring intense close-up visual focus, such as reading detailed maps or using your phone for long periods.
- Small dry snacks: nibbling on dry salty crackers, plain bread, or dry biscuits can help settle your stomach. Avoid acidic foods or anything with strong smells.
- Acupressure: some people find relief by pressing firmly on the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point, located about three fingers down from the wrist crease, between the two central tendons. There are also specific wristbands that apply pressure to this point.
What if nothing works?
If, despite your best efforts, seasickness sets in, relaxing is one of the best ways to ease the symptoms: lying down, closing your eyes, and breathing slowly and deeply can help calm your nervous system and reduce sensory stimulation.
Avoid staring at moving objects inside the ship: focusing your gaze on things that sway with the ship’s motion can make symptoms worse.
The truth is, most passengers on the Ichnusa ferry crossing between Corsica and Sardinia experience no symptoms of seasickness at all. The vessel was designed and custom-built not only for safety but also for maximum stability. Nonetheless, our onboard staff is trained to assist passengers who do feel unwell, so if it happens to you, don’t hesitate to ask for help!
