How to Manage Seasickness on an Antarctica Voyage

Direct answer: If you feel seasick while crossing the Drake Passage, avoid heavy or greasy meals, stop looking down at your phone, dress warmly and look toward the horizon from a safe open deck. Use motion-sickness medication only according to the product instructions or medical advice from the ship’s doctor. Seek medical help promptly if vomiting persists, you become noticeably weak, or you cannot keep fluids down.

What should you do if you become seasick while sailing to Antarctica across the Drake Passage? These practical measures are worth understanding before departure.

1. Do not overeat

Expedition ships often leave Ushuaia in the late afternoon or evening, around the time dinner begins. Western-style main courses can be substantial. Do not feel obliged to finish everything, and try to avoid rich or greasy food.

2. Understand the medication plan in advance

Motion-sickness medication is often available from the ship’s reception desk. After boarding, ask reception or the expedition team about the expected sea conditions. If you are unsure how you will react, use medication before the ship reaches open water, following the product instructions or the advice of the ship’s doctor. Do not drink alcohol while taking it, and do not combine different motion-sickness medicines on your own.

3. Choose light, refreshing drinks

You can ask for lemon tea, peppermint tea or a carbonated drink. Some travelers find that these drinks make them feel more comfortable, although individual responses vary.

4. Keep green apples or citrus fruit nearby

Green apples are often available in the restaurant or at reception. If you temporarily lose your appetite, take one or two back to your cabin. Some people also find the fresh scent of citrus fruit helpful.

5. Get fresh air and look toward the horizon

Put on a warm jacket, hat and scarf, then step onto your balcony or a safe open deck for fresh air. Looking toward the distant horizon may help reduce motion-sickness symptoms. Avoid spending long periods in an enclosed space looking down at a book or phone.

6. Locate the sickness bags

Sickness bags are usually available at reception and in several public areas around the ship. Notice where they are before the sea becomes rough.

7. Contact the ship’s doctor if symptoms persist

If vomiting continues, you become noticeably weak, or you cannot keep fluids down, contact the ship’s doctor promptly. A medical professional should decide whether further treatment is needed.

8. Put safety first in rough seas

If the ship encounters large waves, hold the handrail securely when using stairs and take care to prevent falls. Store valuables safely in your cabin. Put items that could roll off a table into a cabinet or on a low surface where they cannot fall.

As a senior Antarctica expedition leader, I have crossed the Drake Passage by ship more than 30 times. Only once, in January 2012, did I encounter waves close to ten metres, when the ship could barely make headway. Among the more than 30 Chinese guests traveling with us, some were seasick and others were worried about falling; only I and a couple who sailed non-motorised boats went to the restaurant. Most Drake crossings, however, involve waves of around three to four metres. The ship may remain relatively steady, with a cup on the table moving only slightly.

Editor’s medical note: Motion-sickness medication can have contraindications and side effects such as drowsiness. This article shares personal experience and does not replace medical advice. Follow the product instructions and the advice of the ship’s doctor or your own physician.