10 Simple Strategies for Not Tossing Your Cookies while Crossing the Drake Passage

2011-07-22T20:10:00.002-04:00

Crossing the Drake Passage ~ that span of ocean between thesouthern tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica ~can be as calm as a mid-Summer breeze or as volatile as being inside the spincycle of a washing machine.

Ifyou’re planning a cruise to the White Continent and already know that you areprone to motion sickness, here are a few layman’s tips (gathered from theseasoned minds of expedition staff) that may help you keep that twinkle in youreye and your lunch in your stomach as you brave the journey to Antarctica:

1) Even though you may not want to, eat. Anempty stomach is a recipe for disaster on the high seas. If the thought of food makes youqueasy, just try soda crackers as they help neutralize stomach acid. Also, drink ginger ale or ginger tea asthey can be a good anti-nausea remedy.

2) Stay hydrated – (but avoid alcohol) being even moderatelydehydrated can make being sea sick feel way worse.

3) Book a cabin located mid-ship as this will be the moststable. Furthermore, book a room with a window or porthole. Ideally you do not want to be in anyenclosed space if you’re sick, but if you have to be, look out at the horizon.

4) Keep your eyes on the horizon, preferably up on deckwhere you can breathe fresh air. Agreat place to keep you eyes on the horizon & your mind busy is the bridge,chatting up the Captain or the navigation staff. Many people swear by this.

5) Do not lie down during the day, unless you’re on medsthat knock you out! If you absolutely have to, lay on your back with properhead support.

photo: muzzanese via Flickr

6) Don’t eat greasy or acidic foods. You need to eat moderately the daybefore departure and during the crossing, but greasy and/or acidic foods won’tdo you any favors.

7) Avoid caffeinated beverages as they are diuretics andwill make it harder for you to stay hydrated.

8) Stay busy. But keep in mind that “busy” is relative. Youwant to do things that will keep your mind off of your symptoms, but not engagein things that will increase your visual/inner ear disconnect. Therefore listening to music with youreyes closed = good, reading = bad.

9) Secure everything in your room. Even if the waters are calm when you go to bed, you don’twant to be woken up by your belongings flying across the room when the weathertakes a midnight turn. Trust me,it’s no fun cleaning up when you’re semi-conscious and the boat is being tossedwildly.

10) Avoid other people who are very ill. Seeing other people sick when you areon the brink is an almost surefire way to end up with your head in the nearestrubbish bin.

Of course it’s always advisable to visit your doctor priorto departure to get advice on pharmaceutical options, but in the spirit ofexperiencing the Drake crossing in all of its splendor, try out the abovetips...and be sure to report back on how it all went!

Got some other great strategies? Wanna share your experience? We’d love to hear it! Please leave your comments below or on our Facebook page HERE. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter. @antarctravels

Even better, check out our website for more info and great deals year-round at www.antarcticatravels.com, or email me at heather@antarcticatravels.com. ;)

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10 Simple Strategies for Not Tossing Your Cookies while Crossing the Drake Passage