If your past boat trips left you unwell, test the idea with a short, sheltered sailing first, or choose a resort instead. If you only feel mildly queasy, a calm route, a steady cabin and advance preparation may be enough. This page walks you through the decision without drama.
It belongs to our destination decisions topic. For the ship format overall, read cruise honeymoon from Malaysia.
How do we decide in four steps?
Work through these in order.
- Recall how each of you felt on past boats, ferries or long drives.
- Decide how much sea motion you can accept.
- Choose a route, a cabin and a backup plan.
- Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about remedies that suit you.
If step one brings back strong memories, take that seriously. A resort holiday is a perfectly good honeymoon.
How much does the route matter?
A lot. Sheltered waters and short hops between nearby ports are gentler than long open-sea crossings.
Ask the line which parts of the sailing are open water, and which are sheltered. The answer tells you where motion is likely, and where you can relax.
Where should the cabin be?
Cabin position can reduce how much movement you feel. A lower, mid-ship cabin sits close to the ship’s centre, and tends to feel steadiest.
Avoid the bow, the stern and the top decks. Our inside, balcony or suite guide shows how to read a deck plan. A balcony can also help some people, since it offers fresh air and a view of the horizon.
What can we do to prepare?
Preparation can help, though responses differ from person to person.
- Speak to a pharmacist or doctor well before sailing.
- Try any remedy before the trip, not on the first day.
- Keep fresh air, water and light meals in mind.
- Pack a plan for a rough day: quiet cabin, gentle food, rest.
Do not rely on an untested solution. If you are older, pregnant or on other medication, check first.
How can we test the idea?
Take a short ferry or boat trip in similar conditions. Notice how each of you feels and for how long.
If you cope well, a short sailing is a sensible first step. See short cruise or long cruise for how length changes the picture.
When should we choose a resort instead?
Choose a resort if either of you has had a severe reaction or is unsure about remedies. Choose it too if you simply do not want the risk on a honeymoon. Our cruise or resort comparison can help you reset.
Also check travel insurance for a honeymoon so you know what a medical or change situation would involve.
What should we do next?
Write how each of you felt on past boats. Send us your leave days, and we will suggest either a gentle sailing with a steady cabin or a resort alternative, with the total for two.