Even if you’re someone who doesn’t usually get seasick, rough sailing can catch you off guard. To prevent seasickness, one essential tip is to keep snacking. Never cruise on an empty stomach—it might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a proven truth backed by cruise staff and my personal experience. An empty stomach can trigger nausea, so staying nourished is key. However, not all foods are created equal when preventing seasickness. Choosing the wrong ones can make your symptoms worse. Here’s a list of foods to avoid if you’re seasick on a cruise.
Pizza
Don’t eat pizza, especially pepperoni pizza. Pizza is loaded with greasy toppings and cheese. The oily food will just exacerbate your nausea.
Fried Chicken
Avoid fried chicken and chicken tenders. The rich, oily food will just make your nausea feel worse. Stick to lighter fare.
Champagne
Are you attending the art auction but feeling slightly seasick? Stay away from that free champagne. It will just trigger your seasickness and make it worse. Drink plenty of water instead! Check out 10 Ways to Score Free Champagne at a Cruise (How to Get Free Drinks!)
Burger
Eating a burger, especially a cheeseburger, when you’re seasick is a bad idea. They’re loaded with grease and rich toppings, which can be very hard for your stomach to digest. Check out 13 Important Things to Do Before You Go on Your Cruise (free printable checklist)
Curry
The cruise buffet has amazing curries but stay away if you’re seasick. The spices will intensify your queasiness. Check out 42 Banned Items you can’t take on a cruise
Alfredo Pasta
Don’t order Alfredo pasta if you’re feeling seasick. The rich, creamy alfredo sauce will only make you feel worse. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
Chocolate Cake
Don’t make the mistake of ordering a chocolate cake for dessert if you’re seasick. The rich, decadent cake will sit heavily in your stomach and amplify your seasickness. Check out 6 Not So Obvious Cruise Tips You Need to Know About
Orange Juice
When you feel queasy, avoid acidic juices like orange juice. The high acid content of these drinks will only further upset your stomach. Check out 8 Proven Ways to Get VIP Treatment on Your Next Cruise
Fish and Chips
Don’t order fish and chips if you feel seasick on your cruise. The fried fish and oily fries can cause trouble with digestion. Check out 10 Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes Families Make When Cruising with Kids
Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary is the worst drink possible if you’re feeling seasick. The spicy, acidic tomato-based, and alcoholic drink just spells trouble and will make your seasickness worse. Check out 8 Important Things to Do to Keep Your Luggage Safe on a Cruise
Cheese Omelets
Don’t order a cheese omelet for breakfast when you’re seasick. The cheese is too heavy, and your stomach can’t handle it. The hashbrown, bacon and sausages in this photo will also make your seasickness worse. Check out 14 Important Things to Do on Cruise Disembarkation (Free Checklist)
Tiramisu
Tiramisu for dessert is a bad idea if you’re seasick. The rich dairy dessert will just make you feel queasy. Check out 9 Common Money Mistakes You’ll Regret Making on Your Cruise
Frozen Daiquiris
The sugar and alcohol of your frozen daiquiri will worsen your nausea. Stay away from alcoholic beverages. Check out 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money
Coffee
If you’re feeling seasick, skip your morning coffee. Coffee dehydrates you and causes an upset stomach. It’s best to stick to water. Check out 9 Family Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Mac and Cheese
Don’t order a big bowl of mac and cheese, it will just aggravate your nausea. The creamy and rich pasta is hard to digest and will make you feel worse. Check out 10 Genius Cruise Hacks You Have to Steal
Carrot Cake
Although indulging in delicious carrot cake is tempting, don’t do it. You will regret it. The rich frosting is too heavy and will upset your stomach. Check out 10 Food I’ll Never Eat at a Cruise Buffet
Bacon
Stay away from bacon at the breakfast buffet. Fat and grease are hard to digest and will upset your stomach. Everything in the photo is bad for seasickness except plain waffles. Check out Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict for breakfast when you’re feeling seasick is a bad idea. The hollandaise sauce and buttered English muffin are just too rich and heavy. Check out Should You Go on a Cruise If You Easily Get Seasick?
Tomato Soup
Stay away from tomato soup if you’re feeling seasick. The acidity will just fuel your nausea and make you feel awful. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise