The first three months of the year are said to be the best time for which to have a cruise booked. In preparation for cruise season, here’s a look at some of the best products to keep on deck if you are headed put on a sea-faring excursion this winter.
Stay Well While Cruising
January through March is a great time to take an ocean cruise, especially if you live in a cooler or colder locale and want to go get “warmed up” for a week or two. This period, deemed “wave season,” is when cruise prices are the lowest, and you are likely to get the most on-board perks and promotions for free.
Going on a cruise is intended to be a leisurely and entertaining experience. But it can come with some complications or interruptions to your wellness, and it’s worth being mindful of these ahead of time. Don’t fret too much about the possibility. Just do like a Boy Scout does and be prepared. First, some people experience sea sickness in the first day or two on board, especially if they’re new to the experience. Another potential concern is sunburn. Basking (or should we say “baking”) in the sun isn’t any less risky at sea than it is on dry land.
There is also the risk of contracting a contagious illness on board. Both norovirus (aka food poisoning) and the seasonal flu can spread fairly easily on a cruise ship, where people often are in close quarters to one another, tucked inside the ship much of the time. Social distancing can be hard to come by. For these reasons, it’s worth it to keep some products with preventative and remedying power with you when you go on a cruise.
Products for a Safe, Healthy Cruise Experience
SPF lip balm can protect the lips from damage due to UV exposure. This is important, especially since the lips are a part of the body most consistently exposed to the sun, and protecting them is often neglected. Using SPF lip balm will protect the lips from the dryness, thinning, and wrinkling that can come from exposure to the hot sun.
GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a chemical with anti-anxiety and anti-seizure properties. GABA occurs naturally in the brain, and is available and useful in supplement form. Taking GABA can help prevent motion sickness, including sea sickness. It is ideal to take GABA a little while before stepping on board, since it takes a few minutes for its properties to take effect. GABA can help someone new to cruising avoid first-day sea sickness.
Vitamin C is important because it supports a strong immune system. It is one of the best supplements to take beforehand, and daily while on board, to prepare your body against any kind of infection, including the flu and norovirus. You’re less likely to get sick or reduce the symptoms if you do get sick, if you’ve been taking vitamin C.
Magnesium supplementation is a good all-around supplement to keep on board for a few reasons. Taking magnesium can help relieve insomnia. This is helpful if you experience insomnia while traveling. It can also help relieve migraine headaches and support healthy digestion. This is relevant, considering the generous portions offered on cruises, and the stress which some family members could experience if they’re new to this kind of adventure.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is another supplement for sea sickness. By raising serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP stands a chance to reduce the risk of sickness from the sea’s motion. It is good to take 5-HTP alongside magnesium for this purpose.
If you and one or more of your loved ones plan to go on a cruise this winter, then all of these products could be of help. Just talk it over first with your healthcare provider boarding the big boat.