What Causes Cruise Ship Sickness?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ship sickness, or Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS), is an uncommon disorder that affects people who have recently been on a cruise. It is characterized by a feeling of rocking, swaying, or bobbing even when the person is not on board a vessel.

This sensation may last for weeks or months after disembarking. While the exact cause of MdDS remains unknown, there are several potential contributing factors that could lead to its development.

Motion Sickness: Motion sickness can cause a wide range of symptoms associated with MdDS. These include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and balance problems. People who are prone to motion sickness may be more likely to develop this disorder after disembarking from a cruise ship.

Dehydration: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of nausea and dizziness that are associated with MdDS. Cruise ships often have limited access to fresh water and can become quite hot due to the enclosed environment and lack of air conditioning. This can lead to dehydration in passengers which can worsen the symptoms of MdDS.

Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption while on board a cruise ship can increase the risk of developing MdDS symptoms after disembarking. Alcohol causes dehydration and also increases feelings of nausea while at sea.

Lack Of Sleep: Cruise ships tend to be very stimulating environments with plenty of activities taking place throughout the day and night. Many passengers find it difficult to get enough sleep during their voyage which can lead to fatigue upon returning home. This lack of restful sleep could be another contributing factor in developing MdDS.

Conclusion:

The exact cause of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is still unknown, but there are several potential contributing factors such as motion sickness, dehydration, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep that could lead to its development in people who have recently been on a cruise ship.