Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Can Motion Sickness Persist, Even After Your Cruise?

Exploring mal de debarquement

Six people disembark from a cruise ship while the captain watches

After you return home from a cruise, it’s normal to feel like you’re still at sea for a short time. You may lay down to sleep or stand in the shower and feel like the floor is moving and your body is swaying, rocking and bobbing. Within a day or so, your land legs likely will return and the symptoms will disappear.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

However, for a rare few returning vacationers, this persistent sensation of motion or dizziness can continue for weeks or even longer. The disorder is called mal de debarquement syndrome.

“It is a phenomenon that isn’t fully understood,” says audiologist Julie Honaker, PhD CCC-A, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Vestibular and Balance Disorders Laboratories. “We think it may have to do with the brain rather than the inner ears.”

Who is at risk?

Those with a history of migraine headaches are more susceptible. But, beyond that, not much is known about other risk factors, Dr. Honaker says.

There is some speculation that hormonal changes in middle-aged women and anxiety might play a role, but there is no clear evidence. “It may be related to how we are wired,” she says.

Mal de debarquement syndrome is quite uncommon, but its effects can reach beyond those returning from cruise ships.

Those who take long trips in airplanes, trains and cars may also notice the persistent sensation of motion afterwards. Doctors have even seen the condition in some people after an active day at an amusement park or a night sleeping on a waterbed.

What to do if this feeling persists

You should feel back to normal a few days after your cruise. If not, talk to your doctor, Dr. Honaker says.

Advertisement

Your doctor likely will review your medical history, look for other symptoms and make sure there’s no other illness causing your discomfort.

Depending on results of the evaluation, your doctor may refer you to an audiologist; an ear, nose and throat specialist; or a neurologist.

What treatment can you expect?

If your diagnosis is mal de debarquement, your doctor will likely send you to a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. This is an exercise-based program that can help improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.

“This is the best course of management — using a series of repetitive motions to recalibrate your body,” Dr. Honaker says.

Your doctor also may prescribe medication, such as anti-anxiety drugs, for a short time. Drugs that treat motion sickness are not effective for treating mal de debarquement, she says.

After a few months of therapy, most people feel better and the persistent motion sensation no longer bothers them. However, another cruise — or whatever activity triggered mal de debarquement — can bring on another episode.

“Sometimes the best advice is to avoid that activity,” Dr. Honaker says.

But if you are considering a cruise, don’t let this rare disorder hold you back.

“While it is very common for individuals after a cruise to have a perception they are in motion for 24 hours or so, it is very uncommon for it to prolong,” she says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

man sick after eating breakfast
February 22, 2022/Digestive
12 Reasons Why You Have Nausea After Eating

Nausea can be caused by a lot of conditions

Red and irritated skin on the armpit of a person with their arm raised
November 7, 2024/Primary Care
How To Prevent Chafing

Irritation from skin rubbing against skin or clothes can affect your whole body, but powders, creams and even the right underwear can help protect you

Toddler getting their head wrapped in bandage by two healthcare workers
November 6, 2024/Primary Care
When Is a Bump on the Head Serious?

Watch for severe symptoms in older kids and adults, but kids under age 2 should always see a provider

Close-up of a fruit fly
October 30, 2024/Primary Care
How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies for Good

Make your home a no-fly zone by cleaning your drains, refrigerating your produce and DIYing a fruit fly trap

Person sitting on couch examining a bite on their arm
October 8, 2024/Primary Care
How To Identify 8 Common Bug Bites, and What To Do About Them

Some bites are nothing more than itchy — others can put you at risk for disease

Gypsy moth caterpillar on a leaf
October 4, 2024/Primary Care
Can a Caterpillar Cause a Skin Rash?

They may seem cute, but toxins released by certain kinds of caterpillars can leave you feeling itchy or worse

Hurricane prep supplies and tote full of supplies, like water, canned food, power cords, water
October 2, 2024/Primary Care
Storm Safety: An ER Doctor’s Lifesaving Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

Your storm prep checklist should include making an evacuation plan, rounding up supplies and refilling prescriptions

Person wearing glasses sitting on couch holding laptop, rubbing eyes, looking tired
September 9, 2024/Primary Care
6 Signs You May Be Iron-Deficient

Experiencing constant fatigue, shortness of breath and chills could all be signs of low iron

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad