Why you won't get seasick on a cruise

The thought of being trapped at sea on a rocking ship can give most people a nervous twitch - but fear not! It's not at all typical to experience seasickness on a cruise. We give you the answer to why right here... Why don't I get seasick on a cruise? You may have travelled on a ferry or sailing ship and found yourself hanging over the edge in a cold sweat, pale as a sheet, and you may dread going on a cruise for the same reason. Let's say it once and for all - there's no comparison! Cruise ships are huge! Therefore, it takes an enormous amount of force for it to move off course or start rocking. In fact, on most ships, you can't even feel it move at all. If you take the Oslo ferry as a comparison, some of the smallest cruise ships are over twice the size, while the largest ships are almost seven times the size. In addition, most ships are equipped with giant stabilisers that stick out of the side of the ship like giant fins, which counteract wave action and help keep the ship stable, even in rough weather. Last but not least, shipping companies know that holiday time is a time for wellness, not nausea. That's why they constantly monitor the weather conditions on the sailing route so they can navigate around bad weather. In fact, it is quite common for ships to change course along the way, especially in the Caribbean during hurricane season.  In the unfortunate event of an accident... Although very few people get seasick on cruises, it's still good to be prepared, so we've put together 10 tips on what to do if you get seasick. ⛴   Ask at reception It is always possible to get seasickness pills free of charge at the ship's reception. It is also possible to buy them from home or in the terminal. Here it is also possible to buy various types of seasickness medication in the form of chewing gum, lollipops or acupressure bracelets. The ship's reception is always free of charge. ⛴   Sit still or lie down When experiencing seasickness, avoid moving around the ship as much as possible. Instead, find a bed or chair where you can lie down. By doing this, your brain's balance centre will rest more than if you were standing up. The imbalance between your vision and inner ear is therefore not as severe. ⛴   Try to sleep The best thing you can do when you experience seasickness is to give your body peace and rest, for example by taking a nap. ⛴   Do not read books, newspapers, etc. It's a bad idea to read or watch films if you experience symptoms of seasickness. Instead, look up so your body gets a better sense between what you're seeing and what's moving. ⛴   Focus on a specific point It can be good to focus on a stationary object, such as something on land or on the horizon. ⛴   Avoid dehydration By drinking plenty of water, you avoid becoming dehydrated. For some people, drinking fizzy drinks also has a positive effect, as sugar can alleviate severe dehydration. ⛴ Eat light Avoid heavy or spicy foods and eat light meals instead. Preferably salted biscuits or crisps, as this helps to restore the salt balance. It is also recommended that you avoid smoking and alcohol, as this will only worsen the condition. ⛴   Get fresh air It s a good idea to get some fresh air. Also preferably towards the centre of the ship, as this is where it tilts the least. ⛴   Focus on your breath If you feel really bad, it can be good to focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly. ⛴   Tell your loved ones If you notice that you are starting to feel unwell, remember to tell the people you are travelling with so that they are aware of it and can help you if you need it. Have a good trip!

The ultimate packing guide for your cruise

The ultimate cruise packing guide We've all been there - the journey is just around the corner, the suitcase is empty and the question arises... what should I bring? Do I remember everything? Do I need to bring anything special? It's essential to pack the right things before your cruise, and it's easy to get confused when it comes to filling your suitcase. But don't worry - we've put together a complete packing guide for you right here.   Where are you going? Before you pack, there are some important things to consider - and the destination is, of course, one of them. If you're travelling to the Mediterranean in the summer, the Caribbean or other warm destinations, it's a good idea to pack light summer dresses, shorts, tops and swimwear for pool and beach days. You may also want to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses, beach bag, sun cream and aftersun. On the other hand, if you're travelling to cooler destinations, you should pack some warm clothes. Check a weather forecast to know exactly what you need. This could include warm jumpers, a winter jacket, windbreaker, rainwear, boots, scarf, hat and thick socks for destinations such as Greenland, Alaska, Canada or Norway. Be aware that even if you're travelling to a warm destination, you may want to bring a warm sweater, as it can sometimes be chilly on the ship due to air conditioning. What is there to do? There are plenty of activities on board a cruise ship and when you go ashore. - SportsFitness facilities are available on all ships and many also have running tracks, ball fields and the like. If you're planning to do sports on your trip, you should pack the right clothes - e.g. running shoes, tights, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, top, gloves, sports bra or other workout clothes. - City tripsIf you're going to visit cities where you might have to walk long distances, it's a good idea to bring closed shoes that are comfortable to walk in and that you can stand wearing even when it's very hot. You should also be aware that some sights (e.g. churches) require you to cover your knees and shoulders. - HikingThere are several destinations that are ideal for hiking. If you're planning a longer trip on foot, it's a good idea to pack hiking boots or good trainers that are suitable for long walks. Also consider the type of terrain you'll be walking on. - Ziplines, ropes courses, climbing walls, etc.Some special activities on the ship, such as ziplines, climbing walls and high ropes courses require special clothing. If you want to try these, it's a good idea to bring at least one pair of closed shoes, a pair of long trousers and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders. What is the dress code?The shipping companies have dress codes that you should know when packing. During the day, the dress code is casual and you can dress however you like. The same applies, of course, when you go ashore. In the evening, the dress code is informal or smart casual, but it's recommended that you dress up in restaurants. You should be aware that there are certain items of clothing that are not allowed in the restaurants, including swimwear, flip-flops, tank tops and ripped jeans. You can read more about the specific dress codes under each shipping company. Most cruises have Formal Nights, Gala Nights or similar, where it is customary to dress up. On these nights, you can wear a suit or cocktail dress, or other nice clothes, but it is not a requirement. Themed eveningsIt is very common for one or more themed evenings to be organised during a cruise. These can vary from sailing to sailing and will be listed in the programme. These can be theme nights such as White Night, Elegant Night, 70's Night, Italian Night, etc. On the day of travel Travelling days can be really boring, so it's good to be prepared by packing a good travel bag. For example, you can pack a good book, magazine, card game, sudoku or anything else to pass the time. If you are travelling on a long flight or similar, you can pack earplugs, a sleeping mask, compression socks and a neck pillow. Always remember important travel documents such as passport, boarding pass and cruise ticket. Clothes for the first hours on board - when you arrive at the terminal, drop off your suitcase. It will be dropped off later in front of your cabin. However, it may take a few hours before you get it, so if you want to go straight to the pool after boarding, for example, you should pack a small bag with clothes/swimwear and other essentials for the first few hours on board. You may also often find that your cabin is not ready right away. Other things Powerbank - It's smart to bring a powerbank so you can charge your phone without having to run back to your cabin. You will most likely use your phone a lot, as you will often need it to view menus, drink menus, plan activities on the ship, etc. Chargers (for power bank, phone, camera etc.) - Remember to bring a charger for all your devices. There are usually European sockets and USB inputs in the cabin that can be used with standard Danish plugs and cables. If not, adapters can be borrowed/rented at the reception. Medicine - Remember to bring any medication you may need. Toiletries - Deodorant, cream, facial cleanser, perfume, make-up and the like. Shampoo and conditioner are already in the cabin, but it's usually a kind of 2-in-1 solution (in some cases 3-in-1 with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, yikes!) So if you were born with a particularly demanding head of hair, you'll thank yourself for bringing your own products. Bag - Please bring a shoulder bag, rucksack or beach bag for when you go ashore. Makeup, deodorant, perfume, cream, facial cleanser and the like. Glasses/contact lenses You do NOT need to bring - Towels - Hairdryer- Food or drinks We've created a checklist for you right here to make packing extra easy. Now you're ready to pack your suitcase!    See packing list

A day on one of the world's largest cruise ships

Royal Caribbean's Oasis class boasts the largest cruise ships in the world, and if you have yet to experience this class of ship, we have to say: It's a must-see! But how much does size really matter? Is "the bigger the better" true, or can it be too much? In this blog post, we'll try to take you on the ultimate day aboard the impressive Symphony of the Seas.  Big, bigger, biggest. Or, to be fair, actually "only" second largest - because with room for just under 6,700 passengers, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas is slightly smaller than its sister ship Wonder of the Seas, which can take an additional 300 guests on board and currently holds the title of the world's largest cruise ship. Both belong to the popular and extraordinary Oasis class of ships, known for taking cruising as a form of travel to the next level. Well, a little further. This winter, Royal Caribbean is once again pushing the boundaries of what's possible with a brand new ship class and the first of its kind, Icon of the Seas. But enough about Icon for now... If you're considering a cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships, we've put together a full day on board an Oasis ship with some of the many fantastic facilities and activities that we enjoyed when we recently travelled on Symphony of the Seas. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what it's like to travel on ships of this size. A calm start to the day When you think of the world's largest cruise ships, "calm" is probably not one of the first words that comes to mind. And we don't blame you! With a myriad of activities and entertainment for guests of all ages, Symphony of the Seas is always busy, but that doesn't mean the ship doesn't also offer areas where you can actually slow down. One such place is the lush and cosy Central Park, located in the middle of the ship's Deck 8. Here you'll find the most beautiful park area filled with shrubs and trees under the open sky - despite the fact that you're in the centre of the ship. And right here you can enjoy a light breakfast from the Park Café (included in the price) in a tranquil setting before the day really gets going. Grab a yoghurt with fruit, a sandwich or a bagel and take a seat in the beautiful park. Tip: This place is also perfect for lunch!   Splash around like a water dog or have a family competition With food in your belly, you're ready to explore the big ship, and we dare to promise you one thing: You will NOT be bored on an Oasis ship - if you are, it's your own fault. If you're a true water dog, you've come to the right place to spend the morning at one of the ship's four pools or ten hot tubs - maybe even with a ride or two on the fun water slides! If you're travelling with children, the water park is also a huge hit, where you can easily spend a morning splashing around in the water. The afternoon is also the perfect time to settle once and for all who in the family is the best at mini golf or table tennis - and the loser can easily ice the whole gang. Almost right next to the mini golf course, you'll find a free ice cream parlour where you can pick up soft ice cream at your convenience. Brilliant, isn't it? After such a fast-paced competition or a few hours by the pool, it's not inconceivable that you might feel a little hungry, and then it's lucky that you can stop by Sorrento's on the promenade, which is ready with delicious pizza slices that you can quickly grab and go. Try limits in the afternoon Oasis ships are renowned for their extraordinary activities, and what could be more obvious than spending the afternoon ticking off some of these bucket list activities? Of course, there's no way around the ship's zip line and surfing simulators. Yes, that's right - how crazy is it that these activities are available on a cruise ship? At 10 storeys high, you can float across the ship's boardwalk and for about 10 seconds feel like you're really alive - or scared to death. Nevertheless, it's a great and fun experience that guests of many different ages won't want to miss - and of course, neither should we (despite a slight fear of heights). The surfing simulators, or Flowrider as they are called, are also a very popular activity for both children and adults. You don't need to have any surfing experience to take on the challenge. You will be instructed on technique and how to stand up on the board. And while there may be a few bumps in the road while you're learning, there's nothing like the satisfaction of finally succeeding! Watch the sunset and enjoy a tasty dinner Depending on what time you dine, it's a great experience to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail in the beautiful Solarium on deck 14 of the ship to watch the sunset. Again, this is one of the quieter areas of the ship, but be aware that children are not allowed here. Enjoy the view of the ocean from the 'King of the World' lookout, which extends over the edge of the ship and features a glass floor that makes you feel like you're floating above the ocean. This is a perfect place to take some great photos, by the way!   When it comes to dinner, the options are almost endless at Symphony. There are 15 dining options on the ship. Whether you go to the Main Dining Room or the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, you're guaranteed good, tasty food, but as with any cruise ship, trying one of the speciality restaurants is a fantastic experience. Do you prefer Italian, Asian or Mexican? You'll find it all on Symphony! Be wowed by world-class shows When night falls, it's time for entertainment - and aboard Symphony of the Seas, it's not just any entertainment that awaits you. You'll be treated to shows that will impress, amaze and make you want to experience it all over again! Especially the ship's Aqua Theatre, where the show HiRO can be experienced, is an absolute must. In a crazy combination of dance, diving and acrobatics, professional artists will perform the most impressive exercises in the deepest pool at sea - and keep in mind that this is outdoors on a sailing ship! How crazy is that? We were very impressed!     If you're a fan of grand musicals, then you should of course also experience the Broadway musical Hairspray on board the ship. You'll be entertained by great singing voices, heartfelt acting, dancing and humour. Even if you're not normally a musical theatre fan, you should give this one a try - after all, it's included in the price just like the other entertainment, such as HiRO and the 1887 ice skating show, so approach it with a curious and open mind. Get ready for another eventful day What a day and many impressions to go to bed with! Luckily, you have many days to experience all that Symphony of the Seas has to offer when you're not on land, so don't stress about trying to do it all at once. Here's a tip: spend the first day getting an overview of the ship and exploring the different decks, so you're ready to enjoy all the ship's amazing facilities for the rest of your holiday. Enjoy your holiday! Is Symphony of the Seas for me? Symphony of the Seas is for those who... Love a holiday filled with high-quality experiences with room for fun and colour, relaxation and great dining experiences for the whole family. There's always something to do for guests of all ages, and most activities are already included in the price. Yes, it's crowded, but remember that you're on one of the world's largest cruise ships - there's PLENTY of room for everyone, and you rarely realise how many people are actually on board. Symphony of the Seas is NOT for those who... Primarily travelling for peace and relaxation without too many people around you. While the ship has many cosy corners and areas where you can relax, there's no getting around the fact that Symphony is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and that means a lot of activities and people. If you don't want to take advantage of the many activities and facilities that a large cruise ship offers, then one of the smaller ships with fewer activities might be more to your liking. Read more about Symphony of the Seas and find your trip here