What are Alaskan cruise seas like compared to Caribbean ones?

Hey everyone, I’m going on an Alaskan cruise with Princess Discovery. For anyone who has done this, how are the seas compared to a Caribbean cruise? My only cruise experience so far is with Royal Caribbean to St. Maarten.

I get motion sickness, but on that trip, I only needed Dramamine to help me sleep. The first night was rough for me, but after that, I was fine. I’m wondering if I should expect a similar experience on this trip?

I try not to mix Dramamine with drinking, but I always pack both regular and less drowsy versions just in case. I only really needed it once during the day on the Caribbean cruise, and that was after we got off the ship because the ground felt weird!

I like to be super prepared since I’m emetophobic (afraid of vomiting). Appreciate any advice or shared experiences, thanks!

Here’s the original post for reference:

u/lxserk1d asked:

Hey everyone, I’m going on an Alaskan cruise with Princess Discovery. For anyone who has done this, how are the seas compared to a Caribbean cruise? My only cruise experience so far is with Royal Caribbean to St. Maarten.

I get motion sickness, but on that trip, I only needed Dramamine to help me sleep. The first night was rough for me, but after that, I was fine. I’m wondering if I should expect a similar experience on this trip?

I try not to mix Dramamine with drinking, but I always pack both regular and less drowsy versions just in case. I only really needed it once during the day on the Caribbean cruise, and that was after we got off the ship because the ground felt weird!

I like to be super prepared since I’m emetophobic (afraid of vomiting). Appreciate any advice or shared experiences, thanks!

This is a copy of the original post to record it as it was written. If you have any questions, let the forum team know.

My first Caribbean cruise had a hurricane right over the ship, but the seas smoothed out after that. I’ve done Alaska twice now, and the seas were calm both times. Keep in mind, though, both trips left from Vancouver, which means we traveled the inside passage—a calmer route between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Cruises leaving from Seattle often sail on the west side of Vancouver Island, which can be rougher. I don’t recall anyone ever saying the seas are super rough, though. The inside passage is more scenic too. I think you’ll have smooth sailing!

@Nye
I didn’t really research this much, so I thought I’d ask for experiences. I’ll be leaving from Seattle, but it’s labeled as an inside passage trip. I think on the way back, it’s on the outside part. Thanks!

@Riley
Cruises labeled as inside passage typically mean they go between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Cruises leaving from Seattle, though, often have to take the west side of Vancouver Island, which is open ocean. May is usually smooth, but if you’re cruising late in the season, it might get choppier.

@Nye
The cruise itinerary says it’s an inside passage trip, but we do stop in Victoria on the way back. The map shows it going through the inside passage northbound and outside on the way south. May sounds great—thanks!

Edit: I think I understand now. Thanks for explaining!

@Nye
We took a cruise out of Seattle, and it did include the inside passage.

@Nye
When we cruised the inside passage in August, the waters were calm like a lake. Our trip also started and ended in Seattle.

Hollis said:
@Nye
When we cruised the inside passage in August, the waters were calm like a lake. Our trip also started and ended in Seattle.

Got it—so it’s technically in the inside passage, but you’re on the outer side of Vancouver Island for part of it. I checked the website for Seattle vs Vancouver inside passage trips, and that makes sense now.

@Riley
You’re right. Cruises from Vancouver usually stick to the inner part of the passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland, while Seattle departures mix inside and outside routes depending on timing. Late-season trips might feel bumpier on the west side of Vancouver Island since it’s open ocean out there. Personally, I love the round-trip Vancouver itineraries—they’re scenic and include spots like Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. Both are stunning!

Our Alaskan cruise was actually a bit bumpier than any Caribbean cruise we’ve done. It wasn’t bad enough to cause motion sickness, but we definitely noticed it in some areas more than others.

For the inside passage, you probably won’t need motion sickness medication since it’s more protected and not as exposed to open ocean swells. On the way back, there might be some bigger waves, but it really depends on the weather that week. If there’s a storm out in the ocean, you might feel it, so it’s good to have medication ready just in case. Take it before you feel sick because it works best early. Alaska is amazing—be ready for some breathtaking scenery. Have a great time!