You’ll need a prescription for these patches (brand names include Transderm Scop), which you apply behind your ear at least four hours before boarding the ship. Once applied, the patch can relieve nausea for up to 72 hours.

Side Effects: Unlike other options, the patch does not cause drowsiness — which is a major bonus. That said, when we drank a glass of wine at dinner while wearing the patch, our vision became totally blurred. (It wasn't fun; consider steering clear of alcohol altogether.) Other cruisers reported dry mouth when using the patch. And even though it's not a pill, it is a prescription drug, so check with your doctor first. It also shouldn't be used if you're on other medications.

The Verdict: We found this to be the most effective solution for seasickness. And we liked that we could go about our business without worrying about taking a pill every day.

This over-the-counter brand is probably the most well-known for relieving motion sickness. Take one tablet at least an hour before boarding, and you should be able to keep any nausea and dizziness at bay for about 24 hours.

Side Effects: Beware! These tablets can cause drowsiness. We used them on a cruise in Greece, and they totally knocked us out for a lot of our trip.

The Verdict: The tablets are effective, but it’ll be hard to stay awake for your vacation if you take the original formula. If you’re looking for Dramamine that doesn’t keep you in bed all day, there’s an "All Day, Less Drowsy" version we found equally as effective — and not quite as sleep-inducing. There are also grape-flavored chewable tablets safe for kids ages 2 to 12.

Most drugstores carry this over-the-counter antihistamine, which comes in the form of a chewable tablet you take once a day. It combats motion sickness similar to the way Dramamine does, and there's also a kid-friendly version that comes in berry-flavored chews.

Side Effects: Like Dramamine, Bonine can cause dry mouth as well as drowsiness, though we personally thought it was less noticeable than with Dramamine.

The Verdict: This option is a solid go-to if you find the positives (relief from queasiness) outweigh the possible side effects (some drowsiness).

We first tried Medique’s Medi-Meclizine on a recent Crystal Yacht Cruise when the onboard doctor gave out the tablets in rocky waters. Like Dramamine and Bonine, the pills use Meclizine to ease seasickness symptoms and do not require a prescription. Though you might have a hard time finding them on any drugstore shelf, you can easily order the tablets online.

Side Effects: Since this drug is an antihistamine, you may feel some drowsiness, but it’s comparable to the effects of Dramamine Less Drowsy.

The Verdict: These tablets got rid of our queasiness pretty quickly — without putting our head in a fog. We found them just as effective as regular Dramamine, without the extreme sleepiness.

If you're looking for a completely drug-free option, these cloth or plastic bracelets from brands such as Sea-Band and Psi Band work by hitting a pressure point on your wrist to relieve motion sickness. You simply have to make sure the plastic stud is positioned on a specific pressure point on your inner wrist, about three finger widths down. Some people report feeling relief after five minutes.

Side Effects: There are none — unless you’re worried about that chunky "bracelet" cramping your formal-night style. 

The Verdict: This is an option to consider if you prefer not to take medication (prescription or otherwise). We can’t say it works as well as the patch or pills, but it doesn’t hurt either. We do like that these bracelets are waterproof, totally safe for kids, and available for less than $15.

These all-natural, drug-free candies, sold under brands such as “Queasy Drops,” use essential oils and plant botanicals to reduce nausea. Each drop is roughly the size of a throat lozenge, and they come in flavors including sour raspberry, green tea with lemon, mint, and ginger.

Side Effects: Since this is basically candy and not medication, there are no side effects. But if you get a banana- or cola-flavored drop, good luck getting the taste out of your mouth.

The Verdict: A candy? That cures seasickness? We admit we were skeptical. We did find the flavors refreshing and nonmedicinal, but overall the candies seemed to be more of a placebo than anything else — though the distraction of sucking on the candy was still a comfort. We wouldn't depend on them over, say, the patch, but we often bring them along in addition.