Gluten Free on Cruises??

garina · Post by **garina** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:23 pm

Our daughter would like us to go on a cruise with them in September.

Does anyone know what the procedure is in order to get a gluten-free menu on cruises?

Thanks

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:37 pm

Garina,

I would check directly with the cruise company - some firms may organize this differently from others.

Hopefully your daughter is looking at the nicest cruise line in the world for dietary help!

I hope you get some specifics from others here. Where will the cruise be heading?

--Sara

nancyl · Post by **nancyl** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 4:45 pm

We have a cruise booked for next April and just went on one this past March. All you have to do is get in touch with the cruise line ahead of time to notify them of your intolerances. Most lines are very good. I would go and enjoy.

Nancy

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 5:55 pm

We did one this spring and I did okay. I found I was most comfortable with the buffets as I could pick out specifically what I wanted. We had an Asian buffet on ours that worked out really well for breakfast and lunch. The ship did their best at the evening meal but my options were limited.

garina · Post by **garina** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:21 pm

Sara, This is a Crown Princess cruise starting in Quebec, several other places in Canada, then to Maine, Mass., Rhode Island and NYC. I can't wait. But, I'm just a tad bit worried about the food.

Nancy, Did you have a doctor's note to give them or can you just tell them?

Deb, I will definitely check out the buffets.

Thanks for the help.

garina

deltawolf · Post by **deltawolf** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:13 am

My husband and I went on a cruise in Feb 2009 on the MSC cruise line (an Italian line) We of course informed them and asked, but there were several people on the cruise that were GF. They had wonderful rolls and pasta. The waiter at dinner new me and would inform me what was GF and what could be done to make GF. They were very accomodating, but we had to eat in the main dining hall for all meals, but that was not really an issue. Go for it!!

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:55 am

Hi Garina and a belated welcome

I have actually found it fairly easy to eat on cruise ships, and I have multiple intolerances. When you fill out your initial paperwork, there is often a place to list any food needs. However, I have found that it works best if you visit the head chef the first day soon after boarding to explain your needs. Also, the key person will be your waiter, as Amy said. At the first dinner, explain everything to him in detail, and he can point you in the right direction for food choices for the rest of the cruise. In my experience, they are usually able and quite willing to individualize as necessary. BTW, I have never needed a dr. note.

I have done a similar cruise (Canada and NE U.S.) and it was delightful!

Bon voyage,

Polly

Post by **tex** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:08 am

Polly wrote:BTW, I have never needed a dr. note.

I should hope not, since you could easily whop 'em across the head with your stethoscope, if you wanted.

Love,
Tex

garina · Post by **garina** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:50 am

Thank you Polly and Amy for the help. Polly, I have just printed out your advice about the initial paperwork and talking to the head chef, so I won't forget. We should be getting our final packet after a bit. I'm glad I don't need a doctor's note.

Thanks

garina

nancyl · Post by **nancyl** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:09 am

I've been wanting to do that cruise. We drive up to Quebec City, but I've heard the cruise is wonderful.
I did not need a note, but then again was not GF at that time so it was a bit easier. This next trip will be different and we'll be on the ship for 13 days. My doctor is going to prescribe Entocort so I can take it in case I run into trouble. We are going to extend our trip in Europe after the 13 days on the ship and it may be a little harder after that. Plus, a lot of running around. This is going to be a trip of a lifetime so I want to enjoy it. Although, I have heard they are pretty savvy about gluten in Italy, just not sure about other countries.

Anyway Garina, I think you will be fine. They will take good care of you.

Nancy

deltawolf · Post by **deltawolf** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 12:28 pm

Nancy,

Many other european countries are wonderful and knowledgable about GF. I have traveled to Austria and Germany a few years ago and could not believe the availability of items and such. Do some internet searches prior to going. I did that and it was helpful.

randyh · Post by **randyh** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 3:47 pm

My wife and I went on a Cruise in December of 2010 and the only thing I had to do was to tell our waiter that I was gluten intolerant and they would send the dinning room manager to handle my order, it was awesome and they were very accommodating, we had a great time. I think just let them know and you will be fine.

Have a great time.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:52 pm

Hi Garina,

The cruise you're going on sounds fabulous, so have a great time and don't worry about the food!!! Fortunately, it's very easy to get the food you need on a cruise. They will most certainly ask you if you have any special food requirements as part of the ticketing procedure. So it's important that you give them a "heads up". Also, I agree with what other have said here, namely to speak with the kitchen staff directly, as well as your servers once onboard.

I just came back from a cruise in Norway, and the dining room and kitchen staff didn't know what else to do to please me. At one point, the cook who was preparing my "special" meals came out to my table and wanted to let me know that he would be happy to prepare anything I wanted. He told me that they had every kind of food available, so order away. He was concerned that I always asked for the same thing :). So, needless to say, I explained to him about my very restricted diet, and assured him that I was more than happy to be served what I asked for. It was nice to have the opportunity to thank him in person for taking so much care in preparing my meals.

Love,
Kari

garina · Post by **garina** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:16 am

Thank you all so much. I feel I can now rest easy about food and concentrate on how to pack, which I'm not very good at.

garina

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:47 am

LOL at Tex's comment!

Love,

Polly