Going On A Cruise In 2 Days

[jnifred]

We are leaving for an 8 day cruise in the Carribean Sat. I ahve talked with the travel agent and will talk with the maitre'd as soon as I get a chance, but I am still very nervous.

I am taking snacks for myself, glutino pretzels, some Chebe crackers I made, nuts, snickers bars and figure I should be able to find fresh fruit anywhere we are. Is there any thing anyone else anyone has to offer??

Should I take some pasta for the chef to cook?? Some bread mixes??? Is that too tacky??

I am just nervous about being gone that long without the control over my diet like I would have at home. I have to rely on someone else to make sure I am not eating gluten for over a week.

It is the Costa cruise line we will be on, Italian food like crazy from what I understand......anyone had any experience with it????

Thanks!!! Jennifer

[tarnalberry]

I know it can be tough. I'll be heading to Vail for skiing next week, and sharing a condo with a bunch of former coworkers, and will also find the food thing tricky. What I've done was pack a bag full of food (much like for backpacking, so it's small - I hope to avoid checking luggage). It's mostly stuff you've mentioned - bars, pretzles, nuts - but I also added dried fruit, canned tuna, beef jerkey, and mixed up some hot gluten-free cereal stuff so I just have to add water.

You're plan to talk to the folks associated with the cruise directly is a good one, and I think the chances are that they'll be able to help you. If you can have dairy, you'll probably be totally fine. Even if you can't, you'll probably be fine as well. Talking to the people in charge of the food as soon as possible is important, though, so they can plan for you. If you've got space for specialty stuff like your own gluten-free pasta... Couldn't hurt to bring it! :-)

[jnifred]

Oh, dried fruit is a great idea, can't believe I forgot that!!! Thanks!!!

[alicegray27]

Oh, dried fruit is a great idea, can't believe I forgot that!!! Thanks!!!

I just got off a cruise with Royal Caribbean. They were great. The head waiter would go over the next day menu with me the night before. They made gluten-free bread that was really good. (the best I have ever had) Going on another cruise in Feb. with Princess. They have already contacted me about my diet. I am sure they would make your pasta for you. I find that they are really willing to work with you. When you get on make sure you talk to Maitre'd right away. And I would call the cruise line to confirm your diet before you leave. Have fun.

[jnifred]

They seriously made bread just for you????? WOW!!! Did you have to bring the ingredients or did they have them???

That makes me feel better, I hope Costa does as well for me. I will hunt down the Maitre'd ASAP!!!!! And I guess I will take a bag of Tinkyada, can't hurt.....

[alicegray27]

They seriously made bread just for you????? WOW!!! Did you have to bring the ingredients or did they have them???

That makes me feel better, I hope Costa does as well for me. I will hunt down the Maitre'd ASAP!!!!! And I guess I will take a bag of Tinkyada, can't hurt.....

No I didn't bring the ingredients. And the last night the head chef came out to my table and gave me the directions on how to make it. There was a older couple that both had celiac disease. It was their 50th Aniv. and he made a cake for them. They shared a piece of it with me.

[kevsmom]

Have a great time!!!