Royal Caribbean Cruise Line cruising gluten free

[carolitis]

Need to know about more recent experiences cruising Royal Caribbean.Have a Cruise with extended family in May with gluten free Husband and need to know what to expect. What kind of breads did they have? Did they make or have bought brands. Did they adapt dishes such as how they cooked fish for you in MDR?  Is there now any food in the Windjammer buffet that is safe? I heard they have some gluten free cookies etc... Where can those be found. Any desserts that you found especially good. My husband is a snacker and need to keep him safe. Any gluten free pancakes or waffles worth trying . Love to hear about recent experiences and things change from year to year.

[cyclinglady]

Hi! 

I think most of the older comments on Cruise lines still hold true.  You can search “cruise” and read various experiences.  There are many valuable tips some of which I have contributed. 

Since my diagnosis, I have traveled Celebrity and RC.  I think all lines are probably pretty good, but it is up to you to determine how far you want to take it in terms of  reducing risk.

Personally, I NEVER eat anywhere outside of the main dining room which is close to the allergy section of the kitchen.   I also make sure the Head waiter knows me personally within the first hour of boarding.  We ask for food that is gluten free to be obtained for us that has not been placed on the buffet line.  Celebrity sends a person down to the allergy kitchen and brings it to us in the buffet restaurant that first meal.  We have to wait, but so what?  I seek the headwaiter out at every meal even if it is just to say hello.   For example, by mid-week when we are seated for breakfast the headwaiter approaches us with the offer of gluten free version of muffins or waffles, etc.  He or she knows us and sends over a trained waiter well versed in handling allergies.  They have also sent a basket of prepackaged gluten-free snacks to be place in our room for snacks.  We have also had a boring, but safe frozen Udi’s pizza too (hubby is happy). That occurred on RC where they offered pizza, coffee and cookies on the main mall.  They stocked it especially for us.  Again, we had to wait, but that is okay.  That is a great place to meet up with family.    We do not use regular room service other than for coffee as advised by the headwaiter.  

Some people eat off the buffet line.  Too risky for me (and hubby).   If in a jam, a baked potato wrapped in foil or a banana, can be consumed.  Use your common sense.   I bring some of my own food as back-up always for shore excursions, etc. or snag some fruit which I wash myself. The goal of our cruises is to be with extended family and not to have any expectations of fabulous dining.  If I have to eat chicken at every meal, I do not care.  But that is just my personal preference.

We are cruising this summer on Celebrity.  I expect to have a nice and pleasant experience, but am aware that mistakes can happen.  Again, being with family is my goal and the risk of getting sick is worth it, but I go the extra mile to insure that I am not exposed to gluten.  

Bring a letter from your doctor to share with the Headwaiter and Chef and international gluten-free travel cards (invaluable...) for extra insurance.  Make sure you have notified RC in advance prior to your departure (like now).  Be nice.  Work as a team.  Ask them what you can do to help insure your safety.  Understand that mistakes can happen — nothing in life is perfect.   Never assume they know what they are doing.  Ask questions.  If you are the type of person where this is unreasonable, then do NOT cruise or travel (except in your own recreational vehicle or on one of those gluten-free cruises we are thinking about  once our kid is off to University).    The burden is on you to insure your own safety.  

Have fun!  Where are you going?  Check out cruise critic.com   You might even find some other celiacs!