Just Diagnosed

[Jules7226]

First I'd like to start by saying that I'm very impressed with all of the postings that I've read so far. I was in tears just prior to finding this site and reading all of the information that everyone has given on so many of my questions.

I had a blood test that came back with some positive indicators and some negative indicators. I had an endoscopy last week and just found out today that I definitely have celiac. I just quit smoking a month ago and it took all I had not to run out for a pack of cigarettes! Thank God for this site is all that I can say!!

I'm getting the idea that I don't need to waste any time with a Nutrition counselor. After all of the reading I have done so far, I'm already a lot smarter about gluten-free things than I was yesterday. My big concern right now is that I am going on a cruise in May and am absolutely terrified that I won't be able to eat any of the yummy things that I normally do when I cruise. I have come to grips with the fact that I'll have to make some very large adjustments, but just wondered if anyone out there has done a cruise after being diagnosed with celiac disease??

[silly-yak-mum]

Welcome and congratulations on quiting smoking! Wow this is the year for you to get healthy.

I don't think you mentioned which cruise line you're travelling with? Some of the bigger (read: more expensive) cruise lines will actually provide you with Gluten Free alternatives (such as fresh bread, etc.) Most cruise lines, even the smaller ones (the cheap ones we all love!) will help you each day to select things that are Gluten Free from their existing availability. Lucky you - cruising is one of the best places to holiday for gluten-free.

Contact your cruise line right away to see what alternatives they have for you. Princess, for example, has gluten-free as a pre-select on their website. Be sure to bring a few staples and back ups from home just in case. And, don't forget to request a gluten-free meal on the flight if you're flying to your departure port. BUT - also bring a few back up snacks.

Have a wonderful trip.

P.S. At the risk of starting a debate - and poking my nose where you didn't ask for it! - a visit with a nutritionist can't hurt. Sometimes they know good locations in your neighbourhood and can help with balancing your diet. gluten-free diets can be high in fat and low in fiber.

[Jules7226]

Welcome and congratulations on quiting smoking! Wow this is the year for you to get healthy.

I don't think you mentioned which cruise line you're travelling with? Some of the bigger (read: more expensive) cruise lines will actually provide you with Gluten Free alternatives (such as fresh bread, etc.) Most cruise lines, even the smaller ones (the cheap ones we all love!) will help you each day to select things that are Gluten Free from their existing availability. Lucky you - cruising is one of the best places to holiday for gluten-free.

Contact your cruise line right away to see what alternatives they have for you. Princess, for example, has gluten-free as a pre-select on their website. Be sure to bring a few staples and back ups from home just in case. And, don't forget to request a gluten-free meal on the flight if you're flying to your departure port. BUT - also bring a few back up snacks.

Have a wonderful trip.

P.S. At the risk of starting a debate - and poking my nose where you didn't ask for it! - a visit with a nutritionist can't hurt. Sometimes they know good locations in your neighbourhood and can help with balancing your diet. gluten-free diets can be high in fat and low in fiber.

Thanks so much for the reply. I'll be cruising on Carnival and will contact them right away to see what my alternatives will be.

Also, thanks for the input on nutritionist. I appreciate any help/info that I can get right now.

[silly-yak-mum]

Carnival - The Fun Ship! They will help you select gluten-free items from their existing menu. See if you can get a fridge in your cabin.

[killernj13]

I cruised on Carnival last year and they were very helpful. I spoke to the Matre D the first night and then each night I would get the next day's menu. I had to pick what I wanted for dinner and order it then so it could be prepared gluten-free.

Also, I brought my own bread, muffins, bagel, etc & they toasted them for me. They even offered to cooke gluten-free pasta if I brought it. Overall it was a pretty good experience.