Princess Cruises

[calisherbear]

Has anyone had any experience with Princess Cruise Lines? I'm going on a 7 day cruise in May. They claim they can accomodate the diet, but without knowing anybody that has done this successfully, I'm a bit skeptical. I'm trying to figure out if I should pack any food to bring with me so I don't spend a week starving on vacation.

[ROYAL BLUE]

Hi, I can't really help you. We were not gluten free at the time we took our cruise with them, but they appeared to be very accomodating to anything else you needed. TOO MUCH PAMPERING,so it might be great.

[kejohe]

As luck would have it I used to work for Princess as a bartender when I started culianary school. I worked on the train up here in Alaska and I can tell you that as long as they know in advance what you need, they do their best to have it before you get there. I also remember reading something on the old board from a gal that had just gotten back from a gluten-free Princess cruise and if I remember correctly, she was very satisfied.

In any case, I would probably bring food for snacks just in case, regardless of wheather or not they have a gluten-free meal for you. The time between meals can get really long and if your docked, and not on board, who knows where you can find gluten-free stuff if you get the munchies.

Just out of curiosity... where are you headed? Someplace warm I hope!

[calisherbear]

Thanks for the info! I was figuring that I would probably have to bring some snacks for the 3 days I was at port. I selected gluten free in my profile, but perhaps I'll also give them a call just to confirm, and to see what I can expect.

I'm headed to the Caribbean!

[kejohe]

Wow, I am so jelaous.. i think it's like 5 below now, and that's not including the wind chill factor!

[calisherbear]

I just wanted to let everyone know that Princess did a WONDERFUL job in accomodating my diet. I talked to the head waiter when we arrived, and each night he went over the menu with me to let me know what was safe, and what special modifications they could do if the whole dish wasn't safe. He also met me in the buffet for breakfast to help me in the mornings as well. They had pre-ordered bread for me, along with rice pasta and cookies which I never had to eat since I had so much "normal" food to choose from. Everything I brought with me as "just in case" food went back home at the end of the trip. I would definitely recommend this as a good way for us Celiacs to vacation without the worry of "what will I be able to eat??". I'll be going back again in October.

[Guest NitaB]

Calisherbear,

I was so happy to see your response to your Princess cruise! I'm newly trying the gluten-free diet, and have a Princess cruise booked for Oct. 31st. Did you end up calling them with your diet concerns? What types of foods did you eat off the regular menu? Any info will be greatly appreciated!

Nita

[calisherbear]

Hi Nita,

First, did you book through a travel agent, or on your own? If you used a travel agent, that person is supposed to sent a letter to Princess stating that you have special dietary needs. That will alert them to order our special breads and other items for you. If you booked on your own, Princess should send you a booking number or some kind of password for you to access the "Cruise Personalizer" section of their website. There is a place on there to indicate that you will need to eat gluten free. Also, since so many of us have this, you won't be the only person on the ship with this diet, so if you can't figure it out ahead of time most likely they will already have gluten free items on board. If your menu will be like mine was, it changed every night, but there was a section that stayed the same......grilled chicken, steak, salmon, all safe. Each night there were 3 different soups, and almost always they were ok. Even the ones with pastas in them. They made a separate batch for us special people. I mostly ate fish, a different kind every night. I also had prime rib, yummy! For most entrees it was just simply eliminating the sauce and the plate garnish that was the trick. Dessert was the best part, since I had a few choices every night. I ate lots of chocolate mousse, caramel custards, even some cookies made with almond paste! Your head waiter will become your best friend. If you have any more specific questions I'll be happy to answer them if I can. Where are you going?? I'm cruising again in October, maybe I'll see you.

Sheri

[Guest NitaB]

Sheri,

Thank you for your reply!

We are going on Star Princess, eastern Caribbean, Oct. 31st. How about you?

Was this your first cruise as gluten-free? I've been on 15 cruises, the last in March, and didn't know then I may be celaic. I'm still struggling at home, with this diet! I think I know better, but keep goofing up, and paying for it! I had a good day on the holiday, but wasn't good last evening. Yep, sitting here, paying for it!

I booked with a TA, but have my booking #, and will go on the cruise personalizer to fill it out. But, beings I'm just starting this, will wait to see if it works. I had an upper endoscopy that showed lesions looking like celiac. But a reputable blood test came back negative! So, this is still a trial diet. I also have what is probably the skin version, on my elbows and knees, so it's very likely I do.

Unfortunately I don't like fish or seafood. But, I can eat steak or chicken every night. And I hope to be back on dairy by then.

I appreciate your advice!

Nita

[calisherbear]

Sounds like you are a seasoned cruise veteran!

This was my first cruise, but definitley not my last. We will be on the Caribbean Princess but haven't picked a week for sure yet, we're looking mid-October. We'd like to go West, but in October I think they only sail East, so we'll probably have the same ports of call.

I found the diet to be a struggle at first too. I've been gluten-free for about 16 months now and it does get easier with time, although I do still have those days where I'm frustrated. The week I spent on the ship was one of those easy times, I hope you find it that way too!!

[Guest NitaB]

Sheri,

Thanks again!

It's encouraging to know your cruise week was an easy one. I'm addicted to cruising, as the perfect vacation! I'm almost thinking it may be easier to do, with celiac, than some land trips. We were planning a trip to Fiji for next Feb., but I backed out, as thought it may be too hard.

I just had my first experience with dining out. I ran into friends today, who asked me to join them. I did, and received a blank stare from the waiter, when I asked about gluten-free foods! I was able to decide on a 100% beef patty, scrambled egg, and fresh fruit. It is setting okay, luckily! I know there is the possibility about cross contamination, but took a chance.

Have you been to Cruise Critic.com, to see about meeting up with others on your sailing? It's a great message board, with mostly very nice people. I've met and remained friends with folks from some of our recent sailings. We end up meeting, and sometimes taking tours together.

Good luck with your cruise! Enjoy!!!!

Nita

[Carriefaith]

I just wanted to let everyone know that Princess did a WONDERFUL job in accomodating my diet

I am so glad to hear that!

I want to plan a cruise trip to the ancient Greece area (Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt), for next summer and I was thinking of going with Princess. How far in advance do they have to know that you require special dietary needs? And has anyone ever had good/bad experinences with this cruise line or any others? Thanks