Good Gluten Free Cruise Experiences?

[givenupgluten]

My mom and I want to take a cruise (we have never taken one before) and we are both celiacs - Has anyone had a really great vaca on any of the cruise lines while being gluten free? Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

[Lisa]

My mom and I want to take a cruise (we have never taken one before) and we are both celiacs - Has anyone had a really great vaca on any of the cruise lines while being gluten free? Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Open Original Shared Link

This might be an old site, but bob and ruths.com arranges for gluten free travel, including gluten free cruises, around the world. It's a great place to start.

[MaryJones2]

I've never heard of a bad experience with Disney Cruise Lines. You might check with them. I understand they are quite dedicated to this.

[Sailing Girl]

I second the vote for Disney Cruise Lines. DD and I have been on three Disney cruises so far (another planned for this summer), and they've been amazing.

If you've been following the other recent thread on Disney World, you can tell I'm a big fan of Disney -- but the truth is, they do an *incredible* job of feeding us great gluten-free food, both in the parks and on the ships.

[givenupgluten]

I second the vote for Disney Cruise Lines. DD and I have been on three Disney cruises so far (another planned for this summer), and they've been amazing.

If you've been following the other recent thread on Disney World, you can tell I'm a big fan of Disney -- but the truth is, they do an *incredible* job of feeding us great gluten-free food, both in the parks and on the ships.

Thank for the help everyone! My mom had mentioned Disney cruise lines, and I hear they have great service and as everyone said 'are good with the gluten free thing', which is wonderful! Do they have different types of cruises..my mom and I are looking for a very relaxing experience, and I wonder if we will feel out of place if there are lots of families and kids around (no offense families with children!) I just want to make sure we are comfortable and don't stick out like a sore thumb...and are able to also get in some relaxation time

[Chicklet]

I cruised with Royal Caribbean, it was fine and they even brought me gluten free bread with my supper.

[rmmadden]

I went on an Alaskan Cruise aboard Norweigan......They sent me a list of gluten-free foods prior to departure and let me pick what items I wanted to have aboard (English Muffins / Pasta / Crackers, etc.). Then, I had a meeting the first night with the Maitre'd who reviewed the menu with me and discussed what items the Chefs could present as gluten-free. They even made me a gluten-free, flourless Chocolate dessert (Which was amazingly rich!).

Each night at dinner I was able to review the menu for the following night and pre-order my meal (Same went for B-fast).

Needless to say it was most reassuring that these people took me seriously and were watching-out for my best interests. I made a point of writing a thank-you note and tipping the Maitre'd for his consideration and, I definitely recommend Norweigan to anyone thinking about a cruise.

Cleveland Bob

[nothungry]

To those of you who have cruised with Royal Caribbean and Alaskan Cruiselines, I have a few questions (I am trying to plan a cruise myself). Did you have to eat in the main dining room each meal, or were you able to eat at other restaurants on the ship? Also, did they seem to have knowledge of cross contamination ? Did you eat off of a buffet or was food custom prepared by the chef? Thanks for any info!

[Jackie78]

I had a great experience cruising with Carnival. They take your dinner order the night before. They can make most of the items on the menu gluten free. They have gluten free pasta, bread and even dessert!

[Sweetfudge]

Anyone have a bad cruise experience? My husband's company is planning a cruise for next year, and I'm wondering which companies to recommend they avoid.

[dlp252]

I haven't had a bad experience, but I can add that I've had a good experience on Princess lines. I've sailed twice since knowing about my gluten intolerance, and they've been very good each time. Before the cruise I fax them a letter with my request for gluten free diet, and when I get on board, see the maitr'd the first day. Like another poster said, they'll go over the next day's menu with you and can make just about anything gluten free. THey even had pasta for me last time. It is MUCH easier if you eat in the traditional dining room with set seating and wait staff, but I've always had what Princess calls "Anytime Dining" and have been well taken care of. The buffet is risky, but if you befriend one of the staff there, they can point out what you should avoid, as happened on one of my cruises, so I was able to eat at the buffet with my friend who REALLY LOVES buffets, lol.

I haven't sailed Disney yet, but very much want to. The Travel Channel has a 1 hour show on the Disney line, and it looks like a great experience. The Disney folks are very knowledgeable about food allergies and Celiac.

[curiousgeorge]

We were on Celebrity over xmas and they were great. They even made me gluten-free gravy for my chirstams dinner. Their gluten-free bread was some of the best I've ever had

[kim:)]

My mom and I want to take a cruise (we have never taken one before) and we are both celiacs - Has anyone had a really great vaca on any of the cruise lines while being gluten free? Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Hi!

Sorry this is late...but yes I have had AMAZING times on a cruise being gluten-free. I went on the Royal Caribbean cruise and had a blast! I had called ahead so the chef/waiters already knew about my situation and so litteraly when we first checked on the ship they took me around and told me what all will be gluten free everyday and ALL the different choices I could have for all meals! It was great! I had a great time and got all the food I wanted and never got sick once, and I am really sensitive. So I only wish the best for you and your mom because Im sure you will have an amazing time! Enjoy! No need to worry about food..it just may help to call ahead

[FreeTime]

Disney Cruise is great for all kinds of families with and without young kids. The adult area is great we really enjoyed it. The adult area on Castaway Cay looks fantastic (we haven't been able to go because of having kids with us).

My daughter was able to get anything she wanted to eat. She would have to order her food for the next day the night before. They made her pancakes, brought out rolls, chocolate cake, had lots or premade brownies available, steak, breaded chicken, pasta, pizza, fries, etc.!

[Tica]

Disney is definitely teh way to go, but have heard that Carnival Cruise line have been very helpfull too.

We just came back from a trip to Disney World and let me tell you that it was the best vacation (finding food-wise) since my daughter was diagnosed back in June. EVERY manager in every food place was aware of gluten free food preparation and items on their menu. They made my daughter freshly made gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free "Mickey" waffles, oven baked fries, etc. I contacted the food and services people from Disney ahead of time and htey emailed me lists for every gluten-free item in every park-- IT WAS GREAT!!!!!

They sent me a form to fill out so that they could notifiy the resorts to hae food ready and available.

I always loved Disney-- now I love them more because they made my daughter feel special and not a bother when it came to finding food/restaurants.

[Daxin]

DW and I have cruised twice now with Holland America, and have had no problems with my gluten-free diet. They were more than helpful, and even baked my a gluten-free birthday cake It was VERY good and not nearly as dense as some other baking can be.

I would think that almost any cruise line would be able to accommodate the gluten-free diet and almost any other restriction we can have woth our sundry of food in tolerances. Ask your travel agent, or, one you are booked on a cruise, call SHIP SERVICES directly and they will be able to help you.

[mrg8610]

My family and I returned about a week ago from a cruise on the Carnival Liberty and they did a great job taking care of my daughter. The hostess in our dining room (Ramona in the Golden Dining Room) was incredible and quite knowledgeable about gluten. Each evening before we finished dinner, she would bring over the next night's menu so my daughter could choose her food. Since my daughter is only 11 and the food can sometimes be more "grownupish" as she puts it, Ramona always let her pick a dish not on the menu if she preferred. A few nights she chose pasta dishes such as chicken, broccoli and ziti or fettucine alfredo. She also had steak, chicken, scallops and many appetizers including soups and mozzarella sticks. They did bring gluten free bread for her each night, but it was pretty nasty. The chef made a special gluten free desset for her each night and a few times my husband actually wished he could have what she was having. Ramona also helped us figure out what was safe at the buffet. She had eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage and fruit for breakfast and could choose from salads, stir-fry (they had rice noodles), hot dogs, french fries, chicken dishes and more at lunch. I know buffets can be risky, but she ate from them and didn't get sick once. We also had a few breakfasts and lunches in the dining rooms and she was always fine there too.

While they did a wonderful job of taking care of her, I did suggest that they might look into providing gluten free pizza and some baked goods for dessert. The Guest Services Manager that I spoke with seemed very interested in my comments and promised that they would look into them. Overall though, it was a great vacation and everyone ate well, including my daughter.