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Gluten Free Traveling On Royal Caribbean ? Help!

Marley25

By Marley25
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Marley25 Rookie
Marley25
Posted

I am going on a cruise on Royal Caribbean in a few months, and I am really scared about the food on board! I don

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Michelle1234 Contributor
Michelle1234
Posted

I suggest getting some gluten digestive enzymes and taking them before every meal. I take Digest Gold and Gluten Ease before every meal when traveling as they help with cross contamination. I also take along some probiotics as they are good for the gut and help repopulate good bacteria if you get some bad food or help your immune system out if it takes a hit from being glutened. I use the called Pearls as it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

If you go over to the travel board on this forum you can search on Royal Caribbean. Alot depends on your particular chef/head waiter. You could get a good one who knows what is going on or a clueless one. I suggest that if something isn't working don't keep banging your head against the wall. Your on vacation. Switch venues. If the main dining room doesn't work, try the chef in the buffet. If that doesn't work try the chef in the specialty restaurant. Chances are one will have a clue and be able to work with and help you get safe food. The newer ships often have dedicated allergy meal preparation areas. You don't mention what ship you are on but if you aren't locked in select a newer ship.

Take some snack bars (prepackaged and sealed) for shore excursions so you have something to eat. I like the Kind bars.

If your not locked in to Royal Caribbean then I think the gold standard for gluten free cruising is probably Disney. I've never read anyone say anything bad about them with gluten free meals. I think the newer Celebrity Ships are also very good. I spent 30 days on one and had great gluten free food. Princess did a nice job when I was on them also. I've read good things about NCL and Carnival. So those are also options. I've read some negative reviews of Holland America and Royal Caribbean. But that isn't to say you couldn't have a great experience on them.

Edit: I've spent over 130 days on cruise ships as a gluten free cruiser. You will probably have a great time if you manage what ever situation the cruise ship throws at you correctly. Remember trying to teach the cruise staff won't get you an enjoyable cruise. Lots of chefs from other countries are very well versed in gluten free. If the one you get isn't try another.

Michelle

Duhlina Apprentice
Duhlina
Posted

I recently spoke with my friend who is a travel agent that specializes in cruises. I asked if my cruising days were over and she ASSURED me that they are NOT. Make SURE you notify RC in writing of your Celiac BEFORE you go. The MOMENT you get on board, go see the head waiter and make sure they are clear that you cannot have any gluten. From what I've read they are VERY accommodating on the cruises.

ElseB Contributor
ElseB
Posted

From what I've read they are VERY accommodating on the cruises.

I've never been on a cruise, but I've heard the same thing. In fact, I've never heard anything BUT positive experiences on cruises.

T.H. Community Regular
T.H.
Posted

I haven't gone on any of these cruises myself, however, from what people have talked about on this forum specifically, the experience seems to vary greatly depending on the ship you are going on. Seriously, I would see if you can talk to anyone involving your food ahead of time, to discuss what your needs actually are and make sure they know what to do for you to be safe.

An example of a bad experience, so you can know what to look out for:

I would bring enough emergency snack bars, etc... to make it through the trip, just in case, honestly.

tennisman Contributor
tennisman
Posted

I went on a cruise in 2008 with my family , my Mum also has celiac disease and we all had an amazing time . Royal Caribbean were very helpful I think we e-mailed them many times about needing gluten free diet . 1st night on the cruise at dinner we met a very friendly head waitress she told what we could and couldn't have . They even baked fresh gluten free bread for breakfast and dinner . Every night at the end of the meal the head waitress gave us the dinner menu for the next night which was cool . We choose what we wanted to make sure it would be gluten free . I even remember 1 night I really wanted mussels but they weren't gluten free , but our amazing waiter got the chefs to cook me some mussels without the gluten :D

Get too know your waiter well as they will be very helpful . A few times there was no gluten free starters and as our waiter knew I liked prawns he always bought me a few plates over . 1 night I ate 50 prawns for starter lol . Also if there is a dish you really like ask you waiter for 2 . 1 night as a joke I asked the waiter for 2 steaks and he bought me 2 steaks :P Also for a Joke my Dad asked for every dessert 1 night and he bought every dessert on the menu.

I hope you have a great time the cruise ships are amazing :D

tennisman Contributor
tennisman
Posted

Sorry for going a bit off topic but has anyone worked on a cruise ship before ? I really want to but apparently they are super strict on medical problems and I wonder if celiac disease would effect my chances of getting a job .

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shellyinskiatook Newbie
shellyinskiatook
Posted

I'm a suuuuper sensitive celiac and I got married on a Celebrity cruise ship this past May and I didn't get sick one time! However...I did bring a suitcase full of food. I'm glad I did.

When I got on the ship I went straight to the dining room and found the head maitre d'. I told him about my celiac and other food allergies and he made sure I got the right food (no dairy or citrus). The assistant maitre d' came to my table each night with the menu for the next night. I picked out what I wanted to eat for dinner the next night and lunch (if we were at sea), and so on.

I was assured that the dining room staff would be able to accommodate my needs and they were. But, when we were in port the dining room was closed!!! So, I had to rely on my "Gourmet on the Go" meals that I brought with me. I also ordered some travel size condiments from www.minimus.biz. I ordered things like peanut butter, mayo and salad dressing. I used my salad dressing in the dining room because I got really tired of vinegar and oil. I used the peanut butter in the mornings for breakfast on an apple or banana I got from the breakfast buffet. I also took some gluten free crackers and smoked oysters that I had a few days for lunch. Oh, we also used Strongbow Cider during our toast at our reception. It was funny.

Was it perfect? No. But, it was a lot of fun and I didn't get sick. I worked with our waiter and maitre d' who made sure I got to eat as much good food as possible. By the second or third day I realized that...hey, I'm on a cruise and I can order whatever I want! So, I ate steak and shrimp like 3 or 4 nights in a row. Also, if I didn't feel like going to the dining room I would just call the maitre d' and he would send the food to my room.

We want to go on another cruise next year for our anniversary. It's the only way I want to travel now...

Have fun!!

Shelly

RacerX35 Rookie
RacerX35
Posted

My family and I went on the Disney Cruise line here in California. Now Disney is already good to Celiac or Gluten Sensitives. I informed the cruise line people when we made our final payment over the phone and also on the website itenerary. They were very helpfull and our waiter that stayed with us the whole trip insured that I got the gluten free breads and no gravies on my food. Even his assistant was aware of my requirements and made sure my meals were made correctly. I would get butter on my mashed potatoes, which I thought was great with some salt and pepper. We had so much fun,,,, we scheduled another cruise for this coming March. :D

Have fun,

Ray

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