A step-by-step guide for travelling gluten-free, dairy-free, allergen-free on a cruise
October 9, 2009
Imagine a heavenly destiny like the Caribbean or Bermuda; or an exotic place like Tierra del Fuego or Alaska. Or a trip to know the South American or the Mediterranean coast on board of a floating hotel, with all the services, amenities and luxury that a cruise can offer. In this number of the magazine we’ve gathered tips and suggestions for great and safe cruise holidays for those with food restrictions.
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Many cruise lines offer special gluten free, dairy free or food allergen free meals, as well as many other meals for special diets such as kosher, low salt, vegetarian and diabetic. In some cases, the meals offered are in fact not only safe and appropriate for the diet, but also much better than what is usually available in the passenger’s own home town – such as breakfast with gluten free bread and cereal, typical Italian meals especially prepared for celiacs and cakes and sweets for those with dairy, nut and egg allergies. However, it is important to plan ahead, and make sure you follow some procedures that will ensure a well-deserved rest, such as verifying whether the company you chose offers the required dietary options.
Here we describe a series of steps that can make your cruise trip easier, pleasant and safe for your diet.
1 – Choosing the cruise line
Find a travel agent you can trust. Then be clear about your dietary restriction so he/she can offer you choices of packages that are suitable for your condition. Make sure the agent understands this is a serious health condition. At the time of booking, some companies will ask you to fill in an additional form with a detailed description of your food restriction and suggestions of food products that you would like to have during your trip. Even in those cases where the company does not have a form, be clear about your dietary condition and needs already at the time of booking.
2 – Prevention is the key
Having the information about your date of departure, ship and booth number, contact the cruise company to remind them of your dietary needs. If contacted well in advance, most companies will be able to acquire special products for your diet (such as gluten free, dairy free, allergen free cookies, snacks, bread, sweets, pasta, among others). But notice that the time needed to ensure that suppliers can provide special foods can vary (Royal Caribbean for example require a period of 90 days prior to departure), so the earlier you contact them the better. If possible, ask the cruise line to send you a written confirmation of your dietary request (by email or fax), which you can them print out and take with you on board. In some cases you can also ask them to send you the restaurant menus.
4 – Packing up
- Ask the company if you are allowed to take food products such as cookies, snacks and any other kind of emergency food on board. If possible, take a medical letter with you certifying your dietary condition so you do not have problems with security.
- If your child has a serious food allergy, remember to take allergy identification bracelets.
Remember also to take with you any necessary medication that is required (antihistamines and Epi-pen, in case of severe food allergies), and a medical certificate justifying the need for medication. Although almost all companies will have drug and emergency procedures to deal with an allergic reaction on board, it is always good to have them handy with you.
5 – Ports of Arrival
Search in SpecialGourmets whether the cities/ports where the ship will stop have food stores with special products, or restaurants where you can eat. In restaurants, it is possible that waiters do not speak your language. So remember to print out some copies of restaurants cards such as those available in SpecialGourmets.
6 – On board
On your first day onboard, before your first meal, contact the Maitre D’ and discuss your meal options. Ask him to make sure your waiter is aware of your needs and condition. Remember that in many ships meals are prepared on large kitchens, so always ask about how your meal will be prepared and the possibility of cross-contamination.
In those cruises with multiple restaurants, ask whether it is necessary to talk with the chef of all restaurants you intend to go, and how long ahead you need to contact each restaurant so they are able to prepare your special meal. Prefer the first meal times, as you’ll be less likely to run into cross-contamination problems (through table cloths, cutlery, furniture, aprons, etc). Avoid all buffets, as in those cases it is very difficult to prevent cross-contamination.
7 – Activities for the kids
If your children have any dietary restriction or allergy, remember to make the children monitors and staff responsible for the kids’ activities on the ship aware of their condition, ensuring that inappropriate snacks, pastries and cookies are not served (and that they have alternatives to offer).
8 – Enjoy your trip and comment your cruise experience here!
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