Which are the best cruise lines for special diets?

Question

I need a completely gluten free diet because of a medical condition.

In the past I have been with P&O (brilliant couldn't be more helpful) and also with another cruise company who promised they could cater but when I was on board told me they couldn't do gluten-free after all. Even their yogurt had gluten in it and I ate only fruit for 10 days!

So anyone have any good or bad experiences?

Answer 1

We are due to go with Royal Caribbean and they have assured us there won't be a problem as they are used to coeliacs.

Answer 2

I am a vegetarian, not someone who cannot tolerate Gluten, but my experience is that Carnival was fairly savvy about it - they knew, for example, which soups had meat broth, which desserts had gelatin.  Holland America is great - they cater to older folks with special diets.  Of course your experience could vary ship to ship.  Royal Caribbean was middle of the road, I was fine on vegetarian, but I'd not trust them on gluten.

For what it is worth, I always try to take a little bit of food I know I can eat along whenever I travel.  For me it's power bars - no doubt something else for you.  Just in case.

Answer 3

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sil...

I hope this helps. I suggest you join this yahoo health group. If i recall, someone on there runs a travel agency and specializes in GF cruises! Just join the group and ask your question, Im sure u will get lots of help!

Best of luck!

Answer 4

During my last cruise on the Dawn Princess, the staff went out of their way to provide a good meal for a dinner partner that was both diabetic and restricted to a gluten-free meal.

I will tell you, the staff went VERY much out of their way to deliver top service to her.  Every night a special basket of gluten-free bread was prepared for her, and every night after dinner the headwaiter consulted on her with on the next meal.  

I consider that great service as the line went out of their way to accommodate her, and the line also went out of their way when three  of us had bad experiences with the Chicken Kiev (it was raw) - the staff was embarrassed by it and gave us a free bottle of wine at the next service despite us saying it wasn't necessary (the headwaiter told us to complain about it in the comment card, which I did because the raw food was dangerous, and they need to figure out what went wrong and correct it for quality).  

Anyway, I highly recommend Princess for special diet needs, as I've seen them being very helpful and determined to make a great meal service even with special needs guests.

Answer 5

Most cruise lines offer diets that will cater to specific requirements: Suggest you let your TA know when you reserve your cruise. gluten free/wheat free, dairy free/Lactose intolerant, vegetarian/vegan, Kosher, low fat, diabetic and baby food.

Answer 6

Princess cruises have every which way food you can imagine. Their choice is just off this planet. You'd be safe with them