Cruising With Special Diet Requirements….
I was speaking to a passenger the other day who had brought to my attention a very Interesting article on MSC’s website regarding Coeliac meal requests and special diets.
Cruise lines seem very willing to accommodate people on gluten-free diets and other special diets. Each cruise liner does have a slightly different policy on the subject, some of them you have a special requests form that you must fill out, often weeks in advance of your cruise and some of them ask you to email the reservations department directly with your booking reference and your cruise details. Being a vegetarian myself I know there are many choices on board for me to choose from and after doing my research, this all looks pretty good to me.
MSC Cruises:
Given that Italy is a world leader in celiac awareness, it’s no surprise that this Italian cruise line takes special care of its gluten-free guests. However, there are different offerings on its different vessels. According to MSC’s website, “MSC Cruises works closely with the AIC-Associazione Italiana Celiachia (Italian Celiac Association) to provide gluten-free menus in the restaurants of MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia cruising in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe. On MSC Splendida, MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia and MSC Melody, guests can find pre-packaged gluten-free products like snacks, biscuits, croissants, plumcakes and muffins.”
P&O, Princess And Cunard:
“Personal choice dining” so there are plenty of options, from – Kosher, Gluten free, Dairy -free, Salt- free, Wheat free, Coeliac, Halal and for guests who have any food allergies/intolerance.
There is a limited range of Halal food available on a request only basis and they cannot guarantee specific items. There chefs can prepare gluten and wheat free bread and bread rolls as well as separate sauces and gravies. Gluten and wheat free choices are available for afternoon tea and room service however these requests will need to be made on board with the Restaurant Manager.
Royal Caribbean / Celebrity:
Make every effort to accommodate your dietary requirements whenever possible. They cater for: Food allergies, Gluten-free, Kosher, Low-fat, Low-sodium, Vegetarian Meals (including Indian-style vegetarian) are available on all menus in the Dining Room and Windjammer Cafe every day. Guests do not need to make a special request for these meals. Lactose-free/soy milk and kosher meals are available no extra charge. All you have to do is notify them at least 45 days prior to sailings in US (90 days in Europe & 100 days for Asian/Australian Itineraries). Kosher for Passover meal requests MUST be received 45 days days in advance for US sailings and 90 days all other itineraries in order to be accommodated.
I’d love to hear about your cruise experiences. Please let me know how well you were able to eat while on your voyage.
One Comment on “Cruising With Special Diet Requirements….”
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About Me
My name is Michelle Fennelly and I have over 28 years of experience in the travel industry and cruising is my passion. I have worked for Cruise.co.uk for the last 6yrs which I absolutely love, before then I have worked for Air200 – Airtours / MyTravel – Tomas Cook. I…
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We went with friends to the baltics two years ago, and one of our friends is vegetarian and he was very unimpressed with the choice he had. Only a limited choice, and no creativity at all. Yes there was indian vegetarian, but he doesnt like curry! Cruise was lovely but food for him not! I was dieting, slimming world and it was very easy for me, they did steamed veg, no sauces, I had lots of steak and came home without putting on lots of weight.