Cruising with Allergies

One thing that crops up from time to time when booking cruises for my customers is how well do cruise lines cater for various different Allergies/Dietary requirements??

2 million people in the UK suffer from food allergies according to the food standards agency and Food is of course a very important part of anybody’s holiday whether you have a specific allergy are Gluten, wheat, lactose or have any other intolerance to specific food types when thinking about your next cruise, you want to be safe in the knowledge that cruise lines will cater for you.

Most important is at the enquiry stage inform your Cruise consultant of your requirements at least 45 days prior to sailing that way we can inform the cruise line in plenty of time, so they are well prepared for your arrival

What to do on board?

Don’t be afraid to ask – If there is something you like the look of don’t let the fear of not being able to eat something hold you back, just ask a member of staff and they will be more than willing to help.

If you have informed the cruise line prior to Sailing that you have an Allergy, they will be prepared for your arrival – I would always recommend mentioning to the Maitre D when you visit the restaurant on the first night of your cruise – They will then give you the menu for the following night at dinner and you can choose your meal for the following day which will be prepared specially for you in a separate area of the kitchen or a safe zone, it is always handy to mention to your waiter when you sit down at each meal so they are aware also.

The main thing is to prepare in advance for your cruise, ensure you have sufficient medication with you for the duration of your trip – All cruise ships will have fully qualified doctors on board just in case – and if you give plenty of advance warning the cruise lines will do everything they can to ensure you enjoy your cruise safe in the knowledge you can eat what you want.

Eliza x