My Gluten Free journey visiting Bruges P &O vs Fred Olsen …..

For anyone with a gluten intolerance or like me Coeliac disease out there … I share your pain, the feeling of awkwardness when trying a new restaurant with a group of friends and having that uncertainty as to what the food will be like, will they even be able to cater for me, will I have a choice of what I wish to eat and when I travel to new destinations will my experience be enjoyable?

Look no further, as your time has come, I would love to take you on my gluten free journey comparing two very different cruise lines not just in the sheer size of these beauties but in my personal opinion their customer care…..  P & O vs Fred Olsen,

                                                        VS

I enjoyed all of the below with delicious food, most importantly choice and even some crispy freshly cooked fries.  Well as we say, when in Bruges …. BUT who did I prefer ……

To start with my journey was not just about the gluten free food it was experiencing a destination I had never seen before, both cruises I chose to view this stunning city in different light ….

Once I arrived in the day after disembarking P & O Ventura I was speechless, the 17^th century buildings, the abundance of chocolate shops and places to buy Belgian waffles was immense.  We decided to take a 30 minute boat trip at 8 euros per adult and this was certainly value for money ….

This time of year is when everyone starts to feel festive, with such a busy week of training for my new exciting role working for Cruise.co.uk I had completely forgotten Christmas was awaiting my arrival in a couple of weeks ….. this was until I stepped off into Bruges to this …..

Wow what a day and night absolutely amazing. This really is a city you have to see to appreciate…. Both experiences were amazing…

However did I feel the same way about the food and customer care on board both ships as I did about Bruges Day or Night …. My honest answer is yes the food on both ships was incredible however the customer care that came with it and how I was made to feel was certainly not ….. Fred Olsen Balmoral by far I have to say surprised me with their care, interest and in no way was I made to feel embarrassed or a like a burden.  The picture with the lovely waiter was in their Ballindalloch restaurant.

Menu??? No need, I was advised to just choose what I would like off their standard menu the day before and they will prepare and adapt it (even with gluten free burger buns if required) to suit my needs.  The staff remembered me at breakfast time, the head waiter sending “his boy” as he called him to collect any cereal or toast I had requested, I was even provided with chocolate chip cookies and Bakewell tarts during the afternoon tea in The Palms Cafe

VS P & O Ventura

The Baytree Restaurant 

Do not get me wrong the meal I had was out of this world, my starter of my 4 course meal was a selection of Melon, followed by three slices of tasty bread I had requested, then the most succulent and tender prime steak and fries I have tasted, accompanied with a choice of vegetables and to end this heavenly dinner was a refreshing, exquisitely presented Mango and Kiwi Pavlova …. However I was not made to feel as comfortable about asking for different items, a separate menu was again not needed however I found I was given what the chef had to offer and felt like there was not enough choice. I have no doubt that the staff do their absolute best however this time Fred Olsen won me over and made my cruising experience incredibly enjoyable for my requirements needed.

What I will finish by saying however is that ….. All of my GLUTEN FREE food on both ships was included in the price, a chance to finally not have to pay the unfair prices of gluten free products in the supermarkets.

So I am already eager to embark on my next gluten free journey with another cruise line soon.

I will be sure to keep you updated. 

Have you experienced excellent choice for a dietary requirement on board, I would love to hear from you in regards to your thoughts.

Any questions please do get in touch.