Have a special dietary requirement? Here’s my top ten tips for enjoying your cruise!

Following the sad news of the death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperous, who died from eating a sandwich not labelled with sesame; food intolerance’s and allergies are a current hot topic of conversation. For sufferers like myself, eating out can sometimes feel like playing a game of Russian roulette! It doesn’t matter how many times you ask the dreaded “is it gluten free?” question, there is always a feeling of I hope this is going to be ok!

However, being on a cruise, it is a different story! I was incredibly nervous on my first cruise, not knowing how they work, do they cater for me etc. I needn’t have worried, as with every customer on board, you are treated wonderfully! All staff on all lines are fully trained in how to deal with special dietary requirements, from lactose free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, kosher and halal.

I have never been made to feel awkward or uncomfortable in my food requests, and never feel like I have missed out on something amazing from the menu as most choices can be made to suit your requirement. My last experience was on Independence of the Seas, and their gluten free bread coming out before dinner was spectacular!

I understand how sufferers may feel wary about booking a cruise, but take it from me, go see the world, enjoy amazing food and make memories! Here’s my ten tips for being on board with special dietary requirements:

 TELL YOUR AGENT AT THE TIME OF BOOKING!!!

I can not stress this point enough! You must, must, must tell your agent when you book. Especially if your cruise includes a tour. This just ensures enough supplies are on board for when you sail.

GO STRAIGHT TO THE MAITRE-DE IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM AS SOON AS YOU ARE ON BOARD

This is always the first stop for me once I am on board. Tell them your requirements, it should be on your notes if you had followed point 1 and told your agent!!

INSIST ON SAME TABLE AND WAITERS!

This is my top tip! When you speak to the maître-de, try and ensure you get the same team. They will then know and understand your needs. This is easier if you are on set dining times. For me the early sitting is too early and late sitting is too late, so I do my time dining and book at 7:45 every day for the duration of the cruise!

DON’T BE SCARED TO ASK FOR SOMETHING NOT ON THE MENU

You will be given the next day’s menu the evening before. There have been a few times when I loved a previous meal so much that I have asked for that instead. Nothing is too much to ask for them, they want to help you!  My husband on our last cruise, asked for 2 puddings one night and then every night after 2 puddings came to the table!

 DON’T BE DAUNTED BY THE BUFFET!

Royal are fab at this! They have their wonderful gluten free corner, a whole section of worry-free spoils!! Other lines are also following suit. Just ask at the stations and they will always get a chef to come out to you and point you in the right direction or make you something suitable. Hint! Go to the pancake station in the morning and they make special gluten free ones for you!

HAVE A SPECIAL EVENING IN THE SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS!

Do not be scared of these and not leave the comfort of the main dining room! The same principle applies, talk to them! Go the night before, explain your requirements. They will always have something for everyone and the food is always spectacular! Below is me in Izumi on Jewel, eating the best tempura I have ever had, and it was gluten free!

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING, INCLUDING DRINKS!

I learnt this the hard way! We like to refer it to Pinocalada gate! We were on Jewel of the Seas on an incredibly hot day in beautiful Palma. Got back on ship, straight to the bar ordered a cocktail for sail away. I sat there taking in the scorching sun, enjoying my drink around 1 hour later I realized things were not good! Long story short, the mixer contained gluten!

SPEAK TO SHORE EXCURSIONS DESK PRIOR TO GOING ON A TOUR

Again, same principle of eating anywhere on board. Communication is key, if they are aware 9 times out of ten they can arrange food for you. On the odd occasion they can’t then they will try and move you onto a different tour.

 IF ALL ELSE FAILS THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM SERVICE!

Tired from a long day ashore? I have been there done that, got in our pjs and enjoyed a freshly made pizza! I have even had my meal ordered in the main dining room sent to my room.

ENJOY!!

Try and keep your apprehension at home! You are in great hands, communicate your needs and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!!!