Gluten Free Cruising

Gluten-Free Cruising

In recent years, gluten-free cruising has become more and more accessible, with nearly all of the major cruise lines increasing their gluten-free options aboard their cruise ships.  Whether you are gluten-free due to Celiac disease or avoiding gluten for other health reasons, more and more cruise lines have begun catering to gluten-free dietary requirements.

Here are some tips for gluten-free cruising, as well as some of the best gluten-free cruise lines.

Advance Notice

While the major cruise lines have started to offer more gluten-free food on their cruise ships, many prefer you to provide notice of your dietary requirements right after booking your trip.  Providing advance notice to the cruise line means that they will be sure to stock up on more gluten-free ingredients and provisions for your cruise.  Most cruises already serve gluten-free breads, pizzas and pastas, but may not include things such as gluten-free desserts and gluten-free beer.  Giving your cruise line advance notice will ensure they are fully stocked on a wide variety of gluten-free items so you can have the best possible cruise experience.  Your ship’s maître d’ will also be able to advise you what menu items do not contain gluten and can also handle any special requests you may have.  We suggest meeting with the maître d’ each day and pre-ordering food for the next day.  This holds true for even dining at a specialty restaurant.

Watch the Buffets
Although buffets will have gluten free items, the chances are cross contamination are quite high. You also cant be certain is flour was used in many of the sauces offered on protein dishes.  We suggest the main dining room or even fresh grilled items by the pool over eating at the buffet.

Carnival Cruise Lines Gluten Free
Due to Carnival’s large fleet of ships and status as a popular commercial cruise line, they are one of the best-stocked cruise lines for gluten-free cruisers.  All of Carnival’s cruise ships serve gluten-free breads, pastas, pizzas and desserts.  Gluten-free beer is also available on-board Carnival’s cruise ships, and the chefs can bake you a gluten-free cake if requested ahead of time.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Gluten Free
Royal Caribbean is another popular cruise line that does a thorough job catering to gluten-free cruisers.  They offer plenty of gluten-free sandwiches, pastries, and pizzas, with separate designated cooking areas to avoid cross-contamination.  Most people don’t realize that they can go to Sorrento’s, the pizza place onboard and order a gluten free pizza.  All of Royal Caribbean’s menus are clearly labeled to indicate which items contain gluten, and there is always at least one gluten-free dessert offered on the buffet.  Royal Caribbean also offers gluten-free beer on its cruise ships. Park Cafe available on Oasis class ships also has a separate panini machine to make sandwiches on gluten free bread.

Norwegian Cruise Line Gluten Free
Norwegian has a number of gluten free options onboard automatically, including pre-packaged cookies & toast, but with advanced noticed they can arrange gluten free baguettes, buns, pasta and even gluten free pancakes. How about chicken parmesan or crab cakes?  Just work closely with your head waiter and NCL seems to pull out all the stops whenever possible.  Gluten free desert options included ice cream, souffle and creme brulee.

Celebrity Cruise Line Gluten Free
Celerity has a reputation for having lots of gluten free options for guests, particularly in their specialty restaurants.  Even in the regular dining room, there is a special order line in the galley where meals are prepared to avoid cross contamination.

Holland America Gluten Free
Holland offers several gluten free options on all of their menus, and with 24 hours notice they stated that they can make just about anything including gluten free pasta, pancakes, waffles and even Asian dishes using tamari.

Seabourn Cruise Lines Gluten Free

Luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn go above and beyond to cater to gluten-free cruisers.  Known for ultra luxury cruises, Seabourn ensures your gluten-free requirements are met by providing a variety of gluten-free breads, buns, baguettes and even breadsticks.  All menu items are clearly labeled as gluten-free, and chefs are more than willing to make any menu item gluten-free if requested.  Seabourn also has a pre-cruise online portal where guests can specify their gluten-free needs prior to cruising.

Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines Gluten Free

Another impressive luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas boasts their willingness to make a gluten-free alternative for almost any menu item.  In addition to offering all the gluten-free staples such as breads and pastas, Regent goes the extra mile to ensure that you are not missing out on delicious dishes just because you have a gluten-free diet.  For instance, at Regent’s Chocoholics high-tea service, they offer an entire gluten-free menu, consisting of finger sandwiches and gluten-free desserts such as meringue and fruit tart.

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