Trying new cuisine and eating great food are highlights of taking a cruise, but travellers with special dietary requirements can find it challenging to eat well away from home. Still, cruise lines are doing a much better job of adapting to passenger needs amid an ever-changing culinary landscape. For the best possible experience, these 10 tips can turn any sailing into a gourmet trip tailored to your needs.
1. Alert the cruise line as early as possible

2. Contact the dining department on your first day aboard
On embarkation day, seek out the restaurant manager or executive chef to confirm they have all the details of your dietary needs flagged in the dining room computer system and cabin profile. If your needs are complicated, take a printout to give to the kitchen. Be sure to share any concerns over cross-contamination.If there is a certain item you have requested (soy milk or gluten-free bread, for example), ask where it is stored and how you can access it. Make sure you can get your special foods when eating at the buffet or specialty restaurants.Other crew members to alert on day one include the children's activities coordinator, if your child has an allergy or special diet, and the shore excursion department, should you be booked on all-day tours that include a meal. Tell your cabin steward, too, especially if you're in a suite where you might receive afternoon canapes or welcome chocolates.3. Stay with the same dining room team

4. Preorder meals
While many cruise lines designate menu items that are gluten-free, low-calorie, lactose-free, vegetarian or not suitable for certain allergies, the list might not be comprehensive and substitutions might not be available at a moment's notice. Instead, ask to see the following day's menu in advance to discuss choices and adaptations. This will give you plenty of time to inquire about hidden ingredients (such as dairy products in bread or wheat in sauces) and make sure you get a meal you enjoy.If you do love a meal, don't be shy about requesting it again. Most kitchens have one chef who is in charge of preparing special meals and can handle requests with advance notice.5. Be fastidious at the buffet

6. Watch out for in-cabin treats
Be wary of turn-down chocolates, canapes, welcome gifts and room service bread baskets. They're probably standardised and not prepared especially for you.Inform your cabin attendant when you board of any dietary restrictions, so he can remove welcome gifts containing nuts, dairy or other ingredients you can't have. If you're booked at a cabin level where you might get afternoon canapes or tea service, be clear about what you can and can't eat. It's OK to simply request that treats not be delivered at all.Room service orders should be addressed to a manager in advance so that dietary concerns are noted.7. Book a galley tour

8. Prepare for dining ashore
Notify the shore excursions desk early about your needs, so they can contact any restaurants you might visit on tour. If you're exploring on your own, ask about possible places to dine as staff often have a list of potential options or can scour the internet on your behalf (that will save a nice chunk of change if paying for internet onboard).It's wise to research cultural norms in advance. For example, in Spain, many foods are cooked on the same grill or plancha, presenting a cross-contamination problem. You might want to print out a note in the local language explaining your dietary restriction to present at local restaurants.If you plan to carry your own snacks ashore, be sure to check ship and local legislation before you take any food off the ship; fruit and vegetables are sometimes prohibited and subject to a fine. Packaged snacks are safer, but you'll need to bring your own from home.9. Don't assume.

10. Do your homework
Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to catering to dietary restrictions. If you do your research, including reading Cruise Critic reviews and comments from past cruisers, you can select the appropriate ship for your needs.A travel agent knowledgeable about travelling with dietary restrictions can be a good resource and can also direct you to charter sailings like vegan cruises and WW (previously Weight Watchers) cruises with menus that cater to specific food needs. This can go a long way in helping you to better enjoy your next sailing. Bon appetit!Learn More About Cruising With a Dietary Restriction:What to Know If You Want to Cruise Gluten-FreeBest Cruises for Vegetarians and VegansCruising with Diabetes4 Ways the Weight Watchers Cruise Makes Sure You Stay on Your PointsJewish and Kosher Cruises
Updated January 08, 2020
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