norwegian cruise line food allergies

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Cruise Tips for Families

Cruising with Food Allergies – Top Safety Tips

Last updated January 13, 2021

Traveling with a family member with severe food allergies or dietary restrictions can be challenging.

Cruising with food allergies requires a lot of research and preparation.

Speaking from personal experience (my son has a life-threatening nut allergy and my husband is allergic to milk), before booking a vacation, I spend the majority of my time researching food allergy policies, contacting restaurants and reading reviews.

If you’ve ever been on a cruise before, you’ll know that there is no shortage of delicious foods and dishes to try. There’s sit-down restaurants like the main dining room, midnight buffets, free room service, specialty restaurants, and fast food counters.

As a family with several different food allergies, a cruise vacation is one of the easier trips to plan. Major cruise lines – including those that we consider the best family-friendly lines – make dining and food safety a top priority.

We’ve cruised with Disney , Royal Caribbean , Norwegian, Celebrity, Carnival and Princess and have found that they all take food allergies seriously. They all get the thumbs up when it comes to staying safe on a cruise vacation.

We’ve found that more often than not, cruise staff will go out of their way to accommodate all passenger dietary needs – whether it be a food allergy or special dietary request. However, food allergy and special dietary policies vary among cruise lines. Below is a chart we’ve put together about managing food allergies on five family-friendly cruise lines .

Here are some additional tips to help you plan a stress-free and allergy-friendly cruise vacation for your family:

Before You Book Your Cruise

The table above gives a good overall all look at five major family-friendly cruise lines but for more detailed info, we recommend contacting the cruise line directly or working with a travel agent who is knowledgeable when it comes to cruising with food allergies.

Research food and special diet policies vary for each cruise line. Ask about youth program food policies, the medical staff onboard and clinic hours and any experience they have with responding to food allergy reactions or emergencies.

We recommend choosing a cruise line that offers traditional dining with set times for dinner. This way you can get to know the main dining room staff and waiters, chefs and other staff know what foods are safe and which ones have to be avoided.

Some cruise lines allow guests to bring their own snacks and drinks onboard. If you have a baby or young child who can only drink a certain brand of milk or formula , double check that you’re allowed to bring onboard.

After You Book Your Cruise

Once you’ve decided on the cruise line, ask your travel agent or contact the cruise line directly to inform them about your food allergies or special dietary requests.  They’ll note it on your account and make sure the ship’s staff knows about your allergies prior to boarding. They can also guide you on the necessary paperwork or the steps you need to take once on board.

Cruise lines have limited supplies when it comes to special foods and drinks. By giving them advance notice, they have time to stock up on special drinks and foods before you board.

Fill out any medical forms with relevant info regarding your food allergy.

What To Pack for a Cruise When You Have Food Allergies

Take a list of all your doctors’ names as well as contact phone numbers in case of an emergency.  A letter from your family doctor describing your particular food allergy and emergency procedures is also good to have on hand when traveling.

Most cruise lines have hand sanitizer stations outside each restaurant and food area but just to be safe make sure you pack your own hand wipes and sanitizer as well. On a ship with thousands of other passengers, there’s a chance that food crumbs will be left on the table or chairs. Whenever you’re eating in common areas like the pool deck or buffet, make sure you wipe down the table before digging in.

If you’re allowed to bring allergy-safe snacks and drinks onboard, make sure you know where to get them prior to embarking the cruise ship. You can either bring them from home or make a pit stop at a grocery store prior to heading to the embarkation port.

Consider purchasing travel medical insurance especially if your cruise is outside of your home country.

Things to Do After You Board the Ship

On embarkation day, cruise passengers are often told to head the buffet for lunch. Most first-time cruisers, however, aren’t aware that there is usually one sit-down restaurant open for dining. This is where we go because they’re better equipped to handle allergies – especially when thousands of families are boarding the ship at the same time. Inform the dining staff that you have food allergies and would like to know about safe lunch options.

Although food allergies should already be listed in the ship’s dining system, you should introduce yourself to the head waiter and dining staff in the main dining room on your first night of the cruise. Explain any food allergies and special dietary requirements. The dining staff will either bring out the chef to address your concerns or ask them how they’ll handle your allergy at dinner time.

You can request a copy of the following day’s dinner menu so you can clarify any menu options or ingredients used in dishes you’re interested in trying. If you love a particular dish, don’t be afraid to request it even if you don’t see it on the menu. Most of the time, chefs will be able to prepare a made-to-order dinner for passengers with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

If you have a child with allergies, ensure you speak to the kids’ clubs directors and staff so they’re aware of your child’s allergies. Ask them about epipen policies and whether or not your child should have one on them while participating in club activities.

Also, beware of any treats that are left in your room or handed out at special events – like chocolates on your pillow or cookies or candy during Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas or Holiday cruises.

Familiarize yourself with buffet options and don’t be afraid to ask questions about ingredients or food preparation procedures. When we’re eating at the buffet, we’ll request either the dining staff or chef to walk us through the entire place to let us know what’s safe and what we should avoid.

If you’re having food cooked in front of you, you can request the chef to use new gloves and utensils when they prepare your meal. Be friendly and polite and the staff will go out of their way to accommodate you.

When ordering room service, speak to the room service manager to alert him or her to your dietary needs.

Managing Food Allergies During Shore Excursions

There are several different ways to manage food allergies when exploring a port of call .

For shore excursions you book directly with the cruise line, make sure the staff at the shore excursions desk is aware of any food allergies. If the excursion has a food component (either lunch is included or you’re visiting a local restaurant), they will be able to notify restaurant or dining staff prior to your arrival. It’s also good to double-check once you get there that your allergies or dietary requests have been noted.

If you’re DIYing your day in port – something my family tends to do often – we normally pack food-safe snacks and drinks in our day bag and backpack in case we happen to get hungry or thirsty. If our day in port includes a restaurant or food stop, I usually contact them in advance to make sure there are safe lunch options for the entire travel group. I also have cards printed out that describe the food allergy in the local language as another precautionary measure.

Another good tip for those with food allergies is to plan shorter excursions. Planning a 2 or 3-hour excursion makes it easier to head back to the ship for lunch where you won’t have to worry as much about cross contamination or unsafe foods.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to manage severe food allergies while on a cruise vacation. Cruise lines take food allergies seriously. Their success depends on making cruisers feel safe while still having fun.

As long as the cruise line is given advance notice, you do the proper research by asking questions and sometimes giving some reminders, you’ll be able to relax, eat and enjoy your cruise.

Just like managing food allergies on a daily basis at home, the most important thing when cruising with food allergies is to have all emergency medication and epipens with you at all times.

Have you had any personal experience cruising with food allergies? What are your tips on how to stay safe while cruising around the world?

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Food Allergies Aboard the Norwegian Getaway

By: Author Victoria Sharp

Posted on Published: March 21, 2019  - Last updated: October 16, 2022

Food Allergies Aboard the Norwegian Gateway-

Our family enjoys cruising! Ok, ok, I especially enjoy cruising!

It's a real food vacay for me. Family vacations look different when you're dodging food allergies or in tolerances.  Most of our vacations are me cooking in an Airbnb or in a hotel room with a full kitchen. And that means I'm grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up on vacation.

So cruising is awesome for this mom!

Whenever the hubs mentions the magical word... cruise ... I'm 100% game!

And the first thing I do when we book a cruise.... alert the travel agent and the cruise line of our food restrictions. I also follow up with the cruise line a month before we sail. I like to double check they have our dietary restrictions linked to our reservation. I've found every cruise line recommends you alert them at least a few months in advance of any food allergy or intolerance.

Does this mean you won't be able to safely eat if you don't?  No .

A few years ago we booked a seven night Disney cruise three weeks out. The chefs had no problem feeding us amazing food . However, it helps the cruise line with their food planning. And as cruise CEO's continue seeing an increase of passengers with special dietary needs, they'll make changes to their menus. Hopefully we'll see more food options on board!

My review of food allergies aboard the Norwegian Getaway is a bit lengthy. If you're short on time, pin it for now. You'll want to read my 6 Tips for Cruising with Food Allergies at the end of the review!

These six tips will help your cruise to rock ... I mean go smoothly!

Day 1 Leaving the Port of Miami

On a mega ship such as the Getaway be prepared for an insane amount of people. Like over 5,000 people between passengers and staff. And everyone is thinking two things as they embark. Eating and swimming. So many cruisers head for the Garden Café buffet line. I saw the swarms of people in line with my own eyes. It was crazy .

Thankfully, we had a large, filling breakfast that morning on South Miami Beach (read about it here ). So we had no problems waiting until the lunch crowd died down.When we did head to the buffet it was still busy, but doable. After our family found seats I asked for the Dietary Specialists on board. Within 15 minutes we'd introduced ourselves and placed our lunch order. As this post goes into more detail you see why you want to become BFF's with the Dietary Specialist. They are your food ticket.

You'll want them to guide you through every meal for the next eight days. If you miss them at lunch time, look for a welcome aboard paper from them in your cabin room. They will give you a phone number at which to contact them.

When we ordered our lunch in the Garden Cafe I also pre-ordered for dinner. For lunch we enjoyed gluten and dairy free hamburgers. Please note the hamburgers came without toppings. There was no lettuce, onions, pickles, or tomato. I found out later I needed to request each item. The homemade fries were amazing! The fries were one of our food favorites on the ship.

Our lunch time came and went. I'd recommend dining in the very aft of the Garden Cafe. The views from the back of the ship are gorgeous... particularly when you're viewing the Port of Miami or sailing into Harvest Caye.

The sail away was breathtaking. The homes, the yachts, and South Beach! WOW! You'll definitely not want to miss this.

Before we knew it we headed for dinner. I will say... this night was one disaster after another. The lines for Savor and Taste were horribly long. Over 40 minutes long with large crowds waiting in such a small area. Kids everywhere were tired and it was melt down city, y'all. Parents -- you've been warned... keep reading for my suggestions to make this easy peasy.

Once we were seated in the restaurant we counted over ten different staff members who waited on us. We didn't get the impression we where in any waiters particular section. It seemed we kept answering the same questions over and over.... what our drink order was, answering if we'd ordered off the menu yet, and asking about allergies.

I'd say it was controlled chaos at best.

For instance, we placed our water order and had a 30 minute wait for it. No fancy drinks or even pop. Then we had to inform five different waiters of our food allergies during that meal alone. They brought two baskets of gluten bread to the table and butter to go with. #luckyhubs. No one offered any gluten free bread when they learned of our allergies.

At the time, I didn't realize I needed to request gluten and dairy free bread. When we sailed on other cruise lines the gluten and dairy free bread magically appeared at the start of our meal. It even came with dairy free butter. I did request gluten and dairy free bread after that.

Our meal took over an hour to arrive, with pre-ordering. However, the herb-crusted rotisserie chicken was fabulous . One of the best meals we tasted the whole week. It was moist and so full of flavor!

Disappointingly, the ship did not cruise with any butter alternatives.

Nope, nada, none y'all.

We were refused mashed potatoes and given a baked potato. I guess the staff couldn't make mashed potatoes without butter?  The whole week nothing was put on the baked potatoes besides salt and pepper. Dinner had a great potato... just a tad dry. The steamed broccoli was nice.

For dessert we asked for "chef's choice." It turned to be a total dessert disaster. Or at least it wasn't quite what we had in mind. Dessert was cherry compote. It resembled and tasted like canned cherries dumped into a bowl and warmed.

Seriously, y'all, I don't make this stuff up. That's why I have the pictures.

And it's why you need to continue reading this Food Allergies Aboard the Norwegian Getaway post.

Needless to say I took one bite of the cherry compote and set it aside. My kids wouldn't even try it. And I wasn't going to be the mean mom on vacation and make them. I mean if a bowl of cherries is your thing, congratulations. You hit the cherry jackpot.

It was unfortunate this was the best gluten and dairy free dessert Norwegian could do. Our family doesn't care if it's from a box. Whip up a box of King Arthur gluten free brownies, y'all! We gave you three months notice.

We pre-ordered breakfast and lunch for the following morning. I wasn't offered a breakfast or lunch menu. Looking back I should've asked for one. I'd say we were offered a menu 40% of the time when pre-ordering meals. Usually it was a "what do you want" instead. At times it was a daunting task to think up new meals for four people with out any suggestions for what they have to offer. My tip -- always ask for a menu.

The menus were industry standard. The dinner menus offered different Appetizers and Today's Featured Entrees each night. The Classic Entrees section was always the same. Some days there were no gluten and dairy free appetizer options. There were usually 1-2 gluten free options on the Today's Featured section. However, a couple of nights they couldn't be made dairy free. When reading the menus the wheat leaf represents gluten free. The flower is vegetarian. And the chile is a warning for spicy.

When we left dinner, I found myself making up excuses why dinner was such a flop. Excuses like... "Oh it's the first day. I'm sure the kitchen staff is working over time'" and "I'm sure the meals will get better from here." Well, keep reading to see!

I will say... it gets comical!

Day 2 at sea.

I was excited to start day 2 giving the cruise line a fresh start. And we were thrilled to get in the pools. But first, was breakfast.

For breakfast the complimentary restaurants are open from  7:30-9:30 a.m. On port days they change the hours from 7:00-9:00. We learned this the hard way on day 3.

Again at breakfast we needed to tell several wait staff about our food allergies. We were asked the same 4 questions each time (who, what, did you pre order, and what's your room number). This did get annoying by day 4.

At breakfast we ate really well! Breakfast was consistently the best meal each day. It seemed we had the most selection too. We dinned on bacon and gluten and dairy free pancakes. And the fresh orange juice was amazing!

The bacon was a huge hit with the boys. As in they couldn't get enough. The pancakes were gorgeous, just a tad dry. Nothing a lot of syrup couldn't help!

Then it was swim time! The kids had such a blast swimming on this ship. Side note- Norwegian does offer courtesy life jackets onboard next to the pools.

Late that morning we took a swimming break and headed for pizza at the Garden Cafe. After we alerted staff we had pre ordered our meal it was again over a 45 minute wait. Thankfully there was lots of people watching to do. And there was a challenge to see who could drink the most lemonade. Oh and several rounds of thumb war!

The kids were thrilled when the pizzas arrived. And each child had their own square pizza. Which helped cut out the wonderful "he had more slices then I did" conversations. I enjoyed my Hawaiian pizza too! The pineapple chunks were packed with flavor. The crust was homemade. Bless them. After lunch we pre ordered dinner.

The kids enjoyed the Splash Academy. The staff kept them busy with games. We were impressed with the activity level they offered. And my kids are all about activity. They have to be worn out! In the afternoon we walked around the ship. You could see Cuba in the distance. It was a fabulous relaxing day.

The hubs had a new game plan for dinner.

None of us wanted to wait 40 minutes to be seated for dinner to wait another hour to eat.

So, he left a few minutes before the complimentary restaurants opened to get in line for our family. He messaged me on the NCL app when to bring the kids down for dinner. It worked like a charm! We also noticed the lines a little shorter than the night before too.

Thou the food y'all.

Again, the hubs received 2 baskets of gluten rolls. We had to tell several different staff members about our food allergies. The gluten and dairy free bread I had requested arrived with our meal. Thou it was a bittersweet. I wish I had a picture of the look on our faces when this bread plate arrived. Y'all it looked burnt, smelled burnt, and it chewed like a crunchy rock.

Now before I get knocked about "1st world problems" keep in mind... we paid quite a bit of money for this cruise. And a chunk of that money was for food .

Sorry but I would of given guests a new plate of bread. I would never have served this. That's all. Again we had nothing to put on the bread. And I'm not about to dip that in oil and balsamic vinegar or try to mask it with jelly.

What's really funny... the kids and I were so hungry we ate every crumb. I did ask the waiter how the bread was toasted. Yes, I was fearing they used a shared toaster with gluten breads. I was relieved to find they place it on a tray then heat it in a salamander oven. If you suffer from Celiac Disease I'd suggest requesting your bread not be toasted thou. I'd be nervous about possible cross contamination.

The kids and I choose the Bacon and Bourbon Glazed Chicken Breast for dinner. It was suppose to be served with roasted sweet potatoes. When those sweet potatoes didn't arrive I assumed it had something to do with butter? The kids did enjoyed the corn on the cob and bacon.

And it was the last night we ordered dessert. We did ask for dessert suggestions from the staff. They suggested the cherry compote from the previous night. That was quickly turned down. Then they offered chocolate cake. What can go wrong with chocolate cake? We eat amazing gluten and dairy free cake all the time. Like how can that go south? You can buy it in a box mix. Well, it went wrong.

This chocolate cake looks gorgeous right?! We were so excited to try it and then... Well it had no taste . I'd compare it to eating a kitchen sponge. Yaaassss, that wonderful. Like the night before I took one bite and passed. I wondered if they left out the sugar?

Anyways the hubs felt so bad. He enjoyed an amazing dessert in front of us. After that we all stopped ordering dessert at dinner time.

Then we pre ordered for breakfast and dinner the following day. I did ask to see a breakfast menu! It was awesome. It gave me many great ideas for gluten and dairy free breakfast options.

I asked the hubs if we could get dairy free Chai teas from the ships coffee shop since dessert was a no go. He thought that was a great idea.

The Atrium Cafe does have unsweetened almond milk available upon request. My Chai was delicious. I savored every sip as we browsed the ship.

We decided to make dinner reservations at a couple of the a la carte restaurants.

First we stopped at the Italian restaurant, La Cucina. When we inquired about eating with food allergies they called for the manager. The manager was quite sweet and happy to help us. When talking with her I tried to order gluten and dairy free bread, pizzas for the kids and a simple pasta dish for myself. Initially the manager said they couldn't do bread or the pizzas .

Say what y'all?!

LOL, I'm pretty sure my chin hit the deck. I asked if the same bread we'd ordered in Savor could be arranged. And asked for the same pizzas we'd eaten earlier in the day. I let her know it was ok if the food was from the galley and not the La Cucina kitchen. The manager was relieved and said no problem. For my pasta dish the manager said my option was marinara sauce. I am not sure why ground beef couldn't of been added to this dish, but I wasn't about to rock the boat . The manger said the gluten free food is prepared in another part of their kitchen. So cross contamination shouldn't be a problem.

After leaving the La Cucina we strolled towards the a la cart steakhouse. In Cagney's Steakhouse the same scenario played out. After speaking to the manager we were again told we couldn't have bread served with our meal. I never knew gluten and dairy free bread was such an issue. I kept asking myself are we the first people to ever eat gluten free on this ship?!

And why is this so hard and exhausting?

After placing our dinner reservations we played games throughout the ship. The Getaway has many kid friendly games. We shot indoor basketball hoops and the hubs taught the kids how to play chess. They also have darts and bowling. There's so much else to do!

Really though... we were excited to hit land the next day and explore Harvest Caye !

Day 3 Harvest Caye, Belize

First, be prepared. The time change started to take its toll on day three. We kept losing hours but we weren't able to fall asleep earlier at night.

We had high hopes for an early morning breakfast. Instead we woke up late and rushed down to Savor. It was then we learned they change their breakfast hours on port days and were no longer seating. We ate in the aft of Garden Café.

Which ended up being a blessing in disguise.

While we waited for our breakfast to arrive the ship docked at the island. It was quite an interesting process and kept the kids' attention as the ship backed into Harvest Caye. We were able to watch dolphins swimming nearby too! The island looked gorgeous and the weather was warm and sunny. Harvest Caye is Norwegian's private island. Your ship will have the whole island to itself, but it does get busy!

I had asked our dinner server the night before if there would be gluten and dairy free food available on the island. He said no. So we went heavy on breakfast . The eggs and potatoes were quite flavorful. They were seasoned well! The waffles were beautiful, but surprisingly hard as a rock. It took everything I had to cut up 4 servings of waffles for the kids and I. They tasted great and the syrup softened them up.

For the island I packed a goodie bag of prepacked snacks to hold us over until dinner. This included jerky, fruit leathers, fruit snacks, raw bars, etc.

The hubs decided to go all out and rent a private cabana. It was amazing! We had so much space and privacy on a very crowded island. It was beautiful and our home away from home for the day. We had no problems storing our things there. Our cabana package also included a butler who greeted us with 2 food menu's. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of them. 1 menu had zero gluten and dairy free options. The other menu had a few gluten free fish options and a salad. You would need to request they be dairy free too. We snacked on our packed snacks and I enjoyed a refreshing coconut water. Yaaaaum! We ordered lots of water and fresh juices.

We spent time at the beach and in the pool. But, most of our time was spent by the pool or in the cabana. The pool was amazing. It was huge with several different areas to hang out and swim. There was a small island in the pool by our cabana. The kids had fun swimming back and forth from it. Again, there were flotation devices for the kiddos too. My daughter even went snorkeling in the pool. After 2 o'clock the island started to clear out. But we were able to enjoy an almost deserted pool for a couple more hours.

At dinner in Taste we noticed how quiet the dinning rooms had become. It seemed more and more were choosing to eat in one of the a la carte restaurants.  My husband asked the wait staff if they had crayons and something for the kids to color. We were given the kid's menu. FYI- it was the same menu, same coloring activity every night. The menu is posted below.

We requested gluten free bread when we were seated. Several servers staff kept offering us gluten bread. Our gluten free bread couldn't come fast enough!

Dinner was ok. The steak was tough to cut up and chew. The kids went crazy for the epic fries.

We all declined dessert.  And they still showed up with the tasteless chocolate cake from the previous night. We about rolled out of our seats laughing at the silliness of it all.

It was a comical week of food bloopers- and wait until you see what happened at lunch the next day. Anyways, we ordered for breakfast and lunch. Our dinner had already been pre odered.

Back in our cabin I let the kids eat a stash bag of emergency gummy worms I'd brought.

And that was dessert... a bag of gummy worms.

After the kids fell asleep the hubs snuck up to the Garden Cafe for dessert. And that's how everyone was happy about dessert.

Day 4 Costa Maya, Mexico

This port looks gorgeous from the ship! The water is the crystal blue color you dream of. The walk to port is short and the immediate area around port is easy to navigate, but busy. There were at least 2 other ships in port with us. The port has shops and restaurants within walking distance of the ship.

For breakfast a couple kids had pancakes and bacon. Others ordered the gluten and dairy free french toast. It tasted great and then we were off to explore Costa Maya! 

After enjoying the immediate sites of Costa Maya we enjoyed returning to a half empty ship. And an empty pool!

We ate lunch in the Garden Cafe Buffet again. After a very long wait, an hour, our food arrived. Then things took a comical spin.

To our surprise they not only brought us our lunch, but also our pre ordered dinner. It would of been an understatement to say there was a lot of food .

There was food everywhere.

When we asked the staff about it they said that's what we ordered. Well, there was obviously a misunderstanding. 

The kids had a hard time deciding what gluten and dairy free meal to eat first.... the crust-less peanut butter and jelly sandwich? The chips? Or the pepperoni pizza?

Oh the decisions one must make when cruising  ♥.

The lunch tasted fantastic. We ate our hearts out too! But we did feel bad being wasteful. There was too much food for the 4 of us to eat.

Our dinner reservations came too quick that night! LOL. We were still full from lunch.

But we were excited to try our first a la cart restaurant, the La Cucina. This restaurant is not complimentary and prices are on the menu.

My expectations were higher then they should have been. We were paying extra for this meal and dinning experience. I assumed the service would be better. Learn from me. #lowerexpectations

Since the kid's and I had already "eaten our dinner" at lunch we needed to reorder our meal again. At the La Cucina there weren't many gluten and dairy free options. So we reordered the same... pizza's for the kids and the Penna Amatriciana pasta dish for me. It was frustrating for a higher end restaurant not to have meat options for my pasta dish. Their only suggestion was meatballs, but they contained gluten.

And we had hoped the meal might be served quicker, but it wasn't. If you're not eating appetizers this is a painful amount of time to be seated before your meal comes. And we weren't ordering appetizers because they didn't have any gluten and dairy free options besides bread.

For dinner the kids' pizzas arrived after 45 minutes. The hubs and I received our pasta dishes 15 minutes later. Then the waiter arrived with pasta dishes for the kids. Again I hadn't ordered them additional pasta dishes. The pizza would of been enough. S o much food.

I have no idea why they served the kids extra food. I guess there is be confusion when ordering gluten and dairy free with staff who are communicating in a second language.  Again we laughed and ate what we could.

I think the kids were in a carb coma that night... between all the pizza, bread, and pasta!

After dinner we asked the manager about reordering breakfast for the next day. We weren't sure if she took the order or if we should contact someone else. She offered to take our breakfast order for the following day. I was quite impressed when the manager didn't even write our order down. I thought wowzers she's got skill! Well.. not so much.

Day 5 Roatan, Honduras

This was the port we'd been waiting for!

We had a snorkeling excursion planned and could not wait to get in the water.

The hubs, being a certificated scuba diver, warned us to take it easy on breakfast. He said no citrus or greasy breakfast items. Of course our boys cried a river when they saw a baconless breakfast.

Unfortunately, breakfast was another laugh.

We were seated promptly at 7:00 a.m. We told our server we had a shore excursion and needed to eat quickly. After 30 minutes went by our waiter came to the table. She actually scolded us for not placing a pre ordered breakfast.

LOL y'all should of seen my face.

Uhhhh hello.

We kindly explained we had pre ordered the evening before with the manager of the La Cucina.

Remember how impressed I was with the manager who took our breakfast order the night before. The one who didn't write anything down. Ummm... not so much.

We reordered and I'm sure those poor chefs must of been hustlin' it. Because our food arrived 20 minutes later.

My mind is still boggled why it took the wait staff 30 minutes to figure out they didn't have a meal on file for our table...

Anyways, between the four of us we ordered cereal with almond milk, a fruit plate, and pancakes. Speaking of cereal... in the Garden Cafe buffet they had several personal size boxes of cereal.

Needless to say we ate quickly and with great anticipation for an epic day !

Sadly, our youngest son wasn't old enough for the Jolly Roger Scuba excursion. We planned to leave him in the Splash Academy for the morning and early afternoon. I pre planned his lunch with the Splash Academy staff... again I was met with initial resistance.

I was told he couldn't stay for that period of time because... he needed a "special lunch."

Thankfully, our family had come to know this Splash Academy employee well. We had chatted with her about her homeland on several occasions. Our kids thought she was fun. And likewise she had a crush on our kids. Thankfully we were in good favor with each other.

We had to help her understand how easy it was to feed our son gluten and dairy free food for lunch. I kept repeating he just needs his food pre ordered. And pre order him a gluten free PB and J with chips.

Blah blah blah.

As mentioned earlier you have to be very proactive on this cruise line.

Finally the staff member agreed to follow my request. And she accepted our youngest into the Academy. She wrote down our room number and meal request down. When a child eats a meal in the Splash Academy it does cost an extra $6.

As we prepared to head off the ship I grabbed a food bag I packed the night before. All food was prepacked and sealed by the manufacturer. I packed gluten and dairy free bars and fruit roll ups. Also fruit leathers, jerky, and a treat of  jelly beans ♥.

I had noted in my cruise notes the catamaran crew would serve a meal after snorkeling. The meal was described as seasoned chicken, rice, another veggie, and fruit. There wasn't a number for me to contact to ask about gluten and dairy free options. From my own travel experiences in other countries I decided the safest bet was to pack our own food. I packed enough food to hold us over until we were back on the ship.

This excursion was amazing. The 2 oldest had the opportunity to snorkel for the first time.  Our oldest, age 9, was a snorkel goddess. She was like a fish and needed little help. However, our 7 year was panicked with fear. His first attempt in the water with the snorkel mask was measured in minutes. Like...a couple of them. He returned to the catamaran to drop off his mask. Then he came back and swam in the water. Both kids had a blast! I see lots more snorkeling and scuba diving in our future.

As a side note there was a handful of people who didn't get off the catamaran. And some who got into the water only swam. The leaders of the Jolly Roger where super chill and let you do what you like. They were great about keeping an eye on all those in the water. The hubs and I were quite impressed with their dedication to safety on and off the boat. We'd recommend the Jolly Roger Catamaran snorkeling excursion.

Lunch was as they'd stated and it looked delicious.  I was so thankful for our bag of snacks. They did have fresh watermelon the kids and I ate. The catamaran stayed in the water about an hour while everyone finished lunch. It was a beautiful sunny day with little shade on the boat. I'd recommend sunscreen as well.

Back on ship we were crazy hungry for dinner! We couldn't shower and dress fast enough.

We enjoyed dinner in Taste. A couple of us had the Herb-Crusted Rotisserie Chicken. Two others had gluten and dairy free pizza, broccoli, and fries.

We ordered breakfast and lunch for the next day and explored the ship.

The hubs took the oldest two kids for some late night ship exploring. Both kids enjoyed playing games on the top deck.

Day 6 Cozumel, Mexico

I crawled out of bed... literally dragging myself out the door. Despite my desire to sleep in I wanted to check out the juice bar on the main pool deck. Unfortunately their hours are limited to 7-10 a.m. Between the time change and port stops I kept missing them.

My bad. I wish I could of enjoyed a juice each morning. Seriously thou... most days I would of needed to been up by 6:00 to grab a juice. My tribe... that's too early on vacation!

The juice bar had a great menu. I had the celery juice. There is an additional cost for  juice.

It was lovely drinking my juice on deck 15 as we sailed into port. I never get tired of port views. Cozumel offers gorgeous scenery.

The hubs and I have been to Cozumel several times and looked forward to the day. We didn't have an excursion planned. We're hoping to take a taxi to a nearby beach. The weather had other plans!

It was windy and 70, so we went with plan B. Because it was too cold and windy for a beach day. The hubs and I left the kids in the Splash Academy for a couple hours. Then we walked the Cozumel strip for a few gifts.

Back on ship we grabbed the kids and enjoyed lunch while people watching. From the Garden Cafe we could see port and people going and coming. There was lots of interesting shenanigans going on.

For lunch the kids enjoyed french fries and gluten free chicken tenders. The kids enjoyed lunch! We also ordered dairy free lime sorbet. It was the only gluten and dairy free dessert the kids enjoyed. They ate quite a bit of it throughout the cruise.

Sail a ways from port are one of my cruising favorites. And this one didn't disappoint. The Cozumel sail away was breathtaking. The moon was full and I'll never forget the Cozumel skyline with the moon glowing above it. 

For dinner we headed to Cagney's Steakhouse. This is not one of the three complimentary restaurants onboard, but an a la carte. We had pre ordered our dinner a couple days before with the manager.

Once seated, we requested gluten and dairy free bread. After a lengthy wait the bread and our drinks arrived. The hubs and I both enjoyed a salad. Thankfully, the kids' steak and baked potato dinners came early... which was a relief. I asked about gluten and dairy free BBQ sauces.  They said the menu sauces weren't gluten free so we asked for ketchup. The baked potatoes where great, but dry with no sauce or butter topping.

After the kids ate and the hubs dropped them off at the Splash Academy we waited for our food to arrive. My steak was very delicious, must tastier than the steak in Savor a few nights before.

For dessert I asked if there were any gluten and dairy free options. The waiter said there weren't. I splurged on a Shirley temple while hubs enjoyed his 7 layer cake and ice cream.

After dinner we watched karaoke for awhile. The hubs turned all romantic on me and sang one of "our" songs.♥

It was hard to think we only had two more sleep on the ship. No matter how hilarious the food mishaps had been... any vacation is better then no vacation!

The seas that night were the roughest I've ever been on. It was also the Winter Solstice. Maybe that made the seas moody?

The crazy weather also brought cooler temps and wind for the next day.

Day 7 At Sea

It was a bittersweet day. Much more bitter then sweet.

We enjoyed the cruise, the ports, and being pampered. It was so nice getting a break from cooking and cleaning. The ports were gorgeous. And we loved snorkeling.

However the kids and I were not going to miss the food. It wasn't horrible, but nothing to write home about. And the hubs and I definitely weren't going to miss repeating ourselves several times at every meal ... our room number, who had allergies, and what the food allergies where.

In our last day at sea we did what everyone should do. We slept in.

When we finally got up and moving we headed to breakfast. We tried a couple new breakfast menu items in Savor. Two of us ordered a ham and pepper omelet. Our table also received bacon, ham, and fruit.  And again the fresh squeezed OJ is the best!

We had a lot to cram into our last day. Many of the top deck activities are closed when the ship is in port. But that was when we had the nicest weather to be up on the top deck. We were determined to rock the activities despite the cold wind and long lines!

Most of the upper deck activities had a height requirement of 42 inches to participate. Unfortunately our youngest didn't meet that, but he handled it like a champ and enjoyed putt putt.

The line for the climbing wall was over 45 minutes. It was definitely worth it to see our two oldest ring the bell at the top of the wall!

The cruise ship offers two different walking planks. One is for adults and older children. The other is for much smaller kiddos.

Both our boys were able to get harnessed and walk the small child plank course. Thankfully there wasn't a wait at all for this course.

However, for the adult and older children plank course the wait was over an hour. That was quite a bit of standing around. While the hubs waited in line with our daughter I played putt putt with the boys.

That afternoon I spoke with the Dietary Specialist at length.

I discovered we should have ordered every meal with her, not anyone else in the restaurants. I think some of our food hiccups wouldn't of happened.... like getting lunch and dinner both for lunch. Or not having our breakfast pre-ordered one day. And some of the food the regular wait staff said we couldn't eat she said we could.

For example hash browns. I'd tried to order hash browns for breakfast earlier in the week. The dinner server said we couldn't have them. He said the hash browns were made off site and cross contained with gluten. The Dietary Specialists said yes we could have hash browns.  And she reassured me the hash browns would be made fresh, gluten and dairy free. I was given more menu options for meal times. Thankfully I ordered all our remaining meals then.

Ugh y'all. I wish I would've known how important it was to order through one of the two Dietary Specialists. She wouldn't have been able to do anything about the lack of butter alternatives. But she could of taken away some of the headaches of repeating ourselves. She would of cut down on the silliness of twice receiving extra meals at meal time.  She would've also given suggestions of foods we could of had, like the hash browns. Lesson learned!

Lunch was pretty delicious though. The kids had hamburgers and jello. I discovered I needed to ask for tomatoes, lettuce, and other condiments for the hamburger.  I enjoyed a french dip sandwich loaded with peppers, onion, and roast beef. This was so tasty!

For our last dinner we ate in the Tropicana Room. This is one of the three complimentary restaurants. And we wished we'd eaten there more often. They offered live music during part of the meal. Our wait staff was by far the best we'd had the entire cruise. The head waiter was on top it, y'all! We didn't have to wait half an hour for water and bread. There was no repeating our food allergies over and over. And our food came out quicker than any other restaurant. The food was fabulous, too!

There was two appetizers they made gluten and dairy free for us. Yes... thanks to my wonderful conversation with the Dietary Specialist at lunch!

The first appetizer was a Boston and Red Leaf Lettuce Salad. Y'all, it had homemade gluten free croutons! It was delicious and I wish I'd had it every night. Unfortunately, it hadn't been on the menu previously.

One of my boys is a seafood fan. He seemed to enjoy the Seared Atlantic Scallops as the second appetizer.

The Citrus-Glazed Salmon was calling his name for dinner too. Then several times he said, "This is yummy!" The other two kiddos enjoyed the Grilled New York Strip Steak and a baked potato. Their steak looked perfectly cooked. I enjoyed the Carved Whole-Roasted Pork Loin with baked potato.

Again we enjoyed the atmosphere of the Tropicana Room. If we were to cruise again on the Getaway, I know we'd eat there a majority of the time.

We walked around the ship and took pictures of the kids. Before heading back to our cabin to pack, we dropped the kids off for one last game night in the Splash Academy. It was much easier packing with no kids in the room too! We'll call that a win-win for everyone.

Our Last Hurrah and Debarkation

We enjoyed a last casual morning on the ship. We weren't stressed to catch a morning flight out of Miami so we did stroll a bit. It was a gorgeous morning in port. The moon was slowly setting over the downtown Miami skyline.

For breakfast we finally got the hash browns I had tried to order on day 2.

The hash browns were fantastic too! Just a bit of crunch with lots of potato flavor. Yaaasss!! The boys enjoyed their last hurrah of bacon. And we all savored the fresh orange juice.

After breakfast we were able to relax in our room for awhile to avoid the mass exodus. When we did debark, lines were running smoothly.

We stayed in Ft. Lauderdale overnight. We had an absolute blast. The kids were thrilled to have more beach and swim time.

If you'll be staying in the Miami area before or after your cruise, you'll want to check out this blog post .

Ok I promised you...

Top 6 Tips for Cruising with Food Allergies Aboard the Norwegian Getaway

• Prepare to find the Dietary Specialist at your first meal . Get their phone numbers. Ask where they are during meal times. Make a plan to order all meals through them. Your meal time should go much smoother than ours. And you'll have more food options. You can enjoy those hash browns on Day 2. Not Day 8.
• Plan to be proactive. Over the course of a week I figured out I had to ask or request any and everything. Nothing was offered. This means requesting gluten and dairy free bread... with every dinner. And if you want oil and balsamic vinegar for it or jelly for your bread request that too. It also means asking for lettuce, tomato, and condiments for your hamburger. Catch my drift? Ask the Dietary Specialist on board for food suggestions. Don't see something you'd like to eat... ask them for other ideas.
• Pack some of your favorite prepackaged desserts and treats. Be sure they are factory sealed. Unless NCL changes their gluten and dairy free dessert options you'll quickly tire of fruit, tasteless chocolate cake, cherries, or lime sorbet. Pack as many snacks as you can and worst case scenario you take a few back home with you. If you're flying into Miami and fear you don't have room in your luggage, fear not. There is a Whole Foods Grocery store insanely close to port. Pick yourself up some treats on the way.
• Bring something to help entertain your kids during mealtime. Whenever you order any special dietary restriction plate the wait for your food is going to be a long one. Plan on sitting at the meal table a lengthy period of time... even if you pre-ordered. I'd suggest bringing playing cards (like UNO, Go Fish, or a traditional deck of cards for games) or coloring activity books. As I mentioned in the post we had to ask for a kids' coloring menu and crayons. It was the same coloring sheet the entire week. Thankfully we played hangman and tic-tac-toe. Bring a goody bag to keep them busy.
• Be prepared for excursions. This means bring food in case. Throw factory sealed granola bars, fruit leathers, jerky, etc into a Ziploc bag. You'll be golden. I was careful to pack nothing that would melt in the warm tropic weather, too.
• Butter, bring your own !  Seriously. This was the biggest ?what? for me on the ship. I read recently on a gluten and dairy free FB page another cruiser's reaction to no butter on a NCL cruise ship. She was very shocked and annoyed they didn't offer any butter substitute. She was even fortunate enough to be in The Haven and was still without.  I would pack a tub of Earth Balance butter next time or buy it at Whole Foods by port. It would keep cold in your cabin refrigerator. And would make each mealtime more amazing.  Think buttery pancakes and waffles. Melted butter on baked potatoes! Yum. #trustme

...And lastly I'll throw in a freebie....

Make dinner reservations for the first night. The dinner lines at all three complimentary restaurants are typically insane that night. On top of that it takes extra long to receive your special made-to-order meal. So before you even board the ship book reservations at one of the a la carte restaurants. You'll thank me!

There you go! That's a wrap on my Food Allergies Aboard the Norwegian Geteway post. Have the best cruise ever. ♥

Don't let our funny cruise food mishaps scare you into not booking a cruise. Our cruise was amazing. We were blessed with the best family time and great memories. Follow my cruising tips above and you'll have the best cruise! I'll end this post with some extra food and menu pictures.

Enjoy. Feel free to ask questions in the comments. If NCL finally starts cruising with a butter alternative, let me know.

Lastly, if you'll be in the Miami area before or after your cruise check out this food travel guide here .

Eat well, feel well, and cruise well!

Here's extra pics I didn't have room to post above...

In the Garden Cafe Buffet...

Pre ordered breakfast ham and bacon

Fresh coconut water on Harvest Caye

Kids' menu:

La Cucina menus (3)

Cagney's Steakhouse

Happy cruising!♥

Share for others and save for later!

Toni Carter

Wednesday 22nd of September 2021

Thanks so much for the advice! I'm not going until 2022 (if it is possible then) but I want to be prepared! The food the last time I was on an NCL cruise the food was fair at best and I wasn't on a restricted diet then. Keeping fingers crossed!!!

I hope you have the best cruise with wonderful food! Jill

Anikka Albrite

Sunday 30th of August 2020

This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Cheers!

Monday 31st of August 2020

Wonderful! Happy eating gluten and dairy free, Jill

Alex Legend

Saturday 29th of August 2020

Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!

Thank you so much for the feedback, Jill

Wendie Zuckerman

Sunday 23rd of August 2020

It’s hard to find knowledgeable people for this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

Monday 24th of August 2020

Thank you for comments. Hoping we can cruise again soon, Jill

Friday 18th of October 2019

Great Information with fantastic detail. Thank-you

Sunday 20th of October 2019

Thank you for your comment. I'm happy to hear it was helpful. Happy cruising. Jill

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What You Need to Know About Cruising With Food Allergies Kids With Food Allergies 1/17/17 3:36 PM KFA Leadership & Announcements

During the past few years, the cruise industry has started taking food allergies and special diets more seriously. Many major cruise lines now have policies to avoid cross contamination. Recently, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an industry trade group, issued a statement about how cruise lines accommodate food allergy diets.

“Cruise lines are well equipped and happy to accommodate a variety of diets including no/low fat, vegetarian, vegan, dairy or lactose free, gluten or wheat free, low cholesterol, diabetic, Kosher and Halal diets, as well as allergy-specific diets,” the CLIA said.

What are your options for dining on board?

Years ago, cruises only offered meals in their main dining rooms, with never-ending buffets. Cruisers now want more flexibility. So cruise lines have started offering specialty restaurants, food stations and small cafés.

But for families with a child with food allergies, the dining room is usually the safest place to eat. The larger dining room galley is set up better to create allergy-free meals and avoid cross-contamination. At dinner, you will have the same waiter every night. The maître d’ should also know about your child’s allergies to help ensure you receive safe meals.

Policies on food allergies and special diets vary among different cruise lines. Here is some information about how individual cruise lines handle food allergies:

• Carnival Cruise Line offers food options that do not include top food allergens. They offer allergy-free foods in their dining rooms and on the Lido Deck.
• Celebrity Cruises is working with Dine Aware, a company that helps food service staff improve their understanding of food allergies. This program is helping them create new food allergy standards on their ships. Dine Aware started in November 2016.
• Disney Cruise Line does not have separate kitchens for allergen-free foods, but they do state they will make "reasonable" efforts to prepare safe items. They recommend that you eat in one of their main dining rooms so you can discuss dietary needs with the head server. They also offer gluten-free and dairy-free options at their table service restaurants.
• Norwegian Cruise Line includes gluten-free kitchen areas. They also have strict rules in the galleys to avoid cross contamination when preparing and serving food. A spokeswoman said they can accommodate guests with food allergies.

Are staff of children’s programs trained to handle food allergies?

Many major cruise lines have children’s programs. But each cruise line has their own specific emergency procedures and policies, including those involving allergic reactions , a CLIA spokesperson said. Check with a cruise line representative for more information.

• Carnival : Youth staff can use epinephrine auto-injectors. They also serve snacks and meals. The snacks vary per ship, including snacks for children with food allergies.
• Celebrity : Youth staff are not allowed to give epinephrine. Parents register their children, leave the epinephrine and talk to the staff. Staff are trained to recognize emergencies and to tell the medical staff immediately. Staff use a special form to help them keep children with food allergies safe during meal times. To avoid allergic reactions, children cannot bring food or drinks into Celebrity’s youth programs and snacks are not served. They do serve the children lunch and dinner in their Oceanview Cafe. It is set up to handle food allergies and other dietary restrictions.
• Disney : Youth staff are trained and can use epinephrine auto-injectors. Parents or guardians must sign an authorization to allow the staff to give the medication. Disney asks that parents provide their child’s prescribed, unexpired auto-injector.
• Norwegian :  Youth staff are trained to contact the medical staff right away if a child has a reaction. They also keep epinephrine in the kids’ areas. Norwegian did not respond when asked if staff can give epinephrine.

What if my child has a reaction while on board?

Any ship with more than 100 passengers has to follow standards set by the American College of Emergency Physicians. This means there has to be at least one doctor on board and all clinic staff has to have at least three years of experience. The availability of stock epinephrine on board varies from ship to ship. Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian and Carnival all carry epinephrine on board. As with any trip, bring your own epinephrine and other medicine. Some ships are enormous and the infirmary may be on one of the lower floors of the ship. Emergency care could take several minutes to reach you. “Since each ship is different in size and configuration, we are unable to provide exact ‘response times’ to various emergencies,” said Bradley Norman, corporate communication specialist for Celebrity. “However, the response is only a few minutes at most and is generally much more rapid than that which can be expected by land-based staff.”

So carry your own or your child’s epinephrine with you at all times while moving around the ship. And don’t forget to carry epinephrine on offshore trips.

Can offshore excursions accommodate food allergies?

Cruises are a great way to experience international locations. But a ship’s food allergy policy will not apply at ports and during offshore trips.

Other countries may not have formal food allergy policies. You may not get accurate information about food ingredients. Be cautious when eating off the ship and research the country you are visiting ahead of time.

Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture won’t allow cruise lines to give safe meals to take off the ship. You can usually choose from a variety of shore excursions that are short and don’t offer food. This will allow you to enjoy the port while giving you the chance to return to the ship for meals. Each cruise line has different policies on packing your own food from home. Norwegian lets you bring non-perishable food on board and on excursions. Disney will also allow you to bring sealed, non-perishable food on board as long as it is in its original packaging. Carnival and Celebrity do not.

USDA regulations will only allow you to take baby food and dry, non-perishable snacks off the ship at ports of call.

I’m ready to book a cruise. What do I do now?

Before you book a cruise, do your homework. Call the cruise line and ask questions:

• Ask about their specific food allergy policies, youth programs and medical policies. Policies can vary on each cruise line.
• Ask about bringing your own safe snacks on board.
• Once you choose the cruise line you are most comfortable with, ask your travel agent or cruise sales person who you need to talk to about your child’s allergies. With most major cruise lines, they will have you speak to a special department. They usually make sure your ship’s staff knows about your child’s allergies in advance.

Does my child need a passport?

If your cruise is a closed loop sailing, you may be able to travel with just a birth certificate. A closed loop sailing means you leave from and return to the same U.S. port.

However, if you have a medical emergency and need to be transferred to a hospital at one of the ports, you would not be able to reenter the U.S. without a passport. You would have to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the port for help returning to the U.S. This could be a lengthy process. So in case of a medical emergency, it is a good idea to have passports for your entire family.

Cruising has become a popular family vacation option. Many families have safely cruised with children with food allergies. But before you book, do your research on individual cruise line policies to see which one is right for you. You might find cruising to be a great way for your family to have safe, allergy-free fun.

Things to remember:

• Take your child’s emergency medicine, including epinephrine auto-injectors and asthma medicine, and anything else they use on a regular basis.
• Take your emergency action plans.
• Pack your child’s medications in their original packaging with the pharmacy labels. You will have to go through customs and a security checkpoint at the port. You will also need proper labels if you fly to your port.
• Learn more about traveling with allergies and asthma .
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Comments (4).

Thanks! And feel free to start a thread on our Main Support Forum  about any questions or ideas you have, or to join in on our What's For Dinner thread . Corn and soy are EVERYWHERE, and it takes some creative thinking to come up with favorite treats.

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My allergies started to get serious 5 years ago. Soy is anaphylaxis and corn is rash and feeling sick for 3 to 4 days. I will definitely post my carnival cruise experience when I get back in march.

Welcome, Cindy! I'm especially interested in how it goes for you since my DD manages a corn allergy! How long have you been managing your food allergies?

I wanted to let you know that carnival cruise line allows prepackaged food brought on in your carry on. Also, 12 cans of liquid drinks per person. We leave for our trip next month with carnival and they told me with my corn and soy allergies they will pack me a lunch for going off the ship! I'm so excited to see how it goes!

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Food allergy information

By sherrihall128 , March 24, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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sherrihall128

We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

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BirdTravels

2 minutes ago, sherrihall128 said: Hello, We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

I don't recall ever seeing a food allergy question during check in. 

Normally, you need to notify the cruise line at least 45 days in advance. But any notification is fine. Link to the access desk: 

https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising#dietary-requirements

At every meal, the waiter will ask about allergies. If they are severe allergies that would cause an allergic reaction and require special food preparations, you need to address that as soon as you board. That food is prepared in a separate galley designed for food allergies. 

In the galley, common menu items have allergy warnings for the waiters, but something specific needs to be addressed with the chef. 

57 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: I don't recall ever seeing a food allergy question during check in.    Normally, you need to notify the cruise line at least 45 days in advance. But any notification is fine. Link to the access desk:  https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising#dietary-requirements   At every meal, the waiter will ask about allergies. If they are severe allergies that would cause an allergic reaction and require special food preparations, you need to address that as soon as you board. That food is prepared in a separate galley designed for food allergies.    In the galley, common menu items have allergy warnings for the waiters, but something specific needs to be addressed with the chef. 

Thanks for this info! I don't remember filling out a special needs request last cruise, but I'll probably have to do it for our upcoming one. Luckily, the allergies are to nuts/peanuts, which are well-labeled and easy to spot compared to other allergens.

Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

6 minutes ago, pfanny37 said: Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

17 minutes ago, pfanny37 said: Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

They already knew, once they swiped a card it popped up.

GeezerCouple

2 hours ago, sherrihall128 said:   My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

We simply tell any food prep situation (restaurant, cruise...) that although A (DH) and B (me) are indeed food allergies, that "cross contamination is NOT a problem" and that separate prep is NOT needed... we just can't have 'pieces' of A/B on our plate.

But in general, for food allergies, they probably still need to do at least some separate prep... they can't extract extra salt once the dish is made, nor bother taking out sesame seeds from <whatever>, etc.

I suspect that they want to be overly cautious rather than the reverse, and especially with certain allergies that can have life-threatening reactions.

"Tree nuts" and "shellfish" allergies *can* be of that dire type, even if they aren't in your situation.  I can understand them being careful.  Also, there's a reasonable chance that there are others who may need the same special prep, and if so, that's going to happen anyway.

My food allergy is an unusual one, so it's unlikely others would have the same request/need.  Fortunately, it's an ingredient I can usually "see", so what I usually need to do is avoid things like "mystery meat loaf", which isn't something I'm likely to order anyway. 😉  DH's is an ingredient that can't be "seen", so he does need to rely upon the prep.

And we ALWAYS remind the waitstaff when we give a food order, and we ALSO always ask, "This is the <RESTRICTION> RIGHT?" when it is served.

Better safe than sorry!

7 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:   We simply tell any food prep situation (restaurant, cruise...) that although A (DH) and B (me) are indeed food allergies, that "cross contamination is NOT a problem" and that separate prep is NOT needed... we just can't have 'pieces' of A/B on our plate.   But in general, for food allergies, they probably still need to do at least some separate prep... they can't extract extra salt once the dish is made, nor bother taking out sesame seeds from <whatever>, etc. I suspect that they want to be overly cautious rather than the reverse, and especially with certain allergies that can have life-threatening reactions.   "Tree nuts" and "shellfish" allergies *can* be of that dire type, even if they aren't in your situation.  I can understand them being careful.  Also, there's a reasonable chance that there are others who may need the same special prep, and if so, that's going to happen anyway.   My food allergy is an unusual one, so it's unlikely others would have the same request/need.  Fortunately, it's an ingredient I can usually "see", so what I usually need to do is avoid things like "mystery meat loaf", which isn't something I'm likely to order anyway. 😉  DH's is an ingredient that can't be "seen", so he does need to rely upon the prep.   And we ALWAYS remind the waitstaff when we give a food order, and we ALSO always ask, "This is the <RESTRICTION> RIGHT?" when it is served. Better safe than sorry!   GC

I totally agree. My husband was just being grumpy because he was asked about his allergies 2-3 times every visit to the dining room. The wait staff told us that had to be very careful or they could lose their jobs. They are right to be careful!

I prefer filling this out to having to specify my allergies every single time I eat.  https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/

When I was on the Jade, I was assigned a special crew member who oversaw all the special dietary needs. I was able to tell them ahead of time what I wanted and they made dishes special for me, which I liked. I love lamb, but never usually get to eat it at a restaurant, due to the use of rosemary, sage and thyme. I was able to have it on the Jade. 

That was pre-Covid days. I'll be going on my first post-Covid cruise in September, so we'll see how the Escape handles it.

On 3/24/2023 at 12:33 PM, sherrihall128 said:   Thanks for this info! I don't remember filling out a special needs request last cruise, but I'll probably have to do it for our upcoming one. Luckily, the allergies are to nuts/peanuts, which are well-labeled and easy to spot compared to other allergens.

Sherri - the link can be found  Accessible Cruising - Norwegian Cruise Line | Important Information for Guests with Special Needs (ncl.com)

2 hours ago, arpie05 said: Sherri - the link can be found  Accessible Cruising - Norwegian Cruise Line | Important Information for Guests with Special Needs (ncl.com)

On 3/24/2023 at 6:49 PM, Ellis1138 said: I prefer filling this out to having to specify my allergies every single time I eat.  https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/   When I was on the Jade, I was assigned a special crew member who oversaw all the special dietary needs. I was able to tell them ahead of time what I wanted and they made dishes special for me, which I liked. I love lamb, but never usually get to eat it at a restaurant, due to the use of rosemary, sage and thyme. I was able to have it on the Jade.    That was pre-Covid days. I'll be going on my first post-Covid cruise in September, so we'll see how the Escape handles it.

Fill out the Access Desk form listed above and document that you have allergies.  I cruised with wife and two daughters in the Joy. All have allergies of varying concern. We went to lunch at one of the main restaurants after boarding and asked to talk to someone to document our allergies. They took down all information so that it was available every time we checked in at a restaurant. 

During the cruise, each day, the people with allergies could pre-order for the following day (usually at dinner). We had one person assigned to help us at every meal and this person was amazing about it. Preordering allowed the chefs to ensure everything was good and even made some of the sauces special without the allergen. The only negative is it limited our ability to change up dining options the next day. But, as a whole, the process was amazing and greatly reduced all concerns about food. I would highly recommend doing this if you have concerns about an allergy. 

On 3/24/2023 at 12:24 PM, sherrihall128 said: Hello,   We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

I think we are in the same cruise!  We are sailing with our friends whose teenage son has a tree nut allergy. My friend registered with the access desk and they told her that he can’t/shouldn’t eat in the buffet because they can’t assure there is no cross contamination.   He’ll pick his meals for the next day the night before. 

1 hour ago, Redsky5292 said: I think we are in the same cruise!  We are sailing with our friends whose teenage son has a tree nut allergy. My friend registered with the access desk and they told her that he can’t/shouldn’t eat in the buffet because they can’t assure there is no cross contamination.   He’ll pick his meals for the next day the night before. 

We can be watching nut allergens together on the ship! My 12 year old son can be a bit oblivious, so we'll have to be careful with him.

On 3/24/2023 at 12:46 PM, sherrihall128 said:   My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

I had the same issue on the Encore a couple weeks ago. I appreciate that they want to cater too the allergies but agree that they took it too seriously. I totally understand how your husband felt. 

23 minutes ago, Tymless1 said: I had the same issue on the Encore a couple weeks ago. I appreciate that they want to cater too the allergies but agree that they took it too seriously. I totally understand how your husband felt. 

It’s probably a liability issue, one a food allergy is made known they must follow protocols.

On the other hand, having your allergy on record can work for your benefit.

We were on a NCL cruise with a port stop in Aruba.  We had an afternoon excursion booked.

My husband has a mushroom allergy that will cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms about two hours after eating a mushroom.

We stopped to eat lunch at one of the alternate eatery on board ship at the time (can't think of the name) and before ordering, had the waiter check with the kitchen to make sure that no mushrooms were in his order.

He was assured his selection was mushroom free, ordered, started to eat and after several bits saw a big mushroom on his plate.

He immediately called the waiter over who called the restaurant supervisor who immediately called down to medical for my husband to see the doctor.

Knowing what was in store for him gastrointestinal wise  in about two hours,  the doctor called the excursion desk to have a medically necessary cancellation of the excursion. The cost was refunded instead of us losing the money.

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Cruising with Food Allergies: What You Need to Know

Cruising with food allergies can be smooth sailing with these tips from CruiseExperts.com

Planning a vacation should be an enjoyable experience from choosing your desired destination to daydreaming about activities and adventures you will enjoy. But living with food allergies can sometimes put a damper on traveling. Research should be done ahead of time regarding food options whether you are cruising or choosing a different method of transportation. Thankfully, cruise lines work hard to accommodate guests with food allergies. Many cruise lines employ award-winning chefs who are educated and trained when it comes to food allergies and the seriousness of the issue at hand. Plus, the goal of these cruise lines is to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable vacation, while also tending to any concerns you may have. If you or a loved one will soon be cruising with food allergies, here are some tips to help you protect yourself and enjoy your trip as much as possible:

Decide which cruise line would work best

In addition to destination, price, amenities, etc., certain cruise lines have specific systems in place to accommodate guests with allergies and dietary needs. Some of the best cruise lines for food allergies include Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Disney, Holland, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean and more. Some of these cruise lines, such as Azamara, will even send you an invitation to meet with the executive chef and restaurant manager to discuss allergies and special meal options.

Inform your travel agent ahead of time

Starting to plan your dream vacation? If so, let your skilled cruise agent know ahead of time about any food allergies, medical concerns, etc. Whether you have a diary, shellfish, gluten or nut allergy (among other possibilities), your travel agent will mark your account so the cruise line and its food staff are well aware. In addition, he or she can offer tips and suggestions about food options onboard your chosen vessel and accommodations that can be made. Because of the hustle and bustle aboard the ship on the first day, it is best to notify the cruise ship ahead of time rather than the day you step onboard.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Not sure what is in a particular dish, sauce or condiment? Don’t be afraid to ask your wait staff or head waiter to see the label, or ask the chef about the ingredient list. Taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the ingredients beforehand is by far a better option than dealing with a potential food allergy reaction later. Cruiseline chefs and wait staff serve hundreds if not thousands of guests with food allergies each week and understand the importance of knowing a meal’s ingredient.

Consider choosing a set dinner time

While some cruise lines are known for their freestyle dining options, choosing a set dinner option may work best when food allergies are involved. This allows you to introduce yourself to the wait staff scheduled for your table during the cruise, and thoroughly explain any food allergies.

Don’t be afraid to try something new

If you are about to embark on your very first cruise, get ready for daily meals options that are unique and mouthwatering. Chefs typically go all out at dinnertime, so if you see something on the menu that looks delicious, try it out. If there is an ingredient you are unable to eat, ask your head waiter to have the dish specially prepared with safe ingredient options. In most cases, the kitchen staff will be more than happy to provide you with a scrumptious dish that won’t affect your food allergies.

Wondering which companies offer the best cruise lines for families that deal with food allergies or other medical concerns? Speak to a skilled CruiseExperts.com cruise agent today to find the perfect ship for your needs. Visit www.CruiseExperts.com or contact us directly at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) to learn more. And, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use! Also, check out our new Resource Center , where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!

Don't Overpay for Your Cruise

Cruising with Food Allergies

Cruises give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to see a variety of cities while eating most, if not all, your meals in a safe, controlled environment. Not all cruise lines are created equal, and the key is knowing the right questions to ask. Use our 12 tips for cruising with food allergies and our cruise line resource that details booking information and dining accommodations from the major lines. And to make the whole experience a breeze, consider Pixie Lizzie, a travel agent and food allergy mom.

12 Tips for Cruising with Food Allergies | Pixie Lizzie | Cruise Line Resource

1. Consider using a travel agent. A travel agent that specializes in cruises and has experience with food allergies, either firsthand or for their clients, can be extremely beneficial. Agents don’t generally charge a fee, and the ticket prices are the same as if you buy directly from the cruise line. Look for someone who has personally traveled on the ships they recommend. See our featured travel agent, Pixie Lizzie. 2. Find a line that will plan ahead with you. Look for a cruise line that will let you start planning for safe meals before you board — some lines will have you wait until you board. The benefit is you’ll have the opportunity to communicate your needs ahead of time and understand how they can accommodate them. Note: Some lines require up to 90 days advance notice about your allergens. Find which line meets your needs! 3. Ask about the dining protocols. Find out if they’ve had experience with food allergic customers. Choose a line that can articulate the allergy policy, including detail on how the staff is trained and how to best navigate meals (i.e. if allergies are noted on the menus). Determine whether you can or should special order allergy-friendly meals ahead of time. See if you can bring outside food to supplement dining options and/or for excursions. 4. Determine if the ship has adequate medical staff and supplies. A safe ship should have a doctor and nurses on call 24/7. They should also stock epinephrine, steroids and a breathing apparatus onboard. If you plan to use a kids club, ask if employees are trained to use auto-injectors and have undergone background checks. 5. Purchase travelers insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage if your travel plans change and covers the costs for transportation to a secondary medical facility in the event of a reaction. Food allergies are considered a pre-existing condition, so make sure your policy covers that.

6. Eat in the main dining room whenever possible. The main dining room is the safest place to eat if you have allergies, as opposed to buffets, because your meals will be made fresh. On some lines, you will have the same waiter every night, which is ideal. Another strategy is to ask to see the menu ahead of time so you can order in advance. 7. Choose the earliest seating. Often cruise lines have first and second seating in the dining room. The first seating ensures you are not eating right before bedtime.

8. Plan your meals. You may not be able to bring food off the boat due to customs regulations, so it may be best to eat before you get off the ship. If the line has allowed you to bring snacks on the boat to take them on an excursion, they must be pre-packaged and there will be restrictions such as no fruits, vegetables or meats. 9. Keep it short. Consider a short excursion if you want to avoid having to navigate meals in the port city. 10. Find allergy-friendly options. Use the Spokin app to find reviews in 43 countries to help you find the safest restaurants wherever you are! 11. Bring allergy cards. Consider printing allergen cards written in the languages of all your port cities.

After Arrival

12. Say thanks after a good experience. Share a review of your cruise line and any other restaurants you visited in the Spokin app!

Packing List

• Auto-injectors Bring a minimum of two auto-injectors and any other medications you may need.
• An Auto-injector Prescription In the event you’ve had to use an auto-injector on the boat and you need to refill at a port, this will allow you to avoid having to call your allergist.
• Personal Care Items If needed, bring your own travel-sized bottles of allergy safe toiletries (e.g. shampoo, body wash and suntan lotion).
• Snacks If allowed, bring snacks for excursions and to supplement the ships offerings, especially desserts.

Featured Travel Agent: Pixie Lizzie

Lizzie Reynolds is a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations through her company Pixie Lizzie . She is also a food-allergy mom with a daughter managing severe dairy, peanut and tree nut allergies. She’s an experienced cruiser and has been known to bring gifts onboard for chefs that take care of her clients. Her blog, AllergyFreeMouse.com is the go-to resource for Disney vacations.

Her process is extensive, and she helps her clients navigate every step of the way. While Disney is her favorite cruise line, she’s also a fan of SeaDream , a yachting company whose executive chefs make all meals from scratch and catered to your allergens. Note: This line is only for children ten years or older. She’s an undeniably unique resource for food allergy families.

Cruise Line Resource

Before You Book: Notify the line’s Special Services team about your allergies and dietary restrictions by calling 407-566-3602 at least 45 days in advance of your cruise!  

Dining Accommodations: Disney can accommodate the top 8 food allergies at their table-service restaurants. They can also accommodate outside the top 8 allergens and encourage you to call in advance so they can prepare for your visit. They don’t have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or separate dining areas for guests with allergies or intolerances.

Before You Book:  If you made your reservation on their website, you can add your allergy information to the “Update personal information” section. You can also email an allergen request to [email protected] .

Dining Accommodations: Allergies are best accommodated in the main dining room. Confirm your dietary request with the restaurant manager at dinner the first night of the cruise, and remind your server at each meal!

Before You Book: Contact the Access Desk to discuss policies and procedures concerning special diets prior to your cruise. Special dietary requests should be submitted with this form at least 45 days prior to sailing.

Dining Accommodations: Upon embarkation, guests meet with the Restaurant Manager or the Executive Chef for arrangements and to go over their dietary needs. Guests may bring non-perishable, pre-packaged snacks onto the ship to be stored in their cabin.

Before You Book: Contact the Ship Services Department at (800) 541-1576. Complete a Special Requirements Information (SRI) form to provide detailed allergen information.

Dining Accommodations: Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Holland America Line regularly. Contact the Dining Room Manager upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. However, meals are prepared in mass quantities on board, so there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination.

Before You Book: You or your travel consultant must advise Princess in writing of any special diet, allergies or medical needs. Submit allergen requests in writing no later than 35 days prior to departure for cruises to Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and Coastal Getaways. For all other cruises, requests must be received no later than 65 days prior to departure.  

Dining Accommodations: Once onboard, please check with the Maître D’ to confirm your allergen requests.

Before You Book: Email the Special Needs Department 40 days prior to sailing and inform them of your allergy at [email protected] .

Dining Accommodations: On the first evening, speak with the Maître D’ to let them know you have allergies, and remind your server at the beginning of every meal. In the buffet, talk with the manager so they can answer any questions about ingredients in a particular dish. All items prepared for guests with food allergies are handled separately from the main food production. Also, annual retraining is provided to ensure that staff members know the latest information regarding the 14 major food allergens and intolerances.

Before You Book: Dietary requests are handled onboard the ship. However, to notify the staff in advance, email the Special Requests Department at [email protected] .

Dining Accommodations: Discuss your food allergies with the head waiter at dinner on the first night of the cruise. Allergies can best be accommodated in the main dining room. When dining at the buffet, speak with the senior dining staff.

You may also be interested in...

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• Jul 18, 2018

Five Great Cruise Lines for Families with Food Allergies

My family and I love cruising, and we’ve done so despite allergies to tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish and dairy. With a bit of planning, you can do the same. With any cruise line, you’ll need to provide your travel agent with your family’s food allergies and any other special or dietary needs well in advance - preferably, when you book. Since cruises aren’t exactly able to run out to the store for supplies, they will need to plan properly and long before you board the ship.

1) Disney Cruise Line

The perennial U.S. News and World Report and Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice top award winner tops our list. Buffets offer gluten free options as well as many vegetarian options without having to ask. Bonus: they use a rotational dining plan, which means you eat in a different restaurant each night, and your service staff follows you. This means you keep two servers who know you after day one, and you experience each of the main dining rooms, all done up in Disney style.

2) Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

This 2016 Autism Society Adam Heavner Memorial Award for Business of the Year has made dietary and other special needs of kids a central effort of the past few years. The first Autism Friendly Certified cruise line, they understand the dietary needs associated with the autism spectrum and have built what is currently the only autism-focused program at sea. For kids who simply have dietary needs, they’re equally dedicated. They offer a traditional dinner seating (same bat place, same bat time, same servers, different menu each night) as well as an open seating option, which allows you to choose your dining venue and time each night at your convenience.

3) Princess Cruises

I know, I know. You think of the Pacific Princess, Isaac and Gopher. But, this Travel Weekly and three-peat USA Today “Best Ocean Cruise Line” champion has come a long way since the days of The Love Boat. They are dedicated to families, with unique experiences on board and in port designed in partnership with Discovery Communications. Their variety of included dining options, which include a brick oven pizza prepared in an open kitchen, along with their top-notch service puts many minds at ease. Similar to Royal Caribbean, they offer both a traditional seating option as well as an open seating option.

4) Norwegian Cruise Line

A darling of multiple cruise industry “Best of…” awards since 2003, Norwegian’s pre-cruise support for those with food allergies and other dietary needs, as well as other special needs is fantastic. Onboard, you’ll find multiple dining venues and friendly, helpful staff who are there to serve. Part of their incentive program is tied to positive responses on customer experience surveys, and they strive to ensure they receive them on the last night of your cruise. At dinner, Norwegian uses an open seating option called “Freestyle Dining” - eat wherever you like, whenever you like. They pioneered this advancement in cruise dining in the early 2000s, and is the foundation for other cruise line’s open seating concepts. While your servers are different each night, those with food allergies are handled with the care and attention required. You’ll simply need to introduce your family each night and make some new friends along the way.

5) Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has spent the better part of the last decade transforming its image as a booze cruise to a family-centric value cruise line. They’ve done a fantastic job in overhauling their entire fleet to add fresh new dining options and redesigning their kids club spaces. Camp Ocean and Circle C do not allow outside food in their spaces, and do not serve food either. The exception is their late-night programs where some snacks, such as chips may be served. Also, any kid 8 and under with any special needs have a different colored name tag with their needs written on the back so staff can identify them at any time. In the dining rooms, you have the option of traditional seating or open seating.

#cruisingwithallergies #cruisetips

• Travel with Food Allergies
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Don't stress about your meals on vacation: How to take a cruise if you have dietary restrictions

• Travelers who have dietary restrictions or food allergies require extra planning when taking a trip.
• Celiac Cruise facilitates a celiac-specific training for all crew members on board the ship and has a dedicated galley free of gluten for the duration of the trip.
• They also choose sailings based on guest feedback, and work to safely recreate otherwise gluten-heavy experiences.

David and Sara Stubler took a cruise for their honeymoon in 1995, but after David found out he could not eat gluten six years ago, he thought that was his last.

"Because of my severe reaction to gluten and cross-contact, we didn't think we'd ever go on a cruise again," David Stubler, who has celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis and is also dairy-free, told USA TODAY.

Then, the 51-year-old stumbled across Celiac Cruise online, which offers gluten-free sailings in partnership with Royal Caribbean International and AmaWaterways. He and his wife boarded a cruise to the Bahamas with the company in January 2020 to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

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"Going into it, I was skeptical, so I had the suitcase full of snacks and emergency food and quickly realized I didn't need any of it," said the mechanical engineer, who is based in Kansas City, Kansas.

For travelers like Stubler who have dietary restrictions or food   allergies, taking a trip requires extra thought and planning.   And while taking a cruise can present a challenge for those with specific dietary restrictions, travelers can do so safely.

Try a specialized sailing

Maureen Basye co-founded Celiac Cruise after her son and husband were diagnosed with celiac disease. She and her family had traveled extensively prior to the diagnosis and wanted to continue to do so, but the experience felt different as she thought through every detail, from what they could eat at the airport to how many bags of food she needed to pack.

On vacation, she said, "the goal is to unplug and really relax and be able to just focus on your family or friends or whatever, and you're consumed 100% with, 'OK, what am I going to eat next, and what would happen if I got sick?' "

Celiac Cruise facilitates a celiac-specific training for all crew members on board the ship in partnership with Boston Children's Hospital, and has a dedicated galley – a kitchen on cruise ships – free of gluten for the duration of the trip.

In addition to regular meals, they offer late-night snacks, and have members of the medical team from Boston Children's Hospital and other experts present research to cruisers and "really give people the chance to learn something about how to better navigate and better live day to day with this disease," Basye said.

Story continues below.

They also choose sailings based on guest feedback, and work to safely recreate otherwise gluten-heavy experiences – such as by providing gluten-free pretzels to passengers in Austria.

Basye said rather than passengers feeling they cannot eat a given food or participate in a certain activity, she said the Celiac Cruise aims to say, "No, actually you can with us. This is what you can do."

Research ahead of time and prepare

Allie Bahn, a food allergy travel consultant who runs the website Miss Allergic Reactor, went on a cruise to Bermuda with her family in high school and has been on several smaller ones as an adult.

"I think in the last decade or so, it definitely seems like they're a lot more accustomed to dealing with different dietary restrictions and also food allergies as well," she added. Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, recently launched a food allergy program .

Bahn, who is allergic to foods including peanuts, tree nuts, and fish, said doing research ahead of time is the best way to safely take a cruise.

• She recommended reading reviews of the cruise line, looking into their protocols, and reaching out to them to "find out what that will look like when you're actually on the cruise."
• She also stressed that travelers should check to see what kind of medical facilities, staff, and supplies the ship has and determine their own comfort level. "If it's a family that hasn't done much traveling before, or an individual that hasn't done that much traveling before, they really need to decide if they feel comfortable with however far they're going, the destination, out in the middle of the ocean," she said.
• Bahn recommended cruisers consider whether they will need a translated "chef card" stating their food allergies, particularly if they are traveling to places where English is less commonly spoken.
• Buffets can be tricky for travelers with food allergies as well. "It's really hard to know," she said. "People can be mixing the different utensils with things." She suggested opting for a sit-down option instead, where guests can communicate their allergies to a server who can relay them to the chef.
• Bring plenty of safe, packaged snacks, too, "so that you always have a backup plan," Bahn said.

Lizzie Reynolds, a food allergy travel agent who focuses on Disney as well as other destinations, said to check rules about what kinds of foods you can bring off the ship while in port, as restrictions may vary.

"If the cruise line doesn't know that information, that should be a red flag," she said. Reynolds added that the company should know those rules.

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Reynolds added that not all companies handle allergies equally. She works with Disney Cruise Line, AmaWaterways, and SeaDream Yacht Club, and also recommended Windstar Cruises, all of which she said have "consistent great care" for food allergies.

What if you are exposed to allergens?

If you are exposed to something you are allergic to, Dr. James Baker, director of the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center at Michigan Medicine, said it is important to have an epinephrine auto-injector with you and be sure it's up to date.

"If you're going to be on the (ship) for a prolonged period of time, let's say a two-week cruise, you may even want to have at least two and maybe four of those, so if you have a reaction you can take care of it," he said.

He also recommended notifying medical staff of your allergies before or when you board, showing them your emergency medications and "make sure that they feel comfortable treating you beyond that."

While Reynolds said traveling with food allergies is still difficult, her 17-year-old daughter who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy, has been on over 20 cruises. She has had anaphylaxis multiple times, but never while on a ship.

Voyage Voices

Managing Food Allergies And Dietary Restrictions On A Cruise

Table of Contents

Embarking on a cruise vacation can be a dream come true, with endless opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. However, for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, the excitement can be tinged with anxiety about managing their special dietary needs while onboard. It’s crucial to understand how to navigate the world of dining on a cruise ship, ensuring that every meal is a delicious and safe experience. In this article, we will explore helpful tips and strategies for managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of your vacation without any worries.

Planning Your Cruise

Planning a cruise can be an exciting and memorable experience. It is essential to take into consideration your dietary needs and restrictions before embarking on your adventure. By adequately researching cruise lines and ships, contacting the cruise line in advance, and reviewing menus and meal options, you can ensure that your dietary needs will be catered to throughout your trip.

Researching Cruise Lines and Ships

When it comes to managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise, it is crucial to select a cruise line and ship that can accommodate your specific needs. Take the time to research different cruise lines and their offerings. Look for those that have a reputation for providing excellent options for individuals with dietary restrictions. Consider reading reviews and testimonials from other travelers who share similar needs to gain insights into their experiences.

Contacting the Cruise Line

Once you have narrowed down your options, it is essential to contact the cruise line directly to discuss your dietary needs. Many cruise lines prioritize guest satisfaction and are more than happy to make accommodations. By reaching out to them before your trip, you can provide the necessary information and ensure that your dietary requirements will be taken care of. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your allergies or restrictions, the severity of your condition, and any specific requests or preferences you may have.

Reviewing Menus and Meal Options

Before finalizing your cruise plans, review the menus and meal options available onboard. Most cruise lines publish their menus online, allowing you to assess the variety and suitability of the food choices. Pay special attention to any allergen labeling or indication of allergen-free options. If you have specific dietary needs that are not addressed on the menu, discuss this with the cruise line to see if they can accommodate your requests. It’s essential to be proactive in ensuring that your meals will be safely prepared and enjoyable throughout your trip.

Communicating Your Dietary Needs

Once you have planned your cruise, it is time to communicate your dietary needs to ensure a seamless experience onboard.

Contacting the Cruise Line in Advance

To ensure that your dietary needs are known and addressed, it is crucial to contact the cruise line in advance. The earlier you provide this information, the better prepared the ship’s crew and culinary staff can be. You can communicate your dietary restrictions and preferences, inquire about specific menu options, and ask any questions you may have. By sharing this information ahead of time, the cruise line can make suitable accommodations and ensure your needs are met.

Completing Medical Forms

When planning a cruise, most cruise lines require passengers to fill out medical forms. These forms typically include a section where you can indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. Take the time to accurately complete the forms and provide detailed information about your dietary needs. This will help the ship’s medical team and onboard restaurant staff to be aware of your condition and make necessary arrangements.

Discussing Your Needs with the Restaurant Staff

Upon boarding the ship, it is essential to speak with the restaurant staff about your dietary needs. Introduce yourself, mention your allergies or restrictions, and discuss any specific preferences you have. The restaurant staff will appreciate your proactive approach and will be better equipped to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience for you. Keeping an open line of communication with the restaurant staff throughout your cruise will allow them to address any concerns or make adjustments to your meals as needed.

Pack Accordingly

In addition to taking the necessary planning steps, packing accordingly is another important aspect of managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise.

Bringing Your Own Snacks

Although cruise lines strive to accommodate various dietary needs, it is always a good idea to pack some safe snacks that you know you can enjoy without any concerns. These snacks can be a lifesaver during excursions or late-night cravings when specific options may not be readily available. Pack snacks that are non-perishable and easily portable, such as granola bars, trail mix, or individual-sized packets of nut butter.

Researching Local Grocery Stores

If you have unique dietary requirements or prefer to have control over your own meals, it may be helpful to research local grocery stores at each port of call. Knowing the locations of nearby grocery stores will allow you to purchase fresh produce, allergen-friendly foods, or any other items you may need to supplement your onboard meals. This way, you can ensure that you have access to safe and suitable food options throughout your cruise.

Packing Medications and Emergency Treatments

When managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise, it is crucial to come prepared with any necessary medications and emergency treatments. This includes carrying your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector if you have severe allergies, as well as any other medications you may require. Make sure to pack these items in your carry-on luggage to have them readily available during your trip. It is also a good idea to bring copies of your prescriptions or any medical documentation that may be helpful in case of an emergency.

Navigating Buffets and Dining Options

Buffets and dining options are an integral part of the cruise experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate these dining experiences safely and comfortably.

Choosing Allergy-Friendly Dining Times

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensure a more personalized dining experience, consider choosing allergy-friendly dining times. Opt for dining times when the restaurant is less crowded , as this allows the restaurant staff to pay more attention to individual dietary needs. By selecting less busy dining periods, you can have a more relaxed and enjoyable meal without feeling rushed or worried about accidental exposure to allergens.

Reading Labels and Asking for Assistance

When dining at buffets or self-serve stations, it is essential to read labels carefully and be aware of potential allergens. Food labels should indicate common allergens present in each dish, but it is always a good idea to double-check. If you are uncertain about the ingredients or preparation methods, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the restaurant staff. They are trained to provide information about the food they serve and can guide you in making safe choices.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination can be a significant concern when managing food allergies and dietary restrictions. To avoid accidental exposure to allergens, take precautions such as using separate utensils or requesting freshly prepared food from the kitchen. Communicate with the restaurant staff and inform them about the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. By working together, you can ensure a safer dining experience and minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Special Dietary Considerations

Whether you follow a gluten-free diet, practice vegetarianism or veganism, or adhere to kosher or halal dietary laws, cruise lines are increasingly offering options to cater to these special dietary considerations.

Gluten-Free Options

If you have gluten intolerance or follow a gluten-free diet, most cruise lines offer gluten-free alternatives for various meals and snacks. From gluten-free bread and pasta to dedicated gluten-free sections in buffets, you can enjoy a wide range of options. Be sure to communicate your dietary needs to the cruise line ahead of time, so they can ensure appropriate options are available throughout your cruise.

Vegetarian and Vegan Meals

More and more individuals are adopting vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, and cruise lines have taken notice. Many cruise lines offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes that cater to these dietary choices. These options are often clearly marked on menus or can be specially prepared upon request. Inform the cruise line of your dietary preference, and you can look forward to indulging in delicious and satisfying plant-based meals throughout your cruise.

Kosher or Halal Meals

For individuals who adhere to kosher or halal dietary laws, some cruise lines offer kosher or halal meal options. These options may be limited and require advance notice, so it is essential to communicate your needs to the cruise line well in advance. By doing so, the cruise line can make arrangements to ensure that your meals meet your religious dietary requirements.

Seeking Support and Guidance

Managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise can be overwhelming at times. Seek support and guidance to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Traveling with a Registered Dietitian

If you have complex dietary needs or severe allergies, consider traveling with a registered dietitian who specializes in food allergies or dietary restrictions. A registered dietitian can provide expert guidance, help you navigate meal options onboard, and ensure that your dietary needs are met throughout your cruise. Their knowledge and expertise can provide peace of mind and enhance your overall experience.

Joining Online Allergy Support Groups

Connecting with others who share similar dietary needs can be highly beneficial. Joining online allergy support groups or forums allows you to exchange experiences, share tips, and gain insights from others who have navigated dietary restrictions on cruises before. You can learn from their firsthand experiences, ask questions, and receive valuable recommendations to make your cruise more enjoyable.

Seeking Advice from Cruise Reviews

Cruise reviews can offer valuable information when it comes to managing food allergies and dietary restrictions. Look for reviews from individuals who have specific dietary needs similar to yours. Check if others have had positive experiences with the cruise line’s ability to accommodate special dietary requests. These reviews can provide additional reassurance or help you make more informed decisions when planning your cruise.

Safety Measures and Contingency Plans

Ensuring your safety is a top priority when managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise. Here are some measures and contingency plans to consider.

Informing Onboard Medical Team

Upon boarding the ship, it is crucial to seek out the ship’s medical team and inform them about your allergies or dietary restrictions. Provide them with any relevant medical documents, such as your emergency care plan or allergy action plan. This information will help them be better prepared to assist you in case of an emergency or allergic reaction.

Locating Emergency Medical Supplies

Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency medical supplies onboard the ship. This includes locating the ship’s medical facility, including their emergency medication stockpile. Knowing where these supplies are located can provide peace of mind and quick access to necessary treatments or medications in case of an allergic reaction.

Creating an Action Plan

In addition to informing the ship’s medical team, it is crucial to create a personal action plan for managing allergic reactions or emergencies. This plan should include the steps to take in case of accidental exposure to allergens, emergency contact numbers, and the location of your medications. Share this plan with your traveling companions, and ensure they are aware of the necessary steps to take to ensure your safety.

Enjoying Shore Excursions

When exploring the various ports of call during your cruise, it is essential to plan for your dietary needs outside of the ship’s dining options.

Researching Local Cuisine and Restaurants

Before your cruise, take the time to research the local cuisine and restaurants at each port of call. Knowing about local dishes and their potential ingredients can help you make informed decisions when dining off the ship. Look for restaurants that are known for accommodating special dietary needs or provide allergen-free options. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you will have enjoyable dining experiences while exploring new destinations.

Communicating Your Dietary Needs to Tour Operators

If you have booked shore excursions or tours, make sure to communicate your dietary needs to the tour operators or guides. Inform them about your allergies or restrictions and inquire if they can accommodate any specific dietary requests. Many tour operators are familiar with dietary restrictions and can make arrangements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during your excursion.

Carrying Emergency Snacks and Medications

Even if you have planned ahead, it is always a good idea to carry emergency snacks and medications with you during shore excursions. Pack allergen-friendly snacks that can provide sustenance in case of unexpected delays or limited food options. Ensure that you have your necessary medications readily available in case of accidental exposure to allergens or an allergic reaction. By being prepared, you can have peace of mind and enjoy your shore excursions without worrying about your dietary needs.

Checking for Hidden Allergens

When managing food allergies and dietary restrictions, it is important to be vigilant and aware of potential hidden allergens in dishes.

Understanding Food Labeling Regulations

Different countries have varying regulations when it comes to food labeling. Educate yourself about the food labeling regulations of the countries you will be visiting during your cruise. Being familiar with these regulations can help you understand how foods are labeled and what to look out for when identifying potential allergens.

Identifying Potential Hidden Allergens in Dishes

When dining out during your cruise, it is crucial to be diligent when identifying potential hidden allergens in dishes. Read menus carefully and ask your server about ingredients or potential cross-contamination. Be aware of common sources of hidden allergens, such as soy sauce or hidden dairy products, when selecting your meals. By being proactive and attentive, you can reduce the risk of accidental exposure to allergens.

Avoiding Common Allergens

If you have a severe allergy and are concerned about cross-contamination, it may be best to avoid dishes that commonly contain allergens. For example, if you have a seafood allergy, it may be advisable to avoid ordering any dishes that include seafood or dishes that could potentially be cross-contaminated with seafood. Opt for safer choices that are less likely to pose a risk to your health.

Positive Dining Experience

While managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise requires careful planning, it is equally important to have a positive dining experience.

Expressing Appreciation for Your Dietary Needs

When the restaurant staff goes above and beyond to accommodate your dietary needs, it is essential to express your appreciation. Thank them for their efforts and acknowledge their hard work in ensuring your meals are safe and enjoyable. A simple thank you can go a long way in building rapport and ensuring continued excellent service throughout your cruise.

Providing Feedback to Cruise Line

After your cruise, take the time to provide feedback to the cruise line regarding their handling of your dietary needs. Share both positive experiences and any areas for improvement. Your feedback can help the cruise line better understand the needs of individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions and make necessary adjustments to enhance their services in the future.

Sharing Tips with Other Allergy-Affected Travelers

If you have had a successful experience managing your food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise, consider sharing your tips and insights with other allergy-affected travelers. Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to food allergies and dietary restrictions and contribute your knowledge and experiences. By sharing your wisdom, you can assist others in having a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

Managing food allergies and dietary restrictions on a cruise requires careful planning, effective communication, and a proactive approach. By following the steps outlined in this article and being prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience that caters to your individual dietary needs. Remember, with the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can relax and focus on enjoying all the wonderful experiences a cruise has to offer. Bon voyage!

Milk and Nut-Free Kids

Traveling with a Nut Allergy: Cruise Lines and Airlines

Navigating Policies on Cruise Lines and Airlines in the United States

For those with a nut allergy, traveling can be a daunting experience. The fear of coming into contact with nuts, whether in the air or on land, can create a lot of anxiety. However, there are policies in place by major cruise lines and airlines in the United States that aim to accommodate individuals with nut allergies.

Cruise Lines

Cruise lines have recognized the importance of catering to those with nut allergies. As a result, they have implemented policies to ensure the safety of passengers with this condition. For instance, Royal Caribbean International has a nut allergy policy requiring guests to notify the ship’s medical staff before boarding. The ship’s medical staff will then work with the guest to develop a plan to avoid potential allergens while on board. The team will also ensure that all food and drinks served to guests are free of nuts or nut traces . I will follow up more on the Royal Carribean policy. We are planning to try them out for the first time this summer. They recommend you notify them of your dietary restrictions at least 45 days from departure. You can email them at [email protected]. I can’t wait to see what happens!

***Update***

The Windjammer Cafe is Royal Caribbean’s inclusive buffet-style cafe. The individual items have a label, and they will note if they are gluten-free or contain nuts. I wasn’t comfortable with the dessert items because there were items with nuts next to those without. Many people grab any tongs available to them, so cross-contact with nuts is possible. But, there is a good selection of safe food items, and we had no issues in the cafe. I had to request GF bread during breakfast since there wasn’t any out. I could ask the staff about allergens while in line, and they were helpful. We notified the wait staff of our food allergies in the main dining room. They helped us choose safe menu items and provided alternatives. There are also some restaurants in the main shopping area of the ship. The cafe offered free pastries and regular coffee. There were several gluten-free items to choose from. We did not ask about the nuts at the cafe because the kids were not with us then. Something else to note is that Royal Carribbean also hosts completely gluten free sailings in partnership with Celiac Cruise .

Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line has a nut allergy policy requesting guests to inform the ship’s dining staff about their allergies. The dining staff will then work with the guest to create a personalized menu that caters to their dietary requirements. In some cases, Carnival may also request that guests with nut allergies dine at a separate table to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line has a policy that permits guests with nut allergies to bring their own food on board. However, guests must notify the cruise line and make arrangements with the ship’s medical staff. Norwegian also recommends that guests with nut allergies dine in the main dining rooms, as these venues have more control over food preparation and ingredient usage.

Margaritaville at Sea, which operates on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships, aims to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. While they do not explicitly provide allergy policies on their website, passengers are encouraged to inform the cruise line about their allergies during the booking process. The onboard dining staff will do their best to accommodate specific dietary needs and provide alternatives whenever possible.

Overall, the policies of cruise lines in the United States differ in their approach to accommodating those with nut allergies. However, they all prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests.

Airlines Like cruise lines, airlines in the United States have also recognized the importance of catering to those with nut allergies. However, their policies differ from those of cruise lines.

Delta Air Lines has a nut allergy policy stating they will not serve peanuts on their flights. They also request that other passengers refrain from consuming peanuts or peanut products on board. Delta also offers a special meal free from nuts and nut products for passengers with nut allergies. However, they do warn that they cannot guarantee a nut-free environment due to the potential for cross-contamination. We’ve flown Delta many times and didn’t always notify them of the food allergies. They didn’t serve any peanuts on any of our flights. We brought wipes and wiped down the handles and tray table. We also brought our own snacks on board in case the snacks contained any nuts. We were given Biscoff cookies which were safe for the kids.

United Airlines has a similar policy, which requests that passengers refrain from consuming peanuts on board. They also offer special meals free from nuts and nut products for passengers with nut allergies. However, United also warns that they cannot guarantee a nut-free environment due to the potential for cross-contamination. Special meals to accommodate specific dietary restrictions are also available through United’s Special Meals department.

On the other hand, American Airlines ‘ policy is slightly different. They state that they will not serve peanuts on board if a passenger has informed them of their nut allergy. However, passengers may still serve peanuts on board if they do not notify the airline. Additionally, American offers special meals free from nuts and nut products for passengers with nut allergies.

While Spirit Airlines doesn’t serve complimentary snacks or meals on their flights, passengers are welcome to bring their own food. It’s essential to review their guidelines regarding any food restrictions. Please note: They sell peanuts onboard. However, Spirit Airlines will offer buffer zones for passengers with severe allergies.

Hawaiian Airlines strives to meet the needs of all passengers. They refrain from serving peanuts as a snack, but other nut products may be present onboard. If a passenger has a severe peanut or nut allergy, Hawaiian Airlines will not make an announcement or create a buffer zone. Passengers with severe allergies are encouraged to bring their own food onboard.

Alaska Airlines is committed to providing a safe and comfortable flying experience for passengers with peanut allergies. For those with severe peanut allergies, Alaska Airlines allows pre-boarding and provides the option to wipe down seating areas. The first class meals may contain nuts and they cannot guarantee a nut-free flight.

Frontier Airlines does not provide complimentary snacks or meals on their flights, allowing passengers to bring their own food. However, it’s important to review Frontier’s guidelines for any restrictions. Unfortunately, Frontier Airlines does not offer specific accommodations for food allergies or buffer zones for passengers with severe allergies.

Southwest Airlines understands the concerns of passengers with peanut or nut allergies. They have stopped serving peanuts onboard but may still serve other products that may contain nuts. However, it’s important to note that Southwest does not provide special dietary meals.

It is important to note that these policies may not apply to all flights. For example, some airlines may not have a nut-free policy on regional or smaller flights. Passengers must inform the airline of their allergies and request a special meal before their flight. In conclusion, traveling with a nut allergy can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. However, major cruise lines and airlines in the United States have implemented policies to accommodate those with this condition. While the policies of cruise lines and airlines differ in their approach, they all prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests. Passengers with nut allergies must inform the cruise line or airline of their allergies and make necessary arrangements to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.

It is also crucial for individuals with nut allergies to take extra precautions when traveling. This may include carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, researching the destination’s food options, and communicating their allergy to restaurants and hotels. Individuals with nut allergies can enjoy a stress-free travel experience by being proactive and prepared.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the policies of cruise lines and airlines are constantly evolving. Individuals with nut allergies must stay up-to-date with any changes to their preferred cruise line or airline policies. This can be done by checking the company’s website or contacting its customer service department.

In addition to the policies of cruise lines and airlines, some organizations can assist individuals with nut allergies in their travel planning. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization provides a comprehensive guide for traveling with food allergies, including information on airlines and cruise lines. The organization also offers resources for individuals with food allergies, including support groups and advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, traveling with a nut allergy can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Major cruise lines and airlines in the United States have implemented policies to accommodate individuals with this condition. Individuals with nut allergies can enjoy a safe and comfortable travel experience by being proactive, informed, and prepared. It is vital to stay up-to-date with policies and resources related to nut allergies and always to communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to travel providers in advance.

Living with multiple food allergies

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Norwegian cruise line unveils all-new culinary experiences to debut aboard norwegian aqua.

- Company to Open Its First Upscale Thai Restaurant, 'Sukhothai'; Dedicated Plant-Based Venue, 'Planterie;' and New 'Swirl Wine Bar' -

MIAMI , April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line  (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today revealed fresh,  new culinary and beverage experiences  debuting aboard  Norwegian Aqua , the Company's next evolution new build and first vessel of the expanded Prima Plus Class, setting sail in April 2025 .

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https ://www.multivu.com/players/English/9239151-norwegian-cruise-line-ncl-unveils-enhanced-epicurean-experiences-aboard-aqua/

In line with the Company's commitment to delivering the ultimate vacation experience, Norwegian Aqua will boast three brand-new onboard offerings including Sukhothai , NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant;  Swirl Wine Bar , a new, upscale wine bar; and  Planterie , the Brand's first dedicated eatery offering a full plant-based menu; in addition to returning guest favorites.

"Discovering new flavors and dining experiences is such a memorable part of any vacation, especially when you share it with those who matter most to you," said David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Expanding on our award-winning food and beverage program, we're looking forward to bringing new concepts to life aboard Norwegian Aqua, while continuing to deliver on the variety of available offerings and value that NCL delivers."

Brand-New Culinary and Bar Experiences Making its debut on the all-new Norwegian Aqua is  Sukhothai,  the Company's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, featuring an eclectic menu with authentic, traditional offerings with creative, dynamic flavors. Guests can look forward to a new spin on traditional staples, such as Thai Cashew Chicken; Salt and Pepper Prawns; Thai Grilled Steak Salad; a variety of complementing curries and so much more. Décor imagined by the London -based SMC Design firm, the upscale dining venue will boast a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary Thai design elements. When guests walk into Sukhothai on deck 17, they will be greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere of bamboo and rice paper pendant lights; a striking geometric patterned floor; and colorful furniture transporting diners to the culturally rich country of Thailand .

At the returning guest-favorite  Indulge Food Hall , a new eatery,  Planterie , will offer plant-based bowls and other healthy options. Located on deck eight, Planterie's menu will include dishes such as the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh and the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl filled with delicious, spiced vegetables, tabbouleh and honey-roasted carrots. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Indulge Food Hall will boast a brand-new design by New York -based firm, Rockwell Group, with 10 food stations drawing inspiration from international food marketplaces from around the world. Notable architectural features include deep wood accents; gold and metal furnishings; and warm yet colorful tones that flow seamlessly throughout the venue.

Also premiering aboard Norwegian Aqua is  Swirl Wine Bar , a contemporary wine lounge that strikes the perfect balance between exclusivity and approachability for a unique, intimate experience tucked away on deck six between the popular Whiskey Bar and Hasuki, the hibachi-style restaurant. The hidden enclave will feature a comprehensive wine-by-the-glass menu, and an extensive list of rare and premium vintages. Designed by the Miami -based Studio DADO firm, the venue's architecture is inspired by the captivating beauty and curvature of the geologically stunning Antelope Canyon in Arizona , with warm color hues complemented by cascading horizontal lines and serene blue touches create a perfectly inviting and enchanting space for guests to unwind.

Elevated, Redesigned Venues From new designs to expanded seating, the all-new Norwegian Aqua will feature enhanced restaurants and lounges previously debuted on the Prima Class. From the creative minds of Studio DADO, one of the ship's main complimentary dining rooms,  the Commodore Room , will now feature a rustic yet luxurious design inspired by its sea-faring namesake. Paying homage to the imaginative narrative of the captain's room, the venue will transport guests to the past times of maritime sophistication with antique wood furnishings; leather banquettes; floors that mimic the lines of a pier; and incredible stone accents, all with a delicate, modern touch. 

Metropolitan,  NCL's modern Sail & Sustain cocktail bar, which won the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for "Best Beverage Program," will return aboard Norwegian Aqua and boast a distinct new design from other Prima Class vessels. Relocating from mid-ship to the aft of deck seven, the innovative bar will now feature a grand piano and a small entertainment space for guests to enjoy live music with their Sail & Sustain cocktails, biodynamic wines and sustainably produced liquors. Inspired by the art deco and mid-century modern areas of New York City , Studio DADO crafted an intimate enclave with dark hues, eye-catching motifs and fresh greenery offering an easy-going ambience for guests engaging in a nightly beverage.

Nama Sushi and Sashimi,  which first debuted on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will now feature a fresh, lively design by Studio DADO aboard Norwegian Aqua. Introducing a new color palette, the space draws inspiration from the vibrant world of Manga art. Guests can expect a playful dining experience surrounded by bold colors of lime green and black.

Located on deck 17 , Surfside Café  will boast floor-to-ceiling windows, providing guests with scenic views as they enjoy an expansive and diverse buffet-style dining experience. Featuring a new design by London -based design firm, A.D. Associates, the three-meal a day venue will showcase warm colors, sunset tones and timeless color palettes. Next door, offering the same panoramic views as Surfside Café, the upscale, Mediterranean seafood dining venue of the Prima Class,  Palomar , will feature an elevated design with natural materials, such as rope and wood accents complemented by pops of blue and dark purple shades.

Aboard Norwegian Aqua,  Whiskey Bar  will relocate to deck six near the brand-new Swirl Wine Bar, while  Belvedere Bar  will move to deck eight at the heart of the atrium, where guests can revel in night caps and nightly entertainment.

Penrose Bar  and  Waves Pool Bar  will also feature new designs, and venues such as  The Local Bar & Grill,  NCL's 24-hour pub-style restaurant,  Hasuki , a lively Japanese hibachi experience, and  Cagney's,  NCL's signature upscale American steakhouse, will be expanded to accommodate even more guests.

Returning Guest-Favorites In addition to unveiling new food and beverage experiences and designs, guest-favorite restaurants will return to Norwegian Aqua such as  Hudson's , the elevated, main complimentary dining room offering 270⁰ of scenic views;  Le Bistro , the high-end French restaurant inspired by the Palace of Versailles;  Los Lobos , the contemporary, authentic Mexican dining venue with outdoor seating; and  Onda by Scarpetta , the upscale Italian restaurant, which also offers al fresco dining on Ocean Boulevard.

For a complete list of Norwegian Aqua's culinary and beverage offerings, click  here .

With so many culinary options to choose from, NCL's  Free at Sea  program delivers guests more value with vacation enhancing benefits including specialty dining credits, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi minutes and more.

Set to be the 20 th  ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, Norwegian Aqua will feature industry-and-brand-first experiences including the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor; and NCL's first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites in the Brand's premium keycard-access-only-complex, The Haven by Norwegian ® .

Beginning April 2025 , Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day  Caribbean  itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata , Dominican Republic ; Tortola, British Virgin Islands ; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands ; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas . Following the ship's Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to  Bermuda  from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami , the "Cruise Capital of the World," beginning October 2025 through April 2026 .

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit  www.ncl.com .

For additional images of Norwegian Aqua, visit the press kit  here .

About Norwegian Cruise Line

As the innovator in global cruise travel,  Norwegian Cruise Line  has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize . Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit  www.ncl.com . For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit.

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-all-new-culinary-experiences-to-debut-aboard-norwegian-aqua-302117615.html

SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Food allergy information

By sherrihall128 , March 24, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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sherrihall128

We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

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2 minutes ago, sherrihall128 said: Hello, We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

I don't recall ever seeing a food allergy question during check in. 

Normally, you need to notify the cruise line at least 45 days in advance. But any notification is fine. Link to the access desk: 

https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising#dietary-requirements

At every meal, the waiter will ask about allergies. If they are severe allergies that would cause an allergic reaction and require special food preparations, you need to address that as soon as you board. That food is prepared in a separate galley designed for food allergies. 

In the galley, common menu items have allergy warnings for the waiters, but something specific needs to be addressed with the chef. 

57 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: I don't recall ever seeing a food allergy question during check in.    Normally, you need to notify the cruise line at least 45 days in advance. But any notification is fine. Link to the access desk:  https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising#dietary-requirements   At every meal, the waiter will ask about allergies. If they are severe allergies that would cause an allergic reaction and require special food preparations, you need to address that as soon as you board. That food is prepared in a separate galley designed for food allergies.    In the galley, common menu items have allergy warnings for the waiters, but something specific needs to be addressed with the chef. 

Thanks for this info! I don't remember filling out a special needs request last cruise, but I'll probably have to do it for our upcoming one. Luckily, the allergies are to nuts/peanuts, which are well-labeled and easy to spot compared to other allergens.

Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

6 minutes ago, pfanny37 said: Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

17 minutes ago, pfanny37 said: Our son has peanut/tree nut allergies.  We just got of the Bliss last week.  We just let them know when we arrived the first day about the allergies.  They gave us the option of preordering, but it wasn't an issue if we just ordered when we arrived.  We just always let them know when we dined, and they always acted like they already knew.  The menu even had allergens listed next to foods which I don't remember from the last time we cruised.  We felt like they took it very seriously.

They already knew, once they swiped a card it popped up.

GeezerCouple

2 hours ago, sherrihall128 said:   My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

We simply tell any food prep situation (restaurant, cruise...) that although A (DH) and B (me) are indeed food allergies, that "cross contamination is NOT a problem" and that separate prep is NOT needed... we just can't have 'pieces' of A/B on our plate.

But in general, for food allergies, they probably still need to do at least some separate prep... they can't extract extra salt once the dish is made, nor bother taking out sesame seeds from <whatever>, etc.

I suspect that they want to be overly cautious rather than the reverse, and especially with certain allergies that can have life-threatening reactions.

"Tree nuts" and "shellfish" allergies *can* be of that dire type, even if they aren't in your situation.  I can understand them being careful.  Also, there's a reasonable chance that there are others who may need the same special prep, and if so, that's going to happen anyway.

My food allergy is an unusual one, so it's unlikely others would have the same request/need.  Fortunately, it's an ingredient I can usually "see", so what I usually need to do is avoid things like "mystery meat loaf", which isn't something I'm likely to order anyway. 😉  DH's is an ingredient that can't be "seen", so he does need to rely upon the prep.

And we ALWAYS remind the waitstaff when we give a food order, and we ALSO always ask, "This is the <RESTRICTION> RIGHT?" when it is served.

Better safe than sorry!

7 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:   We simply tell any food prep situation (restaurant, cruise...) that although A (DH) and B (me) are indeed food allergies, that "cross contamination is NOT a problem" and that separate prep is NOT needed... we just can't have 'pieces' of A/B on our plate.   But in general, for food allergies, they probably still need to do at least some separate prep... they can't extract extra salt once the dish is made, nor bother taking out sesame seeds from <whatever>, etc. I suspect that they want to be overly cautious rather than the reverse, and especially with certain allergies that can have life-threatening reactions.   "Tree nuts" and "shellfish" allergies *can* be of that dire type, even if they aren't in your situation.  I can understand them being careful.  Also, there's a reasonable chance that there are others who may need the same special prep, and if so, that's going to happen anyway.   My food allergy is an unusual one, so it's unlikely others would have the same request/need.  Fortunately, it's an ingredient I can usually "see", so what I usually need to do is avoid things like "mystery meat loaf", which isn't something I'm likely to order anyway. 😉  DH's is an ingredient that can't be "seen", so he does need to rely upon the prep.   And we ALWAYS remind the waitstaff when we give a food order, and we ALSO always ask, "This is the <RESTRICTION> RIGHT?" when it is served. Better safe than sorry!   GC

I totally agree. My husband was just being grumpy because he was asked about his allergies 2-3 times every visit to the dining room. The wait staff told us that had to be very careful or they could lose their jobs. They are right to be careful!

I prefer filling this out to having to specify my allergies every single time I eat.  https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/

When I was on the Jade, I was assigned a special crew member who oversaw all the special dietary needs. I was able to tell them ahead of time what I wanted and they made dishes special for me, which I liked. I love lamb, but never usually get to eat it at a restaurant, due to the use of rosemary, sage and thyme. I was able to have it on the Jade. 

That was pre-Covid days. I'll be going on my first post-Covid cruise in September, so we'll see how the Escape handles it.

On 3/24/2023 at 12:33 PM, sherrihall128 said:   Thanks for this info! I don't remember filling out a special needs request last cruise, but I'll probably have to do it for our upcoming one. Luckily, the allergies are to nuts/peanuts, which are well-labeled and easy to spot compared to other allergens.

Sherri - the link can be found  Accessible Cruising - Norwegian Cruise Line | Important Information for Guests with Special Needs (ncl.com)

2 hours ago, arpie05 said: Sherri - the link can be found  Accessible Cruising - Norwegian Cruise Line | Important Information for Guests with Special Needs (ncl.com)

On 3/24/2023 at 6:49 PM, Ellis1138 said: I prefer filling this out to having to specify my allergies every single time I eat.  https://ncl.secure.force.com/AccessDeskForm/   When I was on the Jade, I was assigned a special crew member who oversaw all the special dietary needs. I was able to tell them ahead of time what I wanted and they made dishes special for me, which I liked. I love lamb, but never usually get to eat it at a restaurant, due to the use of rosemary, sage and thyme. I was able to have it on the Jade.    That was pre-Covid days. I'll be going on my first post-Covid cruise in September, so we'll see how the Escape handles it.

Fill out the Access Desk form listed above and document that you have allergies.  I cruised with wife and two daughters in the Joy. All have allergies of varying concern. We went to lunch at one of the main restaurants after boarding and asked to talk to someone to document our allergies. They took down all information so that it was available every time we checked in at a restaurant. 

During the cruise, each day, the people with allergies could pre-order for the following day (usually at dinner). We had one person assigned to help us at every meal and this person was amazing about it. Preordering allowed the chefs to ensure everything was good and even made some of the sauces special without the allergen. The only negative is it limited our ability to change up dining options the next day. But, as a whole, the process was amazing and greatly reduced all concerns about food. I would highly recommend doing this if you have concerns about an allergy. 

On 3/24/2023 at 12:24 PM, sherrihall128 said: Hello,   We cruise on the Breakway in ~2 weeks. We have already checked in our family, but I could not find the section on where to enter food allergies. On our last cruise in November, we entered that info during check-in. Any advice? Do we just have to notify guest services after we're on the ship?

I think we are in the same cruise!  We are sailing with our friends whose teenage son has a tree nut allergy. My friend registered with the access desk and they told her that he can’t/shouldn’t eat in the buffet because they can’t assure there is no cross contamination.   He’ll pick his meals for the next day the night before. 

1 hour ago, Redsky5292 said: I think we are in the same cruise!  We are sailing with our friends whose teenage son has a tree nut allergy. My friend registered with the access desk and they told her that he can’t/shouldn’t eat in the buffet because they can’t assure there is no cross contamination.   He’ll pick his meals for the next day the night before. 

We can be watching nut allergens together on the ship! My 12 year old son can be a bit oblivious, so we'll have to be careful with him.

On 3/24/2023 at 12:46 PM, sherrihall128 said:   My husband has allergies to tree nuts and shellfish. If anything, they took it TOO seriously (which is not a bad thing for most people), but it annoyed my husband. They had to separately prepare some dishes, so he regretted putting his allergies into their system. He would have preferred just NOT ordering foods with his allergens instead of having separately prepared food. 

I had the same issue on the Encore a couple weeks ago. I appreciate that they want to cater too the allergies but agree that they took it too seriously. I totally understand how your husband felt. 

23 minutes ago, Tymless1 said: I had the same issue on the Encore a couple weeks ago. I appreciate that they want to cater too the allergies but agree that they took it too seriously. I totally understand how your husband felt. 

It’s probably a liability issue, one a food allergy is made known they must follow protocols.

On the other hand, having your allergy on record can work for your benefit.

We were on a NCL cruise with a port stop in Aruba.  We had an afternoon excursion booked.

My husband has a mushroom allergy that will cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms about two hours after eating a mushroom.

We stopped to eat lunch at one of the alternate eatery on board ship at the time (can't think of the name) and before ordering, had the waiter check with the kitchen to make sure that no mushrooms were in his order.

He was assured his selection was mushroom free, ordered, started to eat and after several bits saw a big mushroom on his plate.

He immediately called the waiter over who called the restaurant supervisor who immediately called down to medical for my husband to see the doctor.

Knowing what was in store for him gastrointestinal wise  in about two hours,  the doctor called the excursion desk to have a medically necessary cancellation of the excursion. The cost was refunded instead of us losing the money.

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