8 Tips for Cruising Gluten-free
If you have celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy, you might be worried or anxious about cruising. Thankfully, many cruise lines have a wide-range of gluten-free offerings, dedicated preparation areas, and additional training for staff. However, all of the gluten-free options available to you might not be on the menus or on display in buffet areas.
If you’re planning to cruise, follow the tips below on how to have an amazing gluten-free cruise vacation.
#1 - Notify Your Cruise Line
Notifying your cruise line that you have celiac disease or are gluten-free should be done before your boarding date. It gives the ship notice of how many people will need gluten-free items and the ability to order larger quantities of gluten-free foods to have on hand. Many cruise lines offer bread, pizza, pasta, etc.
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#2 - Navigate Restaurants
Main Dining Room - Once you board the ship and are settled, head to your main dining room and ask to speak to the maître d'. Explain that you are gluten-free and then ask what options are available. Many maître d's will ask you to place your order the day before. Gluten-free foods are prepared at a separate station and giving the staff notice allows them to make sure they have the right ingredients.
Specialty Dining Restaurants - If you plan to go to a specialty dining restaurant, meet with the maître d' the night before to preorder your meal.
Buffets - Many cruise ships will have a gluten-free station or will have foods labeled that are gluten-free. Note, MANY additional gluten-free foods might not be displayed in buffet areas. During your first time at a buffet restaurant, ask the maître d' what additional items are available. They'll often have bread, pasta, pizza, etc. all prepared in dedicated areas.
Coffee Shops - Some ships will have gluten-free pastries in their coffee shops. Make sure these items are stored separately from other pastries and ask the staff if there is any chance of cross-contact.
A few of my favorite gluten-free foods on the Celebrity Summit.
#3 - Know Where to Dine
You'll find the best service and attention to detail is at specialty restaurants and in the main dining room. These areas have a lower server/chef to passenger ratio than the buffet restaurants and can create more custom dishes. For example, many main dining rooms can prepare gluten-free waffles or pancakes if you let them know the day before.
#4 - Make Friends!
Most maître d's and servers will want to make sure you have a great experience. Make sure to introduce yourself to the maître d' wherever you dine during the first 1-2 days. The staff has access to all of the kitchens and are usually more than happy to get you a special food if needed.
My first day on the Celebrity Summit I asked Serkan if a dish was gluten-free and he immediately called the chef (and it was!). For the remainder of my cruise he was always a friendly face checking in on me.
Ashly on Celebrity Summit was notified by the chef at the pizza station that I ordered a gluten-free pizza. Once he knew I was gluten-free, he also checked on me when I dined at Oceanview Café.
#5 - Take Ziploc Bags
Many cruise ships offer gluten-free muffins or pastries. Grab a few extra and store them in Ziploc bags in your stateroom. They can come in handy when you need a late night snack.
#6 - Pack Snacks
Although your cruise ship will always have gluten-free items available, pack some convenient snacks that you can take into port or on excursions. Most excursions won't have gluten-free items so make sure you eat on the ship before you depart and take snacks with you.
#7 - Know Your Alcohol
If you plan to order alcoholic drinks, please make sure your server or bartender knows you are gluten-free. Most wines are gluten-free (be wary of wines that contain added flavorings) and you might also consider drinks with brandy, rum, tequila, or gluten-free vodka.
#8 - Take Medications
Always pack any medications you might need in case you are glutened. If needed, you can always speak with the staff in the onboard medical facility.
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