Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you from cruising. Here’s how.

Eat and drink safely — and well — on the high seas

Traveling isn’t easy for those living with allergies and food restrictions, particularly while sailing the high seas. I was reminded of this recently when my teen joined me on a Holland America Line cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. My daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease when she was a toddler, which means she can’t safely consume gluten.

We’ve become experts at navigating casual and fine dining on land, as has anyone living with allergies and food restrictions. But when you’re at sea on a cruise, things can be a bit more challenging.

Though many cruise lines now identify the top allergens on their dining menus, eating safely at ship buffets, casual cafes, and some fine dining restaurants may require advance strategizing. Here are nine tips to help you prepare.

Look before you book

If you‘re flexible and aren’t locked into booking with a specific cruise line, conduct your own research to determine which ships offer the most options based on your specific food restriction.

Some lines post information on their websites, but if you can’t find it there, call and ask directly. And, if you know someone who cruises and follows a similar diet, it’s always a good idea to reach out and ask about their specific experience eating onboard.

Update your reservation

Once you’ve made the exciting decision and booked your sailing, don’t forget to enter details about allergies and food restrictions in your online reservation. This is a written record and the first step in communicating what you need. It’s a good idea to note if your request is a preference, an autoimmune disease, or a potentially life-threatening allergy.

Be the squeaky wheel

Anyone living with an allergy, food restriction, or celiac disease knows the importance of speaking up. Remember, your health is not an inconvenience, and you’re entitled to having your nutritional and medical needs met. Be your own best advocate! It’s OK to be the squeaky wheel before and after you board.

Know the protocol

Not all cruise lines have the same protocol, so it’s important to know what to expect. For example, once aware of a passenger’s food restriction, Holland America Line will deliver a dinner menu to the stateroom 24 hours in advance. By selecting meals in advance, the culinary team can make adjustments to accommodate your needs.

This may only apply to reservations in the main dining room, but you can also stop by or call any specialty restaurant to inquire in advance, if necessary.

Make contact

Once you’ve boarded the ship, visit the customer service desk and request to speak with a chef or the director of food and beverage. If the protocol hasn’t yet been communicated to you, this is your opportunity to ask and share the severity of your food restrictions. Most crew members appreciate getting a heads up because they don’t want you to get sick either.

Seek out the specialty restaurants

Other than all-inclusive, high-end boutique cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea, most specialty restaurants on large cruise ships require a surcharge. But this fee can be a small price to pay for the personal service you’ll receive at restaurants that can often accommodate made-to-order requests.

It’s important to note that reservations at specialty restaurants fill up very fast, so it’s wise to book in advance (if possible) or as soon as you board. This will allow you to choose a specialty restaurant that best fits your diet. For example, if you can’t eat gluten, opt for sushi and skip the Italian (though, fortunately, many Italian restaurants now offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and meatless options).

Think before you drink

Cruise ship bartenders concoct some pretty impressive cocktails onboard. While most bar menus list the main ingredients of its drinks, it’s best to inform your bartender of your specific restrictions to ensure there isn’t anything risky in the secret sauce. Most are happy to create an alternative option that’s just as good — or better — than the original.

Be flexible

While they may not always be easy to navigate, buffets on cruise ships usually include plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions. Sometimes they’re labeled and sometimes not, but most crew members either know what’s safe or can find out.

Many ships now have a dedicated gluten-free section for pasta or breads, but they are sometimes limited. The challenge when it comes to the buffet is time. You may wait in a long line only to find out that an item is not safe or you need to go somewhere else to find it. If possible, set aside time when you board to peruse the buffet and ask questions before it’s busy and you’re hungry.

Pack a snack

Just as is the case on land, it’s always a good idea to pack a healthy snack as a backup option when you don’t feel like going through the rigmarole that may be necessary. Snacks also come in very handy on group excursions when you’re off the ship and have less control of where you eat.

Please consult your doctor to discuss a plan if you have a food restriction or allergy that is life threatening. Most cruise lines will require you to submit a detailed form in advance of your cruise.

About Wendy O’Dea

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O’Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic and never-ending drought, there’s not much about California she doesn’t love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels or at www.theinspiredtraveler.com.