Anytime dining/special diets/Maasdam

[bakcd]

Has anyone had experiences with special diets while booked for anytime dining on the Maasdam? If so, please share your experiences whether they be positive or negative. I am in need of a gluten free diet and would like to try the anytime dining option one time.

[GramaFran]

I want to add our concerns too - two in our family are diabetics who need to eat at certian times and take insulin before eating.
We are on the Oosterdam and are slated for AYW dining.

Can we see the Dinning room manager and set a time and table for
everynight in advance due to our "illness"?

Francine

[RuthC]

would like to try the anytime dining option one time.
I'm sorry that I can't help with the essence of your question, but did notice this phrase.
If you mean that you have the fixed component of AYW, and want to try the open seating component one night, that isn't how it works.
You either have fixed, or open, and can't switch back and forth.

If you mean you are already assigned to the open seating component, but don't expect to eat in the dining room except for one night (using the Lido, room service, or Pinnacle the other nights)---then nevermind me. :rolleyes:

[hammybee]

Has anyone had experiences with special diets while booked for anytime dining on the Maasdam? If so, please share your experiences whether they be positive or negative. I am in need of a gluten free diet and would like to try the anytime dining option one time.

This is from HAL's web site. I would reconfirm, once onboard:

Special dietary needs, such a vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated with advance requests. Kosher meals and a Health Conscious Dining option are also available. To arrange special meals, please contact the Ship Services Department at 800-541-1576 at least 60 days prior to departure.

[bakcd]

We haven't booked as yet but hope to in a few days. I've checked with HAL and am familiar with their policy but am concerned with the reality of the situation. Policy and reality are not always one in the same.

[martinimadam]

I'd think you'd want to make reservations each day with the same waitstaff. Talk to the Maitre d' when you first get on board. I have food allergies and HAL has always been very accommodating; but, the headwaiter always checked with me the evening before, reviewing the next night's menu with me to prepare a special order for the next night.

Doing AYW dining as "drop ins" could get very tricky given your circumstances. And doing a special order the night before could be a nightmare if you and the waitstaff don't know where you'll be sitting. You may want to reconsider AYW...

[NHCruisr]

Do contact the Special Services Department well before the cruise. Also, be aware that things have changed in HAL dining rooms. I have a food allergy and recently sailed on the Westerdam. There are no longer Head Waiters (aka Dining Room Supervisors) in the dining rooms. It is now the dining room steward (waiter) who gives you the menu for the next night.

[bakcd]

Thank you. I reconsidered and booked the traditional dining for the very reasons you stated. No reason to ruin a good vacation.