Gluten-Free Tips and Ideas (aka Allergies= PIA)

[irvington]

Anyone with experience on Holland America? We are locked into them at this point, but will probably take a cruise next year and it would be worth it to go on a line that is helpful with dietary restraints. We are pretty spoiled here in Oregon since there is so much awareness.

In our particular case, my younger son has an issue with wheat. Having things labeled GF or wheat-free is a big help to him. He is willing to eat a wide variety of things and is conscientious about sticking to wheat-free. In his case it causes mood issues and (TMI, I know) bedwetting. We don't have to worry about trace amounts but it is nice to know the ingredients. Here many restaurants label menu items that will work on various diets (veg, vegan, GF, dairy-free) -- seems like that could be a low-cost way for the cruise lines to be more sensitive.

[bakcd]

Our last experience with HAL was in June. They do not label items on the menu or at the buffet. The maitre' d will visit your table at dinner and you pre-order your meal or meals for the next day. If you want pancakes the next day, you need to let them know then. If you eat at the buffet, you will need to find a maitre'd and they will guide you as to what is gluten-free.

Prior to sailing, you should contact HAL and pre-order the items you would like. These are Kinnickinnik products and include breads, cereals, pizza crusts, etc.

[irvington]

Originally Posted by bakcd

Our last experience with HAL was in June. They do not label items on the menu or at the buffet. The maitre' d will visit your table at dinner and you pre-order your meal or meals for the next day. If you want pancakes the next day, you need to let them know then. If you eat at the buffet, you will need to find a maitre'd and they will guide you as to what is gluten-free.

Prior to sailing, you should contact HAL and pre-order the items you would like. These are Kinnickinnik products and include breads, cereals, pizza crusts, etc.

thanks for the info!

[graceinmelbourne]

Originally Posted by irvington

Anyone with experience on Holland America? We are locked into them at this point, but will probably take a cruise next year and it would be worth it to go on a line that is helpful with dietary restraints. We are pretty spoiled here in Oregon since there is so much awareness.

In our particular case, my younger son has an issue with wheat. Having things labeled GF or wheat-free is a big help to him. He is willing to eat a wide variety of things and is conscientious about sticking to wheat-free. In his case it causes mood issues and (TMI, I know) bedwetting. We don't have to worry about trace amounts but it is nice to know the ingredients. Here many restaurants label menu items that will work on various diets (veg, vegan, GF, dairy-free) -- seems like that could be a low-cost way for the cruise lines to be more sensitive.

It would be great if cruise lines labelled items in the buffet as to whether they are gluten free, dairy free, etc. It would be very helpful to passengers and staff working at the buffet wouldn't be asked questions all the time. Royal Carribbean don't usually label food in the buffet but they do in cruises sailing out of Australia. I think it must be because there is a high level of awareness here about GF so passengers expect it. Why can't they do it with all cruise lines?? I can't be that difficult really.

[bakcd]

I've been told it is because of the possibility of cross-contamination but labeled or not, the possibility still exist. It sometimes takes 2 or 3 trips around the buffet area to find a maitre'd.