Mama.nurse

On 4/6/2024 at 3:38 PM, twotravellersLondon said:

 

That's just not the case.

 

Not everyone can eat vegan dishes just like not everyone can eat red meat! 

 

About 3,500 people in the UK can't eat vegan food and thousands of others shouldn't. Those that can't, have diagnosed Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency. Many of them have dedicated NHS nutritionists and specialist dietitians, use handfuls of Creon throughout every meal/snack and have to make sure that they have real protein in every meal. PEI can develop gradually as people get older and so folks' bodies tell them to eat a bit more meat and dairy to compensate. When PEI gets worse, they end up malnourished, with blood sugar levels and even in a "near death" situation... It's then that doctors prescribe insulin and  huge loading doses of Cholecalciferol and Zinc Citrate.

 

Long before that happens, if they eat too many vegie based dishes... it can play havoc with the digestive system... make it very uncomfortable, far less predictable, less controllable and it can be and very, very embarrassing. Probably the very last thing that anyone would want to experience on a long anticipated cruise. But people affected by PEI  tend to take it all in their stride, work their way through from menu to menu and make sure that they chose the best possible combination to give themselves a balanced diet. It's not something that they're evangelical about, it's not something to create fuss and bother about... it just choosing a healthy, well-balanced diet on a cruise ship which won't detract from their holiday or from the enjoyment of others at the same table.

 

The idea that some people can't eat meat dishes applies to only about 1 person in 110,000...  (potentially about 600 people in the UK... 0.000009% or of the population) That's about how many people have alpha-gal syndrome which makes them clinically allergic to red meat. That leaves another 2.5 million vegans in the UK who can eat red meat but who chose not to. 

 

Most people reading this thread will probably never have heard of PEI although it affects five times more people than alpha-gal syndrome but they may well have cruised with folks with PEI. They may have shared a table with someone who has discreetly popped a capsule or two during the meal, left certain items untouched on the plate or left the table for a few moments. It's highly unlikely that these folk will have discussed their medical condition and even more unlikely that they will have perturbed others by complaining about the food served or lecturing others about their own particular view. 

 

We've now personally come to the point that we will, without fuss, huff or puff, decline to choose vegan/vegetarian alternatives on a cruise because it seems that only by doing so we remove the excuse of the cruise-line that these items are "in demand." We hope that voting  with our menu choices should open up the possibilities for more meat based options... exactly the stuff that we've naturally evolved over the last 6 million years to eat and naturally provides the nutritional elements that are essential for our health and well-being. Of course our choice to avoid vegetarian/vegan will leave more of that particular "lovely grub" for those who do choose it... and perhaps they will end up with bigger helpings... a win-win situation.

 

At a time when land-based vegetarian restaurants are closing, meat free and plant based products are disappearing from supermarket shelves due to lack of demand and the number of people "identifying" as vegan in the UK. has dropped by almost 20% in the last couple of years... (fall  has been greater in Europe as a whole) cruise lines should realise that pushing cheaper vegetarian and vegan options is an increasing deal breaker.

 

The point is... that cruising should be an exciting, exhilarating and enjoyable experience. The degree of comfort, the itinerary, the ambiance, the entertainment and the food should all be part of that. So what is disappointing, is when the food choice becomes more limited, vegan/vegetarian items are put on as cost-cutting measures and portions of meat are reduced... and folks, like ourselves, are just put off to such an extent that we cruise less with that line. 

 

 

And of course.... the place to discuss concerns about food, and more especially if it has been made especially to satisfy a personal request... is at the time, on the cruise and in such a way that the staff can respond positively, professionally and give the time, attention and care to resolving the issue.

 

If the buffet is a personal problem... it might be simpler, easier and more conducive to having a pleasant relaxing holiday to select another dining venue and request in advance what you would like to satisfy your personal tastes and requirements.

 

Very much hope that there's a satisfactory solution.

 

 

 

 

Absolutely fantastic answer. As a nurse and as someone that has flare ups with diverticulitis. Your post is factual, informative and lots of research and evidence based practice backing up your answer. Wonderful! 

9 minutes ago, Rupert2251 said:

If he's anything like the one we had on Arvia last year he will do as little as possible. In the past our butler has been more than happy to book reservations in the MDR or speciality restaurants for us as well as arranging with the manager so that our daughter (not in the suite) could dine with us for breakfast. Last year he said he was unable to do any of that and it had to be done on the app. Totally useless, unless we were just unlucky.

 

 

 

 

 

After reading all your advice I will keep an eye because this was quite a big difference in price but as it's our 10th year wedding anniversary and 20th year together we thought we'd splash out a bit, if service isn't up to scratch then I will raise the issue. Thank you. 

3 hours ago, crompton21 said:

Butlers always appear to be hard working and active, in recent times there seems to have been less butlers employed and consequently I think that they are probably busier and faced with more requests than was once the case.
If the attendance of your children in the kids club on a specific day is important to you then I’d recommend booking it yourself.  It will take longer to explain to the butler what you want and then to confirm that it has been arranged than it will take you to do it yourself.

Ok, it was just because the booking slot comes out the day before at 10am and we will be on a couple of excursions the day before. But if it's not possible it's not a problem just wanted to see what the butler can do to help us with a young family. 

Hi,

We have a couple of cruises booked this year deluxe balcony, but next year we have a suite, soooo excited. 

Our children at the time will be 4 and 3years old.

Does anyone know if the butler is able to get kids club spaces without me booking it the day before? Basically can I tell the butler which time slots and days I want the children to go to the club and it be accomodated?

Thanks. 

12 minutes ago, Camberley said:

In all of our cruises in suites, we’ve always found the children at breakfast in Epicurean to be very well behaved so I wouldn’t worry about upsetting other guests.

Thank you for this. My two are really good but I think I worry so much. This is really supportive thank you. 

1 hour ago, david63 said:

I doubt it - I believe that a parent has to sign them in and out.

 

There is no problem with children going to Epicurean for breakfast and the staff will cater for their needs.

Ah, sorry I don't think I was very clear. Myself and my husband will always be taking them and collecting them and probably floating near by as they are young I meant about the butler booking a slot for the following day for the children to have a space for the club. 

I have read lots about people not being best pleased with children in there and I didn't want to upset fellow guests. 

Hi,

I am looking to book a suite on Iona, we will have our toddlers 4 and 3year olds. Would our butler be able to get the children into the kids club without us having to book them in? If we forget or if we are on an excursion the day before? 

Don't worry we won't go to the epicurean for breakfast, although very well behaved. Just incase. 

Does anyone else know what we could use the butler for with having two little ones? 

3 minutes ago, Fionboard said:

Don't see why not as long as you have proof you bought it on board (otherwise they charge corkage). However, some ships' MDRs do not keep wine for next night so if you don't drink the whole bottle you will have to carry it away! 

It's only 5.5% so I will drink the bottle if it's a night my husband isn't drinking that night. 

16 minutes ago, Denarius said:

Indeed.

When originally introduced on Azura, The Glass House was most definately a drinking establishment first and foremost. A wine bar, a more upmarket alternative to Brodies pub. Its selling point was that it featured wines specially chosen by Olly Smith which were not available elsewhere onboard and that all were available by the glass as well as by the bottle; hence Glass House. Light meals and snacks were available but dining was not its prime role, unlike nowadays when it appears to be prioritised.

Could I buy a bottle and not have it open so I can take it to the main restaurant for dinner and have them open it? I wouldn't want walk around with an open bottle. Especially with a 2 and 3 year old it wouldn't look very nice. 

8 minutes ago, Denarius said:

Indeed.

When originally introduced on Azura, The Glass House was most definately a drinking establishment first and foremost. A wine bar, a more upmarket alternative to Brodies pub. Its selling point was that it featured wines specially chosen by Olly Smith which were not available elsewhere onboard and that all were available by the glass as well as by the bottle; hence Glass House. Light meals and snacks were available but dining was not its prime role, unlike nowadays when it appears to be prioritised.

This is really helpful thank you. Sounds like the sort of place we will really like if it has that kind of ambience. We didn't really like the pub atmosphere on arcadia. We preferred the Intermezzo and crows nest hopefully it will be the same, just hoping the children are allowed so we can have a pre dinner drink in there. 

2 minutes ago, Thedonkeycentrehalf said:

You can visit the Glass House just for drinks, no need to eat there.

Oh perfect I didn't realise!! This is great news. 

Can children sit for drinks in there too? I have never done a cruise with the children. 

Hi,

I am going on my second cruise in June with my parents , the husband and the toddlers. Our first cruise last year was just a 4day Arcadia so just me and the husband. More of a cocktail recky. 

I'm a very fussy wine drinker, I go to specialist places to buy wine at home. BUT....I have seen that the glass house serves my drink! Sweet white wine moscato. We won't be eating in this restaurant. I will be going to sindu with my mum one evening and epicurean one evening possibly. But the rest of the time just the main restaurant. Who will I have to speak to to make this wine available in another restaurant, or even bars so I can have a glass of the children decide they want to go in the kids club?

It will be a shame if they sell it and I am not able to drink it unless in the restaurant. I checked the room service and they don't do that bottle on the menu. My dad is so excited to be able to buy me a bottle of wine with dinner (it's 5.5%) just hoping we can get it throughout the cruise. 

13 minutes ago, Denarius said:

Very true.

Whilst I always research a cruise line before booking with them I suspect that many don't, especially nowadays when people book online without access to a printed brochure. Having said that, like many things in life choosing a cruise line is usually a compromise. You are unlikely to find one which is perfect for you, there will be things that you like and things that you don't and you will have to accept the latter to get the former. Having accepted them, you should comply even if you would rather not. But that does not preclude you from arguing that rules should be changed even whilst complying with them.

I booked my first ever cruise in march and went at the beginning of June knowing literally nothing about cruises, or anyone that had been on one. I booked one and it was all over their website and itinerary pages about dress code and celebration night with what attire to pack. I felt like the website was very formative with dress code so much so I only packed formal attire... I then come on here for extra advice. 

So no excuse really to not know as all the information is there. 

1 minute ago, Pine Man said:

...but there must be a limit - surely?

 

I find this picture incredibly offensive..... Their wine glasses are empty! Won't be going on this cruise as the service seems shoddy. 

3 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

Would agree if that was the rules. 

Plenty of other holidays available where you can wear what you like. 

We book knowing the dress code so adhere to it out of respect for our fellow passengers. 

Andy 

My parents have booked since we have come back and what swayed them, is that there is a dress code. Brings a different level of holidaying. 

On 5/30/2023 at 6:22 PM, Harry Peterson said:

Wow!  One of the nicest cities in the world. And a great time to go too. We spent so much time there when our children were growing up that they knew it far better than London. Every Christmas and New Year, and frequently in the summer too.

 

Have a great time - you’d struggle not to!

THIS IS AMAZING SO FAR!!!!! honestly we have only been on Arcadia for a few hours and I want time to sit still!!! 

Although can't wait to see Amsterdam! 

10 minutes ago, snaefell said:

Absolutely, we are on Arcadia now & love it,could be wrong but I get the impression that some are still mired in the old cruise image,times have moved on for good or bad,take what you find & not what you wish/hope to find,enjoy!

Sounds great. All I hope for is a relaxing time, good food and to be on the water. I'd really love to see some entertainment too. Anything else is a bonus! I should have signed up to this site months ago!! Have a wonderful rest of your holiday x

21 minutes ago, Beckett said:

Hello Mama.nurse. Good advice given here re dress code and cruise expectation. I think you will enjoy your first cruise experience and it will give you an idea of what to expect on the next one. Have a great relaxing time and do let us know how you get on. Best wishes. Jane xx

Thank you ! That is incredibly kind. I text my husband saying we are all packed, as I felt more confident after everyone's replies. I have so many questions and have been googling for months now 🤦🏼‍♀️. I noticed on this site everything is in category order but it's so hard to find specific questions. Either way, hopefully the sun will be shining and we will have a good time. X

16 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

Go with an open mind, don't expect perfection and I'm sure you will have a great time. 

Andy 

Thank you. A holiday is what you make of it as well not what is just provided. We make the most out of our holidays as we work such long hours. We are happy to just have some down time and hopefully some really good food! 

25 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

We like to be smart on cruise evenings, like many others. 

I always wear trousers, shirt and often blazer, smart casual to me is 'take your tie off'... 

You will see plenty of people who don't follow the same standards, that's fine, it's their holiday, but doesn't mean we have to follow. 

You will definitely not stand out, especially on Arcadia.

Have a great time. 

Andy 

Thank you! Yes same as us.

We haven't heard much good about cruises, especially Arcadia so this has put our minds at ease. 

Hi,

I'm a first time cruiser. Travelled extensively on land but our first cruise is on Friday just a 4nighter and then next year a 10nighter with the babies. 

On Friday we go to Amsterdam on arcadia. We really enjoy dressing up and have only packed long sleeve shirts and trousers, dresses for myself. Is this too formal? 

During the day we have packed shorts, linin trousers and polo shirts. 

I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb looking like newbies with being too formal.