Gluten Free Allure of the Seas

[nursewurmy]

Hello, my name is Becky and we are live aboard the Allure of the Seas. My husband Dave and I are seasoned cruisers (this is my 14th and Dave’s 12th, but our first time as diamond members. I have really enjoyed reading CC and the advice I get, plus it just made me more excited about the cruise (if that is possible). I want to give you a little background on Dave and I. Since my last cruises I have discovered I need to return to a Gluten Free diet. (I was diagnosed with Celia’s Disease as a child, and had issues off and on though my life, however back then they thought it was just a child’s disease and something you out grew. When I entered graduate school I developed a rash on my elbows that my MD could not resolve even with multiple varied treatments. When I was doing my midwife rotation (I am a Family Nurse Practitioner) my preceptor had a ‘gluten intolerance’ but her symptoms were fatigue and foot pain. I thought at first she must be wrong, because I had personally had a gluten issue as a child and those were not my issues. So, I went home and open my medical books and guess what I found. Rash’s (particularly to the elbows, knees and butt) are a common symptom of a gluten allergy. So, I called my MD and we decided to try the GF (gluten free) diet and in less than 2 days my rash was gone. It was amazing! So, now I have GF for two years and for the most part feel amazing. I have more energy, less joint pain, less abdominal pain, and NO RASHES!!! So, I want to say Thank You to my very dear friend and midwife Bonnie Kitchen who without I may never have figured this all out. (On a side note if you are looking for a midwife in the DFW area, Bonnie is who you want she is AMAZING). So now almost two years later my DH and I are sitting aboard the Allure of the Seas, and it is AMAZING!! The only thing about this cruise that caused me apprehension was the dining. SOOO I have decided to write a live review and pay particular attention to what is available to GF passengers as well as this amazing ship!

[nursewurmy]

Day 1:

As has been reported many times before our embarkation process was a breeze. We did get one bag searched by security, because they saw my GF soy sauce and thought I was trying to sneak booze on the ship. Once they opened it and say what it was they did not look any more, luckily it was on top (lol). From there we went to the line for diamond members, and waited less than 5 minutes got our card, and went up the stairs and onto the ship. Easiest we have ever done. The first thing we did was go to deck 14 to get the WOW phone we feel it is totally worth it. With the phone we were able to make a hair appointment for me for Thursday (before the prohibition event: will explain later) and make the additional dinner reservation (we had the chef’s table package), and Dave wanted to make sure that they all knew I had to have a GF diet. The fun thing was we did it while just sitting in the internet lounge.

From there we went to lunch, at Giovanni’s table. We chose this because I was wondering how they would handle GF. I have to tell you, the Allure is ready for GF, they acted like everyone is GF. I was almost immediately brought two rolls (it was funny as they are Udi’s and I have brought the same rolls with me because I had heard the bread was awful but it is not!) Then our waiter talked calmly and informatively about the GF options they had. One of the things I hate about going out to eat is that often you are treated like it is a bother for them to meet your needs (I can’t tell you how many times I have asked for something and they bring it with bread or crackers on the plate than do not understand why I do not just take it off the plate) but not on the Allure. They had several options under each section (appetizers/salads, soups, pasta, entrée) which was even better. The other things I dislike about most restaurants is no bread or desert options, but not here. I was treated first to antipasto that was unbelievable. On a side note they mix this olive oil, balsamic vinegar and shaved cheese it is so good. The balsamic they use apparently is one made just for RCCL ships and that is a good thing. I had the mushroom risotto for the pasta item; it was made with mushrooms, asparagus and garlic and was wonderful. Entrée was sole with a butter sauce, zucchini spaghetti, and a potato’s. This dish is normally cooked with four on the fish, but they made it without the flour, and I cannot imagine it could have tasted any better with it. The manager came by to speak with us, as I have the food allergy, and when we go back they are going to make me a special GF pasta dish not on the menu so that should be great! Then for desert they had one item that was basically a parfait with a vanilla cream and berries. Considering that most places have no options available I was excited that they even though ahead to have this for their passengers. I have read often here on the boards complaints about the cruise food so we have decided to do just specialty restaurants on this cruise. Also other GF travelers say you MUST eat in the main dining room to eat safely that is not true.

[nursewurmy]

After lunch, we took some time to look over central park, which I believe will be my favorite spot on the ship. You do not realize you are on a boat, its peaceful and all the staff are friendly. I did see Park Café and the lines were long all waiting to that roast beef that has been discussed often on the boards. We than proceeded to go to our cabin to see what it looked like. We have a balcony cabin and somehow got moved to a handicap cabin. I wish I could always get in a handicap cabin it is HUGE in comparison to other balcony cabins. We are on the 14th floor facing Central Park.

Next we unpacked (always long and we like to get it done asap) and had all our bags but one at our door. We found out after the muster drill it was in security. We brought a heating pad, because I have an old shoulder injury and use it often. They thought it was an extension cord. We were lucky of cabin steward had found out that it was down there, and Dave went down and got it before the line was to long. He said there was a very mad passenger as all his liquor he brought on the ship was taken from him (some people think they are above the rules I guess).

The muster drill is the thing I most dislike about cruising, but not on the Allure. We are not packed in like sardines waiting for the one or two passengers (we are again above the rules) to show up. We were in the coffee shop, and ended up meeting some sweed’s that were fun to talk to and look at all there tatoo’s. They showed a video and then it was over. After the muster, I went back to the cabin to relax (and sign up for the unlimited internet package 99.00 and we get 20% off as diamond members), and Dave went to get a shave and beard trim (driving through the blizzard to get here did not allow our plans to get it trimmed). They did a great job, and Dave booked a mani/pedi for me (great DH), and a rasul for later in the week.

We had reservations for the Chef’s table, and we were not disappointed. You meet and they start off with champagne, and getting to know the other 12 that will be at your table. When the chef is ready you are taken to a table upstairs and the diner begins. The thing I did not expect is the information you get. We are given a detailed presentation on the wine and how the food was made. This was a treat we were not expecting. The chef Ali Vesellovski and he is from Sweden. One of the things we learned is that they have a special oven that is used to steam pressure items that cost a quarter of a million dollars. This meal is not your normal cruise food, and well worth the money. It was here I decided to take pictures of the GF food so everyone will get an idea of what it looks like. Bread was brought out first, and placed on the table. The waiter than brought me two Udi rolls in the packages to assure it had not been contaminated with the other bread and he also brought me my own butter! Here is the menu:

1st Spinach and Ricotta Blini (I could not have the blini but mine was presented on cucumber. It looked exactly like everyone’s and tasted great) This was pared with a French Chablis.

2nd Soup trio (soup is usually off limit for GF but not here) it was a tomato and basil foam, asparagus consommé, and potato cream. This is paired with a Calif white wine. UNBELIEVABLE

3rd Miso brushed North Atlantic Black Cod with sautéed baby corn, bok choi, parsnip puree, candied Meyer lemon and carrot buerre blanc. This was served with a rose. This dish was my favorite. I have never tasted a lighter non fishy fish, and that carrot buerre blanc was amazing.

4th Pink Roasted Beef Tenderloin with black truffle spaetzie (which I could not have but they substituted a wonderful light mashed potato, asparagus, yellow baby carrots and a port wine reduction. The chef brought me my dish afraid of cross contamination with this dish he did not want to waiter to carry it. This was paired with a Merlot

5th Orange Crunch parfait with mascarpone Fruit Zabagilone. This was paired with an Amaretto Liquor.

6th Coffee and Petifores (Chocolate covered strawberries was GF)

Don’t let any tell you that GF is not possible on this ship! After dinner we got a signed cookbook and a chef table apron. Plus we got to keep our name card’s and a printed menu that listed everyone at the table in our assigned spots. Overall this was a great time, and well worth the cost!

After dinner we had tickets to the Ocean Aria. All I can say is I was in awe the entire show. The diver at the highest point must have drove from about a 50 foot platform to a small pool. The whole show was great and fun. It was standing room only but we were lucky to get seats, and not get wet.

After the show we looked around the boardwalk and the 2nd floor of the promenade than it was off to bed. We had a very stressful time getting here, but it is worth everything we went through to get here.

This morning Dave slept in and I got up to start writing this item. I will try to post today either tonight or in the morning. Please let me know any questions you might have.

[NorbertsNiece]

I'm a GF cruiser too.

 

Thanks for posting your experience for all the others out there.

 

Here's a link to a thread with regards to general GF options on board RCCL.

[Apila]

Thanks for your review. My DH is waiting for his test results and will probably need a GF diet. This really helped us.

[missyoua]

I just want to thank you for your post. I have horrible horrible itchy elbows and I just think it's related to my Grave's Disease. It comes and goes. Now I will check up on this with my doctor. Also, I love food so when cruising, I tend to not pay attention to what I'm eating! Thanks for this review!

[momof3hungryboys]

We're going to be cruising at the end of April. I follow a gluten free diet and I'm also a vegetarian. It'll be interesting to see what I'll be able to eat.

[ctwinelover]

Thank you for the information on a GF Chef Table experience. I too am GF and find cruising to be my easiest, no worries, option for dining out on vacation. I was concerned that I would not be able to enjoy the Chef's Table or that it would be a disappointment. I have booked it for my upcoming trip on the Oasis. Thank you again! :D

[nursewurmy]

Thanks for your review. My DH is waiting for his test results and will probably need a GF diet. This really helped us.

 

One thing to remember is if he had been limiting his gluten before the blood test it may prove to be wrong. You can have a biopsy to determine true Gluten allery, but you can have a Gluten intolerance and you get no positive results. For my patients I do two things: first I have them eat as much gluten as they can for one week and then test and than I have them do a gluten free died for 2 weeks (none at all). I then see if they felt better on the GF diet, if so it is probably an intolerance.

[nursewurmy]

I just want to thank you for your post. I have horrible horrible itchy elbows and I just think it's related to my Grave's Disease. It comes and goes. Now I will check up on this with my doctor. Also, I love food so when cruising, I tend to not pay attention to what I'm eating! Thanks for this review!

 

You can test it yourself by going on a GF diet for 2 weeks and see what happens. Remember gluten is in many things you do not realize soy, soup, cereals (malt often will bother gluten patients), flour, even in some cases mashed potatoes. Good luck and if you need some suggestions let me know.

[nursewurmy]

Thank you for the information on a GF Chef Table experience. I too am GF and find cruising to be my easiest, no worries, option for dining out on vacation. I was concerned that I would not be able to enjoy the Chef's Table or that it would be a disappointment. I have booked it for my upcoming trip on the Oasis. Thank you again! :D

 

I was very concered about the Chef's table also, but it was not an issue. Just make sure when you get on board to call and talk to the manager. That way they can adjust what they need to so you will not get sick.

[nursewurmy]

Day 2

We decided to sleep in today, and had room service for breakfast. Just standard food fruit, eggs etc. After breakfast we relaxed on the balcony and then decided to run a couple of errands. Diamond members have a 20% off coupon for the internet (so basically unlimited internet for the week for 80.00 I thought it was a great deal. We went to do a little shopping, and checked with the cupcake shop to see if there lesson is GF. We found out it was, and they also sell a GF cupcake. Currently just chocolate, but they are planning to add more.

We so enjoyed Giovanni’s so much yesterday we decided to go there for lunch today. We tried this Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. The thing about this item was they had whole pickled caper berries. Now I HATE capers, but I LOVED this item. They made penne pasta GF (they carry spaghetti and penne) with calamari severed with a green pesto sauce. The main entrée was backed jumbo ship with asparagus and roasted potatoes. We were not going to have desert but they had gelato (banana with chocolate chips) hard to turn down. We were discussing the caper berries with our waiter who then went to the tapas bar and got us these peppers stuffed with cream cheese and herbs. Man they were great!

After lunch we went to the theatre to watch the 3D movie. Pretty amazing to watch a 3D while on a ship, but again that is fascination that is the Allure. After the show we had about an hour and then we headed to Studio B for the ice show.

Now, I have read a lot of reviews where people did not like the ice show. To me they are crazy. The program is based on the game monopoly and you land on the different areas of the ship. However it was the talent that blew me away. I will be the first to say it is not Olympic ice skating, but they are on a ship. One couple did the move where the woman is swung by her feet and her head gets inches from the ice. I sat stunned because this is being done on a moving ship. There were a few times when the lines were not straight, and one skater fell on a jump (but this happens on land also). However, we really enjoyed it and if we had time it is something I would do again.

Tonight is the first formal night and the captain’s reception. I have seen some really beautiful dresses, one of my favorite parts of formal night. We will be having dinner at Chops, so I will write on my experience later (I do have pictures which I will post when I figure out how.

[NorbertsNiece]

One thing to remember is if he had been limiting his gluten before the blood test it may prove to be wrong. You can have a biopsy to determine true Gluten allery, but you can have a Gluten intolerance and you get no positive results. For my patients I do two things: first I have them eat as much gluten as they can for one week and then test and than I have them do a gluten free died for 2 weeks (none at all). I then see if they felt better on the GF diet, if so it is probably an intolerance.

 

There is no way I could eat Gluten for a week without getting sick prior to a test. Just isn't going to happen. :eek:

 

OP : Loving your review. Thank you so much for taking the trouble to post. The description of the food is very mouth watering!

[nursewurmy]

There is no way I could eat Gluten for a week without getting sick prior to a test. Just isn't going to happen. :eek:

 

OP : Loving your review. Thank you so much for taking the trouble to post. The description of the food is very mouth watering!

 

Yeah it is hard to do but makes the test more acurate. If you cant than you already have your answer and just need to move forward. Now if I get even a crumb on my food I am sick.

[nursewurmy]

Continuation Day 2:

I continue to be amazed not only how beautiful this ship is, and how you really need try it to believe it. Last night dinner at Chops: GF bread is provided with a separate butter dish. They served Dave a pimento cream cheese mixture, but it had gluten so it was off limits. For an appetizer I had a standard shrimp cocktail and it was great. Main courses included fish, steaks, and veal. I had a veal chop (I actually ordered a steak but Dave had ordered veal for me and they brought it by mistake so I just had it for dinner) and Dave had filet mignon. They have 4 sauces but the béarnaise sauce is the one that is GF. They have many sides including double whipped mashed potatoes. I have heard that the mashed potatoes are made with flour in them this is not true. We had mashed potatoes and asparagus. They have several deserts but know the cream brulee has gluten in the sugar topping. However they can place berries on it if you would like. They went to Giovanni’s and got me some of the banana gelato that we had a lunch. This restaurant is always great.

Tonight we went to see Chicago and were not disappointed. I want to add this show is not appropriate for children. You can use your own judgment but you may wind up answering questions you don’t want to if you take them. He he. We were lucky to get seats in the front row. We really loved the show, but we love live productions. The singers were really talented, and the show itself was funny. I know some people do not love musicals and if you do not this is not the show for you. After the show we went up to the pool deck and walked around. It is so lovely at night up there when very few people are there (vast majority at the bar or casino). Seeing how it was almost 1 am we went to our cabin for the night. Well that is it for day two.

I do want to say I brought GF snacks, bars, pretzels, bread expecting I would need them. I have not had to use them at all. We had lunch Tuesday at Park Café because we wanted to try the roast beef sandwich. They served mine on a GF bagel, and the manager came up and was concerned that the roast beef may have had bread crumbs (I knew that it did not because Dave checked it out before hand) and he told us that all the staff now go through a class on gluten free handling, and the managers a more extensive class. He told us that every place we go to eat we should ask for the manager and he will oversee the items for us. Also note the GF cookies chocolate chip (udi’s the good ones) are available at the promenade café. I also want to note all of the udi’s items are individually wrapped so no change of cross contamination. The items such as pizza dough and cupcakes from the cupcakes are prepared in the main kitchen to assure safety. This is an exceptional ship! One note, you can get GF bread from room service it tasted to me like Bob Red Mill farm’s homemade wonderful bread. I liked it. Well that is it for now.

[bluecruisin]

I'm glad to hear that things are working out so well with your Gf diet. It sounds like you're having a great cruise and I'm enjoying reading your review. Thanks!

[lori450]

We loved Izumi and as I'm sure you have found out, they offer gluten-free soy sauce. don't miss the Solarium Bistro. We found it on the last night :(

best GF meal I had all week. Everyone is very well educated on GF and can offer you many alternatives.

[nursewurmy]

Day 3

Well, day three was wonderful and relaxing. We did not get off on in Haiti because we have been to all the ports and we wanted to make this trip about the ship. We went to the pool and fell asleep it was so relaxing. I thought the solarium would be enclosed but there are open areas that allowed for a breeze and the gentle rocking of the ship made me drift off. Now those of you, who know me, know I have difficulty relaxing, but this cruise has been different. The pool in the solarium is small like a large hot tub but the temperature was perfect. The chairs in this area are very comfortable not like the normal plastic chairs that remove your skin when you stand up. We got talking to this guy in the pool whose daughter is in nursing school. I knew the conversation was heading in the wrong direction when he said “I have this problem can I ask you a question”. He then proceeded to describe a health issue that will most likely be a hernia or testicular hernia. I looked and Dave and said I never thought I would be discussing someone’s testicles and prostate while on my cruise. hehe. Dave did eventually rescue me from the discussion, but it was interesting to say the least.

After the pool we went to the Park Café. We wanted to try the famous roast beef sandwich, and we were not disappointed. They made mine on a GF bagel, which was wonderful. I had a small scare in that the Manager came over and expressed concern about possible cross contamination with the roast beef. He thought there was a potential with crumbs from the sandwich have crumbs on it. However, Dave had watch them make it and said no crumbs were present, and I did not get sick so he must have been right. The manager said we should always talk to the manager when we got to an eating establishment and they will review the items being made. He also told me that all staff are now required to go through an in-service on GF diets, and the managers get a more extensive education. They are all also trained on what is GF at their restaurant. Thus explaining why no one looks at you with confusion when you say GF.

After the late lunch, we went to the room and spent some time on the balcony and then took a nap for our upcoming late night. We had dinner reservations at Giovanni’s table tonight. Still several items on the menu to choose from but I chose: carpachio for appetizer, risotto for the pasta course, and lamb with a ragu and asparagus for dinner (the wine reduction has gluten, but they were able to get mint jelly). When they bought the dessert they had mixed the GF and G and brought me one with cake in it. However, Dave had it one day for lunch so he recognized it and pointed it out to the waiter. The waiter flipped, and I ended up getting my coffee drink for free.

After dinner, we headed to the Theatre for the love and marriage show. Oh it was SOOOO funny. The honeymoon couple was funny, but the wild couple was the best (and they one). The older couple did the worst, but was entertaining. The one question everyone got right is the wife’s bra size hehe. We had to leave the show before it ended to go to the comedy club (we had reservations), but we did catch the rest of the show later that night on the TV.

The comedy show is not to be missed. I normally do not laugh out loud at comedy shows. I usually find them offensive more than funny, BUT this show was the exception. The second comedian told about being on a cabbage diet and having explosive diarrhea. I laughed so hard I could not breathe. He was great! They sell out early and we were lucky to get in to the 1130pm show. After the show we stopped by the casino to play 3 card poker. I only played about 5 hands but got a three of a kind and walked away with 210.00.

Then we went back to our room and watched TV a little while. Dave decided he wanted a snack so he went to the promenade café and got coffee cake. While he was there he got me a GF snicker doodle cookie. I am shocked at all the GF items on this ship.

That is it for day 3

[slickmouse]

So happy to read this review - I'm sailing in 9 days and have been trying to find out details of their GF options. Seems I have nothing to worry about. I was WAY too excited when I read about the GF snickerdoodle cookie!

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you can't wait for more lol

[Eriksgarden]

My niece is GF and Freedom of the Seas was incredible. I can only imagine that Allure is the same or better.

[NorbertsNiece]

My niece is GF and Freedom of the Seas was incredible. I can only imagine that Allure is the same or better.

 

My Freedom cruise (the 3rd since I became GF) was the most 'up to speed' cruise I have taken where GF was concerned. The Head Chef was willing to meet with me to discuss how they could improve their approach and offering. The MDR wait staff were quick to involve themselves in my needs and the WJ similarly when issues arose. They were truly outstanding. I can only hope that this attitude is replicated fleet-wide.

[msdebbe]

I just returned from the Liberty of the Seas in the Med. The travel agent let them know I would need gluten free; I emailed special services 60 days before we left and was assured there would be no problem in accommodating me. Well, they had me preorder the day before and I still waited a very long time for it in the main dining room. I was served g/f brownies 5 days in a row for dessert and only when I refused them and my husband talked to the head waiter did I finally receive a crème brulee without bananas. (allergic to them)

Anyways, I was never able to get a sandwich, cookie or anything else. I did purchase several gluten free cupcakes from the Cupcake shop. I was also told food in the Windjammer would be labeled but it was not and neither the head waiter or Chef wanted to walk me though to show what was g/f. I did let RCCL know of my disappointment in the way I was treated. Good luck to any cruisers who are G/F cruising because I guess you never know how the Chef(s) will be.

I think all ships should offer their guests the same good experience!

[Cruisegirl6]

On RC cruises I always have things to eat, I also must be gluten free.

 

You can go to the deli and ask for meat and no bread they be happy to accommodate you on that.

 

On the buffets I eat the meat carvings, vegetables, potaotes and salads, there are many different type of salads of veggies, never a problem.

 

I never tell the MDR or special services I need to be gluten free, I simply eat meats of all types and ask for no gravy or sauces....I eat veggies and potatoes and rice. I eat the chilled soups they have no gluten in them and ask for the French onion soup with no bread.

 

There are many things to eat being gluten free especially going on a RC cruise I been on many been gluten free for years and always ate ate and ate. :D