Gluten Free

[brandy4598]

CCL has gone out of their way to make sure our DD's gluten free requirements were met. The DR manager came to see us each night with the next night's dinner menu so they could plan. GF breads were delicious. The GF pizza rocks.

 

While we can't compare CCL to other lines, for us, CCL hits home runs!

 

Maybe different ships have different brands of the GF products? The last time my DH and I sailed on Carnival, the GF bread was horrible. It had the taste and consistency of cardboard (or, at least, what I imagine cardboard would taste like). I told them not to bother bringing it out to the table. And, when I ordered a GF pizza, it was not on a pizza dough. I got sauce and cheese on a couple of pieces of the same GF bread they serve in the dining room. So, I am really hoping that they have improved what they are serving.

[brandy4598]

The GF breads may not be good, but CCL does work with folks who are GF and their menu and foods are far better than on RCI or NCL.

 

I haven't tried RCI yet; but Carnival's GF options are definitely better than NCL. Additionally, Carnival's service was much better than NCL. On our NCL cruise in May, there was only one person who handled all food allergies for all of the passengers in all of the dining venue on board. There were many times we had to wait for 30 minutes or more at the table after we were done eating so that he could come by and get my order for the next day. Additionally, when he had off for the day, there was no one to take his place (taking gf orders or making sure you were getting the correct meal). A lot of the time, I ended up eating salads and other items I knew were safe to avoid the hassle.

[Cruising4]

For the record, my intolerance is not 'self-diagnosed.' I had extremely bad sinus pain/fatigue/acid reflux, and the doctors had no idea what was wrong with me, as all my tests showed no sign of anything wrong. It was only with the help of a functional medicine specialist who put me on an elimination diet that all my health issues went away once I stopped eating gluten.

 

I'm a health reporter and know a thing or two about the topic. While celiac disease affects only a small percentage of the population, intolerances certainly exist, not just to gluten, but many other foods as well. I don't think anyone with an intolerance is trying to take the focus off of anyone with celiac, or perhaps (hopefully) you were referring to those who see GF as a trend they have to follow.

 

Anyway, good info, but maybe better put in a way that doesn't sound like you are lecturing from atop a high horse. I am always explaining to people that substituting bread, crackers, sweets, etc. without gluten isn't healthy, and that you shouldn't be eating that stuff no matter who you are. Most people have no idea about all the bad starches in GF processed food. Junk for junk, but people will eat what they want, and for those who don't want a vaca ruined by a bad reaction, it's good to have options. peace and love!

 

Riannon,

My comments were not directed at you and I didn't intend to sound snotty. You are correct, I did come across as lecturing. I'm sorry I was so preachy, I should have re-read before posting. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Cruising4

[Yvonne]

Very important for the small % of society afflicted with Celiac Disease... the remainder of the hypochondriacs who eat Gluten Free, are harming themselves, while trying to act sophisticated about Gluten.

 

I do not have Celiac's Disease but I do have a sensitivity to wheat gluten and no, I'm not a hypochondriac thank you very much.

 

There are plenty of people who have gluten sensitivity without having full-blown celiac disease. Just because you are fortunate enough to not be sensitive and don't have to deal with the digestive issues, doesn't mean that those people who do are hypochondriacs. Love to know how eating gluten free is harming anyone.

 

Totally agree with you.

 

I have a sensitivity to wheat gluten and when I avoid wheat I don't have near the amount of "issues" as I do if I eat regular bread or pasta, etc. On the cruise I generally avoid as much wheat gluten as possible but I don't take it so far as to note it on my cruise reservation, or speak with someone before every meal, etc. I basically just avoid breads and pastas and do okay with that. I've never tried the gluten free bread on the ships, I've tried plenty of them at home and even Udi's isn't all that great in my opinion. I'd rather not have bread at all. :)

[rhiannon35]

Riannon,

My comments were not directed at you and I didn't intend to sound snotty. You are correct, I did come across as lecturing. I'm sorry I was so preachy, I should have re-read before posting. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Cruising4

 

Very nice of you to take the time to respond and apologize, Cruising4. No harm done :)

Like I said, I know where you're coming from -- people who try GF pizza because they think it's 'healthier' than regular pizza drive me crazy.

And though I try not to get preachy, I think my kids, husband and mother would tell you otherwise. I'm just glad I might be able to eat something other than salad -- which I love but not 2x a day -- on my first CCL cruise!

[CruisinGirl777]

Who agrees Carnival's gluten free bread horrible? We were just on NCL and they had Udis breads and pizza shells. Carnival needs to start carrying these items.

 

Yes I agree. The breads on Carnival/Princess were inedible. I don't eat much processed GF foods at home but wanted treats on the cruise. Everything I tried was awful (pizza/toast/buns/pasta) so I just avoided it all and ate naturally GF foods.

 

Just got off MSC Divina and it was a billion times better. Everything was amazing! They had a gorgeous breakfast croissant that was soft and delicious served warm and with melted chocolate inside :eek:. They had cookies, crackers, real toast, warm soft buns with dinner and the only thing missing was no pizza. The pasta was so good that we had it daily as a starter. I read somewhere that they consulted with the Italian Celiac Association and boy does it show. They even opened the dining room to special diets on port days. Some days there were only 4 or 5 of us, so it was appreciated. We will definitely sail with them again.

[CruisinGirl777]

Also wanted to point out that we did not have to order the night before as on other lines. It was nice to feel more like everyone else and be able to adjust my eating based on how I felt in the moment.