Cruising with food intolerances

If you have food intolerances or allergies it can be a challenge to relax on holiday, but a cruise can be a great way to deal with the issue for several reasons: • The staff are always on the ship with you, unlike hotels where staff may work part-time – so when they know your eating requirements you won’t run the risk of anybody serving you something in ignorance because they weren’t around when the original explanation was made. • The major cruises lines are good at dealing with special dietary requests including food allergies. Each has a medical form parents will fill out with the specifics at least 40 days prior to sailing. Special requests can be made for food if the cruise line is given advance notice. Those that have a particularly good reputation for menu adaptation to special needs include: Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises. • You can choose a cruise line that offers traditional dining with set times so you can get to know the waiter, chef and staff. • Your stateroom will have a small refrigerator so you may be able to bring along safe snacks as well. Be sure to confirm exactly what you will be bringing with the cruise line so they can tell you about customs regulations or other rules that might affect what foodstuffs you take with you. Things to be sure about before you book: find out what medical staff are onboard and what are the clinic hours, what paperwork you need to submit prior to the cruise and how far in advance, and whether you can talk directly to the chef. An experienced cruise travel agent can assist you with all steps of the planning your trip including ensuring all paperwork is on file with the cruise line.