Celiac and Gluten Free on the Fantasy

[kshark1958]

The wife and I just returned from our cruise on the Fantasy and knowing what she has to deal with having celiac and in need of a gluten free diet and knowing the frustrations that I'm sure other people with this issue have while traveling I wanted to write about the excellent job that DCL does to handle this.
First thing you must do is when you make your reservation for your trip make sure you tell the CM from DCL or your TA about the allergy. Then when you get on the ship make sure you go to guest services to make sure they are aware of it. The first night in the MDR our server already had it in their notes about the allergy. Our server went over the menu with her and told her what could be made gluten free and what couldn't. Their wasn't much on the menu they couldn't make gluten free. She got gluten free rolls and for dessert just about anything on the menu. Now since this was the first night they were a little slower with her food but not too slow. At the end of the dinner they let her pick from the next evening menu so when we arrived at dinner the next night everything was in line with the rest of us. Her rolls and meals were brought out with the rest of us. For breakfast and lunch we usually ate in either EG or RC and for breakfast she was able to order pancakes, donuts, blueberry muffins and toast all gluten free and fresh and warm right out of the oven. They also tasted good not like the gluten free stuff you buy in the grocery store. Also if she wanted she could go up to the buffet in EG and get the usual eggs, bacon and fruit. Also up on the pool deck she was able to order gluten free pizza and we were told that their was also gluten free chicken fingers and rolls for hamburgers and sandwiches We were told their fries are cooked in canola oil. We also ate at Palo one night and the waitress suggested several things for my wife and the food was superb she even had chocolate soufflé for desert. The only issue we had was at CC and the adult barbecue. We were told their was no gluten free food for her and she would have to go to the family beach for that. One CM even asked her if she brought any food off the ship due to her allergy.We were very surprised at this comment and would have expected it from a CCL server not DCL. Overall my wife's experience was excellent and for this reason we may stick with DCL because we are not sure how other cruise lines would handle this and don't want to take that chance. Any questions and comments please post and I will respond because I know how important this is to other people with gluten free allergies.

 

[CrawfordMomof2]

Thanks for posting that! I was just diagnosed with celiac disease and because of that I was a little nervous about our cruise next year. I've gone a week without gluten and I'm just now starting to really feel better. I was REALLY worried about trying to keep on track for vacation. Your post made me feel so much better. I was worried that they would just look at me and say gluten? what is that? Thanks again for taking the time to post that!

 

[Luv2Diz]

We agree that DCL does a great job dealing with food allergies. My DD was a little afraid to do a cruise on the Magic recently because she needs both gluten free and dairy free. They did an amazing job taking care of her! She dined on things she never thought possible, and meals became a favorite part of her cruise.

We are looking at cruising on the Fantasy next, so it's reassuring she will get the same excellent service there!

 

[kshark1958]

Thanks for posting that! I was just diagnosed with celiac disease and because of that I was a little nervous about our cruise next year. I've gone a week without gluten and I'm just now starting to really feel better. I was REALLY worried about trying to keep on track for vacation. Your post made me feel so much better. I was worried that they would just look at me and say gluten? what is that? Thanks again for taking the time to post that!

Your are welcome glad I could help. My wife was diagnosed with celiac 20 years ago and a lot of restaurants and grocery stores are finally getting around to providing for it. Disney has always been wwaaayy in front of everyone about not just gluten free but other allergies. If you happen to go to WDW they are also excellent with the gluten free.The counter serve in WDW is a little slim in gluten free but table service is superb in this. One of the best memories we have of this cruise is when my wife asked for gluten free pancakes in Enchanted Garden the chef with this huge smile on his face came out with not just pancakes but also sugar donuts, blueberry muffins and toast. He had this huge smile on his face and was so happy he could make something special for her. Good luck with your celiac and remember even though it can be frustrating at times don't let it control you everyday their are more and more options out there for you.

 

[JimmyJackJunior]

My wife is celiac and my daughter is showing signs of becoming one. Disney is absolutely fantastic in dealing with this. Not only on the cruises but in the parks as well. They went way out of the way to make sure they had multiple options for desert as opposed to just ice cream.

 

[jilljill]

Rather than go to Guest Services when you board to make sure they are aware of any food allergies, you are better off going to the 'dining changes' location, which is usually the main dining room in the atrium. That way you can talk to a head server/dining room manager and they will be able to answer any questions you have before going to dinner the first night. Not sure if they would be able to arrange your meal for that first evening or not but it's worth an ask.

 

[Notso]

This is so good to hear! We will be cruising next year, and our youngest has celiac. She was diagnosed at 1 year, and Disney trips are that much more magical for her since she can eat things there she can't have at restaurants at home. I'm so glad the cruises are no different!

May I ask what you did for your wife at the ports? We are considering staying on the boat for early lunches then venturing out. Googling gluten free in St. Maarten and St. Thomas didn't turn up any good options.

 

[kshark1958]

This is so good to hear! We will be cruising next year, and our youngest has celiac. She was diagnosed at 1 year, and Disney trips are that much more magical for her since she can eat things there she can't have at restaurants at home. I'm so glad the cruises are no different!

May I ask what you did for your wife at the ports? We are considering staying on the boat for early lunches then venturing out. Googling gluten free in St. Maarten and St. Thomas didn't turn up any good options.

She ate a big breakfast as late as possible and the excursions we did were not real long. She had some gluten free Kind bars she bought on Amazon but these just melted because of the chocolate in them. The next time she will take a different kind that won't melt. We definitely were not trusting anything in port. We were at Costa Maya , Cozumel, and Grand Cayman was canceled by the captain because of weather and in my beginning quote in this thread you will read about CC. In various threads on this subject the best advice we received was short excursions. I did ask in this forum about box lunches from the ship but was told you can't take food off the ship.Didn't ask this question on board.

 

[intertile]

My wife was diagnosed with Celiac 4 years ago, and dining out/vacationing has always been a challenge. Went to WDW in 2011 and were so impressed with there ability to handle it that we booked DCL and cruised the caribean with the fantasy this past New Years. Our experience was as the OP...excellent. For CC, our server came to us the night before and took her order for lunch on the island. Then we went to Cookies 1 (i think thats the name)and picked it up.
As far as the ports of call...I wouldn't take the chance. Most restaurants mean well, and they try to accomadate an allergy. Problem is, most of them are not educated on gluten allergies and cross-contamination. Just now worth taking the chance and possibly ruining a couple of days of vacation. Better to either coordinate events around eating on the boat, or take something with you that you know is gluten free.

 

[kshark1958]

My wife was diagnosed with Celiac 4 years ago, and dining out/vacationing has always been a challenge. Went to WDW in 2011 and were so impressed with there ability to handle it that we booked DCL and cruised the caribean with the fantasy this past New Years. Our experience was as the OP...excellent. For CC, our server came to us the night before and took her order for lunch on the island. Then we went to Cookies 1 (i think thats the name)and picked it up.
As far as the ports of call...I wouldn't take the chance. Most restaurants mean well, and they try to accomadate an allergy. Problem is, most of them are not educated on gluten allergies and cross-contamination. Just now worth taking the chance and possibly ruining a couple of days of vacation. Better to either coordinate events around eating on the boat, or take something with you that you know is gluten free.

Wow we didn't even know about the order the day before option for CC only the order the night before for dinner in MDR. We did find out next day that at Cookies2 the barbecue at the adult beach did not have gluten free which was a little disappointing. I guess Cookies 1 is the family side barbecue.

 

[kshark1958]

Has anybody cruised another cruise line with celiac. Don't know if I would try another line but was just wondering what their experience was.

 

[geffric]

Rather than go to Guest Services when you board to make sure they are aware of any food allergies, you are better off going to the 'dining changes' location, which is usually the main dining room in the atrium. That way you can talk to a head server/dining room manager and they will be able to answer any questions you have before going to dinner the first night. Not sure if they would be able to arrange your meal for that first evening or not but it's worth an ask.

that is what I did, went to dining changes and they made a special dinner for me for night 1.

Also, my server in the MDR and Head Server spoke with the Castway Cay servers and made sure there was gluten free things for me to eat. Asked me which Cookies I would be at and then made sure they had my celiac and gluten free allergy noted
and that they were prepared.

Had a great experience with Disney Cruise Line.. that is why on every Disney ship, I know Head servers and Chefs. They take care of me even at the buffet lines, Cooking series, MDR, anywhere even if i am not at their station. They make sure that I am taken care of.. the Disney difference! Other lines just dont have the same level of service.

 

[TrixieM]

Kevin and Lorraine,

Thanks for the great tips! I am wondering about GF room service options. Do they offer GF crackers with the cheese and cracker plate? GF cookies and milk? Any other GF breakfast options with room service?

Both my daughter and I have celiac disease and our first cruise is coming up on 3/29. I am glad to hear that we have options.

 

[intertile]

GF room service is only available during the day when a chef is on duty. Late at night we were told they could not gaurantee us that the food would be GF.

 

[TrixieM]

GF room service is only available during the day when a chef is on duty. Late at night we were told they could not gaurantee us that the food would be GF.

Thanks

 

[kshark1958]

Rather than go to Guest Services when you board to make sure they are aware of any food allergies, you are better off going to the 'dining changes' location, which is usually the main dining room in the atrium. That way you can talk to a head server/dining room manager and they will be able to answer any questions you have before going to dinner the first night. Not sure if they would be able to arrange your meal for that first evening or not but it's worth an ask.

Thanks did not know about dining room changes location will note this for next cruise. Another learning experience for first time cruisers. While talking over dinner tonight at home the wife and I have decided all other cruise lines are out. DCL does way too great of a job to take a chance on anyone else. GF chocolate soufflé for desert where else you gonna find that?

 

[CrawfordMomof2]

GF room service is only available during the day when a chef is on duty. Late at night we were told they could not gaurantee us that the food would be GF.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Notso]

How do you have the dietary restriction noted on your reservation? I'm wondering if I can call or if our TA has to do it.

 

[NEmel]

Has anybody cruised another cruise line with celiac. Don't know if I would try another line but was just wondering what their experience was.

We have done Carnival since my husband was dx with celiacs. They were very good in the MDR about taking his order the night before and making whatever he wanted. On the buffets he just used his own judgement. Thanks for your review we are a little nervous about our up coming Dream cruise.

 

[intertile]

How do you have the dietary restriction noted on your reservation? I'm wondering if I can call or if our TA has to do it.

I booked directly with Dcl...i would call them first