First Cruise--Gluten Free Me-Fantasy Eastern Mar.9-16

[MeLaNie9]

I am glad to hear that the GF diet went ok. My son has a dairy allergy and we took our first cruise on the Dream last Aug. I think he was a bit disappointed - his choices for meals in the restaurants and lunch on CC were pretty limited and all of the bread apparently has dairy so he didn't get any at all while on the cruise - they didn't even offer him the GF rolls/buns which he has to have in WDW. I think he enjoyed eating at Cabanas the most. He was happy again when we were at WDW after the cruise and could eat the bread at GG and Wave.

 

[petbren]

I am glad to hear that the GF diet went ok. My son has a dairy allergy and we took our first cruise on the Dream last Aug. I think he was a bit disappointed - his choices for meals in the restaurants and lunch on CC were pretty limited and all of the bread apparently has dairy so he didn't get any at all while on the cruise - they didn't even offer him the GF rolls/buns which he has to have in WDW. I think he enjoyed eating at Cabanas the most. He was happy again when we were at WDW after the cruise and could eat the bread at GG and Wave.

Sorry your son didn't have good food choices on your cruise. Part of the fun of the trip is always the food. Good to hear he had better luck in WDW.

 

[petbren]

Back at the room, we ordered room service --2 orders All Hands on Deck--One with crackers, one without.
DD wanted to go up to the Sail Away Party, so just the two of us went up.
It was really crowded, and too "kiddy" she proclaimed, so we went back to room.
About an hour out from Port, it became quite rough. DS said he wasn't feeling well, so I got out the Sea Bands, and thought maybe I should put a pair on as well.
I went about unpacking, and moved up the next step to the chewable Gravol organic ginger. DS said he didn't want that.
We changed for dinner, and my then all four of us were not well, but DD and DH were not too bad.
EG was our first dinner, but by the time we went to dinner, the seas were so rough, we had a hard time walking down the hall without falling over.
We were seated at our table.
I remember sitting across from my DS. He looked and me, I looked at him..........and we got up and left.
We made it back to the room, which was just being turned down.
Long story short, we took a 12 hour gravol, and were both out by 10:30.
I cannot comment on dinner, as we had none
That's the end of Day one.
We did feel better the second day.

More to come.

 

[petbren]

I had most of day 2 written last night, but was exhausted and went to bed.
Just finished it now, and when I went to submit, it said my "token" had expired. and everything was gone.


I shall try again.

 

[petbren]

DAY 2-Day at Sea.

We got up feeling some better, but still kept up with the gravol.

We decided to go to EG for breakfast, but it didn't open 'till 9 and it was 8:30 so opted for RC.
No photos here, but I had a veggie omelet, and it was good.
No GF toast though

Because nobody felt like going out after dinner the night before, the kids hadn't gone to Vibe, so we went up there during the open house, registered them and had a look around. It's a really nice space for teens, but I must say, my kids didn't really go there much.

We then had another look around the ship and tried to get our bearings.
We stopped by the sports deck and tried a game of ping pong.



It was quite cool and windy on deck (the sports deck was sheltered and OK), so we decided to stay dry.



DH went back to the room, and the kids and I played the most expensive Bingo I had ever played. We didn't win anything.

By then it was time for lunch.
We went to Cabanas, and I just ate what I knew would be OK for me..........fruit, seafood, salad plane meat etc.
After that, DD and I went to the Shopping Show. Here, a very perky couple give you all the trips, tricks, and discounts about where to shop and get some good deals.
If you have extra $$ in your pocket you are ready to give up, there are many, many places you can do it.
There seemed to be some very good places to get quality diamond and gemstone jewelry and watches . That was not in our budget.
We hoped to get the "free" bracelet and charm they were giving out, but it turns out, they give you a charm, but you have to visit a number of the stores on the Islands to get the bracelet, and other charms.
We didn't shop in St. Thomas at all, and did go to a few stores in San Juan, so we have 2 cute little cruise ship charms and no bracelet

DH and Ds went to see Wreck-it Ralph, so DD and I went to see Aladdin.
This was a very good show, and Aladdin is one of DD's favourite movies.

Here is a photo of the Buena Vista Theater before the show started as you are not suppose to take pictures during the shows.

We never had a problem getting a seat. We usually got there about 15 minutes before the show. We like sitting up on the balcony the best.



Up next: I finally make it to dinner.

 

[ChrisParker]

Lookin' good. Keep 'em coming.

 

[petbren]

We went back to the room to get ready for Formal Night.
The split bath did really come in handy for getting ready.
Our rotation was Royal Court
DS and I met our table mates-a family of 4 from Toronto (1 hour away from us), and our servers.
Our main server-Suntas,from Thailand, and our assistant server Julio from Handuras. They were quite good, and very good with my allergy. They helped me with what I could eat that night, and each night, they gave me the next nights rotation's menu so I could place my order for the next night.

My dinner:

I wanted the escargots , but was told they could have bread crumbs in them. I have read on other posts that GF people have been able to have them, but oh well.
They said they could do the French onion soup, without the bread for me, and it was good. I haven't been able to have it since my diagnosis, as most places, the beef broth is not homemade, and contains wheat.
For my entrée, I had the Beef Tenderloin topped with Garlic Shrimp-----also, really good. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, except for the dessert.



Dessert-Vanilla Crème Brule (usually comes with an almond biscotti)



This was VERY good.

DS's birthday was March 5, and they were probably planning on doing his birthday song/dessert the night before, but since we weren't there, hard to do.
He wasn't expecting this, so it was kinda of funny.




We cleaned up well for the Formal Night photos.









After dinner, DH had the Cognac Tasting, so he left us.

The ship was quite rockey, again, so I went back to room, took my gravol, and pass out
Whenever I woke up, I could hear the hangers rattling in the closet

Up next: Day 3--another Seat Day.

 

[petbren]

I dragged everybody out of bed, and we headed to Enchanted Garden for breakfast.
This is also a buffet, smaller than Cabanas, but quieter, with servers to get your drinks, the coffee is better, and it's just lovely.
Of the 3 restaurants, EG is my favourite.





DD always wanted me to ask if we could sit in one of these booths....I never did, but wish now I had at least asked.

I decided today, I was going to speak to the chef about my GF options.

I decided on





I had hoped for a GF Mickey waffle, but was told they do not have a separate mickey waffle maker, but they did get me these..I think they were Vans. They were OK, a bit soggy.
I also got some assorted fruit, etc. from the buffet.

After breakfast, we decided to do the Midship Detective Agency. DS resisted, didn't want to do it, but knew it wasn't an option--Mom Says Your Doing It. We split up, DD and me ,DS and DH. We both chose Muppets.


Needless to say, we thought it was GREAT. Even DS enjoyed it.

I had read that you should take a picture of the door, and it wasn't until we were almost finished that I figured out it was THIS door.



DUH . That would have saved us much running around. It really was a great way to get to know your way around.

 

[MDennis28]

What a lovely family you have! Enjoying your trip report. Thank you for posting it.

 

[Mrs Green]

I'm following. We are on the eastern in February so I'm looking forward to hearing all the details.

 

[petbren]

What a lovely family you have! Enjoying your trip report. Thank you for posting it.

Thanks for the nice comments.

I'm following. We are on the eastern in February so I'm looking forward to hearing all the details.

I am glad you're following. I spent many hours on the boards scoping out all the fact. Planning is a huge part of looking forward to your trip.

 

[petbren]

First, let me say, we are huge history buffs. We especially love American History.
Proof:
Last summer, for DH's 50th birthday we went to Gettysburg, and Washington D.C.
On DD's school trip for grade 8, they went to Ottawa (capital of Canada, and approx. 6 hours from home). Her main complaint about the trip was that they didn't give her enough time in the museums to read all the information and facts.
DS was upset that there wasn't enough enrollment for is grade 11 American History class, and they cancelled it

So, when we found out that Lincoln was still playing on the ship, we knew we had to fit it in somewhere.

Here's a little tidbit I learned from my obsessive planning--you can get a list of movies that will be playing on your cruise by calling 1-888-325-2500 2 weeks before your sail date.

Needless to say, we loved the movie. The Beuna Vista Theater is so comfortable, but a bit weird to be watching a movie and feeling the ship move

By the time the movie was finished, it was time for lunch

We went up to Cabanas, and this time I asked to speak to the chef.
It was the same lovely chef from England (sorry, don't remember his name), who had helped me earlier at EG.
He walked me through the main items on the buffet, and confirmed I could eat the sushi, but no soya sauce. I wish they could get a bottle or two of the GF Tamari sauce as sushi without it was kinda strange.
He prepared me this, in the kitchen and brought it out to me.



The thought was nice, but the pasta was not really cooked--not al dante, more like al not done.



After lunch, DD decided she should do Auqaduck, but not by herself
It was still quite windy and cool on deck, and a brief rain shower went through, so I knew there would probably be little wait time.
DH volunteered to go
I generally love waterparks, and slides, we always make time for either TL or BB while in Disney, but I HATE being cold.




If you click on the photo, it will take you to the video link on my photobucket account.


They braved the slide only once that day, even DS was not going.
ccccooolllddd!!!

Up next: Cooking and Drinking

 

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

Love your report, I'm just down the highway in Brantford. We were on the Fantasy last September and booked again for August.

 

[VArunner]

I've been following your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to post.

My DS14 was diagnosed with Celac 2 years ago. We didn't stop cruising as we have found that it's probably one of the best vacation venues for worry free gf eating.
Some cruise lines are better than others. RCCL was outstanding. NCL good.
We are cruising DCL Fantasy April 2014 and I have hopes that DCL will meet or surpass RCCL. Though it is slightly different dining as a tween than as an adult, your post is very helpful!
For example NCL said that he could only get gf food in the main dining room-no out door grills, cafe, or buffets. However, he is going around the ship with other Tweens who are eating everywhere but the dining room. Tough. RCCL personally walked me around to each and every venue to point out what was safe for him to eat. They also said to feel free to ask for something special from those venues from it's head chef. They had a plate of fries for him waiting at the table every night to eat while the other boys munched on bread and butter. NCL toasted the gf bread with butter and he ate that. (Toasted gf bread is better than plain, IMHO)
Is there an ice cream machine for use by the passengers on board the Fantasy?
Thanks again for the posting and pictures!

 

[lin7]

I'm not the OP, but yes there are self service ice cream stands. The flavours were chocolate, vanilla, banana, and strawberry.

 

[Vivig]

AMAZING report so far! Great pictures and read. Wish I was back on board!

It was wonderful meeting you both at the Tequila tasting.

Will continue to follow your report!
Vivian

 

[petbren]

Love your report, I'm just down the highway in Brantford. We were on the Fantasy last September and booked again for August.

Thanks for the nice words.
I actually work in Brantford at the medical cr. off Garden Ave.--live on West Mountain, so about a 25 min. drive. If you ever need an ultrasound, come say Hi

I've been following your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to post.

My DS14 was diagnosed with Celac 2 years ago.

Some cruise lines are better than others. RCCL was outstanding. NCL good. NCL toasted the gf bread with butter and he ate that. (Toasted gf bread is better than plain, IMHO)
Is there an ice cream machine for use by the passengers on board the Fantasy?
Thanks again for the posting and pictures!

Thank YOU for the info about the different cruise lines. Good to know if we ever want to try something other than Disney
Yes, GF bread HAS to be toasted to be good. As I stated, the dinner rolls in the dining rooms were AWFUL (toasting may have helped).
The GF hot dog buns and hamburg buns were quite good at Tow Mater's, as were the fries.
I never asked about GF pizza crust at Luigi's, maybe someone could respond if there was some.
Someone already answered about the ice cream. We would go get a drink cup from the pop area and use it to put the ice cream in.
You will have a great time, have fun

 

[petbren]

AMAZING report so far! Great pictures and read. Wish I was back on board!

It was wonderful meeting you both at the Tequila tasting.

Will continue to follow your report!
Vivian

Hi Vivi So nice to hear from you.

I see you made it back OK. I think I read on another thread that you had some delays on you way back?
We went right to Downtown Disney. It was a gorgeous day, with many live bands, and other festivities for St. Patrick's Day. More on that later.

This next post is especially for you.

Up Next: 3 shot and 2 Margaritas in a half hour--Officially known as Tequila and Margarita Tasting

 

[petbren]

So before I get to the drinking , we'll start with cooking.......which also involved some drinking.

DH and I went to Anyone can cook-Sea Bass.
The Chef demonstrated how to make "Pan Seared Sea Bass with Fava Beans and Pea Risotto with Sweet Chili Glaze"...then we all got a tasting sized plate of the dish, paired with a glass of Chardonnay .
It was quite nice, and since I saw it being prepared, I knew I could eat it.
We planned to do more of these, but did not get to it.

Soon after, it was time for our Tequila and Margarita tasting.

As soon as we arrived on board, we stopped at Guest Services to book the tastings we wanted. Mixology was the hardest to get but we also managed that.

This was held in The Tube. Lots of Canadians at this, and the bartender was a woman from Montreal (as is DH , originally,and some other nice people we met)

We were presented with a tray with 3 shots, and a side plate with salt, cinnamon, orange peel, and lime. The bartender explained the different tequilas, what makes a better tequila, how to drink it etc. I had never been a tequila drinker, other than in the occasional margarita, but learned that it is quite the spirit, with prices ranging into the hundreds of dollars for different qualities.


Patrol Silver--sorry, already enjoyed that one!!



Patrol Gold, and Patron XO Café (coffee liquor)



Next up..2 margaritas, sorry don't remember the name of them but they were yummy. I made the blue one for DD's (adult) birthday party...very popular.




I also learnt that you really should only salt tequila or margaritas that are not good quality, it hides the bitterness. You will see that one of the margaritas has salt only on one side of the glass so you can decide which you like.

I liked the no salt--no need to add high sodium to the mix

Up next--Dinner at AP

 

[DMMarla07860]

So before I get to the drinking , we'll start with cooking.......which also involved some drinking.

DH and I went to Anyone can cook-Sea Bass.
The Chef demonstrated how to make "Pan Seared Sea Bass with Fava Beans and Pea Risotto with Sweet Chili Glaze"...then we all got a tasting sized plate of the dish, paired with a glass of Chardonnay .
It was quite nice, and since I saw it being prepared, I knew I could eat it.
We planned to do more of these, but did not get to it.

Soon after, it was time for our Tequila and Margarita tasting.

As soon as we arrived on board, we stopped at Guest Services to book the tastings we wanted. Mixology was the hardest to get but we also managed that.

This was held in The Tube. Lots of Canadians at this, and the bartender was a woman from Montreal (as is DH , originally,and some other nice people we met)

We were presented with a tray with 3 shots, and a side plate with salt, cinnamon, orange peel, and lime. The bartender explained the different tequilas, what makes a better tequila, how to drink it etc. I had never been a tequila drinker, other than in the occasional margarita, but learned that it is quite the spirit, with prices ranging into the hundreds of dollars for different qualities.


Patrol Silver--sorry, already enjoyed that one!!



Patrol Gold, and Patron XO Café (coffee liquor)



Next up..2 margaritas, sorry don't remember the name of them but they were yummy. I made the blue one for DD's (adult) birthday party...very popular.




I also learnt that you really should only salt tequila or margaritas that are not good quality, it hides the bitterness. You will see that one of the margaritas has salt only on one side of the glass so you can decide which you like.

I liked the no salt--no need to add high sodium to the mix

Up next--Dinner at AP

was the bartender you had for Tequila & Margarita tasting Christina? I met her and Billie at The Tube the two weeks after you since I did a back-2-back and Christina did the tequila tastings the next two weeks, loved em