5 Best Gluten Free Cruises For Your Next Vacation

For those living with celiac disease, the thought of embarking on a cruise vacation can be daunting. The fear of cross-contamination, limited gluten-free dining options, and the inability to control food preparation can dampen the excitement of setting sail on the open seas. However, gluten free cruises exist since many cruise lines have recognized the growing demand for accommodating dietary restrictions, including gluten-free diets, making it possible for gluten-free cruisers to enjoy a safe and delicious voyage.

Here’s a look at some of the best cruise lines for those with celiac disease, offering dedicated gluten-free menus, trained staff, and a commitment to providing a safe gluten free experience.

Royal Caribbean is widely regarded as one of the most accommodating mainstream cruise lines for gluten-free travelers. Across their fleet, the main dining rooms feature gluten-free menus with an extensive selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Gluten-free cruisers can enjoy staples like gluten-free bread, pasta, and pizza made with dedicated gluten-free pizza dough. The specialty restaurants also offer modified gluten-free menus and are able to accommodate special requests in advance. Even the room service menus have been expanded with gluten-free options available around the clock.

To minimize cross-contamination risks, Royal Caribbean has implemented dedicated gluten-free pantry spaces and separate prep areas for gluten-free items in the buffet restaurants on each ship. Gluten-free dishes are kept completely isolated from other foods containing gluten. The staff is extensively trained in proper handling and service to ensure a safe gluten-free experience. Royal Caribbean also offers gluten-free beer, hard ciders, and some gluten-free dessert options like cookies or brownies at certain venues.

What particularly impresses many in the celiac community is Royal Caribbean’s commitment to continuously improving. They actively seek feedback from guests and work with groups like the Gluten Intolerance Group to enhance their protocols. Royal Caribbean even has gluten-free cruisers re-board after dry dock periods to provide guidance on further reducing potential cross-contamination areas. With this level of attentiveness, Royal Caribbean remains a trusted choice for a safe and enjoyable gluten-free cruise vacation experience.

Disney is renowned for its attention to detail, and this extends to their excellent gluten-free dining options across all of their cruise ships. The head chefs and culinary teams work closely with experts from the Celiac Disease Foundation to ensure they uphold best practices for a safe and delicious gluten-free experience from embarkation to disembarkation.

Gluten-free cruisers can enjoy an incredibly wide range of dedicated menu items made from scratch in Disney’s gluten-free kitchens and bakeries. From gluten-free Mickey waffles at breakfast to hamburger buns, hot dog buns and even gluten-free pizza at lunch and dinner – no classic is off limits. The dinner menus feature gluten-free versions of guest favorites like parmesan-crusted chicken, seafood pasta, and baked potatoes.

For dessert, cruisers can indulge in treats like gluten-free chocolate lava cake, crème brulée, and ice cream sundaes. Disney’s pastry team works hard to make sure gluten-free guests don’t miss out on anything.

These dedicated gluten-free kitchens, pantries, and food prep areas on each ship ensure absolute separation from any gluten-containing ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. The culinary staff is rigorously trained in following strict protocols. Disney also offers gluten-free beer, ciders, and some alcoholic beverages.

What really sets Disney apart is their ability to make gluten-free guests feel like extremely valued customers rather than an inconvenience. Plenty of snacks, sealed meals-to-go for shore days, and staff assistance with navigating onboard venues – it’s a top-notch experience.

Carnival Cruise Line has made significant strides in recent years to accommodate gluten-free diets across their fleet of fun ships. In the main dining rooms, gluten-free cruisers will find dedicated gluten-free menus with appetizers, entrees, and dessert options rotating nightly. The line’s dress code is relaxed, making it comfortable to dine in the main dining room evening after evening. Carnival’s staff receives training on celiac disease, gluten-free diets, and how to prevent cross-contamination.

Carnival’s lido buffet restaurants also offer a dedicated gluten-free station at each meal period. Here you’ll find gluten-free items like pizza, chicken nuggets, fries, and normally glutenous foods that have been made gluten-free. There are also gluten-free breakfast options like pancakes or french toast.

To make things easier, you can pre-order your gluten-free meals up to 4 weeks prior to sailing and have them ready from the first day. Or make special requests directly to the head waiter or maitre d’ hotel upon boarding for things like gluten-free beer, bread, pasta, or desserts.

For casual nibbles, many of the lido pizzeria stands and eateries like Guy’s Burger Joint offer gluten-free buns. And the soft serve/frozen yogurt is generally gluten-free on most ships. With some flexibility and planning, gluten-free passengers can sail Carnival while still enjoying many signature dining experiences.

Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for gluten-free cruisers across their contemporary fleet of ships. In the main dining rooms, they offer dedicated gluten-free menus that change daily and feature appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.

The variety is impressive – you might find anything from gluten-free calamari to start, followed by chicken parmesan with gluten-free pasta or cedar planked baked salmon. For dessert, options like crème brûlée, flourless chocolate cake, or ice cream are always available.

Norwegian’s specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro French, and Moderno Churrascaria also have marked gluten-free menus and can accommodate gluten-free diners safely by using dedicated kitchen spaces and trained staff. You’ll find gluten-free bread, pasta dishes, decadent desserts and more.

The staff is extremely well-trained in handling dietary restrictions and food allergies. From the dining room managers to the waitstaff, they understand cross-contamination risks. Norwegian allows you to make special gluten-free requests in advance, or coordinate needs directly with the head waiter or maitre’d once onboard.

For casual meals, the lido buffets have marked gluten-free sections andstandout items like the gluten-free pizza at the buffet pizzerias. You can also order gluten-free room service meals, mid-voyage snacks and treats to have delivered.

Norwegian gets high marks from gluten-free cruisers for the education of their staff on celiac needs and the sheer variety of safe, delicious options across their ships.

Holland America is known for its commitment to accommodating special diets, including gluten-free diets, across its fleet of premium cruise ships. In the main dining room, they offer an extensive dedicated gluten-free menu that changes nightly. Gluten-free cruisers can enjoy appetizers like tomato bisque or Caesar salad without croutons to start. Entree highlights include dishes like grilled chicken breast, broiled salmon, or a hearty glazed beef short rib.

For pasta lovers, Holland America’s kitchen staff takes care to prevent cross-contamination when preparing gluten-free penne, fettuccine, and other noodle dishes. They also have gluten-free bread available as well as gluten-free desserts like crème brûlée, flourless chocolate cake, and ice cream. You can even get a gluten-free breakfast pastry basket delivered to your stateroom.

The specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto also have marked gluten-free menus and trained chefs to modify dishes safely. From gluten-free steaks and seafood to risotto and decadent desserts, they aim to provide an elevated experience safely for celiacs.

All of Holland America’s dining staff receives training on celiac disease, cross-contamination risks, and how to prevent issues. You can make special requests in advance when booking, or speak to the head waiter or maitre’d once onboard about your gluten-free needs. Between the attentive service and quality gluten-free offerings, Holland America cruises can be an enjoyable experience for gluten-free guests.

Plus, with enchanting destinations like Tahiti and Hawaii awaiting, your gluten-free voyage promises unforgettable moments.

When booking your gluten free cruises, be sure to provide complete medical information about your gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to your travel agent or the cruise line’s medical professionals. This allows them to stock larger quantities of gluten-free ingredients and prepare accordingly.

Some cruisers also find it helpful to contact the ship’s head chef or head waiter in advance with their ship name and sail date to discuss dietary needs and make special requests for things like gluten-free french fries, ice cream, french onion soup or late night snacks.

The key is communicating all needs upfront, so cruise staff can have your safe meal options ready from the first night onward. With some forethought, you can enjoy everything from gluten-free breads and burgers to soy milk and safe treats.

The increased visibility of celiac disease and the engaged celiac community has prompted cruise lines to seriously up their gluten-free game in recent years. By providing feedback and working with groups like the Celiac Disease Foundation, more lines are training staff on cross-contamination risks and expanding gluten-free options.

So whether you opt for a mainstream favorite like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, or one of the luxury lines that specializes in exceptional culinary experiences, your chances of an amazing gluten free cruise vacation keep getting better each year!

Remember, while cruise lines strive to provide a safe gluten-free experience, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution, read labels carefully, and communicate your dietary needs to the staff members. With the right preparation and communication, you can embark on a memorable and delicious gluten-free cruise vacation, exploring the open seas while indulging in excellent gluten-free food.

What was your experience on your gluten free cruise? Let me know in the comments below!