Lazy Gluten Free: A Royal Gluten Free Vacation

A Royal Gluten Free Vacation


You may have wondered why I didn’t post last week, and I am here to tell you not to fret, I was simply on a much needed vacation. I finally got into the groove of posting, and then I took a week off. Well, I am back – refreshed, recharged, and ready to dive back into finding delicious gluten free recipes to share with you!


Eating gluten free while traveling is always an adventure in itself, and this trip was not really an exception, but it was definitely one of the easiest times I have had. Where did I go you ask? Well, I went on a Caribbean cruise! My husband and I sailed on the magnificent Royal Caribbean ship, The Freedom of the Seas. This was the largest ship I have ever been on boasting 14 decks and a gross tonnage of 160,000. It was huge. We had a balcony room, where we spent a lot of our time, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect in the mid-80s all week with not a drop of rain. Believe me, it was very hard to come back to 30-degree Michigan. 




This cruise was my second since being gluten free (fifth cruise ever), and even though the other cruise line did very well, I was still slightly nervous. My nerves were quickly abated however, when right after we boarded we went to the Windjammer CafĂ©, where gluten-free food surely was not going to be found, I saw a sign that read “Gluten Free Bread Upon Request”. What?! So naturally I made this request to the attendant working at that station and he soon brought me back a plate containing two slices of bread and two small muffins. It was some of the best gluten free bread I had eaten in quite awhile (besides Udi’s, which is my all-time favorite). 




Dinner was no exception either. Our head waiter showed me the menu for the following night each night after we ate, and I placed my order for any meals I wanted the next day. I had GF French toast almost every morning complete with fresh fruit, and for dinner, I was able to eat slightly modified versions of the menu items. I had everything ranging from prime rib to slow-roasted beef to a creamy pasta dish (shown below). I ate so much it wasn’t even funny. Not that I am complaining, because isn’t that what vacation is about? :)


If you’ve ever considered a cruise but have been hesitant because you don’t know if you’ll be able to eat gluten free, let me assure you that you will have no problems whatsoever. The dining staff, especially on Royal Caribbean, were very accommodating and aware of gluten free. I was extremely impressed. 




Although I didn’t want to come back to the cold, I am still excited to continue to try new recipes and share them with you. Don’t forget, if there is ever anything you would like to see me make gluten free, don’t hesitate to message me or comment on one of my posts. I always love reading your feedback on what I do post too!

10 comments:

  1. I agree, Royal carribean does a wonderful job catering to celiacs needs. Went on two just last year and both were wonderful! :)

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    1. They definitely do! I am glad you also had a great experience (or two)!

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  2. We took a cruise on the Carnival Dream and they were superb as well. The chef even met with me directly and showed us how they would be careful for cross contamination. It was a 'dream' come true, sorry, bad joke. ;-)

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    1. Glad to hear you had a good experience! I was on the Carnival Legend a couple years ago and also had great GF service then too. It makes vacationing actually relaxing when we don't have to worry about what to eat!

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  3. Hey thanks for sharing. This is great information. I will request gluten free on my next cruise. I am so glad you shared this. You have no idea how much this helps!

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  4. I am glad to hear this helped you! I believe there is no reason those of us who need gluten free options shouldn't be able to enjoy vacationing too. Have fun planning your next GF vacation!

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  5. I'm going on Freedom of the Seas at the end of June and was just diagnosed with celiac disease a couple of months ago. I know they redid the menu so certain things are marked gluten free, but will they modify anything off the menu for you? I also read they have gluten free beer and cupcakes in the promenade... is it true?

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    1. How exciting (for the vacation)! The menu is marked with which items can be modified to be GF. You should talk to the head waiter your first night and you will be allowed to order your meals for the next day each night so they can better accomodate you. I highly recommend eating in the dining room for each meal since you will have more variety and less risk of cross-contamination. I was able to get GF bread and muffins on the promenade by asking for it. I am not sure about GF beer as I am not a beer drinker. There were plenty of mixed drink options and wine though :)
      Feel free to send me an email at lazyglutenfree@live.com if you would like additional information!

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  6. Hello my family will be on the Freedom in December 2013 and my 6 year old who's a very bad eater to begin with was just diagnosed with Celiac Disease. He loves cheese burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza etc... any fancy looking foods he won't touch! Do you think we will have problems with him getting those types of food on board? I am so new this new way of eating!!

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    1. How exciting! I love cruising :)
      My first recommendation to you is to make sure you eat in the dining room for all meals to avoid cross-contamination and to make sure you are getting gluten-free meals. Your head waiter will work with your son each night to pick out his meals for the next day. I don't remember if there were "less fancy" options for a pickier eater, but I would imagine the staff would be willing to work with him to find something he likes, whether it be a bun-less burger or something along those lines. The menu is marked with a symbol next to each dish that can be prepared gluten-free and they do offer delicious GF bread, muffin, and breakfast options as well.
      I hope this helps!

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