How bold are you?

JohnG · April 18, 2009

Because I have so many food allergies, I have to make special requests. I use to write down all of the foods that I could not have. The list became way too long. So, I start with a paragraph that says I am highly allergic and that I will list the foods that I can have. I emphasize NO BUTTER, NO DAIRY, NO MILK (I spell it out because I'm not always sure "they get it."), no grains (no gluten).
So when it comes time for my meal (whether it's on a ship or at a restaurant), I always ask if it was marinated and in what? How is it prepared? I then say that I need the item without sauce, without butter, blah, blah, blah. I remind them that I am allowed herbs, spices, olive oil and steamed vegetables.

So I start with, "I'll have salad, just plain greens, no croutons, no cheese, no dressing. I'll have oil on the side." If it comes with things that I am not allowed to have, I set it aside and don't eat it. I really try not to make too much of a pest of myself. Most times the wait staff will present the item and ask me if it's okay.

So, YES, I am extremely fastidious over how something is prepared and ask questions all the time.

Debbie,

Has your TA ever told you that each cruise line has a special needs procedure and you can submit a form ahead of time telling them what your food/dietary restrictions are? I have a customer in California with very similar needs to yours and we have had no problem on several lines by submitting the form ahead of time.

In addition, last time we had my daughter on a Celebrity ship, and she is lactose intolerant and doesn't like "stuff" on pasta, etc, and she spoke with the Asst Maitre D' one night, he began bringing her the next night's dinner menu the night before and letting her specify any modifications she wanted and they did it for her. Needless to say I tipped him well.

DebbieandJerry · April 21, 2009

JohnG: Tried the "I'll send the information in in advance" and have always heard back, "talk to the maitre d' when you get there."

This past cruise was the very first time where I wasn't given the menu one day in advance (even though I suggested it to our head waiter.) Again, I think we had some language issues.

On the Carnival, because we did a back-to-back, the waiter knew what I liked and what I could eat and he would tell me, "don't worry, I've ordered for you."

Despite a redundant night of salmon, I had a blast and everyone raved about the food on the Mercury.