Gluten Free Travel: Cruising Gluten-Free on the Celebrity Summit

I'm constantly amazed at how the reviews of CRUISES that gluten-free travelers submit to our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite, are so varied.** Some people rave about the care that goes into preparing their meals -- and the gluten-free choices available -- while others leave the cruise sorely disappointed. That's why, this month, we chose to showcase a particularly positive review of one cruise line -- Celebrity -- as our Featured Review of the Month on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Celebrity is one line that has gotten consistently positive reviews on our site, and this month's featured reviewer (who is an avid traveler and also happens to be the National Secretary of the Canadian Celiac Association) has actually had TWO successful cruises on one of their ships...the Celebrity Summit. 

His first cruise with his wife was a European cruise back in 2008 for their honeymoon. Their more recent cruise on the same ship -- the Celeberity Summit -- involved a Caribbean itinerary of "island hopping." This Celiac traveler could not have spoken more highly of the treatment he received on board. "I was taken aback by the staff's genuine concern for my needs and remarkable ability to cater to the Gluten-Free diet." He said he "ate like a King" while on board, and his wife, who is a vegetarian, received equally impressive treatment. You can read more details about the wonderful food they were served in this month's Featured Review.

So if you're considering a cruise, Celebrity may be "just what the doctor ordered" for some R&R -- and a true "vacation from worry" where the staff will take good care of your GF needs. Celebrity recommends you let them know of your GF diet (and any other dietary restrictions) when booking your cruise. They will then have you fill out a "special needs" form prior to the trip. A "special needs" representative will even contact you for more details, if needed. Once on board, you'll meet with the dining staff the first night of the cruise. For more information, call Celebrity's Special Needs department at 1-866-592-7225 or email them at SpecialNeeds@celebrity.com.

If you would like more help planning your cruise --as well as booking flights to and from the cruise's departure location -- I'd recommend contacting Lesley Hayden, a travel agent with Travel Leaders agency. She has personally helped our family -- as well as many GlutenFreeTravelSite clients -- book successful gluten-free trips over the past several years. And she'll often be able to find you better deals than you would on your own -- saving you money AND time! Her number is 1-800-487-6110, and her email is lhayden@travelleaders.com.

Bon voyage!

** Most reviews of cruises submitted to our website can be found on our Caribbean page.

Comments

[Times Square Hotel]

I'd recommend contacting Lesley Hayden, a travel agent with Travel Leaders agency.

[New York Hotel]

I'd recommend contacting Lesley Hayden, a travel agent with Travel Leaders agency.

[Peregrine travel]

Nice Blog, Your post is very interesting, I have introduced a number of friends look at this article. this post is about Cruising Gluten-Free on the Celebrity Summit. I have to say thanks for such an article.

[Helen]

I'm going to be traveling on the Celebrity Summit next March. Having Celiac Disease and needing to eat gluten-free, I started doing research to find information. It would be very helpful if the links to the featured information were updated to link directly to the review. Instead, the link takes me to the home page for the Gluten Free Travel site.

So far, my experience has been less than exciting. I received the following in an email from my travel agent after they spoke with Celebrity.

**
Celebrity does not have a separate gluten-free menu. However, there is a daily alternative menu that includes ala carte items (beef, chicken, fish, plain white rice, plain baked potato, vegetables, etc.) In addition many of the items on the menus can be modified to eliminate sauces or other items that may contain gluten protein. We also provide gluten-free bread that is baked on board.

Please note: it is recommended that guests bring their own packets of salad dressings and dry, nonperishable snacks onboard. Guests are not allowed to bring on board any perishable food items.
**

Further communication after turning in my form:
Please be advised that your reservation has been noted with your gluten free needs. Please follow up with the maitre d' once onboard in order to have a clear communication with the dining staff.

We'll see how it goes!