I'm a HAL newbie too, but this here are some tidbits I've learned from sailing on other cruise lines: Don't rely on Corporate to pass your food allergy information on to the ship. Sign up for fixed dining so that you always have the same waiter. Eat in the MDR as often as possible. When you board, speak with the maître d' in the MDR and make sure that he/she understands that your dietary requirements are due to allergies and not just preferences. Also speak with your waiter and be sure that he/she understands your dietary restrictions. Don't accept "Oh I'm sure ..." for an answer. If you intend to eat in the buffet or in any specialty restaurants, also speak with those maître d's. If you have any questions when eating there, ask the server at the buffet counter or your alternative restaurant waiter and if he/she doesn't seem sure of the answer, ask him/her to find out.