markis234

Canadian here, I'm going on the Allure on the 21st of February. Hope to see you there!

FYI

http://******************/blog/2015/12/missing-the-mark-gay-social-gatherings-on-cruise-ships/

(are URLs blocked?)

By the way, for cruisers stopping in Cozumel, I highly recommend Mr. Sancho's! They had gluten-free quesadillas and they were delicious. Also very good for vegetarian options.

We have cruised twice with Celebrity and their attention to my celiac diet has been outstanding! There are so many gluten free options to choose from and the food has been outstanding. I make it a point to speak to the staff, and take as many precautions as possible (eat at the same table in the dining room, same wait-staff, and go early to the buffet). I have even had gluten free fish and chips cooked especially for me at lunch and special gluten free desserts for dinner! I can't speak for what it has been like in the past, but I have been most impressed!

Great to hear! On our last cruise (Equinox) they made me a special gluten-free pizza at the buffet, with some kind of delicious quinoa crust. I agree getting the same wait staff at dinner is critical...unfortunately on my next cruise the option was My Time Dining. I also try to get at a table with at most four people, as in the past I've held up tables of ten with my "special" orders, as has my wife who often orders from the vegetarian menu.

On one cruise a couple years ago they had switched to staff serving you at the buffet - that was great for avoiding cross-contamination. But they've since stopped that, at least on the Equinox.

I've always tried to go but, like other commenters, found them sparsely attended, if at all. Only on a transatlantic was there a decent group, I found.

On my most recent cruise, last month, I was very pleased that it was posted each day in Celebrity Today as "LGBT Get-Together" (not FOD). That was on an 11-day cruise on the Equinox. Unfortunately, when I walked by the meet-up spot a few days, I didn't see anyone.

I'll definitely frequent these gatherings on my Feb sailing on the Allure - with such a huge passenger count I hope there will be a few attendees!

I've been cruising with RCI and Celebrity for years and have found their accommodation for allergen issues (e.g. gluten-free) to have regressed somewhat in recent years - especially in the buffet. I gather from staff that they do not want to risk legal issues in the buffet with those gluten, lactose, etc. labels anymore. That's too bad. If only guests could refrain from mixing up serving spoons and slopping food all over the place! Also causes issues for vegetarians (such as my wife).

We love cruising in part for their accommodation for dietary restrictions, and for the fabulous food. But we've been less impressed as of late.

Any thoughts on the best cruise lines for those with food allergies/sensitivities, and which lines are to be avoided? Thanks!

Thanks! I knew you could bring wine aboard with Celebrity, didn't realize with RCI too. :)

I've also found that the "adult-only" status is never enforced. Aboard various Celebrity ships there have been loud kids both in the solarium and/or the adult-only pool. :(

Thanks for this comprehensive review! Agree that Celebrity comes out ahead. One correction: Celebrity does have Happy Hour. Beers at 3.50 and wine at 4.50, 4-6 PM and 10 PM - midnight. Only at certain bars though. That was aboard the Equinox, last month. Maybe not on all ships, I do not know for sure.

Hi all, I'm 32, married, travelling with my wife's family but I suspect I'll be the only one up late at night. :o) Allure of the Seas on Feb 21. Love board/card games and dancing to oldies music!

Age: 32

State: Ontario

What you do: Communications strategist

Hobbies/Interests: Travelling, volunteering, politics, reading news

Family: Married

Last cruise: Nov 2015 - Central America/Caribbean on Celebrity Equinox

Next cruise: Feb 2016 - West Caribbean on Allure of the Seas (Feb 21)