Another Newbie with Q's?

[missusp]

Ok I am travelling blind as I never been on a cruise before.

 

DH and DS both have food allergies.

DS can't have egg or dairy or nuts.

DH can't have nuts.

I have an allergy to coffee which I can handle, I just stay away from certain liquors, foods and anything chocolate (yes they usually spike cake or fondant with a shot of expresso).

 

What allowances onboard are there for their intolerances?

Do I have to take soy milk onboard with me for DS?

How do I approach the subject of ice cream with DS?

As he has soy ice cream at home but doesn't understand that other people's ice cream he can't eat. It's hard enough with eggs also pretty much in everything to do with kids meals ie. nuggets, chicken and anything crumbed or battered etc.

 

What assurances onboard can I get that they will looked after?

It's not a matter of calling DCL as I live half way across the world and their website is useless for any form of contact other than phone or the glazed over FAQs that leave you with more questions than answers.

 

 

cheers

[Gary from PA]

Having nut allergy puts you at extreme risk of a disastrous mishap. I do not think the cruise line can guarantee you a nut free cuisine.You can avoid nuts containing items but no one can guarantee that they are made in a nuts free environment.

You are responsible, so either avoid the cruise or keep emergency medicines with you, though the ship would have it ,too.

[missusp]

We are lucky though ... the nuts allergy is minor and not anaphylactic.

Same for the the other allergies.

 

DS has not even consumed any egg or nuts.

He is due to get retested for allergies after our cruise.

DS also has a weird reaction to zucchini of all things too.

 

The most the allergic reaction gets is hives and

a behaviourial change for the negative.

 

DS loves his chocolate soy milk and to go without would not go down well

at breakfast and if all he could drink was juice or "fizzy" pop soda,

I would struggle to get him down from his sugar high. LOL

 

cheers

Bel

[AussieMumma]

Could you buy some soy milk the day before you go on the cruise and take it with you? You're allowed to take your own snacks etc onboard as well.

I suggest ringing Disney Cruise Lines and asking them what is available as an alternative, there is no reason you can't we ring the USA to book our hotels and tours all the time, (we are in qld), just ring first thing in the morning our time and it will be the afternoon the day before in the USA, it doesn't cost more then a few dollars.

[Gary from PA]

Could you buy some soy milk the day before you go on the cruise and take it with you? You're allowed to take your own snacks etc onboard as well.

I suggest ringing Disney Cruise Lines and asking them what is available as an alternative, there is no reason you can't we ring the USA to book our hotels and tours all the time, (we are in qld), just ring first thing in the morning our time and it will be the afternoon the day before in the USA, it doesn't cost more then a few dollars.

 

The ship would definitely have soy milk. OR you can get cartons of soy milk in small tetrapaks from any grocery store.

[Shmoo here]

Ok I am travelling blind as I never been on a cruise before.

 

DH and DS both have food allergies.

DS can't have egg or dairy or nuts.

DH can't have nuts.

I have an allergy to coffee which I can handle, I just stay away from certain liquors, foods and anything chocolate (yes they usually spike cake or fondant with a shot of expresso).

 

What allowances onboard are there for their intolerances?

Do I have to take soy milk onboard with me for DS?

How do I approach the subject of ice cream with DS?

As he has soy ice cream at home but doesn't understand that other people's ice cream he can't eat. It's hard enough with eggs also pretty much in everything to do with kids meals ie. nuggets, chicken and anything crumbed or battered etc.

 

What assurances onboard can I get that they will looked after?

It's not a matter of calling DCL as I live half way across the world and their website is useless for any form of contact other than phone or the glazed over FAQs that leave you with more questions than answers.

 

 

cheers

 

It's real important that you let DCL know of your allegies. They are VERY accomodating, but they need to know. Just contact them (phone call, emal, use the "contact us" on the website). They will flag your reservation with the information. Once onboard, you will have a meeting with your head server, server, and chef to discuss what you need.

 

:)

[cualum04]

I just arranged lactose free milk for my toddler son. I did call them about it, but there is a form online that you can also submit via fax. They asked me not to bring fresh milk on board as it might spoil while waiting but told me that it would be available for us onboard and to request to have it brought to our room to store in the fridge. Someone called again the next day to clarify if he needed a special diet (which he doesn't, we can handle the rest on our own). They said we were welcome to bring our own snacks aboard.

Definitely give them a call or email guest services. You won't get accomodated if you don't let them know.

As for the ice cream and chocolate milk, you may just have to deal with that part on your own. You could probably bring your own chocolate powder, if there is a brand you use.

[missusp]

Answer to the milk question from Disney that has eased my mind:

 

Milk, Soy Milk, or Rice Milk are available free of charge at any

full-service restaurants onboard and through room service. These milk

options may be purchased at any of the bars or lounges onboard or the

bars on Castaway Cay.

 

Lactose-free milk is only available through any of the full-service

restaurants. Please speak with your head server once onboard to make

arrangements.

 

Milk, Soy Milk, Lactose-Free Milk or Rice Milk are not offered at

Cookies BBQ/Look Out Cook Out on Castaway Cay.

 

At the 24 Hour Beverage Station on Deck 9, only 100% full fat milk is

available.

 

DS can't have lactose free milk only soy that makes me feel so much better with travelling now.

 

And I didn't think of it at the time but I am sure they would have some fruity gelato or sorbet (dairy free) instead of ice cream for DS as well.

 

 

 

I can almost rest easy now, except DH is making me nuts with how long it is before we get on a plane!!!!

[FM]

My DW has dietary restrictions and allergies also ... as long as you let the cruise line know ahead of time AND also inform your servers, you should be fine. Keeping that in mind though, we always remain diligent about what she eats, particularly in the buffet and any possibility of cross-contamination. Ask questions and the servers will be able to get the answers from the chefs preparing the food. And don't forget, that they usually can handle special requests if you can't find anything suitable on the menu.

 

Despite that, my DW has never gone wanting for food ... and we LOVE cruising.

 

If this is your first cruise, you may want to pack some sea sickness medication with you as a precautionary measure ... as it takes some people a little bit of time to find their "sea-legs"

 

Good luck!

[missusp]

Thanks FM.

 

Already have the motion sickness tablets for DS and maxalon for me.

DH said he doesn't need them (hehehehehehe)

[Cruisin_Vol_Fan]

I don't know if I'm "allowed" to post websites here for additional help, but

www(dot)allergyfreemouse(dot)com

is a great resource! A good friend posted a review of her cruise with her two very allergic children and their incredible experience. Check it out - it may ease your mind!

[Shmoo here]

I don't know if I'm "allowed" to post websites here for additional help, but

www(dot)allergyfreemouse(dot)com

is a great resource! A good friend posted a review of her cruise with her two very allergic children and their incredible experience. Check it out - it may ease your mind!

 

As long as it isn't a travel site, or another board that operates like CC.

 

:)

[Host Mick]

As long as it isn't a travel site, or another board that operates like CC.

 

:)

 

The details are in the Guidelines linked to above. Links are allowed to just about everything except for sites with message boards ( I make a couple of exceptions for the cabin reviews, Navigators and menus) and travel agent sites. We are very strict about travel agents.

[meatloafsfan]

DCL Special Request (DCL.Special.Request@disney.com) that is the email for DCL special services for disabilities. If you email them about your allergies, they should be able to help you.

[Cruisin_Vol_Fan]

The details are in the Guidelines linked to above. Links are allowed to just about everything except for sites with message boards ( I make a couple of exceptions for the cabin reviews, Navigators and menus) and travel agent sites. We are very strict about travel agents.

 

Great. Thanks for the tip.

So it's http://www.allergyfreemouse.com and I know my friend has utilized their info for trips to WDW as well as their cruise. She then wrote a review about the experience. Thankfully we don't have any allergies but I almost wish we had at least a sensitivity so we could get the personalized attention! :)

Not really...but you know...

[suffieldhockeymom]

Answer to the milk question from Disney that has eased my mind:

 

Milk, Soy Milk, or Rice Milk are available free of charge at any

full-service restaurants onboard and through room service. These milk

options may be purchased at any of the bars or lounges onboard or the

bars on Castaway Cay.

 

Lactose-free milk is only available through any of the full-service

restaurants. Please speak with your head server once onboard to make

arrangements.

 

Milk, Soy Milk, Lactose-Free Milk or Rice Milk are not offered at

Cookies BBQ/Look Out Cook Out on Castaway Cay.

 

At the 24 Hour Beverage Station on Deck 9, only 100% full fat milk is

available.

 

DS can't have lactose free milk only soy that makes me feel so much better with travelling now.

 

And I didn't think of it at the time but I am sure they would have some fruity gelato or sorbet (dairy free) instead of ice cream for DS as well.

 

 

 

I can almost rest easy now, except DH is making me nuts with how long it is before we get on a plane!!!!

 

 

My DS is allergic to milk, soy, eggs and nuts. They have rice and coconut based ice cream which tastes like real ice cream. Some times they have soy based ice cream as well.

 

FYI WDW also has the same types of ice cream in the full service ice cream shops

[missusp]

Thanks for all of this amazing information!

 

We are sooooooooooo excited beyond belief.

DS (3) said to me this morning (holding up 10 fingers) that he has 4 more sleeps to go!

 

 

 

Cheers

[aaklang]

Missusp,

Will you please post some info now that you're back from your trip about how your son's allergies were accommodated? We just booked a cruise on Fantasy and have the exact same allergies - dairy, eggs and nuts - with the ability to be around the foods as long as my son doesn't eat them.

 

I am mostly worried about breakfast. What is there to eat that is totally egg free? How easy was it to get specific ingredient info on the foods? Did you ever eat at the buffets or always at sit down restaurants? Was it easy to get soy milk?

 

Also, for desserts/treats, what were you able to find? My son will be crushed if he can't get a treat at dinner when everyone else (including his little sister) are getting delicious desserts. Was there stuff available? If not, I will bring cookies and brownies from home and store them in our room.

 

I'd love to hear from you! You can contact me directly if you want.

Karen

[OceanLiner]

What are the ages of the children? Do they have the ability to know what to avoid?

 

As many of the posters have expressed that it is most likely that you will be exposed to these allergens, it would seem that the biggest issue is if the ship has the ability to treat any reactions or if you can carry the necessary medications when the need arises.

 

I have to say that I cannot see a way for any assurance of nut/dairy/anything free areas around the dining areas, especially the buffets.

[missusp]

Missusp,

Will you please post some info now that you're back from your trip about how your son's allergies were accommodated? We just booked a cruise on Fantasy and have the exact same allergies - dairy, eggs and nuts - with the ability to be around the foods as long as my son doesn't eat them.

 

I am mostly worried about breakfast. What is there to eat that is totally egg free? How easy was it to get specific ingredient info on the foods? Did you ever eat at the buffets or always at sit down restaurants? Was it easy to get soy milk?

 

Also, for desserts/treats, what were you able to find? My son will be crushed if he can't get a treat at dinner when everyone else (including his little sister) are getting delicious desserts. Was there stuff available? If not, I will bring cookies and brownies from home and store them in our room.

 

I'd love to hear from you! You can contact me directly if you want.

Karen

 

 

Hi Karen

 

As a 'freaked out parent' of a child with allergies and intolerances,

my DS was looked after amazingly well and fed very well.

 

For breakfast:

Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, melon, watermelon, etc.

Bagels / Toast: with cream cheese scraping (something he can tolerate because its so over processed) or margarine (dairy free)

Rice Krispies / Cocoa Krispies / Cereal: with Soy Milk

Oatmeal: with sugar (this is made with water I was assured)

Juice / Soy Milk: to drink

 

Lunch (buffet style):

This was a bit short on offerings but you had to ask each time what was in everything to be sure. But there was always fruit and jelly with marshmallows served. He loved the plain or saffron rice more than anything. I just picked out a selection and he grazed with what pleased him. The bread rolls with dairy free margarine mainly.

 

He did have a lot of hot dogs and fries up on deck but with the different food suppliers you might want to check the hot dog sausage meat is egg free.

 

Dinner (Ala carte)

Here at dinner DS was king. He had our server check his meal and the restaurant host as well. He was brought his large tall glass of soy milk every night and for a treat he could drink soda or have chocolate syrup added to his milk. He mainly had the pizza, or they made him grilled fish and chips, or meatballs with rice. They made it up especially every night, providing you made the request the night previous. If they do offer pasta check it doesn't have egg in it nor the does the sauce just in case. I know DS couldn't have the mac'n'cheese only because the sauce contained egg.

 

Dessert - He loved the rice ice cream or the fresh sorbet usually raspberry.

He called it white ice cream and red ice cream. He did have some of the rice crispy mickey mouse treats as they only contained minimal amounts of milk solids in them which I knew he could handle. It did leave him some nights bouncing off the walls from the sugar! Be had he fun, which is what you are there for!!!

 

 

There is some food storage on board in a small fridge.

 

Soy milk should be available at any time of the day in the restaurants except the fast service counters. But you can slip into the adult coffee shop and request soy milk there in a cup. There was one instance when I didn't make it clear that he had a dairy intolerance with milk and they brought out some lactose free milk. You have to double check everything in case there was a miss-communication due to some people not knowing the difference.

 

We got by and DS had the best time of his life!

And so did we. By the end of it he was asking if things had egg in them,

when it was presented to him and we would say yes or no.

From one parent to another, it worked a treat when he was eyeing off

the large candy canes and sweets to eat and we regretfully had to tell

him that it had egg in it. Phew! Massive sugar overload averted ...

Popcorn was another treat he could have as well.

 

 

I must say their attention to detail and if you are vigilant.

You should have peace of mind that your son will get by just fine.

 

 

Cheers

 

Mrs. P

[missusp]

[missusp]

What are the ages of the children? Do they have the ability to know what to avoid?

 

As many of the posters have expressed that it is most likely that you will be exposed to these allergens, it would seem that the biggest issue is if the ship has the ability to treat any reactions or if you can carry the necessary medications when the need arises.

 

I have to say that I cannot see a way for any assurance of nut/dairy/anything free areas around the dining areas, especially the buffets.

 

DS was barely 3.

Growing up with not having certain types of food and being told at day care

that certain foods he should not have. He knew to check with us first before

accepting anything. We could get lunch or dinner pre arranged and sent to him

in the kids clubs if he was located there on the off chance.

 

We did have an episode of a high temperature and had to use the medical centre.

They were very capable as they have specialist paediatricians on hand at all times.

I did take with me some antihistamine just in case and some kids paracetomol.

Most anaphaliatic kids/parents would carry a needle out of necessity.

DS is lucky to not be one of those.

His reactions vary from mild hives to behaviour changes to diarrhoea / constipation. Ezcema at worst if exposed for long periods.

 

It all depends on how much your child reacts to certain foods and their proteins.

You would take the same precautions if you visited your local restaurant

or a friend's or family's house for dinner.

 

 

Cheers

Mrs.P

[CC Help Jenn]

I just want to reiterate how awesome DCL is with food allergies ! My son has a dairy allergy (that thankfully he is starting to grow out of) and they made him special meals and desserts every day. They also (without any prompting from us) made him a dairy free cake for his birthday - since he couldn't have the dessert normally offered to those having a birthday! Our serving team was also pretty well versed in what items at the buffett or quick serve food included dairy and gave us a few tips/heads up on that

[Host Mick]

Hi Karen

 

 

Soy milk should be available at any time of the day in the restaurants except the fast service counters. But you can slip into the adult coffee shop and request soy milk there in a cup. There was one instance when I didn't make it clear that he had a dairy intolerance with milk and they brought out some lactose free milk. You have to double check everything in case there was a miss-communication due to some people not knowing the difference.

 

 

Mrs. P

 

I'm curious, what's the difference?

[CC Help Jenn]

When you have lactose intolerance your body can't process lactose.... Symptoms are usually stomach related...pain, bathroom issues etc. dairy allergy presents more like any other allergy, rash, breathing issues, hives etc. obviously these aren't only symptoms but just to give you an idea.

 

Lactose free milk still contains milk proteins so if you are allergic that will cause a reaction.