B2B Monarch/Brilliance with A SOY DAIRY GLUTEN CORN SUGAR FREE KID*ALLERGIC TO CRAB*

[foxesden1]

I hope to get it done by next week!

[Snoopycollector]

Awesome review. We are going on explorer in march and my youngest has severe food allergies. He is only 2 so I have a large challenge on my hands to feed him on our 7 night cruise. I have contacted RCI and found out that they don't have some items that I need for him. I will be packing some of his food. He is on medical nutrition as well. I am enjoying your review.

I am also traveling with a 13 yo daughter 11 yo son and 7 yo daughter.

Should prove to be quite an adventure.

We are Disney people and have traveled there with my son and it was great. They are top notch with special diet requests.

 

Good luck with the Girl Scout cookies. I'm living that nightmare also. My cadette troop is planning a Disney trip for 2014.

Thank you for the review

 

BearBear2 -- I just got off the Explorer and I have severe food allergies. I've sailed before and never had a problem. This time, I felt that my wait staff was not prepared, or experienced, or just not informed on how to handle my requests (which were VERY simple.) They frequently tried to omit bread and croutons as if I were gluten sensitive -- which I am not. The head waiter said he would personally take care of my requests and when I made my dinner request for the 2nd night (from the "altenatives" menu), he said he did not need to make that request in advance. Of course, they always tell you to go to the MDR as the Windjammer can cross contaminate, etc..... we went to the WJ and didn't have problem -- we even went for dinner there a few times after not liking any options on the MDR menu.

 

Only you know what is best for your child. I did notice an abundance of fresh fruit in Cafe Promenade and WJ. (if he can eat fruist -- I'm allergic to honeydew and cantaloupe, but I did enjoy the off season watermelon EVERY day!!)

 

Sandy

[foxesden1]

Sorry for being MIA - Miss Em has had a lot of testing and waiting. While we are still waiting for more results, we at least know what the big issue is right now. And Miss Em, has Crohn's. Other then the diet restrictions she is on right now - and having to cook all fruit and veg, it seems like it will be very doable. I am sure life style will be affected - but, allergies did that, so this should be a cake walk! :rolleyes:

 

Anyway.. back to the review that is never ending.. Sorry :(

 

[foxesden1]

 

 

 

 

 

[foxesden1]

 

 

 

 

My Chocolates arrived from port, delivered to my room, as promised!

 

 

My IL had spoken to the C&A ambassador and they were given a Gold Sticker,as well as two coupon books, and a invite to the returning guest party.

[foxesden1]

 

No reason at all other then I like this photo!

 

They had three food stations I think set up, as well as drinks being passed. Wines and Juice I think, maybe a rum punch as well.

 

 

 

 

A little Flair Bar show, was a nice touch!

[foxesden1]

 

I went up to WJ to grab my self breakfast

 

 

 

In the end, DH and Miss Em stayed on board. She was feeling ill, and Dh really did not want to disembark.

 

 

I had to use the ladies rest room, and it was hidden, so I took a pix. It also costs $1.00 USD

 

 

[foxesden1]

I was alone and it was 9am (clock broken) walking around town. It was very busy setting up with fruit stands, and people going to work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[foxesden1]

 

 

 

 

I did some shopping, and returned to the ship.

[foxesden1]

 

So please, someone tell me, are kids allowed into the Solarium Cafe to eat, but not swim? The way I understood it was no children go through those doors, is that incorrect? Because there was always tons of kids eating, with our with out parents. (Some times the parents would be in the hot tub, yelling over to the children.. :rolleyes: not quite the feel I was going for?

 

I also noticed once "group/family" must have had the AI drinks pass (or maybe they would have drunk the same amount regardless.. ) because they always "partied it up" at the Solarium bar. Again - I always thought of that area as a "quite zone" but maybe I am incorrect?

 

 

 

[KenD17]

Don't want to hijack your thread, but we've been following closely and have really appreciated your cruise reports. If there is any way you could include photos of the kids compass for the Monarch if you have them, we would be very grateful.

[foxesden1]

I have them and hope to scan on Wednesday

[dncr4life8]

My DH and I will be cruising for the first time in May. I have really loved reading your review and looking at your pictures. It helps me to imagine what the cruise will be like.

 

I'm happy to hear that you're finally getting some answers about your daughter's health. I was diagnosed with Crohn's two years ago after 10 years of stomach problems. I'm hoping they'll find a medicine that works for her. In addition to cooking fruits and veggies (I avoid onions and peppers entirely), I also have cut back on other high fiber foods.

 

Best of luck to you all! :)

[id1scott]

I was starting to get really worried when you didn't return. I'm glad that Em is doing ok. I know so many adults with Crohn's disease. I hope that you get some more answers and she can start feeling better. God bless.

[foxesden1]

:o Thanks for understanding, we were doing quite a bit of testing. We still have more to do, but at least we have a direction!

[mrsmoku]

Loving the pictures and the review!

 

I had an auto-immune disease growing up and was allergic to pretty much everything. I remember eating a lot of rice things and drinking goat milk which was terrible. I grew out of it after about 5 years but am now allergic to some foods that I was okay eating (like mango and apricots) when I was sick. I'm glad you have a direction now for Miss Em who is all kinds of adorable!!

[cruisegirl1]

To comment about the Solarium –

 

Children are permitted to eat in and certainly walk through the Solarium.

 

Children are generally not permitted in the pools. I say generally as we have been on cruises and because of the itinerary (Alaska) or weather (rain/cold) the solarium pool was available for several hours for families or children.

 

I am not aware of any solarium "quiet zone". The area seems to cause many to speak with a “quiet” voice, but as you found out – not all.

 

M

[celle]

Thank you, Foxesden, for taking the time to do such marvelous posts.

 

Your little Miss Em is adorable! She is a credit to you. I do hope that the tests help to discover something that will make her life (and yours) easier.

 

You and your DH are wonderful parents and I think you deserve a huge pat on the back.

 

Thank you.

[Onessa]

. . . because they always "partied it up" at the Solarium bar. Again - I always thought of that area as a "quite zone" but maybe I am incorrect?

Many of the loudest and most obnoxious pax (mostly aged 40 or above) I have encountered have been in the Solarium -- it may be an adult only pool, but it can be quite the party zone.

[foxesden1]

Thanks everyone!

[foxesden1]

 

This made me laugh.. on our TA with LOS we ended up making our own Sangria trying to use up the GOLD wine package. :rolleyes:

 

 

Buying outfits!

 

 

Tiger Lilly gets a formal outfit

 

 

knowing what we know now about Crohn's every time I look at the foods we were feeding Miss Em, I cringe!

[foxesden1]

 

Meh, fried rice balls. My husband said they were okay.

 

 

I think I had this almost every night!

 

Gluten Free plate

 

 

[foxesden1]

 

Gluten Free version

 

 

 

 

This would have been better had it had more of a crust. I like my Bread and Butter Pudding crisp on top!

 

 

[foxesden1]

 

I have no idea why they even bothered to have us fill out these forms. We had a early flight, advised them on the form what happened with my daughter, and our last flight, not being able to disembark early.. and not having time to buy her food on route to the airport. We were of course given tag number 17. So off to Guest Services I went.

 

:rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

 

Best drinks ever at Schooner Bar!

[foxesden1]

 

Crazy Fancy Gym

 

 

Getting ready for party. It might ahve been cancelled due to wind?

 

Guadalupe

 

 

Dec 12, looking down.

 

Miss Em woke up sick - so we cancelled our beach trip to St. Annes. I was able to sell my tickets to two pax who were looking, and they refunded Miss Em. We did a quick walk around town - and then I went back and hit the book shops. Miss Em goes to French school so I wanted to stalk up.

 

Now, I do speak french - and I was aware that they only take the EURO, so I was prepared. I can't speak to the whole country, as I only went to town - and yes, it was run down, and not very "Pretty" (Like St. Kitts IMPO) But the BONES of the buildings - just like St. Kitts were wonderful. I loved Gudalope, and found the people to be kind, helpful and very gracious. I was looking for a french book store, and one women who was en route to work, was kind enough to walk me right to the shop!

 

 

 

When I lived in Paris, France (17th) I was working as a nanny - and spent many a day standing outside doors just like this!