Eating Gluten-Free on a Royal Caribbean Cruise: What You Need to Know
Eating gluten-free is never a walk in the park - it has a sneaky way of showing up in unexpected foods and even drinks. If you’re gluten-free, you probably know that feeling: you order something that seems safe, only to regret it later that night. Dining out occasionally is one thing, but the last place you want to worry about hidden gluten is on vacation, especially when you're not doing the cooking yourself, like on a cruise.
As a fellow gluten-free eater and frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser, I’m here to share everything you need to know before setting sail!
The first step to stress-free dining starts before you even set foot on the ship. Royal Caribbean recommends notifying them of your dietary restrictions at least 45 days in advance so their culinary team can prepare for your needs.
Main Dining Room
If I recommend anything for gluten-free cruising, it’s dining in the Main Dining Room! The chefs here go above and beyond. If you opt for traditional dining - selecting the same dining time before your cruise - you’ll have the same server each evening. This consistency allows your server to learn your dietary needs quickly and helps ensure your meals are prepared safely, often without reminders after the first night.
Not only is the service top-tier, but the effort to customize meals is every gluten-free traveler’s dream. After each dinner, your server will bring the menu for the next day. This allows the kitchen ample time to prepare your gluten-free meals so you're served seamlessly alongside your travel companions.
I once requested Asian-Style Pork Bao Tacos, not gluten-free on the menu. What did I get? All that sweet, porky, flavorful goodness served in corn tortillas instead. And yes, it was delicious!
Asian-Style Pork Bao Tacos (Gluten-Free)
Royal Caribbean Main Dining Room
You’ll also be approached by the head server each night, making sure your dietary needs are met - a big perk of notifying the cruise line in advance.
Windjammer Marketplace
Royal Caribbean’s buffet, Windjammer, offers a wide range of foods: American, Indian, Italian, and more. While variety is a plus, cross-contamination can be a concern. Thankfully, staff are always nearby and trained to handle dietary restrictions.
A simple go-to for me is a cheeseburger without the bun.
Even better? There’s a dedicated gluten-free section at the Windjammer! It typically includes a couple of main dishes and sides you can trust. For breakfast, you’ll usually find eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns certified gluten-free - a major win for this potato lover!
Café Promenade and Snacks
Need a quick bite between activities? Café Promenade usually offers one to three gluten-free items, including dessert and sometimes a sandwich option. My favorite? The espresso cheesecake — so good, I may or may not have had four in one day on my last sailing!
Some ships also feature El Local Fresh (Chipotle-style food) with gluten-free options. Be sure to let the staff know you’re gluten-free so they can minimize cross-contamination, even using fresh ingredients upon request.
Sorrento’s Pizza
There’s nothing like watching a show, grabbing a pizza, and enjoying a shameless late-night slice in bed. At Sorrento’s, you can do just that, gluten-free style! Just let them know how many slices you’d like, and they’ll prepare a gluten-free pizza fresh for you.
BBQ Chicken Pizza (Gluten-Free)
Sorrento’s Pizza
Specialty Dining
Restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi are well-equipped for gluten-free dining. Let your server know your restrictions, and they’ll suggest substitutions or alternatives. Some menus even conveniently mark which dishes are gluten-free.
Outside Snacks
You’re welcome to bring most pre-packaged snacks onboard, such as protein bars, chips, or crackers. This is a great idea for excursions when gluten-free options might be limited.
Whenever you feel uneasy about eating gluten-free aboard Royal Caribbean, just remember to communicate with the crew members, eat, and enjoy! If you would like further guidance on what specific Royal Caribbean ships would fit your dietary needs the best, schedule a call with us today!
