Have you ever dealt with special diet restrictions on vacation?
Read an email I got from a reader friend recently:
Dear Kelly,
My daughter is going on a cruise in February with her in-laws who made the arrangements. She is currently doing the GAPS diet and was told she could e-mail the cruise ship with her food request, which she did. I am forwarding you her e-mail and the response back from the cruise ship.
Would you please consider doing a blog on this subject? She needs your help and wisdom! Also, maybe some of your readers could have some helpful ideas!
Because of my daughter's diet, she really doesn't want to go on this cruise, but her father-in-law died in July of this year, so her mother-in-law is treating the whole family to the cruise to celebrate his life.
Thank-you so much for your fight to educate and teach us how to eat more nutritionally! I am so thankful for you and your blogs!
Nancy
Nancy’s daughter Megan wrote to the cruise ship company:
To whom it may concern:
My name is Megan. I have reservations aboard the Allure soon. I have many severe food sensitivities which often restrict me from eating anywhere but home. The lining in my gut is damaged releasing toxic undigested proteins into my blood stream causing debilitating symptoms. Because of this condition I supplement with organic raw, fermented foods (sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir etc.) to ease digestion and help restore my porous gut lining. I can't purchase most of my foods. I have to make my own sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir because when commercially produced they aren't fermented long enough to provide the beneficial pro biotics my gut requires. On the rare occasion that my husband and I eat out, I basically pack my dinner. I'm not sure how much of my own food your ship will allow me to bring. My hope is that your ship will be able to accommodate my dietary needs so I may enjoy my voyage!
The “NO” list:
-soy (that includes soy flour, soy milk, soy oil, and soy lecithin)
-canola oil
-vegetable oil
-margarine
-grains (including wheat, brown rice, oats, etc.)
-potatoes
-corn
-dairy (unless raw, grass-fed, and/or cultured)
-sugar
-agave nectar
-maple syrup
-corn syrup
-MSG
-artificial and/or natural flavorings
-preservatives (citric acid, ascorbic acid, etc.)
-food dyes
-salt with anti-caking agents
The “YES” list:
-organic vegetables (steamed and/or raw)
-organic fruits
-organic, grass-fed meat of any kind (chicken, turkey, beef, pork)
-honey
-lentils
-white beans
-grass-fed beef tallow
-pasture-fed lard
-palm oil
-coconut oil
-olive oil
-mustard
-coconut flour
-almond flour
-cage-free eggs ( I can bring my own if allowed)
-organic cultured butter (if you can't provide this i can bring my own if allowed)
-grass-fed milk ( if you can't provide this I can bring my own if allowed)
-organic, grass-fed raw cheddar cheese (if you can't provide this i can bring my own if allowed)
-sprouted, organic nuts (these are hard to find in any store, I can bring my own prepared nuts if allowed)
-Celtic or sea salt (no added ingredients, I can bring my own if allowed)
-sauerkraut (must be my homemade if you allow me to bring or “Bubbies” brand could be purchased)
-peanut butter (with no sugar added)
-almond butter (with no sugar added)Thank you so much for working with me regarding my dietary restrictions!
The cruise ship’s reply:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry. Unfortunately, there are many items on this list we are not able to provide. While most items prepared on board are from fresh ingredients we do not have the majority of the items on your “yes” list. We do not have access to any organic food items of any kind.
Furthermore – due to USPH and Local Agricultural regulations we cannot allow guests to bring on board any perishable or home-made food items.
Best regards,
Access Staff
GM
My reply back to Nancy:
Nancy,
I'd be glad to post about this (we might get some good ideas), but wow, I can imagine what the ship thought when they saw that list: “Stay home lady!” I understand why she wants to go, but just wish they'd let her bring her own stuff, I don't see why that would be big deal??
I'll try to get this up as soon as I can. 🙂
Kel
So what do you say everyone? Any suggestions for Megan? THANK YOU for your help!
Lisa says
Hello! I would get a physician’s note and then I believe they would have to relax their restrictions. Pack what you can that is non-perishable. Can you do research on the port’s that you will be stopping in? You might be able to pick up local organic fruits/vegis to get you by from port to port. On any of the cruises I’ve been on they have never checked what I was coming onto the ship with… just an idea. Best of luck!
Arielle says
Bring probiotics and fish oil pills, and eat your vegetables and protein without sauces and dressings. You cannot demand a “mass-produced” (so to speak) liner to provide you with organic, RAW food; just like you couldn’t ask the same of an airline. If you were on your own yacht or plane with a private chef, sure. But that’s not the way the world works.
Marilee says
I am Megan’s mother-in-law. I lost my husband July 27th of this year to cancer. He and I had a dream: we had hoped to go on the Royal Caribbean’s biggest ship on July 10th, but, in the end, he was too sick. After reading your posts, I wanted to clear up a few matters.
I made the decision that I would go after he died for several reasons: he would have been happy that I did, also, because of his illness, our entire family completely missed out on summer (and a long winter lies ahead) and, at the same time, i would be embracing my future, in faith. I am a strong Christian and know that he is not dead. He lives eternally because of Christ’s sacrifice, and I will, without a doubt, be with him again. His life, now, is far better than any cruise I could ever purchase.
I invited all of our children to go along. My youngest son and his wife had to say no, right off the bat. Their second baby is due this next month. My other son and Megan had originally said no, as they were pregnant, but Megan miscarried, so they talked it over and decided to go. My oldest, a daughter, along with her husband and three children will all be going. My daughter and the three children are all vegetarians.
I know all about the SAD diet. I have followed Dr. Fuhrman’s diet (largely organic fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and a few grains) for several years, but in the last ten months, my husband could no longer eat those foods due to extreme changes in his taste due to chemo. Eventually, he couldn’t stand the smell of things like broccoli or brussel sprouts, for example. He then couldn’t tolerate any smells at all, then finally he could tolerate nothing but liquid supplements. I couldn’t cook anything because it would smell. It was a very difficult time as I continually searched for foods he could tolerate that would give him the most nutrition. I’ve never worked so hard in my entire life.
I certainly understand Megan’s dietary problem. I have her over for dinner occasionally and always make sure that I find things she can eat. I call her to double check. I have always been careful and respectful of her needs. Between our vegetarians, Megan’s GAP diet and a husband on chemo, I’ve had a lot of practice adapting to various diets. I’ve always done the best I could and remained respectful of differences. It was Megan’s and my son’s decision to go. I understood completely, either way, and made that perfectly clear to them. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to take eight people on a more expensive cruise as was mentioned above and pay their air fare, as well, nor can I rent a yacht.
When my husband was still alive, a year ago, we paid for all of our children to take a week long vacation in three Chicago condos so that we could accomodate our various dietary needs. In future years, we will, no doubt, fall back into that plan of having a kitchen. I can’t afford to take twelve people out to restaurants for every meal, nor would I want to. However, just this once I want to fulfill the dream my husband and I shared and wanted to extend the invitation to our children, if any were interested. There was never any pressure to go, guilt or coersion.
I have already told Megan that I totally, completely understand and will stand behind any decision that she makes. In fact, tonight Megan sent me this link. Originally, I only read Nancy’s post, not any of the comments. As I read it, I thought, probably like most of you, that it just wasn’t going to work out: the cruise ship could never be able to accomodate it all, nor would they want the risk, and the laws against bringing in plants, produce, etc., might mean they’d dump out everything she’d pack. Even before reading your comments, I suggested that perhaps she might not want to go if the stress of it is too much. Stress alone can hurt your stomach, and I told her that I thought she wouldn’t want to be in the middle of an ocean with terrible stomach cramps.
The challenge, here, is with the cruise ship and Megan’s dietary needs. There is no family problem whatsoever. Megan is a cherished and valued part of our family. She is precious and well loved by all of us. We thank God for her. However, for the first, and probably last time in my life, this vacation was selected by me, uncharacteristically for me (and anyone else who would like to come.) There will be many other family vacations, God willing. I approve and stand by any decision Megan makes. I know that she understands that. I just wanted to clarify a few misconceptions.
After reading some of the posts, I thought it best to set the record straight.
Rachel says
I know this post is over 5 years old, but how did the cruise go? I was asked by my father to go on a cruise, and I just found out I have celiac and started GAPS a couple months ago. Did your cruise turn out ok? Did she find the food agreed with her?
Pogonia says
I agree that the letter probably closed their minds as far as being agreeable. It’s too detailed for most people with no understanding of these problems. I would only explain briefly what my letter said, then show only the letter from the cruise line to the in-laws, if necessary.
But, if it can be tolerated, I feel the suggestion to ask for a gluten-free/celiac/kosher meal plan is optimal in this situation. It IS important for her husband to not be missing his wife beside him during this family time.
alex@amoderatelife says
Not sure anyone mentioned this, but do you have access to a dehydrator and a vacuum sealer? If so, purchase any organic produce and fruits you wish to take with you, dehydrate them well, cut into single portions and use the vacuum sealer to create small packets. Then on the ship, simply soak in warm water and eat. Best of luck, I do also agree with taking the highest quality probiotic with you you can find, drinking plenty of water, what about a greens powder or a fruits powder, you can get them at the health food store-this is all temporary and best case scenario. Best of luck.
Meagan says
Honestly. This is a clear answer for her that she should not go. If her mother in law truly cares, she wouldn’t force her or guilt her into coming. They can all celebrate his life in a different way that doesn’t not have to detrimental to another family members health.
Jessie says
I recently went on a cruise & while not on the GAPS diet, I do follow a general WAPF diet and was concerned about the trip. It was not as bad as a feared & certain suggestions I have are:
1) definitely take probioitics with you and use them.
2) cod liver oil pills
3) eat at the restaurant & not at the buffets – you’ll get much more control.
My experience w/the menu is that you could probably get a protein and veggies without too much problem. Not pastured raised & not organic – but not too bad. You can also order more of something – ie two sides of veggies, etc. Even two main dishes.
I think that if you try again with a smaller list of dos & don’ts, you could get a better reaction. The list seems very daunting at first. If you did ask for gluten free, that could go a long way. I don’t think you’d be able to avoid vegetable oils – but when I was on the cruise, I made a big point of eating a lot of butter. There were butter dishes on the tables at all times & I would just help myself to some butter & would eat it by itself.
I would encourage you to just do the best you can & enjoy yourself. The stress is likely to upset you more.
People are right that cruise ships can only do so much because they are dealing w/such huge quantities and people. The ship I was on used 40,000 eggs in one week, for example. The day we pulled into port, we saw semi-truck after semi-truck bringing food deliveries – it’s unreal.
In terms of bringing your own food – if it’s in a sealed wrapper when you bring it on, I don’t think it’s a big deal. (We brought some dark chocolate and nuts on and had no issues).
WordVixen says
Several people have already listed foods that they recommend Megan bring with her onboard, and I’d specifically focus on the raw honey, nut butter, and coconut oil, as I think they would be the least contested and offer the most bang for her buck. Not to mention that they would probably taste great if stirred together… Plus Lara Bars (or similar), dried organic fruit and veggies if they can be found, grassfed jerky, Bubbie’s sauerkraut, and so on. I’d also bring a couple little Rubbermaid containers with the super tight lids so that she could carry a bit of the honey and/or coconut oil around with her on board. And utensils, of course! If she can tolerate steamed conventional produce and dry cooked meats, she can then add her own fat to it. You can do the same with sea salt.
I’d also recommend contacting the cruiseline again and requesting gluten free/celiac meals, and maybe even kosher as those two (especially combined) will eliminate most of the worst offenders as long as you avoid desserts and they’re both common enough (and a big enough deal) that most vacation companies will respect them. About two weeks before the cruise, I’d recommend testing the waters a bit with a few conventional items, such as battery eggs, grain fed beef, and conventional produce. Not all at once. Maybe a little of one item per day. That should tell her if her gut has healed enough to handle a little conventional food before she has to find out the hard way in the middle of the ocean.
Other things: pray A LOT. 🙂 And remember that if you have to take one for the team (in this case, literally) the sacrifice can only help family relations. And if they’re good people and they see you suffering for it, they’ll very likely be especially accommodating in the future.
Paula Runyan says
I would stock up on dried kefir grains. Those could be rehydrated in the milk provided on board.
Cara says
When we go out (and this was only possible after my daughter had been on GAPS for about 10 months and had enough healing for infractions like corn fed meat) I usually ask for eggs cooked in butter for her (using a clean pan, not the griddle), and then steamed veggies and fresh fruit. She does fine with steaks and other meat too as long as I’m sure it’s 100% meat, no flavorings, marinades, etc. The grill they cook the meat on I know is covered in soy oil, but she seems to do okay with it. Coconut oil isn’t perishable, maybe organic raw coconut oil could be brought with and stirred into tea to boost the good fats?
Brenda says
I don’t have time to read all of the other comments right now, but I would suggest at least two things, 1) take along an abundant supply of “room temperature stable” (that is, up to 72 degrees F.) probiotics, and take more than the usual amount so that you can take several each day; and 2) eat as plainly as possible, for example, a grilled steak/chicken/fish, steamed/grilled/roasted vegetables, steamed/baked potatoes, and fresh fruit (if you can eat fruit, that is). Perhaps they will have some plain yogurt. And that made me think of another strategy: call or write to them again, requesting their exact itemized food list. If they will provide that, then you should know exactly what your options are. Also, perhaps you can pack some good fats in air-tight/water-tight containers. I really hope some workable solutions can be accomplished for you, so that you can truly enjoy your family and your cruise!!
Erin says
From what I can see, the following foods could be purchased and taken onboard safely, with a low likelihood of being tossed/confiscated.
Raw Honey
Canned white beans (Eden brand would at least be no BPA)
Palm, coconut, olive oil
Mustard (they will have on board, likely)
Coconut or almond flour (in sealed bags)
Celtic or sea salt
Bubbies sauerkraut
Peanut or almond butter (with no sugar added)
If she can eat it, canned salmon/tuna.
That doesn’t leave a lot of options, in my mind. You could certainly look for the least contaminated fruits/vegetables and fill in with your condiments, but it looks like I’d probably try to pass, unless your gut has healed enough to accomodate eating some standard food. If you eat fish and seafood, there may be enough wiggle room to make it work.
Heather says
While most of the recommendations here work for staying at a hotel, they do not work for cruise ships. There are numerous and complicated import and export laws that simply do not allow a lot of wiggle room in bringing your own food. It’s not the staff being unaccomodating, it’s sailing in international waters and docking at foreign ports of call requiring customs enforcement. (They really could have been more understanding in the reply though) Most of the time the customs will look the other way if you bring a few items onboard, but a weeks worth of food is a lot to ask.
It seems it’s going to come down to whether she thinks she is healed enough to do the best she can with what is available or if she needs to bow out of this one. I grew up with my mother’s deadly food allergy and am used to planning meals and vacations around them. My mother-in-law is used to planning trips around wheelchair accessability but not food issues. When she invited my mother on a family vacation, let’s just say my mother came home very, very hungry and has declined further vacation invitations from my in-laws. If I were Megan I would show the letter and reply to her mother in law and see what solution they come up with together. I have found the person who planned the event is much less offended when they are the one to realize that either the plans have to be changed or that the other person simply can’t go.
Liz says
Lots of great suggestions and perspective already listed. Not sure if it’s acceptable to Megan’s diet or not, but I make a protein shake with canned coconut milk, filtered water, and protein powder. I choose whey, sweetened with Stevia, but I also have a pea & rice protein powder too. Anyway, the canned coconut milk and a baggie with protein powder wouldn’t take up much room in a suitcase and wouldn’t require refrigeration.
Heather says
I’m really new to this real food thing, but as a nursing mom, I’ve had to ask for accomodation for certain events. Perhaps if she got a doctor’s note asking for fridge space? Doesn’t insulin sometimes have to be refrigerated? I’m sure certain medications would require refrigeration, and they wouldn’t disallow that. It seems that she could pack a few things and request fridge space. I wish you luck in your decision. :-/
Rebecca says
I have food allergies and restrictions and went on a cruise last year. It is simply not possible for a large cruise ship to perfectly accomodate your dietary needs due to the mass amounts of food and passengers. I did however find the staff once aboard very willing to work with me the best they could. Perhaps it was the $20 my husband slipped the head waiter the first night aboard….We wanted to send the message that if you help us, we will help you. It worked. Money talks. Be sure that if they do go out of their way to help that you reward them accordingly.
I simply ordered all my meals plain in advance. For example, the wait staff would give me the menu for lunch at breakfast and I would write down a version of what I would like along with my allergies. I ate variations of eggs and steamed veggies and fruit for breakfast, plain meats and steamed veggies, vegetable only salads, and plain rice for the other meals. The staff was very friendly and did their best to help out. They even would give me 2 meals if I did not get enough to eat. (I requested 2 on lobster night :o). I also packed plently of protein bars, nuts, seeds, and a few grain free baked goodies to snack on. Eating at the earliest dinner sitting helps too as they are less busy. As far as probiotic foods go, pack your probiotic supplements. During the cruise I did not get sick at all. I felt they did their best to make my trip enjoyable. It is impossible to ask for organic foods and stict accomodations.or to ask the staff to accomodate cross contamination policies. They are not trying to be difficult they are just not equipped to deal with that. I would rather them be honest and tell me what they cannot accomodate me than to tell me that they will only to find out later that it is not the case. At least you know up front. Hope this helps!
Elizabeth @ The Nourished Life says
I wanted to add that this cruise is in February, so a lot of healing can take place between now and then. Not enough to eat SAD, obviously, but if you concentrate on getting a lot of healing out of the way before then, it might be possible to compromise on a few small choices to give you a better variety.
Also, keep in mind that stressing out about stuff like this is terrible for the gut. Chronic stress interferes with normal cortisol levels, which affects all systems of the body and particularly digestion and the way food affects our bodies.
Barb says
It’s hard to not get angry about things like this. As others have said, they shoudl be willing and able to work with you. It’s also very upsetting when family puts you in such a position- I know that they may mean well, but it’s hard when they aren’t sensitive to things like this. I agree with the above poster that suggested discussing this in further detail with them and showing them the letters. I would strongly lean toward not going, maybe hold a nice GAPS friendly dinner party to celebrate your FIL’s life and double as a peace offering when everybody gets back- an opportunity to share pictures and stories from the cruise?
Otherwise, sneak in as much as you can. Dehydrate kraut and munch on as a crunchy snack. Bring along a good probiotic and let them know that you require refridgerator space. Look into the laws and find out what they HAVE to do to accomodate you, there must be some in place…. Maybe we can all write letters so taht the next person on a special diet doesn’t run into the same BS….
Oooh, what about stops along the way? I assume you’re going to be visiting various ports during the cruise? I know it will be very touristy but surely you can find some nourishing delights amongst the people living there. Can you bring stuff like that back on board?
I wish you the best and just know you have support and you aren’t alone 🙂
Cecily says
What about packing organic, grass-fed jerky? Beef or turkey…
Can she eat canned tuna?
Freeze dried organic fruit and veggies with no additives?
I’m sure that she can bring her own soaked nuts, nut butters, etc. in her luggage. If she doesn’t eat it in the dining areas, and doesn’t make a big deal they wouldn’t ever know.
Otherwise, I agree with others. While conventional eggs, meats and veggies aren’t ideal, maybe she can eat them for a week?
Susan says
I wonder what would’ve happened if she had used phrases such as ‘I am extremely allergic to most food (fill in blank). I would love to accompany my relatives on this vacation, as it honors my late father-in-law; however I won’t be able to eat most, if not all, of the food on your cruise. I don’t want to starve (or get sick) and I understand outside food is not allowed. Are there any options for me, especially if I provide a doctor’s letter attesting to my condition?’
I’m sorry – but if they are doing SAD, reading about porous guts probably closed their mind up. I suspect her inlaws are SAD’ers too and don’t respect her restrictions or it would’ve been more in their mind when they made their plans. My husband’s family talked their mom into paying for a trip that didn’t allow kids under 14. We were the only family with kids under 14. We didn’t go and everyone else did.
If they had been on a smaller cruise line (ie Lindblad/national geographic) I am sure they would’ve been more willing to help her out. I know they buy local as much as they can.
There are valid reasons for not allowing outside food…as it can contaminate the local product and/or bring in bugs that are foreign and have no natural predators. If she bought any outside food with her, she should be willing to leave it all on the ship (don’t bring it on shore excursions) and not bring it back home with her either.
How long is the cruise? Is there a way she could join it mid-point and just fast the rest of the time?
Pavil the Uber Noob says
Several issues brought here.
1. How does one prepare the types of food we eat for a large group of people?
I have no idea.
2. It may be too late for this adventure, but one way to cruise is for your group to rent a schooner with a skipper. You stock the pantry yourself. You might even get to ‘drive’ 🙂
Anonymous says
First of all, I am sorry for your dilemma, Megan. In a perfect world, this would not happen; however, I am a believer in Jesus Christ and I know we live in a fallen world.
My advice would be to do the best you can for the week. Take comfort in the fact that normally you probably eat better than 90 percent of the world, as most either eat the junk that industrialized nations eat or do not have access to the top of the line, wealth of nutritious foods that you eat on the GAPS diet.
I lost my own dear Dad a few years back and it is hard. I would advise you to be there for your husband during this time. He will never forget it, and it will do nothing but improve your marriage. Love your in laws…they do not understand the real food thing. Most people don’t. It takes time.
Lastly, never lose sight of what is important. Yes, you should eat “Real Food.” But people and relationships are FAR more important. Learn to look at things with an eternal perspective.That is, don’t let the day to day, temporary things, like eating – even though it is important, make you miss opportunities to minister to others and glorify our Father in Heaven.
gharkness says
I’m not an apologist for the cruise lines, but you have to realize that they are cooking for thousands of people at a time, and buy in huge quantities. They wouldn’t even know where to start looking for pastured eggs or other dairy (just for an example). They don’t have the personnel to devote to that kind of search, and their cost profile wouldn’t allow it in any case. In order to keep their prices at the level that people are willing to pay, they have to scrutinize each and every purchase (and even at that, passengers are now complaining of being nickled and dimed to death). “Working with” passengers doesn’t include allowing them to break the law and bring on perishable foods, either.
Having said that, they do an excellent job of catering to people with “normal” dietary restrictions (gluten-free, diabetic – even though I wouldn’t agree with their choices for diabetes – etc.). I know it must suck. But if you are willing to and understand the reason to bring your own food when you go out to eat under normal circumstances, you already understand the seriousness of what you must do.
The ship this cruise is scheduled for is a mass-market ship. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you have to realize there are some things they can (and will be happy to) do, and some things they just cannot do. If this family was shopping at a higher-end cruise market – say, Crystal or ResidenSea, there’s a possibility that her needs could be accommodated. But in this case (and I am not blaming anyone, just stating the facts) requesting this type of food accommodation on the Allure is something akin to going to Target and asking them to please supply you with a genuine Gucci bag, just this once, please, and at their regular, non-Gucci prices.
Finally (yes, there is an end here somewhere 🙂 this is not a food problem; this is a FAMILY problem. This cruiser’s in-laws need to learn that her health is more important than their aggregated vacation. If she cannot go and maintain her health, and she declines gracefully, they should accept and understand or come up with a different vacation that won’t cause her to end up in the hospital.
Kelli M says
I’ve never been on a cruise, but I’m assuming that they, like airlines, have some sort of accommodation for people with dietary needs like vegans, diabetics, and people who follow a kosher diet. It seems unfair that they are unwilling to at least TRY to work with you.
Amanda Y. says
I have to agree that she probably will have to either choose to not go, or modify to the best of her ability unfortunately. They will take the bottle of soda and liquor out of the mini fridge if you ask, so you can store some things in the cold. I would do as others suggested and pack as much from home food as possible. Additionally, pack most of it in your checked luggage. Be aware TECHNICALLY all things made from home can technically be confiscated as they are usually considered perishable, so be careful and good luck!
Jenn says
I sympathize with your plight… I went on a short weekend retreat last winter and had to bring 90% of my own food. Luckily, they didn’t have any restrictions and provided me ample fridge space.
I second what others have said above about a probiotic capsule — there are several brands that are stable at room temps. It’s not ideal, obviously, but if you do choose to go, it’s a viable option.
{{{ hugs }}}
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
I find it sad that this is the case, but I already know it is. There is nothing acceptable when we go out. And even when I eat the “best” I can, I always feel a little off, like I can tell it wasn’t something I should have eaten. When I eat at home I feel good. I hesitate to say that it would be okay for a full week!
If you must, I’d sneak stuff on board that is crucial to you, or beg them to buy some stuff (like kefir — can’t they just buy that??), then consume the best foods available. I ate a lot of bacon, eggs, fruit and veggies when we were out of town for a few days for a wedding in May. I wasn’t on GAPS though. But that’s the best you can do I think.
Stanley Fishman says
Megan, you have been eating much better food than what you are going to get on that ship. When anybody eats real food for awhile , the tolerance of their body for factory food goes way down. Your body is no longer used to dealing with all those chemicals and dead foods. You are risking a real problem.
You will not be allowed to bring any live food, except possibly raw honey. If you are so sensitive that you have to pack your own dinner when you go to a local restaurant, what are you going to eat on that ship?
I was taught that the number one rule is self preservation. If I were you, I would not go.
I realize that you may be under enormous family pressure to go . I would calmly explain the situation to my in laws, and show them your letter and the reply from the ship. I hope they will respect your right to preserve your health. There are many other ways to celebrate your father in laws life without harming your health.
I realize that they could get very upset with you, and not going could have bad consequences to your relationship with them.
I certainly am not telling you what to do, this difficult decision is yours alone.
Heather M says
I would try and contact the cruise line again only try going to someone with greater authority. And still figure out what foods I could bring in my suite case. Can she eat dehydrated things? What about seal packing (air tight). This way the air is sucked out and will be flater and she could do single servings of peanut butter or what ever.
Amy says
To my knowledge, none of the cruise lines let passengers take on perishable foods. So, the yogurt, kefir, etc. would be out. A probiotic capsule should be OK, as long as it can be without refrigeration for the length of your cruise. If you go on excursions while you’re at port, you’ll have to go back to the ship to eat, bring some of your own non-perishable foods, or risk eating at a restaurant. You cannot take food off the ship at port, unless it’s your own non-perishable, packaged stuff.
If you’re feeling good enough to stray from your diet somewhat, then I’d say go. Otherwise, you’re better off planning a vacation where you can rent your own place to stay with a kitchen. Maybe there’s something special you can do with your family instead? I’m sure they would understand if you decide not to go.
If you feel good enough to stray from your diet, figure out which foods cause you the most trouble and tell the cruise line you are allergic to them. I’m on a Paleolithic diet but I can’t tolerate gluten and casein, so that’s what I told the cruise line I can’t have for my upcoming cruise in December. When they asked me what gluten-free breads I wanted, I filled in all “0’s” on the form. I expect I’ll be eating some vegetable oils but I don’t think there’s any way to avoid that. If they serve me gluten-free grains, I can push them aside and ask for more meat and vegetables. They don’t mind bringing you a second serving so you don’t have to like everything on your plate. A bit wasteful, I know, but it’s just for a few days. Most cruise lines will provide you your dinner options the night before if you’re on a special diet, so you can select what appears to be the best option anyway.
Good luck and whatever you do, enjoy it!
Sarah Faith says
I understand that a person on GAPS needs optimal nutrition in the things that he does put in his body, but honestly, for a week long cruise my feeling is that a person could get by with non-cage-free-pastured eggs for that period of time! No? I imagine there are things that will be available such as salads, eggs and bacon that, while not optimally nutritious, at least will not actively *hurt* her. Obviously stay away from any grains, desserts, legumes, etc. And bring an extra suitcase with sprouted crackers and almond butter for snacking just in case! But I think it is asking too much for the ship to have available organically grown and pastured food if that isn’t what they are doing already. There are lists available of low-pesticide, non-organic fruit/veg that she can keep on her and reference so as to keep her toxin intake down. It’s not an optimal lifestyle choice, but it should work for a vacation. That’s what I would do. (Well, short of not going, but that doesn’t seem an option in this case!)
Lauren says
This is why I had avoided vacationing of any kind. I’m not at the point where I can compromise anything on my diet. It’s a shame that it has to be so difficult, but I don’t really see anyway around it. If you are healthy enough to rough it for a week go for it. If you are not, then like me, vacationing isn’t the priority.
Stephanie says
I’ve never been on a cruise, but I was wondering, is it possible for a person to bring a mini fridge into their room on the ship?
That is really ashame. I hope she is able to find a solution!!
gharkness says
I frequently bring homemade foods on my cruises (yes, on this same cruise line). I just don’t make a big deal out of it, and I never take these things into the dining areas. Of course, I don’t bring as large a quantity as she would need here either, so it’s not as obvious. Certainly, nothing I bring on the ship is as perishable as eggs, butter, and milk, and all cooking has been done in advance (think homemade protein bars, homemade nut mixes, etc.)
By the way, the little mini-fridges available on the ship aren’t really very cold and they are already full of stuff they hope you will buy, and if you remove it, you will be charged for it. There is a little bit of room for a few small things, but they should be eaten fairly quickly, due to the temperature of the fridge.
I agree with the previous commenter that packaged, sealed foods are the way to go, particularly ones that don’t need refrigeration.
As an aside: this should be a wake-up call to anyone thinking that the fancy descriptions on the ship menus indicates anything like a healthy menu. It is simply an indication that whoever wrote the menu is good at fancy descriptions.
Hallee the Homemaker says
I understand see the cruise ship’s response as well as sympathize with her dilemma. However, there are enough items on the yes list that are not perishable (honey, peanut butter,etc.) that she can bring with her. She may just have a limited diet for the time she’s on the cruise.