For some, making travel plans might include making sure that your special diet requests can be accommodated. How do the different river cruise companies handle these requests? Should you notify them at the time you book your cruise, some time prior to departure, or can you wait until after your board your ship? Each river cruise company has different requirements and some are more accommodating than others.
Special diet requests must be made at the time of booking your river cruise. Although, AmaWaterways will try its best to accommodate guests, it cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet all requests. AmaWaterways does off gluten-free dining and other lifestyle options regularly on its cruises.
American Cruise Lines asks guests to notify their travel specialist two weeks prior to departure if they have special dietary needs. The company will make reasonable a attempt to accommodate guests.
American Queen Steamboat Company
There are some special dietary foods built into American Queen Steamboat Company’s menu, which means guests can select these options without having to request them.
- Low Sodium – No additional salt is added to any food items.
- Vegetarian and Low-Calorie – Options available at every meal.
- Gluten-Free – Most dishes can be prepared gluten free, such as bread, pasta, sauce/gravy, muffins, ice cream and other dessert items.
- Food Allergies – The Executive Chef will meet personally with a guest who has allergies to discuss which foods need to be avoided. The culinary staff will create a menu for a guest with food allergies that is both safe and delicious.
Special dietary requests must be made 121 days prior to departure. A-ROSA will try its best to accommodate guests with their dietary requirements.
Avalon Waterways provides healthy food options at every meal, which may include vegetarian, low-calorie, low-carb and low fat items. Guests should make special diet requests known at the time of booking and also be prepared to discuss their needs with Cruise Director on the first day of the trip.
Guests are asked to state their specific dietary needs at the time of booking. CroisiEurope says it is happy to assist guests with special dietary needs.
Emerald Cruises requires guests to state what their special dietary needs are. This must be done at the time of booking. The company will try but cannot guarantee that all special diet requests will be met.
Grand Circle’s culinary staff can usually accommodate special dietary need with prior notice. Vegetarian dishes are available at all meals.
Special dietary requests must be made in writing at the time of booking. Scenic Cruises will try to but cannot guarantee that all requests will be met.
Guests with special dietary requirements will meet with the Maitre d’ to discuss a menu solution. Tauck does not have Kosher meals available.
Uniworld will try to meet special diet requests, such as low-calorie, low-fat, gluten-free, sugar-free and vegetarian. Guests should notify Uniworld or their travel agent of any special dietary needs prior to departure.
There are vegetarian options for every meal on Viking River Cruises’ menu. Chefs are able to prepare low-salt, gluten-free and other special dietary menu items.
How Will Your Special Dietary Needs be Met?
Each river cruise company approaches this differently. If you have special dietary needs, it’s important to know what the requirements are the cruise line you choose. There are a few that allow you to personally meet with the Chef to discuss your needs. Most do not take it to that level but will allow you to state your dietary requirements, which will be communicated to the culinary staff.
On most cruise ships some special dietary foods are available at every meal. If you are looking for vegetarian, low-calorie, low-carb or low-fat options, you should be able to find some of these items on the menu. Other dietary needs might require foods to be specially prepared. Either way you should be able to have your special diet requirements met by most river cruise lines.
Read about Gluten-Free Dining on AmaWaterways.
