Hello

I requested that my TA contact Celebrity for a special dietary request while we're on our cruise and I was wondering how long that should take. She sounded like it might not be possible and I have not heard back from her. We're not leaving until June so I don't foresee a problem. Would it be easier for me to handle it myself. Don't want to set off a wave of TA pros and cons. Would just like to know this issue is settled so it's one less thing to worry about.

Sally

We have never asked for a special dietary request but have needed help with a food allergy. (My daughter is deadly allergic to peanuts and all related products) Our TA has always phoned ahead and they have always said "check with the people when you get there." Some people have been very concerned and helpful and others acted as if we were a bother. Whatever your TA finds out, be prepared to follow-up on board.<BR>Happy sailing.

Hello

Thanks Sally. I requested no sugar desserts and my TA said I would hear back from her which I haven't so I don't know if that is good news or bad news. Usually I do thinks like that myself, but since I'm using a TA this trip I thought I would have her do it. As the ship seems to have a special contact department for such requests hopefully they will be helpful.

hi

Hello,<BR><BR>How long has it been since you made the request of your TA?? <BR><BR>There is a special needs department that should be able to handle this request. But sometimes you have to wait until a specific number of days out from the actual cruise date to be able to have it handled by them. <BR><BR>I would contact your TA and simply ask that she keep you regularly posted on the progress of your special request. And that she afford you a copy of the confirmation from the cruise line once they have confirmed and acknowledge that what you are asking can be done. <BR><BR>If the "no sugar" requirement is because of diabetis or some other serious medical condition, it is your responsiblility to tell your Travel Agent at the time of booking. The cruise line demands that TA's notify them when booking a person with a serious medical condition, so that they can alert the medical staff on board and request any special documentation from the passengers doctor if necessary.

Hello

Is it a requirement that you notify the ship of a medical condition if you are under the care of a doctor? It's my opinion that it's none of the ship's business why I requested a no sugar dessert and if they want to know why then I will just do without dessert. Sorry to sound testy, I do appreciate your answer, but I'm not about to share my medical history with the ship just so I can have a piece of cake. I didn't see anything about this disclousre in the ship's brochure, but I don't think this should be too much of an issue since so much of the cruising population is elderly and many of them under a doctor's care.

Patty

Many cruise lines now have one sugar free dessert on the menu at each meal. Don't know about Celebrity, but you may want to ask them if that's something that they offer as a standard menu item.

sparks

It has been my experience with Celebrity that they offer sugar free deserts with every dinner. I don't remember other meals though. The deserts were great! I am diabetic & found something to eat at all meals.

Andy

HI Hello-- even if you asked your TA to contact the cruise line about dietary restrictions, they do not respond in writing to your TA....they will just tell him/her over the phone.....<BR><BR>You should ALWAYS re-confirm with the Maitre d on the ship ANY allergies or items you are NOT allowed to ear-ie for diabetes or any other ailment. You do NOT have to tell them what is wrong with you---that is strictly personl info the cruise line does not need.<BR>However,even if the Cruise line SAYS they have told the ship the pertinent info, sometimes there are screw-ups--<BR><BR>Always best to re-confirm when you board ship and when you enter dining room....there is also a Heart Healthy choice on Celebrity with a sugar free or fruit type dessert--so don't worry. You will be fine....<BR><BR>Just go and enjoy yourself......

hi

Hello,<BR><BR>The reason you should disclose any serious medical condition is so that they will know what to do if they find you collasped and unconcsious.<BR><BR>I had a friend who almost died on a cruise ship because they to felt it was nobody's business. They sure were glad to have a doctor(s) on board. Was in a diabetic coma for days, and it wasn't readily diagnosiable. Remember, your not in the states anymore when that ship pulls out, and technology is very very different on board a ship as opposed to an emergency room, and hospitals are different in other countires. All things to consider when traveling with a potentially deadly medical condition. Purchase travel insurance for sure.

elaine

You should have no problems at all getting sugar free deserts.<BR>The Travel Agent just needs to notify the Cruise line you are diabetic (even if you are not, it will get you the sugar-free).<BR>I book cruises for my clients on line and there Dietary Restrictions are on the Special Needs Form.

Hello

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. I feel a lot better knowing my husband can have sugar free desserts without throwing the kitchen into a frenzy.

Donna

Does all cruise lines have the sugar free desserts, especailly Carnival? Do they need to be notified ahead that you are diabetic? Thanks...

Andy

The special needs dept should be notified ahead of time and you,as the client, need to RE-VERIFY it with the Maitre de on board the ship..............<BR><BR>Do NOT depend on the cruise line getting all the info over to the ship-sometimes people make mistakes.

Paul Therault

If one has a serious medical condition it is important that the ship knows your status. <BR><BR>When the ship has to diviate to get to an area where you can be airlifted you will be famous.<BR><BR>Paul