I just returned from a fully gluten-free vacation aboard the Celiac Cruise — my first-ever cruise and a completely relaxing five-day getaway. I’m excited to share what the experience was like for anyone considering a stress-free trip while managing celiac disease or following a gluten-free diet.
This post is not sponsored. I booked the Celiac Cruise myself to learn about their offering. See my disclosure page for affiliate and sponsorship information. Last updated December 2022.
Below I cover what Celiac Cruise offers, why it’s a great choice for solo travelers, couples, and families, and a day-by-day recap of our March 31–April 5, 2022 sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas.
I’ve written often about traveling with celiac disease — from city guides to long-term backpacking and celiac-safe tour experiences — but I’d never cruised before. Joining a cruise that’s 100% gluten-free felt like the best introduction to this type of travel, and it delivered.
Gluten-Free Cruises: 100% Gluten-Free with Celiac Cruise Vacations
- Gluten-Free Cruises: 100% Gluten-Free with Celiac Cruise Vacations
- About Celiac Cruise
- Gluten-Free Cruise Sailings
- COVID Protocols
- Ship & Schedule
- Rooms
- What to Pack
- 100% Gluten-Free Food
- Gluten-Free Community on Ship
- Cost Breakdown
- Would I Recommend Celiac Cruise?
About Celiac Cruise
Celiac Cruise partners with major cruise lines to create dedicated gluten-free sailings. Founded by Maureen Basye, who launched this concept so her family could travel safely with celiac disease, the company focuses on creating a worry-free environment where guests can enjoy meals and activities without constant concern about gluten exposure. Celiac Cruise also invites trusted partners and experts onboard to offer resources, presentations, and community connection.
Gluten-Free Cruise Sailings
Celiac Cruise launched in 2020, paused for the pandemic, and resumed sailings in 2022. They now offer itineraries in the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and Europe. Each sailing includes dedicated gluten-free dining, educational sessions, and partner events tailored to the celiac community.
COVID Protocols on Celiac Cruise
Policies change, so check with the cruise organizer for current COVID requirements. For our sailing vaccinations were required for adults and proof was requested, and a negative rapid or PCR test was required for boarding. The ship maintained safety measures for staff; guests were not required to mask but crew wore masks consistently, which felt reassuring.
Our Cruise Ship & Schedule
We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas for five days with stops at Coco Cay, Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico. Each day included Celiac Cruise events—presentations, meetups, special dinners—alongside standard ship entertainment. I recommend downloading the cruise line’s app for deck maps, daily schedules, and ship information.
Gluten-Free Cruise Rooms
We chose a mid-ship balcony cabin on Deck 7 for fresh air and an easy horizon view since I can get motion sick. The cabin was compact but comfortable with daily housekeeping, a small fridge, and a balcony. The nights were quiet and pitch dark with a gentle sway that made for restful sleep.
What to Pack For a Gluten-Free Cruise
Because food is plentiful and safe onboard, you can pack lighter than for other gluten-free trips, but still bring essentials:
- Motion sickness patch or medication (I used scopolamine with success).
- Sunscreen, hat, and cover-ups for strong sun on deck or shore.
- A small tote or backpack for excursions.
- Multiple bathing suits and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bottled water or a pre-purchased water package to keep in your room.
- Portable phone charger and a travel journal or instant camera for memories.
Day 1 Recap: Boarding the Ship, Check-In & Arrival
Boarding at Port Canaveral was straightforward. The welcome expo introduced vendors, partners, and provided a swag bag and schedule. We explored the ship, enjoyed our first gluten-free meal, and joined trivia and a silent disco that night. It was a fun, social start to the cruise.
Day 2 Recap: Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas
We spent the day at Coco Cay on the beach and ate lunch at the dedicated gluten-free station at Skipper’s Grill. The island offers a relaxed beach day with safe food options and plenty of space to swim and unwind.
Day 3: Sailing Day — Presentations & Chops Dinner
Presentations from medical professionals, advocacy groups, and community members filled the day. That evening we attended a special Chops Grille dinner benefiting celiac kids — an outstanding multi-course meal that showcased how special-event dining can be handled safely and deliciously.
Day 4: Cozumel — Mayan Ruins & Chocolate Tasting
Our Cozumel shore excursion included Mayan ruins and a chocolate demonstration. We enjoyed swimming and returned to the ship for more meals, social events, and celebrating a friend’s birthday with a gluten-free cake.
Day 5: Last Day — Documentary & Holidaily 80’s Party
Our final day included a screening of the Celiac Project documentary and a Holidaily beer tasting. Holidaily, a women-owned gluten-free brewery, led a fun tasting and the evening wrapped with final socials before disembarking.
100% Gluten-Free Food
The highlight for many guests is the dedicated gluten-free dining. On our sailing two areas were fully gluten-free: the Main Dining Room and a section of the Windjammer Café, both prepared in a dedicated gluten-free galley with separate fryers to avoid cross-contact. Guests wore “Celiac Cruise VIP” wristbands for easy identification, and staff had specific training on celiac-safe service.
Seated breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and a late-night buffet all offered gluten-free menus. Fresh rolls and toast were available — luxuries many of us hadn’t had for years. The late-night buffet, in particular, served excellent pizza and fries and became my nightly tradition.
Breakfasts
Seated breakfasts in the Main Dining Room were my favorite. The buffet offered options but the dedicated dining room gave better-quality eggs, fruit, coffee, and baked goods like donuts from specialty GF brands. My top pick was the French toast.
Lunches
Lunches mirrored dinner service with full gluten-free menus. I enjoyed classics like steak with fries and fish options on different days. The designated gluten-free station on Coco Cay made shore dining easy and safe.
Dinners
Seated dinners offered appetizers, mains, and desserts all gluten-free. Favorites included beef tenderloin, chicken entrees, and fresh salads. One special paid dinner at Chops Grille was outstanding and supported Boston Children’s Hospital’s Celiac Kids Connection.
Desserts
Desserts varied. The chocolate cake stood out, but some desserts felt overcomplicated or were vegan-based in ways that didn’t always match my preferences. Still, the overall food quality was very good and consistently safe.
Special Celiac Events & Late Night Buffet
Events included presentations, tastings, meetups, and themed parties like the Holidaily 80’s beer tasting. The late-night buffet quickly became a favorite: pizza, fries, nachos, and cookies provided a fun, relaxed end-of-night meal with other guests.
Gluten-Free Community on Ship
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the cruise was connecting with other celiacs. Sharing meals, stories, and events with people who truly understand the daily realities of living gluten-free created a strong sense of community and normalcy.
Gluten-Free Cruise: Celiac Cruise Total Cost Breakdown
A quick summary of our per-person costs:
- Balcony Room: $999
- Government Charges & Fees: $168.44
- Pre-Paid Gratuities: $72.50
- Excursion (Mayan ruins + chocolate): $69
- Special Events (Chops dinner + Holidaily tasting): $100 + $40
- Total per person: $1,448.94
We avoided a beverage package and paid for alcoholic drinks as consumed. I used a small onboard credit that covered many of my personal purchases.
Feeling “Normal” On Vacation With Celiac Disease
The most powerful benefit was being able to relax instead of constantly advocating for my food. For five days I didn’t have to ask questions, worry about cross-contact, or feel excluded. That feeling of normalcy is priceless and exactly why many celiac travelers choose this option.
Would I Recommend Celiac Cruise For Gluten-Free Travelers?
Yes. Absolutely. If you want a stress-free vacation where food safety is handled for you, Celiac Cruise is an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, and especially families who want their children to enjoy food and activities like everyone else.
To receive the full 100% gluten-free experience, book through Celiac Cruise so the dedicated dining, trained staff, and curated events are included. Other cruise lines can accommodate gluten-free requests, but the difference here is a fully integrated, worry-free approach for all meals and many activities.
Celiac Cruise: Final Thoughts
A huge thank you to my mom for joining me — she doesn’t follow a gluten-free diet but embraced the experience and had a wonderful time. If you want a vacation where eating is relaxing rather than stressful, this cruise delivers.
Looking for more gluten-free travel posts?
I’ve shared additional gluten-free travel guides and tips elsewhere on the blog covering destinations and strategies for traveling safely with celiac disease. If you enjoy community travel experiences, consider joining groups and events where you can meet others who understand the lifestyle.
Have you ever been on a cruise?
Would you go on a Celiac Cruise?
Share your thoughts in the comments.