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Topic: Diabetic food on cruise ships

lizzypop
Just Boarded
Member # 5845

posted 09-08-2005 04:36 AM

Hello everyone!

I was wondering if you could offer some advice. My mum was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She's always wanted to go on a cruise, but is now concerned that she won't be able to because she's worried that there won't be any diabetic food on board the ships.

Is this the case? Or will the ships provide clearly marked diabetic food, so she can enjoy her stay?

Thanks

Posts: 2 | From: Milton Keynes | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 09-08-2005 06:55 AM

I think I am right in saying that ALL the major cruise lines feature diabetic choices on their menus - clearly marked. In fact there is probably better options than many shore based restaurants. There are also onboard Doctors and medical centers - just in case. Therefore cruising is a GREAT vacation for a diabetic!

Use cruisetalk to ask advice on which cruise lines and ships. They all offer different experiences, at different prices, and are NOT all the same.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

PHILPKH923
First Class Passenger
Member # 4064

posted 09-08-2005 07:05 AM

I am a diabetic and have cruised(Carnival & Cunard) without dietary problems. In fact on one cruise I lost weight(no snackin, lots of on deck strolls).

I think I could say cruise without fear, but remember, it is all up to you. YOU must control your diet and food intake, and most of all your exercise during your cruise.

Tell your mom to have a wonderful time. Cruising is the greatest of experiences.

...Kenneth...

[ 09-08-2005: Message edited by: Kenneth ]

Posts: 259 | From: Shannondell | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 09-08-2005 08:27 AM

lizzypop, tell your mother to just go and book that cruise! My husband has been diabetic for 25 years and 'survived' umpteen cruises. I however assume your mother has 'age onset diabetes' [type 2] which is controlled slightly differently, but there is definitely no need to worry.

Let the cruiseline know on the booking form that she is diabetic.. they will once aboard probably ask if there is anything they can do for her, special foods requirements & so on. My husband has been offered all sorts and you can have the menus the day before to make your choice. If there is nothing suitable, with a bit of advance notice the kitchens can make what ever you want. You will find however there are nearly always suitable choices anyway.

The starter/entree menus don't get marked 'diabetic' per the vegetarian options, as this usually just means 'sugar free' and not a lot of use for type 1 diabetics. But you will find many of the desserts marked as such & on the trolleys/buffets etc marked 'diabetic' or 'sugar free'. There is so much choice, and all cruiselines are happy to assist with virtually any special diets, when they know in advance. Don't spring it on them!

The other thing about letting them know, is if for any reason a diabetic went hypo, the doctor aboard would immediately know why that person was flagged out, and not someone just drunk & left to 'get over' it.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

LeBarryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 5308

posted 09-08-2005 10:41 AM

I too am a type 2 diabetic and find that it is easier to select food choices on a cruise than in a restaurant. There are no "diabetic foods" your mum just has to select the low-carb options on the menu which is usually pointed out. She should see her doctor or dietician to determine what types of foods to stay away from and the portions she should consider...that's it. Type 2 diabetics can virtually eat anything a non-diabetic eats...just smaller portions and less carbs. My downfall on the cruises are the breads...breads have a lot of carbs.

Your mum's diabetes is not as debilitating as you may thing...she can live a pretty normal lifestyle...so BOOK THAT CRUISE and ENJOY!

Posts: 1955 | From: Minnesota | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

lizzypop
Just Boarded
Member # 5845

posted 09-08-2005 11:26 AM

Thanx for all the great advice. She'll be very pleased that she can go on a cruise afterall!

Posts: 2 | From: Milton Keynes | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 09-08-2005 07:01 PM

Fred Olsen and P&O are both good, if you are looking for a British experience from a UK port (no flying) such as Dover or Southampton.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

james_19742000
First Class Passenger
Member # 6243

posted 03-03-2006 06:16 AM

My wife is diabetic and when we cruised with Princess there food must be stuffed full of sugar as her diabetes was out of control whilst on Princess, even with huge amounts of insulin, my only advice would be that if you are a Type 1 then just check the Blood Sugars very regularly and keep on top of them, I also requested to have things in the cabin such as Banana's, Biscuits, and a carton of milk permanantly in the fridge in case of hypo's and I always carry a Glucogon around as well just in case obviously!

But most importantly diabetes isnt a diesease it is a condition, and when managed as well as possible it does have to disrupt your life it is just one of those things, dont let it spoil your cruise just let it enjoy your cruise as well!!!

And as for the big deserts.....go on just have the xtra insulin for it!!!! Naughty but nice.....:-)

Posts: 64 | From: Exeter, Devon, UK | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

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