An Oceania cruise ship is going fully gluten-free for the first ever coeliac-friendly cruise in the British Isles.
Most cruise lines will cater for different allergies and dietary requirements but there are also specialist gluten-free sailings organised by specialist company Celiac Cruise.
Founded by dietary expert Maureen Basye and US travel agent Connie Saunders, Celiac Cruise has worked with the America-based Celiac Disease Foundation since 2018 to reserve dedicated dining areas on cruise ships that guarantee gluten-free meals.
But rather than just reserving a few areas, a fully gluten-free voyage will sail around the British Isles and Ireland in 2028 aboard Oceania Vista.
This is believed to be the first gluten-free ocean sailing in Britain and the first time a cruise ship has been overhauled to be fully coeliac-friendly.
Departing on 31 May 2028 from Southampton, the luxury 12-night cruise includes stops in Liverpool, the Scottish Highlands and Cobh and Dublin in Ireland,
Guests won’t have to worry about dietary needs on board and will be able to dine in any of the ship’s 11 restaurants and cafes, all of which will remain entirely gluten-free for the duration of the trip.
Galleys will be checked and every food label will be individually reviewed and vetted.
Cruise fares start at $7,299 per person (£5,441), including a drinks package, wifi, tips and laundry services. Bookings have to be made directly with Celiac Cruise.
Ms Basye said: “With coeliac disease impacting two immediate family members, it brings me great joy on both a personal and professional level that we are able to host the largest-ever completely gluten-free cruise aboard the Oceania Vista, and first-of-its-kind to the British Isles.
“Giving the coeliac and broader gluten-free communities a means to travel completely worry-free and let vacation feel exactly how it’s supposed to – easy – is our entire purpose at Celiac Cruise.”
Nathan Hickman, chief sales officer for Oceania Cruises, added: “Culinary excellence has been at the heart of Oceania Cruises from day one, and ensuring every guest can experience it fully, regardless of dietary need, is essential to that promise.
“While Oceania Cruises has long offered gluten-free options across our fleet, working with the Celiac Cruise team deepened our understanding of the celiac community and the unmet need for a truly seamless travel experience.”
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