Traveling With Food Allergies: All-Inclusives and Cruises

After more than a decade of traveling with Celiac disease, here's the truth: not all "easy" travel options are actually easy. Not all all-inclusives and cruises are safe. And cheap doesn't always mean accessible.

This post is a practical breakdown of what's worked for me, what hasn't, and how to approach travel with food allergies in a way that protects both your health and your joy.

First, the Mindset Shift

If you have Celiac disease or serious food allergies, here's what matters most: you are not looking for "cheap." You are looking for safe and flexible.

That middle ground - where accommodations exist and you still get to enjoy food - is where good travel lives.

And yes, that often means emailing ahead, calling instead of assuming, and choosing places that already understand dietary needs.

All-Inclusives: Proceed With Caution

"All-inclusive" sounds perfect when food feels stressful. But here's the reality: many low-budget all-inclusives are terrible for food allergies. Buffets are cross-contamination nightmares. Staff often lack training or authority to modify dishes.

Cheap all-inclusives are built for volume, not customization.

The sweet spot is mid-range to premium. These properties tend to have trained chefs, take allergies seriously, offer à la carte dining (not just buffets), and allow pre-communication before you arrive.

A Standout: Hyatt All-Inclusive Collection (Mexico)

Hyatt's all-inclusive properties in Mexico are some of the best I've experienced for food allergies.

They plan ahead. Hyatt has a separate app called the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection where you can view restaurant menus in advance and see ingredients and dining styles before you book.

You can email for menus. They already have sample menus and will send them. You just have to ask.

Staff is trained. Chefs understand gluten-free needs and cross-contamination. Servers actually communicate with the kitchen.

This is what "inclusive" should mean.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Cruises: Not All Ships Are Equal

Cruises can be amazing for food allergies - if you pick the right line.

Celebrity Cruises is the gold standard. Celebrity has been one of the most affirming food experiences I've ever had. Gluten-free pastries and bread. A dedicated vegan section (not just salad). The ability to pre-order meals the day before. Chefs who proactively asked questions.

And yes - even the buffet felt safe.

They had a gluten-free pasta station where you choose your ingredients (I picked bacon, bell pepper, onion, tomato, asparagus), they cook it fresh, and add sauce to order.

Was there gluten-free pizza? No. Did I care? Also no. Fresh pasta made safely beats sad pizza every time.

Norwegian Cruise Line was more mixed. Norwegian does have gluten-free options, but I didn't feel nearly as comfortable. The biggest issues were buffet cross-contamination, less visible separation, and more self-serve risk.

Some people do fine with Norwegian, but I personally didn't feel as safe, especially during peak dining hours.

The Non-Negotiable Step: Email or Call Ahead

No matter where you're staying - hotel, resort, cruise, or tour - email ahead. Call if needed.

Ask how food allergies are handled. Ask if meals can be prepared separately. Ask if cross-contamination is taken seriously. Ask if you can pre-order or speak to a chef.

Their response tells you everything. If they hesitate, deflect, or give vague answers - that's your sign.

The difference between a safe buffet and a stressful one? Dedicated sections like this.

A Note on Buffets

Even in good properties, buffets require caution.

Look for staff-served stations, dedicated gluten-free areas, and chefs available to prepare food fresh. If everything is self-serve and unlabeled, that's not worth the stress.

Find the Middle Ground

You don't have to choose between ultra-cheap and unsafe or ultra-luxury and inaccessible.

There is a middle ground where accommodations exist, food is enjoyable, and travel still feels like travel. It just requires better information and better choices.

You Don’t Have to Give Up Travel

Traveling with food allergies isn't about being "difficult." It's about being informed.

Ask questions. Advocate for yourself. Choose providers who already know how to help.

And remember: you deserve to eat safely and enjoy your trip.

I'm here to help you do both.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

Choosing the right all-inclusive or cruise line when you have food allergies takes research - and I've done a lot of it. As a Travel Advisor with Rosedale Travel, I help people find properties and cruise lines that actually take dietary needs seriously. And if you want to use credit card points to book, that's my specialty. Book a free session now and let's find the right fit for you.