In what is being called an industry first (and we have no reason to doubt it!), Oceania Cruises has announced that it will host an entirely gluten-free sailing.
Yes, according to the cruise line every onboard venue and restaurant will “offer entirely gluten-free menus.” This includes everything from restaurants to room service and even the ship’s bakery.
“For travelers who must follow a gluten-free diet, dining away from home can require constant vigilance: reviewing ingredients, asking detailed questions about preparation, and assessing the possibility of cross-contact,” a press release stated.
“By addressing those concerns across the complete onboard culinary program, Oceania Cruises will create an environment in which guests can focus fully on their vacation – discovering remarkable destinations, enjoying exceptional cuisine, and sharing the experience with the people who matter most.”
This isn’t a wholesale change across the line, but a special one-off trip. The gluten-free cruise will be a 12-night sailing from Southampton, England aboard Oceania Vista. The 1,200 passenger Vista will cruise England, Ireland, and Scotland on a roundtrip cruise, set to depart May 31, 2028.
The cruise is being done in tandem with Celiac Cruise, described as “a leader in gluten-free travel.”
“For travelers with celiac disease, food is something that has to be considered at virtually every stage of a journey – where to eat, what to order, how something has been prepared and the potential for cross-contact,” said Maureen Basye, founder of Celiac Cruise. “The opportunity to board a ship knowing the culinary experience has been designed to be entirely gluten-free fundamentally changes what travel can feel like for so many.”
Celiac disease is a condition where gluten causes damage to the intestine. It’s estimated about 1% of the world population suffers from the condition.
Beyond that, gluten-free diets have become more popular in general. Estimates are that 20-30% of Americans have at least tried a gluten-free diet.
In other words, while the number of people that would truly need to follow a gluten-free diet seems niche, there is definite interest in the topic.
And while just about any cruise offers menu options that don’t have gluten, this is by far the most accommodating trip for anyone that needs to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
If you’re interested in the trip, the 12-day cruise starts at $7,499 per passenger. You can see more details here.
