How do I request special dietary meals Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean is known for being one of the most food-friendly, allergy-aware, and diet-accommodating cruise lines in the world. Their dining teams handle thousands of guests with unique dietary requirements each sailing. But to ensure a smooth and safe dining experience, you must know the exact process, timing, and steps for requesting special meals.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything—how to notify Royal Caribbean, what happens once onboard, available specialty diets, venue-specific rules, tips, mistakes to avoid, and insider advice from frequent cruisers.
Let’s begin your stress-free cruise dining journey.
Royal Caribbean can accommodate most diets, but the culinary team needs time to:
Gluten-free, lactose-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-friendly ingredients may need to be stocked specifically for you.
Your request is shared with restaurant managers, dining room waiters, and chefs.
Some meals need advance preparation 24 hours before serving.
Allergy protocols, cross-contamination prevention, and dedicated preparation areas are assigned based on your needs.
Royal Caribbean accepts most requests, including:
Nut allergies
Celiac / gluten intolerance
Dairy-free
Low sodium
Diabetic meals
Lactose-free
Shellfish allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Kosher
Halal
Low-fat
Keto
Pescatarian
These have specific preparation guidelines. Kosher meals must be prepackaged and sometimes require pre-ordering weeks in advance.
This is the most important step.
Royal Caribbean recommends notifying them at least 30 days before sailing.
You can request special meals using any of these methods:
Log into your Royal Caribbean account
Open your booked sailing
Visit “Special Requests”
Select dietary needs
Add comments or specific restrictions
Save changes
Send a dietary request email including your:
Full name
Reservation number
Ship name
Sail date
Specific dietary needs
If booked through an agent, they can submit the request directly to Royal Caribbean.
Calling can ensure your request is noted correctly.
Even if you pre-requested, repeat your dietary needs once onboard.
Introduce yourself and explain your allergies or dietary needs.They may assign a special dining team for you.
They will handle your meals and ensure safety.
For severe allergies, chefs often meet guests personally.
The Main Dining Room handles special meals very efficiently.
You’ll likely receive a waiter who specializes in dietary restrictions.
Usually you:
Review the next day’s menu
Select your dishes 24 hours in advance
The chef custom-prepares your meal safely
Windjammer is tricky due to cross-contamination.
They can:
Walk you through safe stations
Bring freshly prepared items from the back
Notify chefs of your allergy
Most specialty venues can accommodate diets with advance notice.
Vegan options are limited
Gluten-free items may need special preparation
Halal and kosher options may not be available in all venues
Special diets can be requested through room service—but choices are fewer than MDR.
One of the most supported diets onboard.
Gluten-free bread
Gluten-free pasta
Gluten-free cookies
Pizza base (select ships)
Desserts
Royal Caribbean has improved their plant-based menus significantly.
Salads
Curries
Stir-fries
Impossible burgers
Dairy-free desserts
Kosher meals must be pre-packaged and ordered in advance.
Sealed, certified meals
Option for Sabbath service (depending on ship)
Halal meat is not guaranteed, but accommodations can be made for:
Fish
Vegetarian dishes
Pre-ordered halal packages (varies by sailing)
Chefs work with your needs to ensure:
Reduced salt
Low-sugar substitutions
Steamed or grilled versions of menu items
If your allergy is complex, bring a printed card.
Ingredients you avoid
Severity
Approved alternatives
Even with precautions, always confirm:
Ingredients
Preparation method
Cross-contamination prevention
The Main Dining Room has the strongest allergy management protocols.
Cross-contamination risk is highest here.
Last-minute requests are harder to fulfill.
You’ll get fewer safe or customized meals.
They are your best resource.
Some diets require next-day ordering.
Most require pre-packaged options.
Specially prepared meals
Alternative ingredients
Pre-packaged kosher items
Allergy-safe cooking
Personalized menus
Extremely niche ingredients
Gourmet replacements for restricted diets
Home-style specialty ethnic dishes
Guaranteed availability without pre-requesting
This alerts staff in emergencies.
Not all venues share the same system.
Especially if your diet is very strict.
(prepackaged only)
Gluten-free bars
Protein snacks
Dairy-free cookies
Vegan crisps
Royal Caribbean crew is trained to help.
Not required but helpful if your allergies are complex.
Yes—state all dietary restrictions in your pre-cruise form.
Yes, but details vary by restaurant.
Absolutely—children with allergies or dietary needs are prioritized.
Notify your head waiter immediately—they will fix it.
So, how do I request special dietary meals Royal Caribbean?It’s simple when you know the proper steps:
Submit your request 30 days before sailing.
Reconfirm with the staff once onboard.
Meet with the head waiter or chef.
Pre-order meals daily if required.
Ask questions and stay clear on cross-contamination needs.
Royal Caribbean is one of the most reliable cruise lines for dietary needs, but communication is key. With the right preparation, you can enjoy safe, delicious, customized meals throughout your cruise—without stress or uncertainty.
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