# **Can I Request Special Meals on Royal Caribbean International?**

Royal Caribbean International provides a wide range of special meals, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, and religious dietary options. Contact **1-877-897-7186** or notify the dining staff onboard to ensure your dietary needs are accommodated throughout the cruise.

Royal Caribbean International is known for offering a wide range of dining experiences, but many travelers have specific dietary needs that go beyond standard menus. Whether you have food allergies, religious restrictions, medical dietary requirements, or simply prefer a certain type of cuisine, Royal Caribbean is well-equipped to provide special meals for its guests. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, the cruise line works to ensure that everyone can enjoy delicious, safe, and comfortable dining throughout their voyage. Understanding how to request special meals, what types of diets are supported, and what to expect onboard can help you plan your cruise with confidence.

## **Special Dietary Needs: What Royal Caribbean Accommodates**

Royal Caribbean recognizes that guests may need customized meals for many reasons. The cruise line offers support for a wide variety of diets, including:

* **Vegetarian and vegan meals**
* **Gluten-free options**
* **Lactose-free or dairy-free foods**
* **Kosher meals**
* **Halal-style offerings (subject to availability)**
* **Low-sodium diets**
* **Low-sugar meals**
* **Nut-free meals**
* **Diabetic-friendly dishes**
* **Medical dietary restrictions**

These options ensure that guests with special food requirements do not miss out on the enjoyable dining experience Royal Caribbean is known for.

## **How to Request Special Meals Before Your Cruise**

The easiest and most effective way to ensure your dietary needs are met is by submitting your request before you board. While Royal Caribbean can often accommodate requests onboard, advance notice helps the culinary team prepare and stock the appropriate ingredients.

Here’s how to make your request before sailing:

### **1. Use the Cruise Planner or Online Portal**

When managing your reservation online, you can update your dietary needs in the special request section. This alerts the dining team ahead of time and helps coordinate meal options for your entire voyage.

### **2. Contact Royal Caribbean Customer Service**

You can call customer service to document any dietary restrictions in your booking. This is especially helpful for guests with severe allergies, medical needs, or specific religious meal requests.

### **3. Inform Your Travel Agent**

If you booked through a travel advisor, they can submit meal requests on your behalf. Be sure they confirm that the note has been added to your reservation.

Royal Caribbean typically recommended requesting special meals at least 45 days before sailing, especially for kosher or highly specific dietary needs.

## **Requesting Special Meals Onboard**

If you forget to place a request before traveling, don’t worry. Royal Caribbean offers several opportunities to communicate your needs once you’re onboard.

### **1. Meet the Head Waiter on the First Day**

On embarkation day, visit your assigned dining room and speak with the head waiter about your dietary needs. They will help coordinate meals for the duration of your cruise and ensure your preferences are noted.

### **2. Notify Restaurant Staff at Each Meal**

If you dine in the main dining room, simply let your server know about your restrictions. They can guide you through the menu and offer safe alternatives.

For buffet meals, staff members can identify which items meet your dietary needs, and chefs can often prepare fresh dishes upon request.

### **3. Specialty Restaurants Can Accommodate You Too**

Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining venues, such as steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and Asian cuisine outlets, are usually able to adapt dishes based on your requirements. However, some modifications may take additional time, so arriving early or speaking with staff in advance is helpful.

## **Kosher and Halal Meal Availability**

Royal Caribbean offers pre-packaged kosher meals that are certified and prepared under strict supervision. These meals may include entrees, bread, desserts, and breakfast options. Because they must be ordered ahead of time, providing advance notice is essential.

Halal options may be available on certain sailings, such as chicken or beef prepared halal-style. However, availability varies by region. In many cases, the culinary team can prepare vegetarian or seafood meals as alternatives if halal meat is unavailable.

## **Food Allergies and Cross-Contamination Concerns**

For guests with food allergies, safety is just as important as taste. Royal Caribbean takes allergens seriously and trains staff to handle requests properly. Each dining venue has procedures to reduce cross-contamination risks. However, guests with severe allergies should:

* Speak directly with the head waiter daily.
* Ask about ingredients before consuming any dish.
* Avoid self-serve stations if cross-contact is a major concern.
* Request meals prepared separately when needed.

Parents of children with allergies can also request special meals or simplified dishes through the youth program staff.

## **Room Service and Special Meals**

Most dietary needs can be accommodated through room service as well, though the variety may be more limited than in the main dining room. Before ordering, call room service directly to confirm what options are available for your specific diet.

## **What to Expect From the Dining Experience**

Guests requesting special meals can expect meals that are both safe and flavorful. Royal Caribbean chefs craft dishes designed to meet dietary needs without sacrificing quality. In many cases, guests can even order meals a day in advance, allowing the crew time to prepare dishes tailored to their requests.

However, it is important to be patient, as customized meals may take slightly longer to prepare. This extra time ensures that ingredients are handled safely and dishes are made to your exact needs.

## **Final Thoughts**

Royal Caribbean International makes it simple and stress-free for guests to request special meals, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable dining experience at sea. Whether you have dietary restrictions for medical, religious, or personal reasons, the cruise line offers numerous meal options and works hard to accommodate your needs. By submitting requests early, communicating with staff, and staying informed once onboard, you can enjoy a delicious and safe dining experience throughout your cruise.