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Can I request special meals on Celebrity Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 26 August 2025
  • 12 min read

Can I request special meals on Celebrity Cruises?

One of the most exciting parts of cruising is the culinary experience. Celebrity Cruises is widely known for its world-class dining, offering everything from fine dining restaurants to casual buffets and innovative specialty venues. But for many travelers, a common question arises: Can I request special meals on Celebrity Cruises?

The simple answer is yes. Celebrity Cruises is committed to meeting the needs of guests with dietary requirements, food allergies, and personal preferences. Whether you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, low-sodium, diabetic-friendly meals, or simply prefer healthier options, Celebrity makes it possible to enjoy your dining experience with peace of mind.

This guide explores the details of how special meal requests work, what options are available, and tips for making the most of your culinary journey at sea.

Understanding Special Meal Requests on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises places a strong emphasis on personalized service. Dining is not just about food; it’s about creating memorable experiences tailored to each guest. Special meal requests are part of this commitment, allowing every traveler to enjoy safe, delicious, and satisfying meals, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Requests can cover a wide range of needs, including:

  • Health-related diets (diabetic, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, or heart-healthy)

  • Allergy-related restrictions (nuts, shellfish, gluten, dairy, etc.)

  • Religious dietary needs (kosher, halal, vegetarian)

  • Lifestyle preferences (vegan, pescatarian, organic-focused, plant-based)

  • Child-friendly meals for young passengers

The cruise line encourages guests to notify them of special dietary needs in advance, ensuring that the culinary team can prepare accordingly.

How to Request Special Meals

Making sure your dietary needs are met begins before your cruise even starts. Here are the main steps:

1. Notify Celebrity Cruises in Advance

  • When booking your cruise, indicate any dietary needs in your reservation.

  • If you forget during booking, you can update your profile by contacting Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent.

  • It’s recommended to make requests at least 30 days before sailing for kosher and specialty religious meals, and at least 2 weeks in advance for other dietary needs.

2. Speak to Guest Services Onboard

Once onboard, visit Guest Services or the dining reservations desk to reconfirm your dietary requirements.

3. Meet the Restaurant Manager or Maître d’

On your first dining experience, introduce yourself to the maître d’ or restaurant manager. They will confirm your requests and communicate directly with the chefs.

4. Use the Celebrity Cruises App

Some dietary notes can also be added or confirmed through the cruise app, particularly for specialty dining reservations.

Types of Special Meals Available on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a wide variety of special meal options to suit different needs.

1. Vegetarian Meals

  • Available in both main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.

  • Includes globally inspired vegetarian dishes such as pasta, curries, soups, and salads.

  • Menus are clearly marked with vegetarian options.

2. Vegan Meals

  • Celebrity offers plant-based menus in select venues.

  • Options may include vegan burgers, plant-based proteins, dairy-free desserts, and vegan-friendly wines.

  • Guests can also request custom vegan meals from the chefs.

3. Gluten-Free Meals

  • Gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts are available.

  • Chefs can adapt many dishes to be gluten-free upon request.

  • Guests with celiac disease are advised to notify staff in advance for strict cross-contamination protocols.

4. Kosher Meals

  • Pre-packaged kosher meals are available but must be requested in advance.

  • Options include kosher meat, poultry, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

  • Kosher wine can also be provided upon request.

5. Halal Meals

  • Available when requested prior to sailing.

  • Celebrity provides halal-certified meats and poultry.

  • Vegetarian and seafood options are also halal-friendly.

6. Allergy-Friendly Meals

  • The culinary team is trained to handle allergies such as nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish.

  • Guests with severe allergies should reconfirm daily with staff.

  • Separate preparation areas are used when necessary to prevent cross-contamination.

7. Diabetic and Low-Sodium Meals

  • Sugar-free desserts and beverages are widely available.

  • Special low-sodium entrees can be prepared upon request.

  • Guests can also access nutritional information to manage their diet.

8. Child-Friendly Meals

  • Kids’ menus are available in both the main dining room and specialty venues.

  • Options include pasta, chicken, pizza, fruits, and healthier alternatives for children.

Specialty Dining and Customization

Celebrity Cruises’ specialty restaurants also accommodate special requests. Whether dining at a French fine dining venue, an Italian steakhouse, or the innovative Le Petit Chef experience, the culinary staff can adjust menus to fit your dietary needs.

For example:

  • At Tuscan Grille, gluten-free pasta can replace regular pasta.

  • At Murano, chefs can prepare dairy-free sauces upon request.

  • At Raw on 5, vegetarian sushi rolls or gluten-free soy sauce can be provided.

Dining Tips for Guests with Special Meal Needs

  1. Book Early: Some meals, such as kosher or halal, require advance notice.

  2. Communicate Daily: Remind servers of your dietary needs each evening to avoid confusion.

  3. Be Flexible: Specialty items may take longer to prepare; allowing extra time ensures proper care.

  4. Pack Snacks if Necessary: For extreme dietary needs, bringing packaged snacks is a good precaution.

  5. Leverage Buffets: Buffet stations often feature a variety of labeled dietary options, making it easy to find something suitable.

  6. Request Off-Menu Items: Celebrity chefs are known for accommodating off-menu requests, especially for vegan or allergy-friendly meals.

How Celebrity Cruises Ensures Food Safety

Celebrity Cruises emphasizes food safety for all guests, particularly those with allergies or restrictions. Measures include:

  • Dedicated Preparation Areas: Certain foods, such as gluten-free or nut-free meals, are prepared separately.

  • Trained Culinary Teams: Staff are educated on dietary protocols and allergen safety.

  • Clear Menu Labeling: Menus highlight vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy options.

  • Communication Systems: Dietary requests are flagged in the reservation system to ensure consistency throughout the cruise.

Dining Packages and Special Meals

Guests purchasing specialty dining packages can also enjoy special meal accommodations. These packages cover multiple specialty restaurants, and the included venues can prepare meals based on dietary restrictions.

Additionally, beverage packages include non-alcoholic options such as fresh juices, smoothies, and non-dairy alternatives, aligning with dietary preferences.

Special Occasion Dining with Dietary Requests

For guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons, Celebrity Cruises ensures that special meal requests are still honored during private celebrations. Gluten-free cakes, vegan desserts, and other customized items can be ordered for special events.

Realistic Expectations for Special Meals

While Celebrity Cruises goes above and beyond, guests should keep in mind:

  • Some ingredients may be limited due to ship supplies.

  • Pre-packaged kosher and halal meals may differ from freshly prepared options.

  • Advance notice increases the chances of fulfilling requests.

Conclusion

Yes, you can absolutely request special meals on Celebrity Cruises. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or have specific health-related dietary needs, Celebrity is dedicated to ensuring that every guest enjoys safe, delicious, and customized dining experiences.

By notifying the cruise line in advance, communicating with dining staff onboard, and taking advantage of menu flexibility, guests can enjoy stress-free dining that aligns with their preferences and requirements. Celebrity Cruises’ culinary team is not only skilled but also committed to making every meal memorable, proving that special diets can still mean extraordinary dining at sea.

From everyday meals to special celebrations, Celebrity Cruises transforms dining into a personalized journey—ensuring that every guest can savor their vacation without compromise.

The simple answer is yes. Celebrity Cruises is committed to meeting the needs of guests with dietary requirements, food allergies, and personal preferences. Whether you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, low-sodium, diabetic-friendly meals, or simply prefer healthier options, Celebrity makes it possible to enjoy your dining experience with peace of mind.

This guide explores the details of how special meal requests work, what options are available, and tips for making the most of your culinary journey at sea.

Understanding Special Meal Requests on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises places a strong emphasis on personalized service. Dining is not just about food; it’s about creating memorable experiences tailored to each guest. Special meal requests are part of this commitment, allowing every traveler to enjoy safe, delicious, and satisfying meals, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Requests can cover a wide range of needs, including:

  • Health-related diets (diabetic, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, or heart-healthy)

  • Allergy-related restrictions (nuts, shellfish, gluten, dairy, etc.)

  • Religious dietary needs (kosher, halal, vegetarian)

  • Lifestyle preferences (vegan, pescatarian, organic-focused, plant-based)

  • Child-friendly meals for young passengers

The cruise line encourages guests to notify them of special dietary needs in advance, ensuring that the culinary team can prepare accordingly.

How to Request Special Meals

Making sure your dietary needs are met begins before your cruise even starts. Here are the main steps:

1. Notify Celebrity Cruises in Advance

  • When booking your cruise, indicate any dietary needs in your reservation.

  • If you forget during booking, you can update your profile by contacting Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent.

  • It’s recommended to make requests at least 30 days before sailing for kosher and specialty religious meals, and at least 2 weeks in advance for other dietary needs.

2. Speak to Guest Services Onboard

Once onboard, visit Guest Services or the dining reservations desk to reconfirm your dietary requirements.

3. Meet the Restaurant Manager or Maître d’

On your first dining experience, introduce yourself to the maître d’ or restaurant manager. They will confirm your requests and communicate directly with the chefs.

4. Use the Celebrity Cruises App

Some dietary notes can also be added or confirmed through the cruise app, particularly for specialty dining reservations.

Types of Special Meals Available on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a wide variety of special meal options to suit different needs.

1. Vegetarian Meals

  • Available in both main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.

  • Includes globally inspired vegetarian dishes such as pasta, curries, soups, and salads.

  • Menus are clearly marked with vegetarian options.

2. Vegan Meals

  • Celebrity offers plant-based menus in select venues.

  • Options may include vegan burgers, plant-based proteins, dairy-free desserts, and vegan-friendly wines.

  • Guests can also request custom vegan meals from the chefs.

3. Gluten-Free Meals

  • Gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts are available.

  • Chefs can adapt many dishes to be gluten-free upon request.

  • Guests with celiac disease are advised to notify staff in advance for strict cross-contamination protocols.

4. Kosher Meals

  • Pre-packaged kosher meals are available but must be requested in advance.

  • Options include kosher meat, poultry, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

  • Kosher wine can also be provided upon request.

5. Halal Meals

  • Available when requested prior to sailing.

  • Celebrity provides halal-certified meats and poultry.

  • Vegetarian and seafood options are also halal-friendly.

6. Allergy-Friendly Meals

  • The culinary team is trained to handle allergies such as nut, dairy, egg, and shellfish.

  • Guests with severe allergies should reconfirm daily with staff.

  • Separate preparation areas are used when necessary to prevent cross-contamination.

7. Diabetic and Low-Sodium Meals

  • Sugar-free desserts and beverages are widely available.

  • Special low-sodium entrees can be prepared upon request.

  • Guests can also access nutritional information to manage their diet.

8. Child-Friendly Meals

  • Kids’ menus are available in both the main dining room and specialty venues.

  • Options include pasta, chicken, pizza, fruits, and healthier alternatives for children.

Specialty Dining and Customization

Celebrity Cruises’ specialty restaurants also accommodate special requests. Whether dining at a French fine dining venue, an Italian steakhouse, or the innovative Le Petit Chef experience, the culinary staff can adjust menus to fit your dietary needs.

For example:

  • At Tuscan Grille, gluten-free pasta can replace regular pasta.

  • At Murano, chefs can prepare dairy-free sauces upon request.

  • At Raw on 5, vegetarian sushi rolls or gluten-free soy sauce can be provided.

Dining Tips for Guests with Special Meal Needs

  1. Book Early: Some meals, such as kosher or halal, require advance notice.

  2. Communicate Daily: Remind servers of your dietary needs each evening to avoid confusion.

  3. Be Flexible: Specialty items may take longer to prepare; allowing extra time ensures proper care.

  4. Pack Snacks if Necessary: For extreme dietary needs, bringing packaged snacks is a good precaution.

  5. Leverage Buffets: Buffet stations often feature a variety of labeled dietary options, making it easy to find something suitable.

  6. Request Off-Menu Items: Celebrity chefs are known for accommodating off-menu requests, especially for vegan or allergy-friendly meals.

How Celebrity Cruises Ensures Food Safety

Celebrity Cruises emphasizes food safety for all guests, particularly those with allergies or restrictions. Measures include:

  • Dedicated Preparation Areas: Certain foods, such as gluten-free or nut-free meals, are prepared separately.

  • Trained Culinary Teams: Staff are educated on dietary protocols and allergen safety.

  • Clear Menu Labeling: Menus highlight vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy options.

  • Communication Systems: Dietary requests are flagged in the reservation system to ensure consistency throughout the cruise.

Dining Packages and Special Meals

Guests purchasing specialty dining packages can also enjoy special meal accommodations. These packages cover multiple specialty restaurants, and the included venues can prepare meals based on dietary restrictions.

Additionally, beverage packages include non-alcoholic options such as fresh juices, smoothies, and non-dairy alternatives, aligning with dietary preferences.

Special Occasion Dining with Dietary Requests

For guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons, Celebrity Cruises ensures that special meal requests are still honored during private celebrations. Gluten-free cakes, vegan desserts, and other customized items can be ordered for special events.

Realistic Expectations for Special Meals

While Celebrity Cruises goes above and beyond, guests should keep in mind:

  • Some ingredients may be limited due to ship supplies.

  • Pre-packaged kosher and halal meals may differ from freshly prepared options.

  • Advance notice increases the chances of fulfilling requests.

Conclusion

Yes, you can absolutely request special meals on Celebrity Cruises. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or have specific health-related dietary needs, Celebrity is dedicated to ensuring that every guest enjoys safe, delicious, and customized dining experiences.

By notifying the cruise line in advance, communicating with dining staff onboard, and taking advantage of menu flexibility, guests can enjoy stress-free dining that aligns with their preferences and requirements. Celebrity Cruises’ culinary team is not only skilled but also committed to making every meal memorable, proving that special diets can still mean extraordinary dining at sea.

From everyday meals to special celebrations, Celebrity Cruises transforms dining into a personalized journey—ensuring that every guest can savor their vacation without compromise.

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