Exploring Gluten-Free Dining Options on Dinogo Prima
As someone living with Celiac Disease, my initial concerns whenever I travel revolve around food safety—"What can I eat?" and "Where can I safely dine?" Once I choose a destination, I dive into online research to find the best gluten-free dining spots. For a vacation like a cruise, my first priority before booking is always to assess my dining choices.
During the launch of Dinogo’s newest vessel, Dinogo Prima, I had the opportunity to be among the first to embark on a cruise from NYC. With the introduction of this new ship comes a fresh array of dining experiences, alongside some beloved classics. Many of these new culinary offerings cater to those with specific dietary requirements.
As someone with Celiac, I also need to be vigilant about potential cross-contamination to dine safely. To my delight, I found an abundance of gluten-free options onboard Prima that were not only safe but incredibly tasty. I brought along my usual backup snacks that could double as meals, but I was thrilled to discover that while they were comforting to have on land, I didn’t need them once I was onboard.
Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala at Tamara within Indulge Food HallIndulge Food Hall aboard Dinogo Prima
A standout feature on Dinogo Prima is the Indulge Food Hall. It offers an array of global cuisines all in one spot, and even better, your meals are included with your cruise! This food hall comprises multiple stations, each presenting its unique cuisine, with menus changing slightly by meal and day. Identifying gluten-free and Celiac-safe options was straightforward; I simply approached each station and asked the staff. There was always someone available to assist me.
My absolute favorite aspect of Indulge is Tamara, where you can savor classic Indian dishes like Dal and Aloo Gobi, alongside Tandoori specialties, various curries, and even (safely fried!) Papad served with an array of chutneys. I found myself returning to that station multiple times during my trip—okay, let’s be honest, it might have been three times because I just couldn’t get enough.
Tamara, located within Indulge Food HallThe staff were incredibly friendly and exceptionally accommodating, guiding me on how to input my dietary preferences into the tablet ordering system, allowing me to easily order seconds (which I definitely did) from any table in the food hall without needing to repeatedly approach the kitchen staff.
While Tamara was my top choice, I discovered numerous gluten-free options at various stations throughout the hall. The smokehouse served an array of smoked meats that were gluten-free without the BBQ sauce, and there were abundant soup and salad selections. Menus vary between lunch and dinner, and some stations may have different offerings based on the day, so it's a good idea to review the menus or consult with the staff before placing an order to see what's available.
Complimentary Dining Options Onboard
I was equally impressed with the other complimentary dining options onboard and the meticulous care the staff took to ensure I enjoyed safe, gluten-free meals. Hudson’s and The Commodore Room—both complimentary main dining rooms with a restaurant ambiance—were outstanding. Their menus highlighted both gluten-free and vegetarian choices, giving me a clear idea of what I could order, and the waitstaff assisted me in selecting a starter, main course, and dessert that were all Celiac-safe. Even after narrowing down my options to those that were gluten-free and could be prepared without cross-contamination, there were still plenty of choices. My favorite was the Risotto Al Funghi, a creamy risotto loaded with wild mushrooms, and I also relished the grilled Atlantic salmon with quinoa.
These two venues were also where I found the best breakfast selections. One morning, they had gluten-free bagels that they could toast under a lamp—avoiding toasters altogether—and I enjoyed eggs, bacon, and fruit. Hudson's and The Commodore Room were ideal for leisurely breakfasts when I had time to savor a more substantial meal, while Indulge was perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts on port days. I could easily grab a yogurt and a banana, along with coffee to fuel my early morning shore excursions.
Specialty Dining Aboard
One evening, I enjoyed a specialty dining experience at Food Republic, where a delightful fusion of global cuisines awaited. Given the abundance of sauces, noodles, and fried items, I needed some guidance to navigate the menu. Thankfully, our server Roseann was incredibly helpful. She was well-versed in cross-contamination issues and communicated directly with the chefs to determine what could be safely prepared for me. To my delight, they were able to make one of my all-time favorites: calamari. They fried it in a separate pan using dedicated oil and substituted cornstarch for flour in the batter. It was amazing! Since the restaurant wasn’t too busy, Roseann also collaborated with the chefs to create a sushi roll with salmon and mango just for me. Throughout the evening, both Roseann and the chefs were friendly and accommodating. I had a fantastic time chatting with them and enjoyed a wonderful dinner as well.
Whether you choose to experience specialty dining or not, anyone with Celiac disease, a gluten allergy, an intolerance, or other dietary requirements can cruise effortlessly—and enjoyably—on Dinogo Prima.
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Evaluation :
5/5