Exploring Europe Gluten-free on a Mediterranean Cruise

Europe

Sep 21

Ashley first reached out to me toward the end of 2023, but at the time, she wasn’t quite ready to travel outside the U.S. We stayed in touch, and when we reconnected in January 2025, we started talking through where she might feel comfortable traveling and what would help her feel prepared for the experience.

After exploring a few different options, we landed on a Mediterranean cruise for Ashley and her significant other, Brian. Ashley was understandably nervous about traveling to Europe with celiac disease. To help ease her nerves before they ever booked, we took the time to walk through every detail of the trip, including how the ship would accommodate her gluten-free meals and what she could expect at each port.

The cruise departed from Barcelona, which gave them the opportunity to spend extra time exploring the city before their cruise began. I also arranged a private tour that included lunch at a gluten-free restaurant, giving Ashley and Brian the chance to experience Barcelona while knowing they had a safe place to eat.

Their Mediterranean adventure included stops in Nice, Portofino, Florence, Rome, and Naples, along with several tours along the way. For each port, I provided Ashley with restaurant recommendations and a gluten-free translation card in Italian that she could show to servers, helping her feel more comfortable navigating meals throughout their trip.

Then came my favorite part. Once Ashley and Brian were on board and sailing, I received an email from Ashley saying they were having a wonderful time. The crew had taken great care of her throughout the trip, and she was finally able to relax and enjoy the experience.

These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do. Watching someone go from nervous to confident, knowing they can explore the world while feeling safe and cared for, is incredibly rewarding. And knowing this is just the beginning of Ashley and Brian's adventures makes it even more special!

Travel Advisor: Anjli Patel
Destination: Mediterranean cruise

Why did you choose your vacation destination?

My significant other and I wanted to travel to Italy, especially Rome; it’s a bucket list destination! My biggest concern as a person with celiac and eats dairy free is “what will I eat?!”

What were your favorite activities on your vacation?

All the ports, the sites, the tours! So incredible! We love Eze, France and Portofino, Italy the most- the quintessential European spots!

What was your most memorable moment on vacation?

Standing up top, looking down at Portofino, the boats, the colored homes, the shops, the green landscape-just incredible!

What were some of your favorite gluten-free meals?

I am a picky eater on top of having allergies! I loved my breakfasts and lunches on the boat-delicious! The boat made me homemade chicken patties and French toast for breakfast duty, and delicious fresh fruit! For dinner, I had chicken and filet steak with veg and potato! Best of all, a dessert every night! Yummm

A few of Ashley’s favorite gluten-free dishes from her trip!

What was your experience using Gluten-free Vacations?

AMAZING! Anjli did all the work, calmed my anxieties, and helped us navigate the options. I was thrilled with the outcome, from the chauffeurs driving us from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the boat to the incredible excursions that took extra special care of us! I was over the moon and so relieved to work with Gluten-Free Vacations! They proved I can travel abroad and eat safely!!!

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your trip with us!

Why We Love European Cruises

We love European cruises for gluten-free travelers because they offer the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and adventure! Having a ship that can accommodate gluten-free dietary needs provides peace of mind, allowing travelers to enjoy safe, carefully prepared meals on board while exploring some of Europe's most incredible cities. From the charming streets of Portofino to the historic sights of Rome, travelers can experience different destinations without having to worry about finding safe meals at every stop. It's a wonderful way to explore Europe with confidence while enjoying all the excitement of a Mediterranean adventure!

Let us turn your dream vacation into reality!

When you work with us, you’ll get the following:

Recommendations for destinations, hotels, and cruises based on your needs
A custom itinerary and assistance booking excursions and transportation
Gluten-free travel tips and restaurant recommendations for your destination
Gluten-free translation cards to show restaurant servers
Custom document package mailed to you with your itinerary, confirmations, travel tips, and more!

Plan your next vacation with us!