A pioneering luxury cruise experience is on the horizon for individuals requiring a gluten-free diet, as an Oceania cruise ship prepares to host the first-ever fully coeliac-friendly sailing in the British Isles. The Oceania Vista will undergo a complete transformation to ensure all food and drink offerings are entirely gluten-free for a special 12-night voyage departing in May 2028.
Scheduled to set sail from Southampton on 31st May 2028, the cruise will navigate around the British Isles and Ireland, with planned stops in notable locations such as Liverpool, the Scottish Highlands, and the Irish ports of Cobh and Dublin. This initiative goes beyond the standard provision of gluten-free options, which many cruise lines already offer, by converting the entire vessel into a dedicated gluten-free environment.
This unique undertaking is the result of a collaboration with Celiac Cruise, a specialist company founded by dietary expert Maureen Basye and US travel agent Connie Saunders. Since 2018, Celiac Cruise has worked with the America-based Celiac Disease Foundation to organise specialist gluten-free sailings, typically by reserving dedicated dining areas. However, the 2028 British Isles voyage represents a significant escalation, with the entire ship being overhauled to meet stringent gluten-free standards.
Passengers onboard the Oceania Vista will have the freedom to dine in any of the ship's 11 restaurants and cafes without concern for cross-contamination, as all will operate as entirely gluten-free establishments for the duration of the trip. The commitment to safety will extend to rigorous checks of galleys and individual review and vetting of every food label, aiming to provide a truly worry-free culinary experience for guests.
Maureen Basye, co-founder of Celiac Cruise, expressed her personal and professional joy regarding the initiative, highlighting the importance of enabling the coeliac and broader gluten-free communities to travel with ease. Nathan Hickman, chief sales officer for Oceania Cruises, affirmed the cruise line's dedication to culinary excellence and ensuring all guests can fully experience it, irrespective of dietary needs. Fares for this specialist cruise begin at approximately £5,441 per person, which includes a drinks package, Wi-Fi, tips, and laundry services, with bookings to be made directly through Celiac Cruise.
Source: Celiac Cruise