IBS/gluten free diet on a cruise?

Hey,
I am going on a cruise with my in-laws (a present for my mother in law--that I cannot afford and am wondering whatever happened to flowers and slippers as a welcomed gift...) Though I have to admit it is great to have a mandatory extravagant vacation--I have never had one!!!
Anyway, I am researching now if they can semi-accomadate a gluten free diet. I can on my own weed out the IBS triggers, but I am used to eating what I cook--so I am concerned about eating prepared foods for every meal.

Has anyone been in this situation and how did you do?

Thanks!
--bunnybabe

Most fancy hotels--and I would assume expensive cruise liners as well--will provide, if not a hot water pot in the room, then hot water delivered by a steward, so you can look at foods that can be prepared using that, namely dessicated soups and noodles (if you can get either gluten free).

Also airlines will try and accomodate passengers who need special meals, so I don't know why it would be different for a cruise ship. You need to find the number for their information/liason/concierge and tell them that you have a wheat allergy and can you make arrangements for a special meals? They may have to serve them to you in your room as opposed to the main dining hall/buffet, but that's better than getting sick.

Don't forget too that ships always have a medical facility on board and go to them if you need them. They are used to people having stomach problems due to motion sickness at the very least. Of course after all these outbreaks of stomach flu and whatnot on a lot of them, I daresay they are prepared for worse than that now.

Of course, if they can't accomodate your special diet, it may give you an excuse to slip out of an expensive trip. Vacations are always nice, but not if you have to go into debt for them. Being bankrupt is much less fun. :-(