Cruises?

[jspirit]

We love to go on a cruise and I find it a much easier way to keep track of my food and exercise than any other way of vacationing. Has anybody found the same? When on a cruise, how do you handle your diabetes? Do they make any special menu items for you?

[princesslinda]

We're going on a cruise in Dec...my first as a diabetic. We had our first cruise a couple years ago and I was amazed at the variety of choices available. I can see it would be quite easy to eat healthy on board...much moreso than if we were at the beach and had to choose particular restaurants or fast food (i'll just have to avoid the ice cream machines and the fruit soups!;) ).

I don't think i'll request special meals, rather i'll just pass on the bread, have a bite of dessert on occasion and do LOTS of sightseeing and walking onboard. Did you have special foods prepared? If so, what were they? What was your greatest temptation?

[UpNorth]

The only time i've been on a cruise was in 2006. There was buffet in the restaurant on the boat, so i could just pick and choose what i wanted to eat and in what amounts :) It worked very well for me :)

[jeggeman31]

I am going on one in September, and don't plan on ordering any special meals. I have not decided if am going to continue on the pump and CMGS while on the cruise, or go back to shots during the cruise.

[JediSkipdogg]

If the gathering in Myrtle Beach doesn't happen this summer I may be going on a cruise late summer. The only part turning me off right now is the airfare is costing almost as much as the cruise. That and I have to pay 150% of the person rate since I'd be traveling alone.

From what I've found cruises offer a large enough variety of food that there's no problem finding something to eat.

[jspirit]

To answer your question, I have been so happy with the choices available to me. They have made me 100% whole wheat rolls , sweet potato every night, and my treat for dessert is a low carb cheescake made with splenda. On the very first night I speak to the head waiter, and every night after that these things are delivered to my table without ever asking again! Breakfast is so easy because they will make me an eggwhite omelet with no oil and lots of vegetables and cheese. Always have the egg substitute available as well.
With the buffet I am able to choose many salad items, and there is always a protein to add to that. If I do my deck walking, I can have a little soft ice cream and usually go to the buffet and add some nuts to it from the salad bar . My biggest weakness is the desserts - everybody raves about the chocolate melting cake and I just touch my lips to one piece .
The good thing about having to watch so carefully is that since my new d-life I haven't gained a pound on any cruise!
If it is not too windy my favorite place on sea days is the jogging track. I just walk the laps after breakfast and lunch and that way I can have a little treat as a snack.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, as well as many juice choices, so easy treatments for a low if it should arise.
Does it sound like I just love those cruises?!

[birdyland]

We went on one at the end of January.... only a 3 day one. I just had a very LITTLE bit of anything I wanted, and lots of salads and veggies. And LOTS of walking!

[Lulika]

We went on a cruise in 2006.I was really impressed how much variety there was, both of the healthy variety and the "bad" stuff. I wasn't diagnosed then (so loved the chocolate fountain!) but I can see that if we go again, finding food to eat would not be a problem at all.:)

[jspirit]

On one afternoon they have a chocolate buffet. That was the most difficult for me. I almost wanted to cry!
On previous cruises I had not yet been on insulin. This time I will be , but just a split dose of Levemir. I wonder if the tiniest sample of the chocolate would be acceptable ...

[w5wjp]

I am going on one in September, and don't plan on ordering any special meals. I have not decided if am going to continue on the pump and CMGS while on the cruise, or go back to shots during the cruise.

Why stop the pump? That is the easiest way to handle all those temptations that you couldn't resist. Just make sure you take a few extra cartridges, infusions sets with you. Oh, and don't forget a 55 gallon drum of insulin.....

[jeggeman31]

Why stop the pump?

The only reason I was thinking of not pumping was due to all the activities and not having to worry about the pump.


That's it.

[kgm0612]

There are tons of food choices on a cruise........some good and some not so good. The problem I had was snacking too much in between! LOL

Usually for breakfast I would go to the omelet station and then grab a few slices of bacon.

I tried to stick with salads for lunch and would top them with some grilled chicken or a few slices of deli meats.

At dinner, I always ordered a salad and then the main course.

Snacking.........WAY too many choices ALL day long! LOL And the 24 hour pizza........that killed me too! LOL

Karen

[Staceyy]

Here's a link that might help:

Diabetic Traveler.com (http://www.diabetictraveler.com/)