Going on a Cruise, any raw suggestions?

[b_light]

I am going on a cruise with my husband, family, and friends in about two weeks. I am new to raw and would like to stay that way on the cruise. I figure I still have time to prepare some food to bring and I assume there will at least be raw fruits available to eat. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stay raw in this vulnerable time?

[kmik]

Oh, oh, me too! What cruise line are you going on? I'm on Royal Caribbean. I'm thinking I'll ask them if they can accomodate a raw diet. Then based on their answer, I'll bring with whatever else I need (like hemp seeds ;) )

That's something else we have in common... industrial hemp... I've got a hemp business, am a member of the HIA... I always appreciate when people spread hemp awareness. What's your involvement?

[CAdreamer]

From all I've heard, I would assume that you'd have no problem staying raw with the abundance of food served on a cruise. You could supplement with taking a blender and green powder or protein powder. You could also take anything you dehydrate....crackers, breads, burgers, etc....but make them close to the time of departure. In August, I took a trip to Hawaiii and dehydrated things ahead of time. Even though I put them in vac bags, I had to throw them all away....A LOT OF WASTE, not to mention not having what I wanted.

[lavendarJ]

I went on a cruise (through Carnival) and I will say that if a person doesn't want to eat off the boat, it isn't necessary, they had a nice spread, there was a nice supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, not sure they were organic and there wasn't a different variety every day. While there was a lot of variey in meats and other dishes every day, the vegetables and fruits served was pretty much the same. I think it is a smart idea b_light & kmik to call ahead and ask - you never know, they may accomodate. Also, was not a lot of raw veggies from my experience except for the veggies near the salad bar area. I say bring something along just in case (Also, I didn't have distilled/pure water available and so I bought some while walking around and exploring the island

[JMD]

Hi!!

I went on a Royal Carr. cruise in July of 2005--my honeymoon. They had plenty of fruit in the morning buffets so I took lots of extras and left them in my room. I also would STRRRRRRRRRONGLY suggest to write on an index card what you want at your dinner meals--if you go to the main dining room. They are SO accomodating. For lunches, I hogged the salad bar:) and brought extra to my room and left it in the fridge if needed. They even gave me carrots cukes and celery so I could juice daily. (i brought a JR juiceman with me...)

Willingness is key --speak up don't be shy andprepare yourself emotionally and spiritually too!! I actually craved the tropical drinks and i have not drank in 9 yrs!! They seem to PUSH all the poor choices in food and drink. Stay strong say a few prayers and ask for what YOU need. Also enjoy the activities there and keep busy...exercise see the sites etc... Let food be your FUEL not an exuse to indulge.

I also brought a few things with me that may help you..
flax oil, almonds, seeds, enema bag (sorry i tend to "back up" when i travel), a food scale, a juicer, plastic disposable containers of all sizes. THESE WERE A GODSEND!! so i could bring my lunch when we were on the islands or traveling. At night I put my flax oil/dressing in a small one and trashed it when I was done. To fit them in my suitcase I stuffed socks and jewelry in them....

GOOOOOOOOOOD luck...stay postive and take it one day at a time.

JMD

[kmik]

I'm on hold with them right now to talk about what they can do for me. The first person I spoke with said they can accomodate ANY diet, and transferred me to the right person... for whom I'm still waiting (17 min now :( )

I think if they don't make us our own special meals, the temptation will be there to fall off... let's say they're just able to do vegan, the meal may look and smell so good, that we'd be tempted to eat it, even if parts are cooked. But if we have our own beautiful meal prepared for us, we won't feel like we're missing out on anything!

[kmik]

I finally got through, the guy I spoke with wasn't really sure what I was talking about... (I had to spell "vegan" for him) but he was nice enough, and put the request in.. so I'll keep my fingers crossed!

But JMD thanks SO much for all your tips! I will definetly implement most of them :)

[JMD]

KMIK,

You are exactly right in calling them and planning ahead. I called them THREE times before the seemed to get it all together...but the persistence paid off. You are doing well. SEE yourself successful and you WILL be....:)

Don't forget to tell your room person and waitstaff at dinner exactly what you want --some staples from DAY ONE. I made sure I had extra large salads with out dressing etc.... On e night I asked for some pinapple and the cut up a whole one and decorated it one a plate for me so beautifully~~~ I ate it for 3 days:)

Let me know if you need anymore help.....:)
JMD

[Raspberry4]

If you are going to be eating primarily salads bring your own dressings in a plastic container stored inside a ziploc bag so if they open your clothes will not get wet. The dressings will keep the salads interesting. Flax crackers in storage bags are good too. If you have a fridge in your room you could pretty much bring what you want just store them well so they do not burst in your suitcase. Have fun and good luck. Sounds like something to look forward too.

[ambiguous]

I'd recommend bringing nuts that you can soak and eat anytime (or make nut milk if you decide to bring a blender) and some dried fruit and even dried vegetables to keep you satisfied--I find I can't survive on only fruit and vegetables for too long. Flax crackers are also a filling snack food that last more or less indefinitely.

[mbf]

I am off to Maui in 2 weeks actually less then that ! I called the hotle and airline and they were both great ! I was even able to get non-diary vegetarian meals for my kids on the plane !

The hotel has been awesome they have a juicer and will let me have access to it !! They also told me to e-mail recipes and they would prepare them ! So I am going to send them 2 dressing recipes.

I am packing nuts, raweos, pizza bread and whatever else I can prepare in advance.

Have a great trip !

MBF

[b_light]

Wow! You have all blown me away with such awesome and quick responses! Thank you! I will definately make some flax crackers ahead of time (and maybe some more dehydrated goodies). Plus, I have some new ideas that will make my vacation all the much more special.

Kmik- I am going on the Princess Cruise line (I think). My parents are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and instead of doing something solo, they are including everyone. They have booked (and paid) for this trip, that's why I'm only pretty sure it's Princess. Also- I also sell hemp stuff (but not my own-- ecolution) and other eco-friendly stuff at my store, Cosmic Ripple. I love your diapers!!

[kmik]

Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate! That's so cool that they're bringing everyone with :)

I was looking at your site... very nice... I thought I recognized ecolution's product line. They've got good stuff! I wish you much success with all of that :D As we know... hemp is the way of the future!!

[monkeyboy]

Hi everyone,

B_Light,

Have fun on your trip.

I was recently in Central America.

I don't know where your boat will take you, but please read security warnings.

I had a problem in Belize. I was there for a very short time. The U.S. embassy suggests you check in with them if you are going into the interior parts of the country. Mexico is very friendly. Cuba is cool.

Make sure your passport is updated.

Peace,

M.B.