Originally Posted by MilliesMom

For breakfast and lunch, we actually do a mix of buffet and MDR. We liked the breakfast in the main dining room and it was far less crowded. Lunch depended on the menu offered in the MDR, sometimes there wasn't anything that really caught our attention. Dinner always the MDR and the speciality restaurant once during the week.

I have food allergies ... breakfast not an issue, lunch normally not an issue, but dinner can be a real problem, so by chosing the main dining room I have someone who is aware of my allergies and works with me to get the right items that I can eat. Typically they have me order from the menu the night before. Kind of funny to order when you are already full for the next night, but it works well. Both Princess and Carnival have done this. Not sure how RCCL handles it, I've already notified them via e-mail about the allergies. I'm sure it will be similar to the others. Our first 2 cruises with RCCL, I never said anything. Have learned that is NOT a good idea. So now we always notify them about my allergies. I take a printed card that I also give the waiter and head waiter with my table # etc. Then there is no misunderstanding on the foods I am allergic too.

Originally Posted by Char

Lars, there is no lower sodium option on the dinner menu. They have a healthy choice type of thing and it gives the fat & carbs & calories but, so far, does NOT tell you the sodium content. It would be nice if they added that info. The waiter will bring you the next night's menu and you choose what you want to be prepared salt free. It has to be done in advance.

As far as I know, there is no option for special preparation of meals at lunch time. Perhaps it could be done in advance, but we never tried.

If you are planning to choose the hot dishes that are pre-prepared in the buffet, then you will be loading your plate with salt! Also the prepared salads have huge amounts of salt. Fruit, salads that you make yourself (watch the dressing...it is loaded with salt) the meat at the carvery (except the ham) are all good choices. Cheese has about 170 mg per ounce (some is higher..this is average) so you can have a bit of cheese. Bread is loaded with salt! Cookies have a lot of salt, too! Forget the muffins and croissants.

For breakfast Bob will have made to order eggs (no salt there) 1 piece of whole grain toast, and fruit. Or sometimes he will have cereal & milk with fruit. Look at the sodium content on the cereal boxes...some are very high.

We are amazed at what they can prepare for dinner that tastes really good without all the salt. Especially the soups. Soups are notoriously high in salt, but Bob has gotten some delicious hot soups without salt. Cold soups are very low in salt anyway, except for the gazpacho.

You can have a very enjoyable eating experience if you forget all the old foods you used to eat and try new things. Nothing will ever tase like those long remembered favorites, but you can have fun figuring out what your new favorites will be.