Cruising with allergies and the first hypoallergenic cabins at sea!

[Jason]

Three cheers for luxury line Crystal Cruises and the announcement they will soon launch the first hypoallergenic cabins at sea.

As an allergy sufferer myself, I get why hypoallergenic rooms have become a trend at hotels. Wellness is in.

Crystal is working with PURE, the same firm that created allergy-friendly rooms for Hilton and Hyatt, among other brands. It will be interesting to see if more lines follow suit.

For now, cruisers who like me are allergic to a bunch of things from dust to feathers need to find their own ways to stay sneeze-free.

Fortunately, with cruise ship cabins serviced twice a day, dust is less an issue than you think. How the crews keep ships at sea from smelling moldy is a trick to me, but they do (thank goodness, as mold is also on my allergy list).

A big bugaboo of mine has to do with bedding. Why cruise lines think you need a feather comforter in the Caribbean is beyond me. But it seems as if every time a cruise line upgrades their bedding it's with the addition of feathers (in pillows too).

Those allergic to feathers should make sure the cruise line knows about your allergy before you get onboard, then let them know again – as with hotels, pre-arrival requests may go astray.

The cruise ship will have a limited number of non-feather pillows and blankets that they can use to replace the feather products. Check your cabin when you get onboard and if you still have feathers, tell your cabin steward immediately.

On some ships, a pillow menu provides choices, so you can easily avoid goose down in favor of polyester or even memory foam. Silversea Cruises, for one, has eight different pillow choices. Celebrity Cruises (concierge-level and above cabins) and Crystal Cruises have pillow menus too.

On Seabourn ships, you can avoid perfumed soaps by choosing the sensitive-skin option from the selection tray your cabin stewardess will present.

It's especially important to let the cruise line know in advance if you have allergies to food products. Remind the dining crew of your allergies again once you're onboard.

Suffering from allergies is not fun.  Many people find that taking turmeric or curcumin can fight off many of the symptoms of allergies.  Perhaps something else to consider.

By Fran Golden, Special to USA TODAY

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[DebbieandJerry]

Thanks for the article, Jason.

I have many food restrictions and meet with the dining staff as soon as we get on board. I have found everyone to be incredibly accommodating!

[Shari2]

I have a lot of allergies; perfumes, smoke, etc. Don't know of any food allergies. For the others I haven't really had any problems, I just bring my own products and ask for a smoke free room. I do have to stay away from the areas where smoking is heavy as I also have asthma in my older years...LOL I do have to be in the casino once in awhile (LOL) so I just bring along my inhaler and try to not stay too long. The new rooms sound nice for those who would need them.

[Jan115]

I agree about the feather pillows. There are plenty of comfy alternatives to feathers that would work perfectly well for both allergy sufferers and free breathers, as well.

[jacketwatch]

Seems like a good idea to me. The limiting factor is if your allergy issues can be controlled by adjustments to your cabin environment vs. the rest of the ship.

[DebbieandJerry]

As with any (health) issue, you have to take personal responsibilities no matter where you are. I like that the hotel and travel industry is taking a stand and trying to accommodate. (I can't force you to attend a Meeting with Bill or Dorothy while you are on the cruise; but I can offer the meeting) ...