Carnival deploys Menu Mate to help cruisers with food allergies

'Making sure everyone is included in the fun and has the best experience possible is extremely important to us,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said. 'We are always looking for new ways to help our crew enhance our guests’ experiences, and that’s exactly what this new program is doing on our ships for those with food allergies.'

Touch-screen tablets at food venues

Easily operated on touch-screen tablets at food venues across the Carnival fleet, Menu Mate is powered by CertiStar software as an effort to mitigate the risks of allergic reactions.

'I'm a lifelong cruiser, with my first time on a Carnival cruise as a teenager, so I know firsthand how important it is to make the most of every moment with family and friends. As someone with food allergies, I don't want to waste time deliberating over what I can eat, so I'm especially excited to help share this effort with my fellow cruise lovers,' said Shandee Chernow, CEO and founder of CertiStar.

How Menu Mate works

Staff ask diners about food allergies and enter any restrictions into the program. The software then sorts through all available options and displays which items are allergen friendly, which can be modified and which selections should be avoided. If they wish, passengers can also use the Menu Mate designated tablet themselves to enter their own information and then order from the choices that meet their needs.

The program eliminates the lengthy process of conferring between diners, wait staff and chefs over the menu ingredients and possible substitutions.

No need to inform of dietary restrictions in advance

Now that the process of selecting items with allergen friendly ingredients is simplified, it is also no longer necessary for passengers to inform Carnival of food allergies in advance of their cruise.

To ensure the program’s efficiency, Carnival culinary staff studied recipes across the line and worked to capture any potential allergen conflicts by inputting accurate ingredient information into the CertiStar software. To use the program directly and research allergen friendly options on their own, passengers will be able to find a Menu Mate tablet on display near the Lido buffet stations as well.

Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.