You might associate cruises with all-you-can-eat buffets and midnight gorging.

But cruises don’t have to be off limits for travelers with dietary restrictions.

In most cases, it’s up to the passenger to notify the line, ship, and servers of any special needs.

If you’re looking for heart-healthy or vegetarian options, rest assured, most cruise lines make this available on a regular basis.

But if you’ve got more specialized needs, you may need to notify the cruise line well in advance. We’re talking between 45 and 90 days.

Celebrity Cruises, for example, offers both standard and premium kosher meals, and requires 60 days notice.

Holland America requires at least 90 days notice for special needs like diabetic, gluten-free or kosher meals.

If you have severe food allergies, you’ll have to fill out a Special Requirements Information form, and contact cruise line’s Access Department.

And no matter what your special needs are, don’t be afraid to speak up to the maitre d’ or manager if you have questions about your meal.

After all, in this situation, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.

Find out Everything You Need To Know About Cruise Travel.

Learn more about traveling with dietary restrictions in our Health & Fitness section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.