Salty Zebra

      When you find something that works, its such a blessing!  I've struggled for years with not being able to use hydration supplements, like the Nuun that my husband uses or the Zipfizz that my mom and my son use, because of magnesium.  For whatever reason, my system is 100% against me putting ANY amount of magnesium into it orally.  I've had to do IVs, take baths with pounds of epsom salts, and I've tried the magnesium oil, but wow it stings! Even the 25mg of magnesium in Nuun was too much for me, and I've struggled with hydration for some time, quite ironic when living the the wet and green Pacific Northwest! About a month ago I happened upon an ad for these Buoy hydration drops on Instagram as I was scrolling.  I moved on but the idea stuck in the back of my head.  A little later I checked them out on Amazon, but I still wasn't ready to invest $10 a bottle for these. When I later saw an ad for their chronic illness program I was hooked.  They give a permanent

      In my opinion, cruising is the easiest way to travel when you have a special diet, and Carnival did not disappoint.  What's important, though, is knowing the best way to navigate dining with a special diet, so I'm here to give you the 411.     Most cruise lines request that you inform them of your dietary needs before the cruise, but Carnival does not.  What they do ask you to do is inform each server you work with about any allergies or special diets.  Their special needs website ( Facilities & Services for Guests with Disabilities | Carnival   > Guests with Dietary Needs) talks about a system called Menu Mate.  I never saw anything like this onboard, nor was it offered to me, but perhaps the crew uses it to figure out what is safe to offer.       Carnival is able to customize many of the menu options for different diets, but they need the request to be put in the day before so you will need to order something off the regular menu the first day.  Thankfully they h