[Divemaster]

You are not overly cautious, Bunch, Epi-Pens, and a large bottle of Benadryl are wise. Potential reaction can be quite severe and the reactions tend to get stronger. Don't take a chance and don't leave anyone alone if an allergic reaction has started.

BTW, keep such in your carryon luggage and check accepable bottle size.

Originally Posted by Bunch

I have severe shellfish allergies (plus several other foods) and took all of the previously mentioned steps (e-mailing the cruise line, speaking to our waiter and the head waiter). I also got a double prescription for Epi-Pens, and my doctor recommended carrying a large bottle of Benadryl.

Our head waiter was very concerned about me, and would ask what I had ordered each night. He explained to me that the shellfish is prepared separately from the meats and poultry.

In spite of all of this, I did have what may have been a shellfish reaction on shellfish night ~ it could have been an allergy to some other food. I'm hypersensitive to a few foods and perhaps there was a fingerprint or something on my plate, or it could have been a spice that set me off.

FORTUNATELY, I had Benadryl with me and I took two immediately, then drank about 2 glasses of water. I pulled my Epi-Pens out and kept them right beside me for about an hour, until the Benadryl kicked in and my airways cleared up.

Maybe I'm over cautious, but if your son's allergy is severe, I suggest you carry some benadryl (or something else recommended by your doctor) and an epi-pen with you on the night of the shellfish dinner. Yes, there is a sickbay, but it's better to know you have something with you and be able to act quickly if necessary.

Hope I didn't scare you ... I really was fine (except for having a great night's sleep with all that Benadryl), and we don't know for sure that the allergy was to the iodines in shellfish.

Have a great cruise!