Common Food Questions
- What are the meals like?
On all of our programs, we provide high-quality meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetables so that you and your crewmates can prepare fresh, well-balanced meals. Everybody helps cook and many bring home new-found recipes, from banana pancakes to curried chicken Caribbean style. We are able to accommodate vegetarians, but with a limited menu offering. On each voyage, there are several opportunities to eat ashore and taste the unique flavors of the Caribbean. These meals are optional and are not included in the tuition.
- Who prepares meals, and how do they know what to cook?
Aboard the boats, students do all of the cooking with instruction and guidance from of our staff. Students take turns with meal preparation, so everyone has an opportunity to pitch in with the more experienced kids helping those less experienced. Each boat has a copy of Sail Caribbean’s very own cookbook – full of tried and true recipes. Often, students return home able to cook a few meals for their family! Each program has a Food Supervisor on staff who is responsible for ordering provisions, planning menus, and working with any special dietary requirements.
- What if I don't eat fish?
No problem. Whenever we have fish for a meal, there is always an alternative main course, such as chicken.
- What about special diets (e.g., kosher, vegetarian, etc.) -- how is this handled?
Before the program begins, parents need to alert us to any dietary needs and food allergies their teen may have. Our Food Supervisors use this information to plan and provision accordingly. The captains also check with their crews at the start of the program. Each boat may request special items, and if it is within reason and available, our Food Supervisor will get it. The supervisors meet with students and staff throughout the program to ensure that their dietary needs are being met.
- What about food allergies (e.g. peanuts, fish, etc.)?
If there's a food allergy, please make certain that you describe it clearly and thoroughly on your signed medical form. Our provisions managers, medical officers, trip leaders and boat captains are informed of all dietary needs and medical concerns of all our students. We will work closely with you to ensure the healthiest possible arrangement.
Students with prescriptions to carry EPI pens for allergies are expected to bring a supply of 3 EPI pens with them to the Caribbean - one to be carried by the student, one to be kept by the student's captain or trip leader and one to be kept by the staff medical officer. Unused EPI pens will be returned to the student at the end of the program.