Imagine that you are on a cruise with blue ocean everywhere. You have your fork and are ready to consume tasty food. You no longer have to consume boring salad or strange tofu. Vegan cruises offer you numerous plant-based foods to consume. You can enjoy travelling and discovering new locations on your trip. You will have a new experience of consuming food and interacting with other travellers who share the same. You see new places and still get to eat the foods you adore.
Why Vegan Cruises?
Food Experiences
You step aboard the ship and are welcomed by the aroma of freshly baking bread. Your stomach growls. You walk into the dining area and see a buffet of colorful salads, decadent pastas, and spicy curries. You don’t have to ask, “Is this vegan?” It’s all done for you. Vegan cruise culinary staff love to surprise you with new flavors. They can provide a plant-based sushi roll for you one evening. The next day, you get to try a chocolate lava cake that simply melts in your mouth.
Tip: Never skip dessert! Pastry chefs on board these ships take their sweet treats seriously.
You can enroll in cooking lessons and learn how to cook your favorite dishes back home. You might even meet a celebrity vegan chef and get a selfie taken. Every meal is a celebration. You exchange stories and laugh with new friends who are equally enthusiastic about plant-based dining cruises as you are.
Adventure Activities
You don’t just eat on these cruises. You learn! You can kayak across turquoise water or ascend a volcano. You go to hidden beaches where you swim or snorkel. You can receive yoga instruction on deck and watch the sunrise rise.
- Go for a bike tour in a foreign city.
- Go for a zip-line ride through the rainforest.
- Go for a cooking tour and try local vegan street food.
You always seem to do something adventurous. You get the best of both worlds: excellent food and wild adventures. With cruise vegan options and vegan travel tips from the staff, you never go without fun or flavor.
Special Tips from TBP: As you’re already looking for vegan friendly cruise so it would be better to read “5 Must Visit Off Season Caribbean Travel Destinations for Budget Travelers”
Vegan Cruise Features
Dining Options
You walk into the dining room and your eyes open wide. Chefs line up before rows of food that are like pieces of art. You see rainbow salads, creamy soups, and burgers topped with layer after layer of toppings. Every meal is a celebration. You never have to ask, “Is this safe for me?” because it’s all plant-based. Some ships have themed nights and serve food from different regions of the world. One night, you’ll eat spicy Thai noodles. The next, you’ll eat a pizza with creamy vegan cheese. You can even take a cooking class and learn to make your favorite dish.
Pro tip: Check each day’s menu every day. There could be an unexpected dessert or some exotic flavor of smoothie!
You get something more than food. You get a flavor journey. With so many vegan cruises available, you will never get bored at the table.
Wellness and Sustainability
You want to be happy during your holiday. Vegan cruises make you do just that. You can go for yoga lessons on the deck in front of the rising sun. Some vessels have gyms, spas, and even meditation rooms. You can swim in the pool or relax in a hot tub after exploring the city.
These cruises also honor the planet. They minimize the use of plastic and they offer green products. Some of these vessels even use solar power or recycle waste. You give back to the earth each time you go on plant based meals cruises.
Tip: Seek the guidance of the crew on how to travel as a vegan. They understand how to stay healthy and satisfied on board.
You step off the vessel feeling strong, satisfied, and ready for your next adventure.
Top Vegan Cruises
All-Vegan Cruises
You want a cruise where every morsel of food is vegan. You want to relax and never have to worry about what you are putting in your body. All-vegan cruises make that dream a reality. These cruises turn the whole boat into a floating vegan paradise. You face menus full of creative meals. You face chefs who are enthusiastic about talking about their favorite dishes. You attend cooking demos and get to taste food that you never thought possible as vegan.
Some of the best vegan cruise companies include the following:
- Vegan Travel: You arrive and you feel as if you’re now a member of some secret club. Vegan Travel offers river cruises and ocean cruises with all plant-based food. You might cruise down the Danube or see the world around the Mediterranean. You get to taste vegan snacks at every port. Even the crew gives you vegan travel advice for your next stop.
- Vegan River Cruises: You glide past vineyards and castles. You dine on crisp bread, decadent spreads, and colorful salads. Vegan River Cruises guides you through Europe’s most beautiful rivers. You take yoga classes on board. You dine with fellow travelers who enjoy plant based dining cruises as much as you.
- Vegan Culinary Cruises: You want to be instructed by the best? Vegan Culinary Cruises has onboard world-class chefs. You see them prepare your food. You get to eat what they prepare. You even get to question them and take photos. Every meal is a food festival.
- Holistic Holiday at Sea: You yearn for something in between meals? Holistic Holiday at Sea marries vegan food with health. You engage in yoga, meditation, and exercise classes. You listen to lectures on healthy habits. You get off the ship feeling full of energy and happiness.
Tip: Reserve early! Such vegan-only cruises catch on fast since everyone wants to have a seat at the table.
Vegan-Friendly Cruises
You desire choices? You prefer to sail with family members or friends who consume different foods from you? Vegan cruises have everything. You have a multitude of cruise vegan options on these ships. You just tell the crew that you eat plant-based diets. They will see to it that you receive great meals each day.
Check out these cruise companies with quality vegan foods:
- Oceania Cruises: You walk into the dining area and see a separate vegan menu. You pick among a dozen dishes. You sample vegan cheese, creamy soups, and even ice cream.
- Holland America Line: You ask for vegan meals and the staff smiles. They bring you vibrant plates of fresh vegetables, grains, and sauces. You never feel left out.
- Princess Cruises: You want pizza? You want pasta? Princess Cruises offers vegan versions of your favorites. You even have vegan dessert at the buffet.
- Celebrity Cruises: You like fancy food? Celebrity Cruises has gourmet vegan choices. You eat at fancy restaurants and shine in the limelight.
- Windstar Cruises: You want a small boat and big flavors? Windstar Cruises offers creative vegan cuisine. You eat under the stars and watch the waves.
- Disney Cruise Line: You have kids? Disney Cruise Line makes sure everyone eats a great meal. You receive vegan burgers, nuggets, even Mickey-shaped treats.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: You want luxury? Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers vegan gourmet meals. You drink sparkling water and enjoy five-star service.
- Royal Caribbean: You want adventure? Royal Caribbean offers vegan meals at every meal. You are nicely fed before you climb the rock wall or try surfing on the deck.
- Carnival Cruise Line: You’re in the mood for fun? Carnival Cruise Line has vegan options on their menus. You pop in for a quick lunch before you head to the pool or comedy club.
Tip: Always let staff know about your diet before sailing. They are pleased to help and might even have secret menu items to share with you!
You have the option of many locations. You can cruise on a river in Europe, sail the Caribbean, or go to Alaska. Some cruises are wellness cruises. Others include tough adventures like snorkeling, hiking, or biking. You are constantly trying something new. You dine well, travel far, and create memories. Vegan cruises enable you to see the world without sacrificing your desired foods.
Booking Vegan Cruises
Research Tips
You want to enjoy the perfect vacation, don’t you? Start with some detective work. Take out your computer or phone and read cruise reviews. Look for other plant-based tourists. You might find some real treasures or find out which ships feature the most divine desserts. Go to cruise lines’ websites. Some have sample menus and photographs of food. You can almost taste the chocolate cake through your monitor!
- Create a checklist first before booking. Ask yourself:
- Is the cruise ship providing plant based dining cruises?
- Are food tours or cooking classes offered?
- Can you obtain exciting adventure stops along the way?
Pro tip: Participate in online forums or groups. Fellow travelling enthusiasts love to share vegan travel advice and hidden menu finds. You can even make a new buddy before you set off!
Travel Agents
You do not have to arrange it all on your own. Travel agents can arrange the cruise. You will find agents that can specialize in cruise vegan options and will match you with the best ship. Inform them of what you are looking for. Maybe you dream about yoga at sunrise or a dessert buffet every evening. They can book that for you.
A good agent saves you time and stress. They know which ships have the most wonderful food and the most exciting adventures. You just pack your bags and get ready for fun.
Note: Ask your agent if they have booked vegan cruises before. Experience matters when you want every meal to be amazing!
Dietary Needs
Communication
You step aboard the ship, eager for excitement. Your meals should be just right. The trick? Just speak up! Let the crew know about your dietary needs when you board. You can even call the cruise line in advance. Let them know you would prefer plant-based meals. Most crew members enjoy helping. They might even share their finest vegan travel recommendations.
You can just say, “I eat plant food only,” or “I’m vegan.” If you are too shy, write it on a piece of paper and hand it over to your waiter. You may even ask to have a session with the head chef. Cruise vegan options chefs on cruise ships adore to show off their culinary skills. They might make a special dish for you.
Tip: Carry a card specifying your dietary needs in different languages. This proves useful in case you visit ports overseas.
Special Requests
You want pancakes for breakfast? You crave a midnight chocolate cake? Ask for it! Most plant based food cruises love to surprise individuals with special treats. You can have your favorite foods ordered before boarding. Some ships even allow ordering off-menu food.
Make a list of your go-to snacks. Bring it to the crew ahead of time. You might be treated to a special smoothie or secret treat. If you have any allergies, let the crew know right away. They will keep you happy and healthy.
- Ask for extra fruit at breakfast.
- Ask for dairy milk for your coffee.
- Ask the chef to make your favorite pasta.
You have no idea what magic the kitchen can conjure up until you ask. Your voyage becomes a culinary adventure when you tell them your wishes.
Note: As you’re already planning for a vegan cruise trip, how about planning a Stress-Free Multigenerational Trip Everyone Will Love? Click on the link to read the full guide.
Maximizing Your Experience
Packing Tips
You want to board ready for whatever is next. Start with comfortable apparel. Pack light layers as ships can be cold or warm. Add a swimsuit for the pool and yoga pants for yoga at sunrise. You never know if you will get a chance to take a dance or fitness class.
Don’t forgo your favorite snacks. Even on plant based dinner cruises, you might desire a favorite snack in the middle of the night. Pack a reusable water bottle in your daypack. Ships love eco friendly travelers. A lightweight daypack is a blessing when you are strolling port cities or engaging in adventure excursions.
Tip: Carry a notebook or jot down new recipes and vegan travel tips that you pick up along the way on your phone.
Don’t forget the sunscreen, shades, and hat. The sun loves to surprise you at sea. Add a portable charger so your phone and camera stay charged for all picture moments.
Connecting Onboard
You would like to be friends and share stories. Start with group activities. Cooking classes, yoga classes, and food tastings all bring people together. Smile and say hello during lunch or dinner. You might meet someone interested in cruise vegan cuisine.
Find social nights or meetups. A few ships have veggie social get-togethers for veggie travelers. Exchange tips, exchange stories, and maybe book a shore excursion together. If you’re nervous, join an online group beforehand. You can spot the friendly faces when on board.
Pro tip: Ask the staff about hidden happenings or off-the-map spots on the boat. They know the best stuff and are always enthusiastic to share vegan travel tips.
You disembark from the ship with new friends, wonderful memories, and maybe even a few recipes to prepare at home. You now understand that cruises are about more than great food. You have adventure, new friends, and lifetime memories. Picture enjoying vegan delights as you watch dolphins splash near the ship. Book your vacation of a lifetime today! Explore upcoming sailings or talk to a vegan vacation planner. With some preparation, you can indulge in gourmet cuisine and zany adventures at sea.