Cruising as a Vegetarian or Vegan

There’s no denying it, the world is growing ever more aware of the health and ecological alternatives of conventional nutrition. According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), the number of vegetarians and vegans is increasing steadily.

Of course, you want to keep to your eating habits whilst on holiday, so we’ve broken down how the cruise lines have switches to cater to their plant-based passengers and insider tips.

Interesting facts about vegetarian and vegan cruises

Generally, there’s already a large selection of vegetarian dishes on offer whilst onboard and more cruise ships are responding to the growing trend and offering vegan options on the menu and buffet selections, and there is always a salad bar available. All foods will be marked with the appropriate labelling to make sure your dietary requirements are being met.

Oceania

Oceania offers an extensive range of vegan and vegetarian dishes on board. In 2017, Oceania introduced an expanded vegan menu with more than 250 dishes served in the main dining room onboard all ships for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In 2019, 200 new vegetable menus were added to the Oceania fleet.

Visit …

• the main dining room
• the buffet
• and the speciality restaurants

… to be able to enjoy vegetarian or vegan dishes. You can even order vegetable menus at the Steakhouse and Polo Grill!

The largest ships, Marina and Riviera, also have a vegan juice bar on the pool deck. Here you will find cold-pressed juices and smoothies made from homemade cashew milk and “energy” ingredients such as acai berries and chia seeds.

Tasting of dishes:

Vegan tortilla, creamy mushroom soup, falafel power bowl, Pad Thai, vegan cheeseburger, truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and coconut milk and carrot cake.

COSTA

Costa ensures, without having to forego taste and creativity, to conjure up a great culinary experience for all passengers. The Italian cruise line serves both Mediterranean dishes for vegetarians or vegans as well as menus that you can enjoy during your trip.

MSC

MSC offers tailor-made menus that meet your nutritional needs. You can find freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes in the restaurants and in the buffet. Dietary labels are also clearly displayed on the menus and at the buffet.

What’s more; you don’t have to go without traditional Italian pizza! There’s a cheese-less vegan pizza on offer!

Royal Caribbean

Traditionally, Royal Caribbean passengers could only consume vegan dishes upon request. However, times have changed! You can try both vegan and vegetarian dishes in the main dining room and the Windjammer Cafe. If you have special requests, you can also forward them to the kitchen in advance. For example – you can order the vegan “spag bol”!

NCL

As a vegetarian, you have a large selection of vegetarian dishes that are clearly marked in the restaurant or buffet restaurant. However, if you are in need of vegan options, we recommend calling NCL before your trip to ensure that your wishes are met in the best possible way, and ideally, on the first day, speak to a responsible kitchen employee who will help you with a selection of vegan dishes.

Tips for vegan cruises

• Talk to the cruise line before the cruise to let them know of your dietary requirements and ask to speak to a customer service representative.
  
• Talk to a responsible employee during the cruise. It’s a good idea to double-check one you get onboard to ensure that the shipping company has taken note of your nutritional needs. Together you can see which dishes are on the current menu and which can be ‘vegan’ prepared for you.
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask the staff. If you fancy a delicious pizza from this divine-smelling Italian restaurant, but you don’t like asking difficult questions – please don’t worry. It’s far more important to both yourself and the cruise line that you’re enjoying your travels and are a happy passenger!

If you’re looking for your next vegan or vegetarian cruise, then don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0808 2746 777!