Vegan Cruise Control Diet: Is It Possible?

Veganism is becoming increasingly popular, and the cruise industry is catching on. While some cruise ships don't have vegan restaurants or menus, it is still possible to eat vegan food on a cruise. Most cruise lines offer vegan options, and some even have extensive vegan menus and special vegan cruises. It is always a good idea to inform the cruise line about your dietary requirements in advance, and you may need to pre-order meals or request special foods. Buffets on cruise ships often have vegan options, and it is usually possible to find vegan meals in the main dining room. Some cruise lines with good vegan options include Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, SeaDream Yacht Club, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises.

Let the cruise line know about your dietary requirements in advance

It's important to let your cruise line know about your dietary requirements in advance. This is the best way to ensure you have a positive experience when it comes to dining onboard. While it may be possible to find vegan options without notifying the cruise line, they might be able to better accommodate your needs if they know about them ahead of time.

Most cruise lines require advance notice of special diet needs, with some requesting up to 90 days before departure. It's a good idea to fill out any relevant forms online and provide your booking number. If there are no forms, send an email to customer care. Explain your dietary requirements, whether that's a vegan diet, a gluten-free diet, a low-sugar diet, or any allergies or food restrictions. This will allow the cruise staff to plan and prepare, perhaps keeping extra tofu, eggless pasta, and soy milk on hand.

If you're unable to fill out forms or send an email, you can usually notify the Head Waiter of your dining room about your dietary needs once you board. However, doing this in advance will give the kitchen staff more time to prepare and may result in a better dining experience.

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, offer vegan menus in their main dining rooms. Others, like Holland America Line, have special menus in the main dining room for vegetarian and Indian diets, with some vegan options. Still, others, like Oceania Cruises, offer hundreds of vegan menu items and even a raw juice bar. Doing some research ahead of time can help you determine which cruise line will best accommodate your vegan dietary needs.

In addition to notifying the cruise line in advance, there are a few other things you can do to ensure a smooth dining experience. Packing your own vegan snacks and dairy-free milk is a good idea, as well as speaking to the maitre d' or head chef on the first day of your cruise to discuss your dining options. You may need to pre-order your meals the night before to give the chefs time to prepare.

Check the menu legend for vegan-friendly options

When it comes to vegan dining on a cruise, it's important to do your research beforehand. While most cruise lines offer vegan options, the extent and quality of these options can vary. Checking the menu legend is a crucial step in identifying vegan-friendly choices. Here are some insights and tips to help you navigate the menu and ensure a pleasant vegan dining experience on your cruise:

Understanding Menu Legends

Many cruise lines are increasingly accommodating diverse dietary needs, including veganism. To make it easier for diners, menus often feature a legend or key that indicates specific options. For example, on Celebrity Cruises, a leaf symbol denotes vegetarian dishes, while a small blue cow with a line through it indicates lactose-free choices. If a dish is marked with both symbols, it's likely vegan. However, it's always a good idea to double-check with your server to ensure that the dish doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Communicating Your Dietary Needs

Before embarking on your cruise, it's essential to inform the cruise line about your vegan dietary requirements. Contact their customer care or special needs department, and fill out any relevant forms or requests. This way, the cruise staff and chefs will be prepared to accommodate your needs. They may even be able to provide a vegan menu or make special arrangements. On boarding, it's also helpful to speak directly with the head waiter or maître d' to confirm your vegan preferences.

Exploring Vegan Options

Once you're on the cruise, there are several dining options to explore:

• Main dining rooms: Most cruise lines offer at least one vegan option in their main dining rooms. For example, Royal Caribbean offers a 7-day rotation vegan menu. Princess Cruises have also introduced vegan menus in their main dining rooms.
• Buffets: Buffets are often a vegan's best friend on a cruise. You can find a variety of plant-based options, including salads, grilled or roasted vegetables, fruits, pasta with marinara sauce, and even veggie burgers.
• Specialty restaurants: Some cruise lines, like Carnival, offer vegan options in their specialty restaurants. However, there may be a cover charge for these venues, even if you're dining off the vegan menu.
• Cafes and coffee shops: If you're craving a coffee or tea, head to the onboard cafes. You'll typically find plant-based milk alternatives like soy milk or almond milk for your beverages.

Choosing Vegan-Friendly Cruise Lines

When selecting a cruise, consider choosing a line known for its vegan-friendly options. Here are some top picks:

• Oceania Cruises: Oceania Cruises boasts an extensive vegan menu with over 250 dishes across its dining venues. They also have a vegan juice bar on their largest ships.
• Holland America Line: Holland America offers a 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu in the main dining room at no extra cost. They also have a separate Indian menu with meat-free options, but it needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
• SeaDream Yacht Club: SeaDream offers the industry's first raw food vegan menu, developed in partnership with the Hippocrates Health Institute. They prioritize healthy and meat-free dining options.
• Silversea Cruises: Silversea offers a diverse range of vegan dishes, emphasizing nutrient-rich options. They also cater to other special diets, including kosher and Ayurvedic.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival launched a separate vegan menu in 2023, featuring dishes like Hawaiian salmon poke and spaghetti carbonara. They have been awarded the Vegan Voyage Award by PETA.
• Disney Wish: Staying true to Disney's vegan-friendly reputation, the Disney Wish cruise ship offers vegan options at every dining experience, including meatless stuffed cabbage rolls and tofu udon.

Additional Tips

• BYOV (Bring Your Own Vegan): Pack some of your favourite vegan snacks and treats. This is especially helpful if you have specific cravings or encounter limited options.
• Vegan-themed cruises: Consider booking a fully vegan cruise like Holistic Holiday at Sea or Vegan Culinary Cruises. These cruises offer plant-based meals, activities, and workshops tailored to vegan travellers.
• Vegan river cruises: For a more intimate experience, explore vegan river cruises, such as those offered by Vegan Culinary Cruises.

Ask the staff about vegan options

Asking the staff about vegan options is a crucial part of ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable vegan cruise experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Communicate Your Dietary Restrictions

It is essential to inform the cruise staff about your vegan dietary preferences before your trip. Contact the cruise line's customer service or special needs department to let them know about your requirements. This way, they can prepare and accommodate your needs accordingly. It is recommended to do this at least two months in advance to ensure they have sufficient time to make arrangements.

Engage with the Waitstaff

The waitstaff will be your greatest allies during your cruise. Before each meal, take a moment to speak with your waiter or maître d' and express your interest in vegan options. They are well-versed in the day's offerings, the preparation methods, and the ingredients used, so they can guide you through the menu and answer any questions you may have. Building a rapport with the waitstaff will also help them anticipate your needs and preferences as the cruise progresses.

Confirm with the Chef

Don't hesitate to ask the waiter to confirm vegan options with the chef. This is especially important if you have specific concerns about cross-contamination or if you want to ensure that no animal-based ingredients are used in the preparation of your meals. The chef will be able to provide detailed information about the dishes and can even create custom vegan meals for you if needed.

Buffet Options

Buffets can be a vegan's delight on a cruise. You can often find a variety of plant-based options at the salad bar, sandwich bar, and fruit sections. Just be sure to ask about the ingredients if they are not clearly listed, as some dishes may contain hidden animal products. Buffets also allow you to customize your plate and choose from a diverse selection of vegan-friendly items.

Special Requests

If you have specific vegan meal requests or require assistance with meal planning, don't hesitate to ask. The cruise staff is usually accommodating and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. For example, you can request vegan meals in advance or ask the chef to create a special vegan dish for you if the regular menu options are limited.

Remember, effective communication with the cruise staff is key to a successful vegan cruise experience. Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for your dietary needs. By doing so, you'll be able to fully enjoy your vacation while staying true to your vegan lifestyle.

Eat at the buffet

Eating at the buffet is a great way to ensure you stick to a vegan diet while on a cruise. Many vegan options are available at the buffet, and it is often the easiest way to enjoy a vegan meal without meat or animal by-products.

At the buffet, you can build your own salad at the salad bar, choosing from a variety of vegan toppings. You can also load up on veggies at the sandwich bar, just be sure to skip the deli meats and cheese. For breakfast, you can fill your plate with fresh fruit.

Some buffets offer a pasta bar, where you can create your own vegan pasta dish, as well as a pizza bar, where you can enjoy a cheese-less pizza. You may also find a stir-fry station, where you can select your own ingredients for a vegan stir-fry.

If you are unsure whether an item at the buffet is vegan, don't be afraid to ask a staff member. They will be able to provide you with information about the ingredients in each dish.

In addition to the buffet, there are usually several other dining options available on a cruise, including the main dining room and specialty restaurants. Be sure to check with the staff to see if there are any vegan options available in these locations as well.

Overall, cruising as a vegan is easier than ever, with many cruise lines offering a variety of plant-based options to choose from. With a little bit of planning and communication with the cruise line, you can ensure that you will have a delicious and satisfying vegan dining experience during your vacation.

Bring your own vegan food

Bringing your own vegan food is a great way to ensure you have delicious and satisfying meals throughout your cruise. While many cruise lines are becoming increasingly vegan-friendly, offering plant-based options and accommodating special dietary requests, there may still be limitations or unexpected situations. Here are some tips to consider when bringing your own vegan food on a cruise:

• Check Cruise Line Policies: Different cruise lines have varying policies regarding bringing outside food and beverages onboard. Be sure to review the guidelines of your chosen cruise line to ensure you comply with their regulations. Some cruise lines may have restrictions on certain items or may require special permission for certain types of food.
• Plan and Pack Strategically: Consider the duration of your cruise and the amount of food you will need. Focus on non-perishable, shelf-stable items that are easy to store and transport. Portable protein bars, instant soup packets, trail mix, dried fruits, and vegan granola are excellent options. If you have access to a mini-fridge in your cabin, you can also bring fresh produce, hummus, or even prepared meals when you dock at different ports.
• Be Creative with Meals: When bringing your own food, think about how you can create varied and interesting meals. For example, you can bring ingredients to make your own sandwiches or wraps, or pack several types of plant-based proteins and sides to mix and match. If you have access to a microwave or hot water, consider instant soups, oatmeal, or other easy-to-prepare meals.
• Don't Forget the Condiments and Seasonings: Condiments and seasonings can make a big difference in the flavor and enjoyment of your meals. Bring along your favorite vegan condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, vegan mayonnaise, hot sauce, or salad dressings. If you have a mini-fridge, you can also pack items like hummus, guacamole, or vegan yogurt.
• Snacks and Treats: It's always a good idea to have some vegan snacks and treats on hand. Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, vegan cookies, and chips can be great options to satisfy your cravings between meals. If you have a sweet tooth, don't forget to pack some vegan chocolate or other dessert items!
• Beverages: Stay hydrated by bringing your favorite vegan milk alternatives, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. You can also pack tea or coffee if you have particular vegan blends you enjoy. If you plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages, research the bar offerings and bring any vegan-friendly options you may prefer, such as specific types of beer, wine, or spirits.

Remember to be mindful of local laws and customs when bringing food items into different countries and always declare any food items upon arrival. By bringing your own vegan food, you can ensure that you have a diverse and enjoyable culinary experience during your cruise vacation.

Frequently asked questions