As a Canadian Travel Agent specializing in vegan and vegetarian-friendly vacations, I understand the importance of finding cruise lines that cater to these dietary and lifestyle preferences. Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to offering plant-based meal options. To make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible, I've gathered information on how each cruise line accommodates vegan and vegetarian travelers.
This is only one facet of concern for vegan-travellers, but is usually the first concern for us...where are we going to eat and more importantly what are we going to eat? It's our most asked question about cruise lines, so we wanted to share some basic information to help you narrow down your preferred cruise lines before we find you the perfect itinerary and the absolute best pricing.
Let's dive in!
AmaWaterways:
AmaWaterways provides a range of vegetarian options that can be easily adapted to vegan upon request. While there are no standard vegan menu items, the chef is more than happy to whip up delicious vegan dishes with advance notice.
American Cruise Lines:
With a vegetarian and vegan option available at every lunch and dinner, American Cruise Lines ensures that plant-based travelers have plenty of choices. Additionally, if given advance notice, the cruise line can provide even more delectable options to suit your preferences.
PHOTO: Azamara Onward Cruise Ship in Port during a Nighttime Fireworks Show (courtesy of Azamara Cruises)
Azamara:
With a vegan corporate executive chef at the helm, Azamara is dedicated to offering a diverse selection of daily plant-based dining options across all venues on board. They also have a separate vegan menu available.
Carnival Cruise Line:
Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out a comprehensive vegan menu across its entire fleet by the end of 2023. In the meantime, vegan options are clearly indicated on the regular menu, offering a variety of appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
PHOTO: Guests arriving to the Cyprus Restaurant onboard Celebrity Cruises (courtesy or Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' newest fleet of ships the edge class is where it's at for vegan-friendly cruising meal options. There are tons of labelled vegan items at the Oceanview Cafe, including a vegetable carving station *YUM*, and the team onboard these ships are more than willing to help you get a custom-made vegan dessert (think large pieces of chocolate cake and delectable morsels of goodness), all you have to do is ask!
Celestyal Cruises:
Celestyal Cruises ensures there's always at least one vegan dish on their lunch and dinner menus. Additionally, guests can arrange for extra vegetarian or vegan options, including desserts, by speaking to the maître d upon embarkation.
Crystal:
While Crystal does not have a separate vegetarian or vegan menu, they do offer two vegan options in each of their restaurants. This provides a nice variety for plant-based travelers.
PHOTO: Disney Magic Cruise Ship Sailing
Disney Cruise Line:
Disney Cruise Line goes above and beyond to cater to vegetarian and vegan guests. From restaurants to buffets and quick service locations, there's a selection of delightful plant-based options available. Connecting with the onboard service team can help you explore these offerings further.
Holland America Line:
Holland America Line offers a dedicated vegetarian menu with several vegan options in the main dining room. Additionally, some of the alternative restaurants feature vegetarian menu items. The Dive-In burger bar can also create vegan versions of its offerings.
PHOTO: Oceania's Plant-Based Berry Pudding, one of 250 vegan dishes onboard
Oceania Cruises:
Oceania Cruises stands out with an extensive vegan menu, featuring over 250 dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With a range of options available each day, you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
Norwegian Cruise Line:
Vegetarian options are a staple on all rotating menus in the main dining rooms of Norwegian Cruise Line. With advance notice, the chefs can also whip up a delectable vegan option. The buffet also offers vegetarian choices.
Ponant Cruises:
While Ponant Cruises offers limited options for vegetarian cruisers, they can usually accommodate vegetarian substitutions with advance notice. Some of the vegetarian items may also be vegan.
PHOTO: Sky Princess cruise ship sailing the waters of Norway (courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Princess Cruises:
Princess Cruises offers a main menu with vegetarian choices and provides a separate entirely plant-based menu upon request. This menu encompasses a wide array of starters, salads, soups, pastas, mains, and desserts.
PHOTO: Staff getting ready for dinner service at Prime 7 onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises (courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises:
Although Regent Seven Seas Cruises doesn't have a separate vegan menu, they do feature at least one vegetarian option on their daily menus. The cruise line takes dietary restrictions into account and ensures vegetarian and vegan options are available when requested.
With various cruise lines offering an array of vegan and vegetarian options, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your plant-based travel needs. This list is by no means exhaustive and we can recommend the right fit for you depending on your particular needs and wants from your cruise vacation.
Don't hesitate to reach out to me for more information or assistance in planning your next vegan or vegetarian-friendly cruise adventure!
Happy sailing!
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