Best Cruise Line For Vegans: Top Options For Plant-Based Travelers

by | Oct 8, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

As a vegan, finding the right cruise line can be a bit of a challenge. While many cruise lines have started to offer vegetarian and vegan options, not all of them are created equal. That's why I've put together a list of the best cruise lines for vegans.

One of the top cruise lines for vegans is Oceania Cruises. They offer an expanded vegan menu with over 250 dishes to choose from. The menu includes everything from vegan sushi rolls to vegan pizza and even vegan ice cream. Oceania Cruises is perfect for vegans who want to enjoy gourmet cuisine while at sea.

Another great option for vegans is SeaDream Yacht Club. They offer an industry-first "raw food" vegan menu aboard their upscale mega-yachts. The menu includes dishes like raw vegan lasagna and raw vegan cheesecake. SeaDream Yacht Club is perfect for vegans who want to enjoy healthy and delicious cuisine while on a luxury cruise.

Understanding Vegan Needs on a Cruise

As a vegan, finding suitable food options can be a challenge on a cruise. It is essential to understand the concept of veganism and communicate your dietary needs before embarking on a cruise. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your vegan-friendly cruise:

Vegan Menu

Before booking a cruise, make sure to check if the cruise line offers a vegan menu. Some cruise lines have dedicated menus for vegans, while others may have limited options. It is important to communicate your dietary needs in advance to ensure that the cruise line can accommodate your request.

Vegetarian Options

While not all vegetarian options may be vegan, it is still worth checking the vegetarian menu as it may have suitable vegan options. You can also request the chef to modify a vegetarian dish to make it vegan-friendly.

Dietary Restrictions

If you have any dietary restrictions other than being vegan, such as gluten-free or soy-free, make sure to communicate them to the cruise line in advance. This will help the cruise line prepare suitable meals for you.

Vegan Diet

If you follow a strict vegan diet, it is important to bring your own snacks and supplements as a backup. While most cruise lines try their best to accommodate dietary lifestyles, it is still possible to encounter limited options.

Vegan-Friendly

Some cruise lines are more vegan-friendly than others. Do your research and choose a cruise line that has a reputation for accommodating vegan diets.

Special Dietary Requests

If you have any special dietary requests, make sure to communicate them to the cruise line in advance. This will help the cruise line prepare suitable meals for you.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your vegan needs are met on a cruise.

Top Vegan-Friendly Cruise Lines

As a vegan, finding suitable food options while on a cruise vacation can be challenging. However, some cruise lines have made it their mission to cater to the dietary needs of their vegan guests. Here are some of the top vegan-friendly cruise lines that I recommend:

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is known for its exceptional culinary experiences, and its vegan options are no exception. The cruise line offers a plant-based menu that features dishes like vegan paella, lentil and vegetable shepherd's pie, and tofu and vegetable stir-fry. Vegan guests can also enjoy a variety of vegan desserts, including chocolate truffles and raspberry sorbet.

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club is a luxury cruise line that offers a vegan menu that is both healthy and delicious. The menu features dishes like vegan sushi rolls, quinoa and vegetable salad, and vegan lasagna. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan smoothies and juices made with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers a variety of vegan options on its menus, including vegan breakfast items like tofu scramble and vegan waffles. The cruise line also offers vegan entrees like vegetable curry, vegan chili, and vegan burgers. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and chocolate mousse.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a vegan menu that is both diverse and delicious. The cruise line offers vegan dishes like vegan sushi rolls, vegan burgers, and vegan pizzas. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like sorbets and fruit plates.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of vegan options on its menus, including vegan breakfast items like tofu scramble and vegan pancakes. The cruise line also offers vegan entrees like vegetable stir-fry, vegan chili, and vegan tacos. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and chocolate cake.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a vegan menu that is both healthy and flavorful. The cruise line offers vegan dishes like vegan sushi rolls, vegan burgers, and vegan lasagna. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate cake.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas offers a vegan menu that is both delicious and indulgent. The cruise line offers vegan dishes like vegan sushi rolls, vegan risotto, and vegan pizza. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate cake.

Silversea

Silversea offers a vegan menu that is both healthy and delicious. The cruise line offers vegan dishes like vegan sushi rolls, vegan burgers, and vegan pasta dishes. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate cake.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises offers a variety of vegan options on its menus, including vegan breakfast items like tofu scramble and vegan pancakes. The cruise line also offers vegan entrees like vegetable stir-fry, vegan chili, and vegan tacos. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate cake.

Azamara

Azamara offers a vegan menu that is both healthy and flavorful. The cruise line offers vegan dishes like vegan sushi rolls, vegan burgers, and vegan lasagna. Vegan guests can also enjoy vegan desserts like fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate cake.

In conclusion, these cruise lines offer a variety of vegan options that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning vegan palate.

Dining Options for Vegans

As a vegan, finding suitable dining options on a cruise can be a challenge. However, there are now many cruise lines that cater to plant-based eaters, offering a variety of vegan dishes and menus. In this section, I will explore the dining options for vegans on various cruise lines.

Main Dining Room

Most cruise lines offer vegan options in their main dining rooms. However, it is always a good idea to inform the staff in advance of any dietary requirements. Some of the vegan dishes that may be available include pasta primavera, vegetable stir-fry, and vegan pizza. Additionally, side dishes such as roasted vegetables and baked potatoes are usually vegan-friendly.

Buffet

The buffet can be a great option for vegans, as there are often many plant-based options available. Look out for salads, fresh fruit, and vegetable dishes. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, offer a dedicated vegan station in their buffet. However, it is important to check with the staff which dishes are vegan-friendly, as some may contain hidden animal products.

Specialty Dining Venues

Many cruise lines offer specialty dining venues that cater to vegans. These restaurants usually require an additional fee, but the food is often of a higher quality. Some of the vegan menu items that may be available include plant-based burgers, vegan sushi, and quinoa bowls.

Room Service

Room service can be a convenient option for vegans, especially if you are traveling with children or have dietary restrictions. Most cruise lines offer a limited selection of vegan options for room service, such as fruit plates and vegetable wraps.

In conclusion, there are many dining options for vegans on cruise lines, including main dining rooms, buffets, specialty dining venues, and room service. By informing the staff of your dietary requirements in advance, you can enjoy a variety of plant-based food on your cruise vacation.

Vegan Menu Highlights Across Cruise Lines

As a vegan, finding food options while on a cruise can be a bit of a challenge. However, many cruise lines have stepped up their game and are now offering a variety of delicious vegan options to cater to their plant-based guests. Here are some vegan menu highlights across various cruise lines to help you plan your next cruise.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers a variety of vegan options on its menu, including vegan burgers, vegan tacos, and vegan pasta dishes. The cruise line also offers a vegetarian and vegan menu in its main dining room, which includes dishes such as roasted root vegetable tian and vegan chili.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is launching luxury whole-food, plant-based menus aboard all their vessels starting in June 2023. The vegan menu will feature dishes like orzo pasta stew, edamame-stuffed portobello mushrooms, and Indian dishes. Windstar sails small groups of passengers through the most beautiful water passages in the world, including the Caribbean, European, and more.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a diverse selection of vegan options, including a raw, cold-pressed juice bar and a vegan smoothie bar. The cruise line also offers plant-based options at their main dining room, such as edamame and avocado salad, seitan piccata, and Thai green curry.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of vegan options, including cold-pressed raw juices and a morning vegan juice bar. The cruise line also has a vegetarian and vegan menu in their main dining room, which includes dishes like raw zucchini noodles and vegan sushi rolls.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers vegan options at their main dining room, such as a Mediterranean vegetable wrap and a vegan lentil burger. The cruise line also has a plant-based lifestyle program, which includes vegan cooking classes and seminars.

Overall, it's great to see more and more cruise lines offering vegan options to their guests. With these vegan menu highlights across various cruise lines, you can enjoy delicious plant-based meals while cruising the high seas.

Specialty Services for Vegans

As a vegan, finding food options while on a cruise can be challenging. However, many cruise lines are now offering specialty services for vegans, making it easier to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal while at sea.

One of the best options for vegan cruisers is the "22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu" offered by Oceania Cruises. This extensive menu features a variety of vegan dishes, including soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. In addition, Oceania's executive chef, Rudi Sodamin, has created a "Canyon Ranch menu" that is health-conscious and vegan-friendly.

Another great option for vegan cruisers is the "holistic holiday at sea" offered by Holistic Holiday at Sea. This vegan cruise line offers a wide range of vegan dining options, including dedicated menus for vegans and those with food allergies. The ship's special needs department can also accommodate any nutritional needs or restrictions.

For kosher and ayurvedic diets, Silversea Cruises is a great choice. They offer a variety of specialty restaurants with dedicated menus for these diets, as well as vegan options. Carnival Cruise Lines also offers vegetarian options upon request, but it is important to request them at least 24 hours in advance.

When dining in the grand dining room, it is recommended to speak with the head chef to ensure that your dietary needs are met. Many cruise lines are now offering vegan-friendly options at their white night alfresco buffet dinner as well.

Overall, there are many options available for vegan cruisers, and it is important to do your research and communicate your dietary needs with the cruise line before embarking on your journey.

Vegan-Friendly

Finally, it's worth noting that many cruise lines are becoming more vegan-friendly. While many may not have dedicated vegan menus, they are happy to accommodate vegan passengers and will often create vegan dishes upon request. It's always a good idea to let the cruise line know ahead of time that you are vegan, so they can prepare accordingly.

Overall, there are several vegan cruises to popular destinations, and vegan passengers can enjoy a wide variety of vegan-friendly dishes. Whether you're looking for a luxurious cruise or a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of vegan options available.