Eating as a vegan on a cruise ship is a breeze! I've followed a vegan diet for many years and I'm always able to find plant-based meals when I travel. I've sailed with several different cruise lines, both ocean liners and river cruises (Princess Cruises, Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, European Waterways, Holland America Line) and I've always managed to find delicious vegan meals.
Even though many cruise ships don't have vegan restaurants or vegan menus on board, it's still very easy to dine as a vegan on a cruise ship. From exclusive luxury barge sailings to giant ocean cruisers, I'm going to show you how to eat vegan on a cruise.
Vegan on Cruise Ship: Before You Leave
You might not have to worry about this if you're going on a 100% all vegan cruise, but it's best to give the cruise line a heads up about your diet in advance. Whether you follow a vegan diet, a gluten-free diet, a low sugar diet, or if you have any allergies or food restrictions, letting the cruise staff know ahead of time will assure the best food experience.
It's very important to fill out the appropriate forms online before you leave for your trip. If your cruise line doesn't have any paperwork regarding food choices, send an email to their customer care staff with your booking number. Explain your situation. Arranging vegan food on a cruise ship is an easy process. While you can certainly sail as a vegan without letting anyone know in advance, they might decide to keep some extra tofu, eggless pasta, and soy milk on hand if they know that some vegans will be on board.
In our experiences, we get in touch with someone at customer service, and they'll always reach out in advance. We usually receive some sort of confirmation that our request has been received. If for some reason you are unable to do this, I'm sure that if you speak to the Head Waiter of our dining room that they will still be able to accommodate your needs as best as they can.
Eating Vegan on a Cruise: When You Arrive
When you initially embark on a cruise, you'll usually dine at the buffet for lunch. I've always found tons of options at cruise buffets for vegetarians and vegans. It's actually getting a lot easier as time goes on. On our last cruise with Holland America Line, their "buffet" is actually many different stations where everything is prepared individually for you.
In the case of salads, sushi, a stir fry, pasta dishes, and so much more, it's easy to customize them to be plant-based. If you have any questions, you can always ask a staff member if it's vegan.
In the evening, you'll likely have dinner at the main dining room, whether you choose a traditional dining time or "anytime dining". We always opt for anytime dining because we love the flexibility of choosing the meal time of our choice each night. Once you arrive, speak to the Head Waiter and inform him or her of your dietary request.
On the first evening, they'll customize anything from the regular menu and make it vegan. There are usually a few vegetarian choices that they can make vegan. If you're fortunate enough to dine on a ship that has a plant-based menu, they'll bring out the vegan menu and you can choose what you like.
Towards the end of your meal, the wait staff will bring out the next evening's menu. You can order your meal in advance with the kitchen and make any alterations that you'd like. Even if you don't see something that you fancy on the menu, you can usually make a special request, like a tofu stir fry or Indian food. It's never a problem.
If there's a vegan menu, they might ask that you still request your meal ahead of time. The kitchen staff strive to prepare food at a rapid pace for thousands of passengers, and it's very helpful to know any special meals in advance.
Coffee and Cafes on Cruise Ships
For all of the coffee and tea lovers out there, you'll be able to get your fix at the cruise ship's coffee shop. Typically, each cruise will have at least one cafe or coffee shop on board. You should always be able to find soy milk or almond milk for your coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
I find that cruise ships generally lack vegan treats and desserts. At the coffee shops, there are generally an assortment of baked goods, and rarely will you find one that's vegan-friendly. Eating vegan on a cruise ship would be far more enjoyable if we had more sweet treats. In the dining room, you'll likely be served a sorbet or bowl of fruit unless the cruise line has a specific vegan menu.
Vegan Cruises
There are a few vegan cruises that you can take nowadays, if you prefer an entirely plant-based holiday. We've taken the Holistic Holiday at Sea vegan cruise. This one happens annually, and it generally sails in the Caribbean. The food is completely vegan and there are lots of special events with yummy treats. There are also many talks by proclaimed doctors and experts in the vegan community. Eating vegan on a cruise ship has never been easier when everything is plant-based!
There's also a company that has entirely vegan river cruises, and they've even expanded beyond Europe. Vegan Culinary Cruises is a new luxury vegan cruising experience with a company that's planned high end culinary sailings for over 30 years.
How to Eat Vegan on a Cruise: Our Experiences
We've sailed on several different cruises as a vegan, and I'd love to show you a sample of everything that we ate. Our favourite cruise line for vegan food is a tie between Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean, although I'm a massive fan of Princess Cruises, too.
Of course, I have to mention the luxury barge cruises that we've taken with European Waterways. The chef on board specifically prepared vegan meals every day just for me, and they were divine.
Vegan on Princess Cruises
Out of every cruise line, I've sailed with Princess Cruises the most over the years. I've always been such a fan of their itineraries, their customer service, and the ships themselves. I even sailed on the Ruby Princess for an old co-workers wedding! I've also covered my sailings on the Caribbean Princess and the Emerald Princess on this blog.
While Princess Cruises offered some of the best vegan food a long time ago, I find that they're lagging a bit behind when it comes to plant-based menus. You will have absolutely no problem requesting vegan meals, and they'll be really yummy.
I would love to see a vegan menu on Princess ships. It seems like most cruise lines have a vegan menu now. Hopefully, Princess will catch up and start offering one, too.
Vegan on Holland America Line
Justin and I were really impressed with the vegan meals on Holland America Line. We sailed to Norway on Nieuw Statendam. HAL has its own menu for special diets containing mostly vegan food, some gluten-free offerings, and some vegetarian food. If you're sailing for a week with HAL, you can eat something different every night from that menu alone. It's also possible to request vegan meals at some of the specialty restaurants or from the standard dining room menu.
You can check out our Holland America Line vegan cruise guide. It lists all of our meals and everywhere we dined on board, from quick serve options to specialty restaurants.
Vegan on MSC
Eating vegan on a cruise ship has never been easier when you've booked a vegan sailing! When we cruised aboard the MSC Divina, Justin and I were taking the Holistic Holiday at Sea vegan cruise. While about half of the passengers were taking the plant-based sailing, there were another half that had booked a typical cruise vacation. We stuck to eating the specially prepared vegan food for most of the time. But, there were also a number of vegan options at the regular buffet on board.
In addition, MSC Divina has an incredible pizzeria. You can order a freshly made marinara pizza until late at night. We ended up at this pizzeria almost every night because it was so good. You can add vegetables to the pizza, too. We also enjoyed pizza by the slice at the buffet, and they started serving some slices with vegan cheese (only available during the vegan cruise).
Vegan on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean introduced a vegan menu in their main dining room a few years ago, and now those vegan meals are a mainstay on their regular menu. You can always find a vegan starter, main course and dessert on every main dining room dinner menu.
The buffets, the Windjammer and Solarium Bistro, both offered excellent vegan options. Though nothing in the buffet is labeled as vegan (there is a vegetarian section at the Windjammer), it's easy to figure out which dishes are vegan. Plus, you can always ask if you are unsure.
Out of all the cruise ships, it was easiest to dine on Royal Caribbean as a vegan, with Holland America Line coming in at a close second. Read more about the vegan food I ate on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas.
Vegan on European Waterways
When you're sailing on a luxury barge with European Waterways, there's likely only a handful of passengers on your small boat. When I sailed on the Athos Barge, there were only seven passengers in total. Knowing that I followed a vegan diet, the chef on the barge was able to prepare all vegan meals just for me. He even came up with vegan desserts every night, too!
Taking a barge cruise on the Canal du Midi in France was such a memorable and special experience. Even though the chef claimed to not have much knowledge of vegan cuisine, he prepared some very yummy meals throughout my weeklong holiday. You can see all of the meals that I ate by reading my full review of Athos.
Last year, we took another barge cruise aboard La Bella Vita, cruising between Venice and Mantua in Italy. The chef totally outdid himself, even making his own vegan cheese from scratch. It was probably the best vegan food I've ever had on a ship, even though this was an intimate barge cruising experience. You can read more about our La Bella Vita sailing with European Waterways.
More Vegan Cruise Blog Posts
As someone who has travelled on many cruises as a vegan, I never go hungry. Here are some more travel blog posts about finding vegan eats on a cruise ship:
- Royal Caribbean Vegan Guide
- My Experiences Taking the Vegan Cruise (Holistic Holiday at Sea)
- Eating Vegan on a Cruise Ship (or Any Special Diet)
- Holland America Line Vegan Dining Guide
- European Waterways Italian Barge Cruise (Vegan Guide in the Article)
- European Waterways Canal du Midi Cruise (Vegan Guide in the Article)
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Jacqueline Pollack says
I just got off of the NCL Escape (Dec. 2023) and felt very accommodated, as a vegan. The standard, complentary dining rooms had a nightly dedicated vegan menu. I only used this menu on the last night (we ate at many specialty upcharge restaurants) and saw that the top of the menu said vegan #7. I was told that each evening, there is a different menu offered. I was told that I should give each restaurant 24 hours notice to have a vegan option prepared. I enjoyed the offerings at the full service restaurants. My favorite was surprisingly the Brazilian Steakhouse Moderno (I believe that that is the name). They had an extensive salad bar with many vegan options and the chef prepared a vegan entree for me.
Separately the buffet always had plenty of vegetarian option that are indicated with a green swipe (next to the title of the dish). You can further clarify with the kind staff if you have concerns that the dish may be vegetarian but not vegan. There were many Indian and Medeteranian influenced options with a green swipe on the buffet. There were plenty of fresh vegetables and beans on the salad bar. The fruit was always ripe and tasty. Sorbet is also usually an option at the buffet. None of the baked goods nor the soups at the buffet ever had a green swipe, however I did find these types of selections in the complentary evening dining rooms. Almond milk was always available for my morning coffee in the dining room. Overall I felt very pleased and accomdated by NCL.
Lauren Yakiwchuk says
Thank you so much for sharing, Jacqueline! I really appreciate it. We've yet to sail with NCL but would love to try it! This info is really helpful to our readers so thanks again!
elizabeth norgren says
i am a a recent transfer into veganism and i am going on the cruise “Princess Ruby” to alaska and i am very nervous about being able to get the right nutrition on this cruise. any tips you have that would be helpful for traveling? and if i contacted the cruise line just like you did do you think i would be able to do the same dietary request even though it’s a different ship? i need all the help i can get lol
Lauren says
Elizabeth, don't worry at all! I've sailed on a bunch of Princess ships, including the Ruby last year to California. Just talk to the staff when you arrive like I suggested, and mention it on the first dinner, and you'll be good to go! I'm always so impressed with the cruise staff when helping someone following a special diet. Have fun!
ron says
The answer is defiantly NO !!!
We just got back from a 28 night cruise on the Emerald Princess that was like being in prison.
At first I thought the plumbing was OK but that too went down hill.
In short the food, and not just for us but many said it was the worst, to the TP was just terrible !!!
The wate staff, who were very attentive were embarrass by the poor food quality.
If there was a Capt. on board you wouldn't know it by ever seeing him.
On good cruises we have been on, we saw the Capt. daily inspecting every thing he is responsible for, the whole ship and every one on board.
Though we are elite static on Princess, they will never see my face again.
They even caused cancelations of ppls excursions because of road closures on Maui known years in advance.
During the voyage many staff members lied to us but the mate die was the worst.
Lauren says
Ron,
Sorry to hear you had a bad cruise! I think you need to take your grievances up with customer service and not in the comments of my blog. I'm not affiliated with Princess in any way. Thanks!
Karen Johnson says
Just contacted princess cruises and was told they did not cater for vegans gutted as I have booked for February.
Asked what vegan wines they had not helpful said did not have any shocking.
Went previously on P&O cruise they were amazing over and beyond choices and sweets galore and vegan spread
Lauren says
They 100% cater to vegans! I've sailed on numerous sailings with Princess as a vegan, no problem. As for wines, you'll have to track down a Princess wine menu ahead of time if possible and do a little research on Barnivore.com.
I've seen recent photos from the Crown Princess with buffet items labeled vegan, so it also depends on the ship. You'll have no problem having vegan food prepared for you though. Perhaps the person on the phone wasn't familiar.
Jessica says
Glad to hear that Princess had good vegan options. I’m vegan and sailed on Royal Caribbean in 2016 and the food was awful. They attempted to offer vegan options in the dining room, but the food was neither fresh or inventive. Lots of stir frys, but the sauces were very salty and tasted like bottled sweet & sour. And the desserts were terrible (sugar free, gluten free, dairy free “cake”). We’ll have to try Princess for our next one!
Paul says
Thank you for this post. My girlfriend prefers to eat vegan as well. We are planning our first cruise together for next year, and dining has been one of the big concerns. We'll be taking the Coral Princess in Alaska, so knowing that Princess Cruise Lines can accommodate seemingly very well makes us both significantly less anxious about dining while on the ship!
Lauren says
Princess is incredibly accommodating! You're going to have a great time and eat so much great food. Have fun!
Ryan says
thankyou for this! I am not vegan, but gluten free, and have almost no dairy. I recently learned about factory farming, so I will only be having seafood as a meat option while I go on a cruise next week. this is SO new to me and I was freaking out since I can't eat gluten and can barely tolerate dairy as it is. I appreciate this! It gave me some great ideas. :)
Franca says
The food looks quite nice and it's good to know that even on a cruise like this one you can get some vegan food. I've never been on a cruise, I might be more willing to try it now :)
WorldWideVegetarian says
Wow! I am so glad they were so accomadating on this cruise line. Makes me want to take a cruise, just for the food!
-Katie
www.worldwidevegetarian.com
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
It was very yummy! :)
veganinbrighton says
How great that they fed you guys so well, that's awesome! I love how many options include tofu (my fave!) and both the sushi and apple cider sorbet from day 4 look wonderful.
Justin and Lauren says
I loved the tofu stir fry so much! And the pad Thai! It was so good. The sushi was a nice little treat and there was a different type of sorbet to eat every night! We were spoiled!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a great selection of cruise food. One of our favorite things about cruising is the food and I'm glad you were able to eat well. I've always love the variety of food on Princess. Now, you're inspiring me to start looking at cruises :)
Justin and Lauren says
Oooh I hope you book a cruise, that would be amazing! While we love seeing all of the destinations and visiting the places...having such fantastic food is awesome!!
Bronwyn Joy says
Sounds (and looks) like you were very well catered for. One of the big things that makes travel a whole stack easier for me is just eating what's put in front of me whether I like it or not. I always feel for those with special requirements, but it's good to see some companies stepping up to the mark.
Justin and Lauren says
They definitely accommodated us without a second thought, from the start everything was amazing - such great service, we were thoroughly impressed!
Ashley Hubbard says
Okay, I'm not vegan (by a long shot) but this food looks amazing! Great photos as well! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
Justin and Lauren says
Thank you!!
Adelina | Pack Me To says
I'm impressed with your ability to stick to your vegan diet while on the road. Everything looks really fresh and healthy on the boat though. Fruit for dessert is always good in my books. Especially when you're in the Caribbean.
Justin and Lauren says
For me, I was raised vegetarian and have been vegan for 4-5 years now, so it comes as second nature! I don't even think twice about it anymore, plus I don't digest dairy very well so it is for the best that I don't eat it! The fruit was yummmm!
Margherita Ragg says
Really surprising! I always thought vegan food would be hyper boring, but that looked super yummy! Shame for the dessert, but looks like the lovely fruit made up for that!
Justin and Lauren says
It was so delicious! We hope that Princess includes a vegan dessert sometime. but the fresh fruit was such a treat!
frankaboutcroatia says
It pays off to be a vegan! At the end you could choose what you wanted to eat, and you could create your own menu. This is like having a private chef at home :). Food looks amazing.
Justin and Lauren says
It really was like having a private chef - as much as I love to cook, it was a rude awakening coming home and having to do all of our own cooking...and our own dishes! Yuck!
Meggie Kay says
The food looks amazing. I'll be going on my first cruise later this year (most likely) and I like to avoid dairy and lactose as much as possible. Never really considered actually changing the meal or what was offered to accommodate that since it's not something I'm too strict about. But now I'm thinking I will.
Justin and Lauren says
You may want to put in a request because from my experiences, almost everything seems to have dairy in it! Either they add cheese to everything, or it is in a creamy sauce...if you put in a request, they'll be able to alter the meal to take the dairy out of it for you, or you can request something different if you'd like - they are super accommodating! Have fun on your cruise!!!
BavarianSojourn says
Apart from the lack of desserts, the choice is really surprising in a good way! :)
Justin and Lauren says
And even then, it was probably a good thing we stayed away from all of the desserts anyway as I didn't end up gaining any weight on board :) We did enjoy lots of fruit and sorbet! Maybe they will introduce some sort of vegan pastry at some point!