Cruising is often synonymous with indulgent dining experiences, from lavish buffet spreads to gourmet multi-course meals. However, for those following a plant-based diet, the prospect of finding suitable dining options on a cruise ship might seem daunting. Fortunately, the cruise industry has evolved significantly in accommodating diverse dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. This guide will explore how to find the best plant-based dining experiences on cruise ships, complete with reviews of specific restaurants and dishes.
Understanding Plant-Based Options on Cruise Lines
Most major cruise lines have recognized the growing demand for plant-based and vegan diets and have adapted their menus accordingly. From dedicated vegan menus to plant-based dishes incorporated into the main dining options, the availability and quality of these meals have improved tremendously.
Key Cruise Lines Offering Plant-Based Options:
- Royal Caribbean: Known for its innovation, Royal Caribbean offers a separate vegan menu in the main dining room and has plant-based options in most of its specialty restaurants.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL provides a variety of vegan-friendly dishes across all its restaurants, including a dedicated plant-based menu featuring starters, entrees, and desserts.
- MSC Cruises: MSC has been proactive in catering to health-conscious and dietary-restricted passengers, with a comprehensive range of vegan and vegetarian options available upon request.
- Celebrity Cruises: This line stands out with its “Plant-Based Menu”, available across the fleet, featuring creative and gourmet vegan dishes.
Tips for Navigating Plant-Based Dining on Cruises
1. Communicate Your Dietary Needs Early
Upon booking your cruise, inform the cruise line of your dietary restrictions. This can usually be done through the booking agent or directly on the cruise line’s website. Early communication helps the culinary team prepare for your arrival.
2. Consult with the Head Waiter
Once on board, one of the first things to do is meet with the head waiter or dining room manager. They can provide detailed information about plant-based options and customize your meals to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
3. Explore Specialty Restaurants
Many cruise ships feature specialty restaurants that offer unique dining experiences and may have more diverse plant-based options than the main dining areas. It’s worth exploring these for a special meal during your cruise.
4. Check Daily Menus Early
Menus for the main dining room are usually posted early in the day. Review these to identify which dishes are plant-based or can be modified to accommodate your diet. If options seem limited, speak with the staff who can often arrange alternative meals.
Reviews of Specific Restaurants and Dishes on Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean’s “Solarium Bistro”
Location: Various Royal Caribbean ships
Review: The Solarium Bistro offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the more bustling areas of the ship. For breakfast and lunch, it hosts a buffet with a surprising variety of plant-based options, including a make-your-own salad bar and multiple hot dishes. The dinner menu features a “Vegan Delight” consisting of a quinoa salad starter, stuffed bell peppers, and a decadent chocolate ganache tart.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “The Manhattan Room”
Location: Norwegian Escape
Review: The Manhattan Room is a complimentary dining venue that captures the essence of a classic New York supper club. The vegan menu features an impressive array of options not commonly found on other cruise lines, such as the vegan French onion soup and the portobello mushroom “steak”. The standout dish is the zucchini and carrot spaghetti with walnut pesto, which is both flavorful and satisfying.
MSC Cruises’ “Eataly”
Location: MSC Preziosa
Review: Eataly on MSC Preziosa offers an Italian dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients. The vegan options are creatively integrated into the menu, with dishes like the beetroot tartare and the vegan risotto, which is richly flavored with saffron and a hearty mushroom stock. The dessert menu includes a vegan chocolate mousse that is rich and creamy.
Celebrity Cruises’ “Blu”
Location: Celebrity Apex
Review: Blu is exclusive to AquaClass guests and focuses on “clean cuisine”. The plant-based options are innovative and prepared with attention to detail. The vegan crab cakes made from hearts of palm are a highlight, offering a unique twist on a traditional seafood dish. The key lime mousse provides a refreshing and tangy end to the meal.
Conclusion
Cruising as a vegan or vegetarian no longer means having to compromise on your dining experience. With cruise lines increasingly recognizing the importance of catering to all dietary needs, the options available are not only plentiful but also delicious and creative. By planning ahead and communicating with the cruise staff, you can ensure that your dining experience is one of the highlights of your trip. Whether you are enjoying a casual meal in the buffet or a fine dining experience in a specialty restaurant, there are ample plant-based options to choose from, making your cruise both enjoyable and aligned with your dietary preferences.