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How to Eat Vegan on a Cruise

Let’s face it, there isn’t always a ton of options for vegans at resorts and other vacation destinations. Many vacation spots focus on providing people with all the indulgences they avoid when not on vacation, but far too often, they forget vegans like to indulge as well! Fortunately for you, Carnival Cruise Line is proud to offer a wide variety of vegan-friendly options on all its ships.

chef at mongolian wok cooking a meal

If you’re planning a cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or anywhere else Carnival goes, you’ll be able to enjoy dozens of delicious foods suited to your vegan lifestyle. Here are just a few of the best foods to eat if you’re a vegan cruiser.

Breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For vegans, that means finding something other than scrambled eggs or buttered toast. Fortunately, Carnival offers a wide range of options for every vegan’s first meal of the day. Take a look at the options here and use them as a starting guide first thing in the morning.

Main Dining Room

Typically, one of the most popular places to get breakfast on a Carnival cruise is in the main dining room. Every day, you can find a variety of breakfast foods just for you. Some of the best vegan cruise food includes baked apples, browned potatoes, as much fresh fruit as you’d like, and a range of breads and jams.

coffee and fresh fruit breakfast

BlueIguana Cantina

Lido has endless options for breakfast, but if you want something a little different, check out BlueIguana which provides breakfast burritos and arepas (ask for them to be made without butter) for cruise guests every morning. If you’d like the vegan option, simply ask to have the eggs replaced with a vegan filling such as beans and veggies.

Lunch

After a relaxing morning walking the ship or catching some sun by the pool, a delicious lunch is a great way to transition into afternoon activities. It’s important for a good lunch to be nutritious and filling, but not so heavy you feel sluggish the rest of the day. For vegans, there are several great options to consider.

The Captain’s Pasta Bar

If you want some comfort food, look no further than The Captain’s Pasta Bar. Choose from a variety of sauces, and toppings. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the farfalle pasta with tomato-basil pomodoro sauce with a variety of your favorite veggies.

chef preparing pasta dish

Bonsai Sushi

If you want a quick, simple lunch, Bonsai Sushi offers a few vegan options. The Bonsai noodle salad and miso soup are a great combo. If you’re in the mood, feel free to ask your sushi chef to make any of the classic rolls without fish (and with extra tofu).

bonsai sushi noodles

Dinner

Toward the end of the day, chances are you’ll be starting to get pretty hungry. All Carnival cruise ships offer a wide range of expertly-crafted dinner options for all diets, including vegan. Take a look at the options below, and keep them in mind when you’re deciding on your dinner selection.

Cucina Del Capitano

For an upscale experience, check out Cucina Del Capitano. The menu includes several excellent options for vegan diners. The salad (sans cheese) is made with delicious marinated olives, perfectly seasoned roasted peppers and marinated vegetables. Make sure to tell your waiter you want vegan-only items in the antipasti. In addition, the minestrone soup is a filling, protein-packed soup that is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to ask them to hold the mascarpone cream.

a couple sharing dinner at cucina del capitano

Pizzeria del Capitano

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly pizza, simply ask your server at Pizzeria del Capitano to hold the cheese. Two popular pizzas among vegan cruisers are the Margherita and the Funghi.

JiJi Asian Kitchen

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic than a pasta bar, JiJi’s Asian Kitchen offers a number of vegan-friendly options as well. Be sure to try the Chinese Broccoli, Hakka-style noodles, and the Blistered Beans, but make sure to ask them to hold the pork.

Main Dining Room

For a true sit-down experience, you’ll want to have at least one of your vacation dinners in the main dining hall. Every night, the chefs prepare a wide range of delicious food for guests offering a number of excellent vegan options. Make sure to speak with your waiter at the beginning of the meal to help you decide exactly what you should get. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, simply let your servers know, and they will be happy to suggest special accommodations.

Snacks

Cruise activities can cause you to work up an appetite. There are several vegan-friendly snacks you can find any time of the day if you’re feeling like eating a little something.

RedFrog Pub

One of the great things about being a vegan on a cruise is that most drinks are vegan-friendly! If you happen to stop by RedFrog Pub for a liquid midday snack, make sure to try The Cruiser.

tray of beer and drinks at redfrog pub

Room Service

You don’t even need to leave your stateroom to get some delicious vegan snacks! If you’re feeling a bit peckish, have room service bring you a PB&J sandwich with some sweet potato fries on the side!

a tray of fries

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many vegan options available on Carnival cruises. Make sure to speak with the dining room host or head waiter about your dietary needs so you can have the most enjoyable and flavor-packed cruise vacation possible!

Note – Onboard dining options may vary by ship.