Vegan or vegetarian on a cruise?

[Juggaloves]

I'm planning my next cruise in November 2012 (Carnival Valor) but I'm a little worried about what I will be able to eat. Since September of last year I have been vegan about 90% of the time, the other 10% I'm strict vegetarian (no meat ever not even fish). I "slip" up on eggs and dairy usually. I wouldn't mind eating strict vegetarian on the cruise but would prefer vegan. Any advice? Should I inform my head waiter, what if we do "your time dining", how will the buffets stack up, what about late night eating like pizza!! Oh my what am I going to do.

[snorklr45]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I lost 10 lbs on my Carnival cruise just 11 weeks ago because they had some delicious vegan choices. My favorite was from the room service menu!! Portobello mushroom, thick slices of fresh mozzarella, pesto sauce and I believe tomato if I remember correctly. All served on fresh Focaccia bread. To die for!! I had to have one just about every day. I also had a side of fruit and veggies. The veggie bowl on room service menu was fresh and wonderful. I am still trying to find a certain vegetable they served me. Of course there are abundant fresh veggie/salad selections on the buffet every day and if I recall, I think there is vegan pizza at the pizza place on board. Have fun!

[Juggaloves]

Thanks that helps to ease my mind a little bit. I have been on two Carnival cruises but I always ate whatever and lots of it so I never really paid attention to see if there were vegetarian or vegan options. I'm just going to tell my waiter I PREFER vegan but as long as it is meat free I'll be happy to eat it. That way he can tell me the vegan options but I'm not super limited.

[snorklr45]

PS. Portobella mushroom slices are huge and zucchini also on that sandwich. You HAVE to try it!!!

[Mike M]

If they put mozzarella cheese on it then it's no longer vegan.

There are many vegan choices on board and the best are in the buffet. You should inform the cruise line about your dietary requirement before you sail for the best results. Your dietary options will be available even in open seating. Just let them know when you request your table. It is also one of the reasons they swipe your card when you request the table.

Take care,
Mike

[Paul Motter]

We were on a lux cruise line that promised to honor any diet, but we quickly learned that vegetarian strictly mean "no meat". There was often butter or cream in the dish.

If you want vegan you have to very clear to ask for it.

I think most cruise lines now ask you to specify a diet in advance before your cruise - you should be able to do it in your cruise profile online.

[pokerplayer]

Originally Posted by snorklr45

PS. Portobella mushroom slices are huge and zucchini also on that sandwich. You HAVE to try it!!!

Well it sounds delicious! I will try it definitely.

[green_rd]

The menu items are the same for standard and your time dining in the MDR. So no advantage to disadvantage to your choice there.

[Kamloops Cruiser]

My DW has to eat Gluten Free. She had no trouble with it even didn't note on special request . The MDR menu's indicate what vegetarian .

[amanda7cart]

I tried Holland America this summer and think they're great! Followed the advice to let them know in advance, food was fascinating!!!
Vegetarian cruises