Posted on 02 October 2019

Travelling as a vegan is not always easy: hunting down animal-product-free meals can be time-consuming and frustrating. Land-based holidays can be challenging enough - so you might think enjoying a cruise with such a dietary requirement might be impossible.

But the rising interest in the vegan way of life - as evidenced by Gregg's hugely popular vegan sausage roll - has inspired a number of travel firms to offer vegan-friendly cruises, meaning that vegans can now experience the joys of ocean - and river-travel while feasting on top class meat-free cuisine.

Here's a selection of new routes and updates that are sure to interest the vegan who longs for maritime adventure.

Mekong River - Vegan Culinary Cruises

Fancy travelling along the legendary Mekong River while gorging yourself on world-class vegan cuisine? Vegan Culinary Cruises will run just such a cruise from July 4 until July 11, 2020. While there is an emphasis on clean, vegan food, the cruise also has an LGBTQ focus - the first of its kind in the world. The cruise will include stops in Cambodia and Vietnam, taking in famous places such as the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the verdant canal network of Cai Be and the chilled-out border town of Tan Chau. Animal products will be absent from the toiletries and amenities, as well as the meals.

https://veganculinarycruises.com/

South of France Cruise - Vegan Travel

Vegan Travel has created an 'all-vegan' cruise along the canals of the South of France that starts in Lyon, then takes in Trévoux, Arles, Avignon and Tournon - among other destinations. Explore medieval ruins and enjoy vistas of rolling vineyards such as Chateauneuf-Du-Pape (where you pop in for a drink - and this vineyard is vegan-friendly!). The region that inspired Van Gogh, Chagall and other famous impressionists is perfect for a laidback cruise - and if you're vegan, you won't have to worry about being served cheese, butter or pates - otherwise common comestibles on French plates. This cruise runs in early November, but a number of others are available later in the year: enjoy port wine and vegan paella on the Douro Valley, Spain; or Christmas on the Rhine, vegan-style.

https://www.vegan-cruises.com/

Private vegan cruises

But if the idea of joining a pre-organised vegan cruise doesn't appeal, you could always book a private one. It might be the ideal option for birthday get-togethers, weddings and other events where some of the key guests are vegan.

https://veganculinarycruises.com/custom-group-tours/

Eating vegan on a big cruise line

Traditionally, taking a cruise as a vegan or even vegetarian has been difficult. But what has become a dietary mini-revolution has not escaped the notice of the marketing industry. Since August 1 this year, Royal Caribbean has been offering a three-course vegan menu across its entire fleet. Alongside a number of entrees, vegans (both full and part time) can try edamame-stuffed portobello mushrooms, vegan spaghetti bolognese and Orzo pasta stew with vegetables. The feast can be finished off with desserts including toffee cheesecake, dark chocolate and peanut butter crust.

The future of vegan cruises

Where big names like Royal Caribbean tread, others usually follow. Taking to the high seas as a vegan is likely to get ever-easier as more people become interested in the diet. We may be a long way from seeing Greggs bakeries opening outlets on the Dover-to-Calais booze cruise - but don't rule it out!

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