Plant-Powered Paradise: The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants at Sea

• A Green Revolution at Sea: Gone are the days of boring side salads; modern cruise lines like P&O and Virgin Voyages now offer dedicated, high-end venues like Green & Co and Razzle Dazzle where plant-based dishes are the undisputed stars of the show.

• Global Flavours and Fresh Concepts: From the vibrant, healthy bowls at Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Planterie to the dedicated "Vegan Corners" found in Celebrity Cruises' buffets.

• Chef-Led Excellence: Premium lines like Oceania and Holland America Line are leading the way with extensive, multi-course vegan menus and hundreds of plant-based options, proving that dining at sea can be both ethical and incredibly sophisticated.

Gone are the days when being a vegan or vegetarian at sea meant settling for a side salad and a plate of plain pasta while your tablemates tucked into lobster tails and steaks. Today, the cruise industry has undergone a delicious green revolution!

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a part-time vegetarian, or a ‘flexitarian’ looking to lighten your footprint, the choices available on modern cruise ships are nothing short of spectacular. From dedicated plant-based food stalls to high-end restaurants where vegetables are the undisputed stars of the show, we’ve rounded up the absolute best spots to grab a meat-free meal at sea.

1. Green & Co featuring Mizuhana – P&O Cruises

If you’re sailing on the magnificent Arvia, you simply cannot miss Green & Co. This venue is a game-changer for P&O Cruises, reflecting the growing trend for fresh, plant-led dining.

The restaurant features a dedicated sushi bar, Mizuhana, and a menu split between ‘Land’ (plant-based) and ‘Sea’ (sushi and fish). For those keeping it strictly green, the options are inventive and packed with flavour.

• Must-Try Dishes: Don’t skip the Cauliflower Popcorn Tempura or the Nepalese Tofu Momos (dumplings) served in a fragrant soy broth.

• The Vibe: It’s chic, contemporary, and perfectly positioned for watching the world go by. It does carry a small cover charge, but for the quality of the ingredients and the artistry on the plate, it’s worth every penny.

2. Razzle Dazzle – Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is famous for doing things differently, and Razzle Dazzle is the perfect example. While many cruise restaurants may show their veggie options at the bottom of the menu, Razzle Dazzle puts them front and centre.

It is officially described as "veggie-conscious," meaning the majority of the menu is vegetarian or vegan by default. However, if you are a meat-eater, don’t worry, there is a "Naughty" section of the menu where they can add a side of bacon or chicken.

• Must-Try Dishes: You absolutely have to try the "Fish" and Chips made from crispy banana blossom, or the Whole Roasted Heirloom Cauliflower, which comes smothered in a delicious vadouvan curry sauce.

• The Vibe: It’s bold, funky, and high-energy, featuring a striking black-and-white "dazzle" camouflage interior. Best of all? It’s completely included in your fare, making it the ultimate spot for a guilt-free brunch or a lively dinner before the night’s entertainment begins.

3. Planterie – Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Aqua)

Launching on the brand-new Norwegian Aqua, Planterie is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated vegetarian and plant-based outlet. Located within the popular Indulge Food Hall, this is the place to go for vibrant, wholesome, and fast-casual dining.

• Vibrant Bowls: The focus here is on "food that fuels." You can expect globally inspired bowls like the Hawaiian Bowl (with tofu and fresh fruits) or the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl packed with falafel and tabbouleh.

• Flexibility: Because it’s in the Indulge Food Hall, you can mix and match. You can grab a spicy curry from the Nudls station and pair it with a fresh side from Planterie. It’s perfect for families or groups with mixed dietary preferences.

4. The Foodie’s Favourite – Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is often hailed as having the "Finest Cuisine at Sea," and they haven’t left vegans behind. In fact, they offer one of the most extensive vegan programmes in the industry, with over 250 plant-based dishes available in the Grand Dining Room.

Every single evening, the main dining room offers a dedicated vegan menu featuring five courses. We’re talking Thai Red Vegan Curry, Tuscan-style Bean Soup, and even Vegan Strawberry Sable for dessert.

• Raw Juice & Smoothie Bar: On ships like Marina and Riviera, you’ll find a dedicated juice bar on the pool deck. It’s the perfect spot for a cold-pressed Green Apple juice or an Acai Berry bowl to start your morning.

5. Modern Elegance – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has leaned into the plant-based movement with a level of sophistication you’d expect from the "Edge Class" ships. In the main dining rooms, Celebrity offers a separate, full-sized vegetarian menu. You don’t have to hunt for a little green leaf icon; you have your own list of starters and mains to choose from.

In the Oceanview Cafe (the buffet), Celebrity has a range of hot and cold vegan options displayed in its buffet area - available for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

The "green" revolution at sea shows no signs of slowing down, and we couldn't be happier about it. Whether you're dining in a high-tech food hall or a sophisticated five-course restaurant, the quality and creativity of plant-based food on cruise ships is at an all-time high.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to inform the cruise line about my diet before I sail? It’s always a good idea! While most modern ships carry plenty of vegan and veggie options as standard, notifying the line at least 30 days before departure ensures they have specific items like almond milk, vegan butter, or speciality egg replacements in stock just for you.

Are there vegan desserts available? Yes! Gone are the days of just "fruit salad." Ships like those in the Celebrity Cruises and Oceania fleets offer decadent vegan chocolate cakes, panna cottas, and artisan sorbets.

Is there a surcharge for vegan restaurants? It depends on the ship. Venues like Razzle Dazzle (Virgin Voyages) and Planterie (NCL) are included in your fare. Speciality spots like Green & Co (P&O Cruises).

Can I find plant-based milk on board? Absolutely. Most major lines now stock soy, almond, and oat milk at their coffee bars and in the buffet areas.