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Setting sail on the high seas of sustainability: Your ultimate guide to vegan eco-luxe cruising

With this expert guide to the best luxury vegan cruises, you’ll be able to wine, dine, and explore the globe in plant-based style.

By LLM Reporters   |  
aida cruises
Image Credit: Kathrin Heitmann/aida.de

Words by luxury travel advisor Tanekka Fleary-King of Golden Grenadine Travel

So, you’re keen to set sail but want to do it the eco-luxe way? Look no further. I’ve got the inside scoop on the most fabulous vegan eco-luxe cruises that are totally redefining luxury travel – opulence and ethics in one sweet package.

First on the list is Vegan Travel, headquartered in Germany. What sets them apart is how they’ve managed to create a floating haven for vegans. They’ve done more than just replace traditional dishes with vegan alternatives – every detail, from the toiletries in your room to the fabrics used in furnishings, is vegan-friendly. Sailing from the enthralling Danube River to the stunning coastlines of France and Normandy, and even touching the spiritual soul of India’s Ganges, this is luxury travel in sync with your values. It’s like being wrapped in a plant-based bubble while you explore the world. A bubble complete with daily yoga sessions and a spa, just to keep you glowing!

Vegan Travel
Vegan Travel offers an array of fantastic all-vegan river and expedition cruises across the world. Image credit: Vegan Travel

Next, let’s unpack the Holistic Holiday at Sea by MSC Cruises. They’ve pulled out all the stops to create a full-fledged retreat on the ocean. You’re not just embarking on a seven-day cruise; you’re stepping into a transformative experience. Imagine cycling through the quaint streets of St. Maarten, kayaking against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters, or diving into marine life through snorkelling in Antigua’s Deep Bay. Plus, the cuisine is like attending a gourmet plant-based festival every day.

Hurtigruten is a name to remember. Based in Norway, their mission is to bring about real change in the cruising industry. Their “Sea Zero” project is nothing short of ambitious, aiming for the first zero-emission cruise ship by the end of this decade. Think about that for a second: an entire ship with zero emissions. It’s a revolution on the high seas, and you can be part of it. Even beyond the environmental aspect, Hurtigruten offers unparalleled learning experiences. Their expedition team provides enriching talks and guided landings that deepen your travel experience beyond just the scenic vistas.

Hurtigruten cruise ship
Hurtigruten has sailed from port to port along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines for more than 125 years. Image credit: bennymarty/Bigstock.com

For the adventurers among us, Lindblad Expeditions offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This isn’t your typical ‘go to a beach and sip a cocktail’ kind of cruise. We’re talking about getting up close and personal with polar bears in the Arctic or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos – all while treading lightly on the Earth. They’re more than just sustainable; they’re educational, partnering with National Geographic to offer guests a voyage filled with learning opportunities.

Lastly, but by no means least, is AIDA Cruises. These trailblazers are driving an eco-conscious revolution in the cruising world. AIDA isn’t just content with meeting sustainability benchmarks; they’re setting them. With cutting-edge LNG technology, they’re pushing the industry towards a cleaner, more responsible future.

AIDA Cruises
AIDA Cruises is a British-American owned German cruise line based in Rostock, Germany. Image credit: Kathrin Heitmann/aida.de

So, if you’ve been wondering whether you can still embrace the high seas without compromising your vegan lifestyle and environmental concerns, the answer is a resounding yes! These eco-luxe cruises are not just about getting you to fantastic destinations. They’re about getting you there in a way that aligns with your lifestyle and values.

You can experience different cultures while upholding your values and ethics with Golden Grenadine Travel’s vegan eco-luxe itineraries.