Living the vegan lifestyle is rewarding, but it can also pose some challenges, particularly when it comes to dining on cruise ships. There was once a time when being a vegan on a cruise ship meant that you had to nibble on lettuce leaves, stock-up on bananas and bring your own snacks. Thankfully, this is becoming a thing of the past as many top cruise providers and smaller independent sailing companies are starting to pay attention to the growing number of vegan and vegetarian cruise-goers. You won't have to worry about your stomach rumbling at sea anymore, especially with these exceptional cruises, all of which have menus that cater to the conscious-eater

Holistic Holidays at Sea

Chosen by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of the 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life, Holistic Holidays at Sea offers an incredible vegan experience. The eco-friendly liner sets sail from Miami and travels to St.Thomas, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. This seven-day holistic retreat includes an action-packed itinerary with yoga, Pilates and meditation classes, as well as educational talks from some of the leading specialists in plant-based nutrition, interactive cooking workshops and alternative healing therapies. Past guests rave about the gourmet vegan cuisine, which includes gluten-free options, organic condiments and sugar-free desserts that are lovingly prepared under the supervision of the ship's Head Chef, Mark Hanna.

The luxury cruise takes place on the MSC Divina, a 1,094 foot long luxury liner that is able to accommodate a whopping 4,345 guests. On-board amenities include three pools, an aqua park, solarium, whirlpool tubs, a 1,600-seat amphitheater, a fully-equipped fitness center and an exclusive spa. A range of cabin types and packages are available to cater for different tastes and budgets. Overall, the Holistic Holidays at Sea vegan cruise is an excellent choice for vegans looking for a rejuvenating week-long cruise in the Caribbean.

Vegan Vacation at Sea

If you prefer the iceberg-capped seas of Alaska to the warm waters of the Caribbean, then the annual Vegan Vacations at Sea cruise could be for you. This seven-day cruise on Holland America Line's ms Waterdam departs from Seattle and makes stops at several picturesque cities, including Victoria, Juneau and Ketchikan. The cruise includes live cooking demos from top celebrity vegan chefs, as well as private day trips, parties and vegan goody bags. With three pools, a range of boutique shops, a fitness center and a sumptuous spa, there is plenty to do on board when you are not dining on delicious vegan food or taking a cooking class.

Take your pick from ocean view staterooms or deluxe veranda rooms, both of which are packed full of modern amenities so that you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay.

Raw Food Cruise

For a more intimate setting, the Raw Food Cruise offers seven-day cruises on two luxury boats: the M/S President and the M/S prestige. The boats depart from Split and travel down the breathtaking Croatian coastline, making stops at postcard-perfect destinations such as Bol, Hvar and Dubrovnik.

All food served on board is 100% vegan and raw, which means that it has not been cooked above 42 degrees so that precious enzymes, vitamins and minerals are preserved. All ingredients used are locally sourced from organic farms in Croatia, and prepared by two raw food chefs. In addition to a selection of tasty and nutritious raw breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, the program also includes holistic well-being courses, a stress relief technique workshop, a 30-minute massage and guided excursions. There are three cabin types to choose from: below deck cabins, main deck cabins and VIP cabins. Early-bird discounts are also available.

Ama Waterways

Ama Waterways is a large cruise ship company that offers luxury trips in Europe, Africa, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. One of their most popular cruises is a 16-day trip along the Mekong River in Vietnam. This prestigious cruise company has developed a full menu for vegan passengers, and the on-board chefs have been trained to accommodate a range of additional dietary requirements. While this cruise liner doesn't offer gourmet veggie cuisine, cooking classes or holistic programs like the specialty cruises listed above, Ama Waterways is a good cruise company to book with if you are traveling with family members or partners who want meat options.

All Ama Waterways boats contain luxury facilities, including swimming pools, entertainment areas, spas and fitness centers.

Victoria Cruises

Victoria Cruises run a fleet of seven mid-sized liners that sail along the Yangtze River in China. They go one step further to accommodate vegans by scheduling a private meeting at embarkation to discuss and understand personal food requirements. They will then tailor-make meal plans according to your tastes and preferences. Thoughtful touches like readily available soy and plant milk, as well as Asian and European buffet stations suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike, help make this a great option for those on a plant-based diet.

A selection of cabins are available, including standard, super and executive cabins, as well as spacious shangri-la suites.

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