Sailing Towards Sustainability: Cruise Lines Set Sail on a Plant-Based Journey
Written by: Hannah Lopez
In recent years, the cruise line industry has been navigating towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. As part of this commitment, cruise companies are now setting their sights on expanding and enhancing their plant-based offerings to cater to the growing demand for sustainable and healthy dining options. In 2023, Princess Cruise Line, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Carnival Cruises introduced plant-based menus. In an interview with VegNews, Richard Morse, Carnival Cruise Line’s Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage, shared that the new menus were “in response to rising consumer demand for more meat- and dairy-free options.”
Cruise-goers are increasingly seeking healthier and environmentally conscious dining choices, prompting cruise lines to rethink their culinary offerings. With a surge in the popularity of plant-based diets, passengers are now looking for more than just the traditional cruise fare. This shift in consumer preferences has prompted cruise lines to explore and expand their plant-based menus, offering a diverse range of delicious and nutritious options.
As part of our work to advance plant-based offerings in food service, PBFA is actively involved with the upcoming Food and Beverage (F&B) @ Sea show in Miami to play a pivotal role in raising awareness and providing valuable insights to inform the cruise industry about the myriad benefits of plant-based foods and offerings from our member companies.
Connect with PBFA at F&B@Sea
A projected 36 million people will take cruises in 2024, and responsible food sourcing is top of mind for the industry. According to the 2023 F&B@Sea Trends Report, plant-based meats are a top trend for food sustainability along with local culinary options. Given F&B@Sea’s focus on the potential for plant-based foods, PBFA’s participation in this event signifies a collaborative effort towards a sustainable culinary future at sea.
PBFA's involvement brings attention to the exciting developments in plant-based cuisine, encouraging cruise companies to explore creative and delectable alternatives to traditional meat-based dishes. We are involved in facilitating discussions, conducting workshops, and sharing insights into the ever-growing demand for plant-based options.
Our presence at the F&B@Sea show underscores the importance of aligning cruise ship dining with evolving consumer preferences and foods that have a lower impact on the planet. PBFA will be presenting the Wellbeing Pioneer award that recognizes a company that surpasses traditional offerings by delivering inventive products or services aimed at improving the health and well-being of cruise passengers. The recipient prioritizes health-conscious practices, offers outstanding value, and contributes positively to the overall wellness experience. Companies do not need to be exhibiting to be nominated and can submit entries here.
We will also be presenting a keynote presentation to kick off a Conscious Trend Foodservice Workshop on day two of the event (April 11th).The keynote will highlight the importance of conscious trends and how the cruise line industry can implement new menu offerings to meet the unmet needs of their guests. The workshop invites companies to connect with seasoned industry professionals that will provide insights and strategies on how best to break into or scale businesses within the cruise line industry.
Plant-Based Opportunities to Meet Sustainability Goals
Cruise lines are actively working towards reducing their environmental footprint, and incorporating plant-based menus is a significant step in that direction. By adopting eco-friendly practices in the galley and sourcing locally produced, plant-based ingredients, cruise companies are making strides towards a more sustainable and responsible industry.
The cruise line industry's commitment to expanding plant-based offerings is a commendable step towards a more inclusive future as consumers increasingly look for delicious variety. As cruise lines set sail on this plant-based journey, passengers can look forward to a culinary experience that not only delights their taste buds but also aligns with their values for a healthier planet.
If you have any further questions about how you can connect with PBFA at F&B@Sea, feel free to reach out to me at hannah@plantbasedfoods.org! Additionally, use promo code PBFA10 to activate a 10% discount on all F&B@Sea pass types. Click here to register.