Vegging Out

As plant-based diets grow in popularity, cruise lines are committing to the trend.

- Chrissie McClatchie

IN FEBRUARY 2025, Windstar Cruises' Star Breeze set off on a seven-night sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, bound for five islands in French Polynesia, including Bora-Bora and Raiatea. The dreamy route is a specialty for the small-ship cruise line, but there was something different about this particular voyage: every meal served on the ship was vegetarian.

The unique itinerary, which Windstar developed in conjunction with the National Health Association, an Ohio nonprofit that champions the benefits of a plant-based diet, was a sold-out hit. In addition to the onboard cuisine, shore excursions, like a visit to a vanilla plantation on Taha'a, were also on theme.