🕒 Updated: February 25, 2025 | Published: November 8, 2024 | Written by: Joenid
This post shares my experience with Virgin Voyages vegan and some gluten-free options. I love visiting new places, and typically, I find healthy options to eat while traveling. But cruising 🚢 is a challenge in that department.
For years, I avoided cruising due to the limited meal choices. However, two years ago, my husband and I decided to try Virgin Voyages, and I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free meals. It’s now our favorite cruise line!
My insights come from four sailings on the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady ships from 2022 to 2024.
Disclaimer: I am vegan and gluten-free by preference. This information reflects my personal experience and is not intended as dietary advice. I also mentioned some non-gluten-free options that my husband enjoyed, so always confirm the ingredients with crew members.
*This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions. It is not sponsored or paid for by any company.
Why Choose a Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship for Vegan and Gluten-Free Travelers?
We chose to sail with Virgin Voyages mostly because of their reputation for having menus created by Michelin-starred 👨🍳 chefs (Virgin Voyages Dining). Unlike a typical cruise, there is no traditional buffet or fixed dining times.
From the first few minutes of boarding, we were pleased with the welcoming boarding process, cabin space, entertainment, Wi-Fi options, and more.
Dietary Accommodation Research: You must be aware that Virgin Voyages is not an allergen-free environment. While I don’t have gluten allergies, I’m allergic to shellfish and always inform the server to prevent cross-contamination. Even when you forget, the crew members consistently ask if anyone has food allergies or dietary restrictions before taking your order.
On your first restaurant visit, the crew member records your dietary restrictions in your sailor profile, and every subsequent visit starts with a confirmation. I feel crew members care seriously about dietary needs, which gives me peace of mind to enjoy my trip.
Tip: To ensure Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free options are available for me, I usually email them in advance with my reservation number and sailing dates.
Virgin Voyages Vegan And Gluten-Free Food Options On The Cruise.
The Virgin Voyages vegan options cruise goes beyond a basic salad. In my opinion, the Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free options feel more like an elevated food experience.
Both Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady include the same restaurants. However, some of the Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free options varied a little bit per cruise ship. I included below what we found on our four trips from 2022 to 2024.
So what can you find? You’ll find 20+ delicious eateries, including six restaurants that don’t require reservations. However, I recommend reserving a table to avoid conflicts with night shows and long wait times. Restaurant reservations typically start at 5:45 pm and run until 10:00 pm.
Tip: Always track your Virgin Voyage App because dining reservations open 45 days before departure (60 days before for 🎸Mega RockStar and RockStar Quarters).
The food quality and presentation are mind-blowing, and it feels like every meal is part of a fine-dining experience. The best part is that dining food is included with your booking fee with no additional charges like on other cruises.
Main Dinner (Reservation Suggested)
Extra Virgin
Extra Virgin is the cozy, romantic Italian dining restaurant on board. On my first Virgin Voyages cruise, I couldn’t eat anything due to a lack of vegan and gluten-free options, as their pasta contained eggs back in 2022.
However, on subsequent trips, their menu has improved substantially, and we have been able to eat the most delicious Italian vegan and some gluten-free dishes.
Ribollita is a delicious canelli bean with escarole salsa verde soup. The Ribollita is listed as vegetarian on the menu. Ask to remove cheese (for vegan) and skip the bread (for a gluten-free version).
Penne pasta (gluten-free) with marinara sauce and you have the option for half or full portions. I ordered half portions because I wanted to try several dishes. Eggplant parmigiana with vegan mozzarella cheese (listed vegan and gluten-free on the menu).
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake (not gluten-free), which my husband loved. Sorbetii on the menu is marked vegetarian, but the crew member confirmed it is vegan. So, always ask about the ingredients to be on the safe side. I tried the raspberry rose flavor, and it was delicious. Next time, I will try the mango lime!
Extra Virgin has an Affogato cart where they prepare your gelato with different toppings, including espresso. Sadly, there’s no vegan gelato, which I wish they had because it looked fun to watch the server prepare desserts.
Gunbae
Gunbae is the vibrant Korean BBQ experience on board and the most social restaurant. The dining experience breaks the ice with a Korean drinking game with a complimentary shot of soju. But don’t worry because they have Granberry shots for non-drinkers.
This is the only dining experience where you might share your table with other sailors, and it’s a good time to meet new people. You will be seated at a rounded table with a grill in the center where the food will be cooked. Don’t worry about smells because each table contains a designated ventilation system that does an excellent job.
Initially, I was hesitant due to my shellfish allergies and vegan and gluten-free lifestyle, but the crew members did an excellent job showing me my options.
Gunbae has the grill experience, but they also offer a separate menu. For the grill option, they started by cooking my vegetables and mushrooms to avoid cross-contamination.
I need to advise you that if you share a table with non-vegan sailors, they will start cooking meat in front of you. That is my only complaint about this restaurant because when you make the reservation, there is no way to ask about being seated with non-meat eaters. Other than that, the vegan and gluten-free options they have are delicious.
From the menu, you’ll find Bugak, a delicious nori rice crisp, and it’s vegan and gluten-free! Bindae-tteok is a kimchi and mung pancake. This one comes with soy sauce, but the crew member can provide gluten-free soy sauce. This one was my least favorite because I found them too greasy. However, my husband loved them.
Japchae is stir-fried vegetable noodles, and Bibimpap is vegetable rice; both are gluten-free and vegan versions (ask for no egg).
Miyeok muchim is a seaweed salad with cucumber and mushroom. The salad dressing has the secret (it’s vegan and gluten-free). Gunbae has several desserts on its menu. Sadly, I didn’t spot any vegan and gluten-free options.
Pink Agave
Pink Agave is the Mexican dining experience on board. The decoration of this restaurant is outstanding. Starting from the stunning entryway 💡 lighting tunnel designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio.
Followed by the intimate dining area perfectly illuminated to enjoy every vegan and gluten-free dish. I find Pink Agave interior design one of my top favorites.
On my first trip, the Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free options of this restaurant were my top choice. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still one of my top favorites, but I have experienced improvements in their other restaurants. My top favorites are Pink Agave, Extra Virgin, and The Test Kitchen.
Guacamole is vegan and gluten-free. The flavor is exquisite and difficult to stop eating. Chayote Yucateco is vegan and gluten-free and Chorizo Potatoes (ask no chorizo for vegan version).
Relleno Vegano is vegan and gluten-free. It’s a poblano pepper stuffed with a russet potato and roasted corn. The spice level can vary, so it’s a bit of a gamble! I found the spicier option tolerable and highly recommend it.
Tamal de Chocolate (dessert) is vegan and gluten-free. This dessert is interesting; the tamal is made of corn and chocolate. The tamal itself is not sweet, but the mix of fruits on top of the tamal adds a perfect sweet twist.
The Test Kitchen
The Test Kitchen is a six-course experience (plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours). It has this cool entrance with decorations on the walls and ceiling that show a chef’s periodic table. The whole vibe instantly takes me back to my chemistry lab classes!
You don’t get to choose what you eat because the courses are presented as ingredient lists. However, don’t be afraid to try the experience because they have a course option for non-meat eaters.
If you want to enjoy the experience, you must be open-minded. Trust the crew members; as long as you give them your food restrictions, they will accommodate you.
The first course is the best Gazpacho I’ve ever had. It’s vegan, and it comes with bread for dipping. While the bread isn’t gluten-free, they do offer a gluten-free option. On my last trip, the crew member even brought out the bread package to show me the ingredients were safe, which I honestly appreciated!
Most of their food products are sourced from Europe and are high quality. The extra care they took to comfort me about what I was eating went beyond my expectations.
The second course comes under a crystal dome with smoke, and once it’s removed, it reveals a curious course of peas with olive oil “caviar” and kale drops (vegan and gluten-free).
The third course is an incredible asparagus panna cotta with charcoal mushrooms and nuts (vegan and gluten-free). The fourth course was a vegetable tart (vegan and gluten-free). I did not love the tart crust, but the vegetables were delicious.
The fifth course is mandarin sorbet (vegan and gluten-free), which is interestingly served in orange peel🍊. The sixth course is a vegan and gluten-free cheesecake, coconut, and strawberry.
The Wake
The Wake is primarily a steakhouse and seafood restaurant experience. The restaurant decoration is the most elegant on board. The restaurant is located in the AFT area of the Virgin Voyages cruise, and you access it via a beautiful staircase.
They have vegan and gluten-free options for dinner, which are very delicious. The main is “egg” in a hole, and the dessert is coconut “panna cotta.” However, my only constructive critique is to expand their vegan and gluten-free dinner menu because these dishes are the same dishes available at brunch.
Razzle Dazzle
Razzle Dazzle has a casual restaurant vibe, and its focus is on vegan and vegetarian dishes. Also, they have “naughty” dishes for meat-eaters. Unfortunately, I did not find too many vegan and gluten-free options.
The restaurant is set to upgrade in December 2024 on one of the ships (Scarlet Lady). The new experience, named Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, will include a Chinese-inspired culinary concept in its menu (Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Upgrades).
All dishes below represent the vegan and gluten-free options on Razzle Dazzle.
Fried green tomatoes and okra with a fresh herb sauce (it’s vegan but NOT gluten-free). King trumpet carpaccio is a crispy leek, pickled beech mushroom, watercress salad, and herb salsa. Surprisingly flavorful and both vegan and gluten-free.
Smoked carrots (ask for vegan and gluten-free versions). Nashville hot cauliflower (it’s vegan but NOT gluten-free) is my husband’s favorite.
I did not eat any dessert because the Razzle Dazzle dinner menu doesn’t have vegan and gluten-free options. In the summer of 2025, I will sail the Mediterranean with the Scarlet Lady cruise, and I hope Razzle Dazzle includes dessert options for me after its upgrade.
Brunch (Reservation Suggested)
On my first cruise, I learned about the brunch options only on the last day, so I only got to try one! But on my next trips, I made the most of both. Most people don’t realize two brunch spots are onboard, so here’s what you can expect🍽️.
The Wake (Brunch)
The Wake has a brunch option that typically starts at 8:00 am and goes to 1:00 pm. On disembarkation days, it usually opens early, from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. The vegan and gluten-free brunch options mirror the dinner menu.
The main dish is “egg” in a hole, which is a crispy polenta with a delicious stuffed blend of roasted bell pepper, spinach, and a vegan crème fraiche. This plate is a hit or miss. On some occasions, I have found the crispy polenta tasteless. On the last trip, we found the crispy polenta texture and flavor perfect (my husband loves it).
The dessert is coconut “panna cotta” the best part of the dining experience. Unfortunately, there are no other vegan and gluten-free options at The Wake. That’s why we only go for either brunch or dinner on the same trip.
Razzle Dazzle (Brunch)
Razzle Dazzle is the second restaurant with brunch options, and since it is primarily vegan and vegetarian, you will find several delicious options. In my opinion, it is more than their dinner menu. They typically start at 8:00 am and finish at 1:00 pm. On disembarkation days, it usually opens early, from 6:30 am to 9:30 am.
Avocado toast with delicious sriracha, watermelon radish, finger lime, and toasted seeds. It is vegan and can be ordered with gluten-free bread. Mushroom “tartare” is my favorite starter plate, and it’s vegan. It comes with a house-made crostini (I request a gluten-free toast instead of the crostini).
Acai Bowl is marked vegetarian on the menu, but the crew member told us it’s vegan. Always ask because ingredients might change. Razzle dazzle breakfast to make it vegan, just ask to skip the egg (I ask for a gluten-free toast).
They also have vegan and gluten-free side options: banana muffins, sliced fruit, and fries. For dessert, don’t miss the blueberry green tea cheesecake with a pistachio crust. This delicious dessert is vegan and gluten-free.
Virgin Voyages Vegan Casual Eatery
The Galley
The Galley is the improved version of a buffet experience on a regular cruise line. However, there is no buffet per se. The experience is like visiting your favorite food shop, but each with a different concept.
The best part is that most dishes are prepared on the spot. You can either order at their food shop or sit down at a table and raise a red flag 🚩on their menu, and a crew member will take your order.
The Galley hours of operation vary (check out the Virgin Voyages app). You’ll find breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks (Dinner & Dash only).
Food shops you’ll find at The Galley?
- Let’s Taco Bout 🌮 offers breakfast and lunch, but I didn’t find a vegan and gluten-free option. If gluten isn’t an issue, try the fried avocado taco (vegan version) for lunch.
- Bento Baby 🍱 has a tropical bento box for breakfast (a refreshing mix of fruits). Sushi bento box of cucumber avocado rolls (lunch and dinner). On Sea Day you find different special dishes. My husband ate tofu teriyaki (vegan but not gluten-free).
Tip: Ask the crew member for the gluten-free soy sauce (tamari).
- In The Daily Mix 🥗, you can find different greens, grains, and dressings to customize vegan salads.
Tip: you can find gluten-free toast during breakfast time.
- The Sweet Side 🍰 is the perfect spot to get fruits and desserts. The portions and dessert presentation are perfect. But I wished they had more vegan and gluten-free dessert options.
Overnight oat is available during breakfast. Check with a crew member for a Virgin Voyages vegan option, like almond milk, but it’s NOT labeled gluten-free. Mango chia pudding, check for a vegan version (almond milk), and it’s gluten-free. Don’t miss the Acai panna cotta and ginger chocolate berries, which are perfectly delicious, and both are vegan and gluten-free.
- Noodle Around 🍜 is available during breakfast and lunchtime. They have a miso udon, which is vegan (for a gluten-free version, ask without udon noodles).
- The Burger Bar 🍔 is open at breakfast, lunch, and dinner time. The only vegan option is the Impossible Burger with vegan cheese (you can ask for gluten-free bread). They also have a side of fries, but they are not labeled gluten-free.
- Dinner Dash is an all-day breakfast with hashbrowns, vegan sausage, and roasted tomatoes. I wish there were scrambled tofu or just “egg”.
Tip: On sea day (only), The Galley offers a special menu. I tried Vegetable Briam (with vegan cheese and gluten-free bread). Always ask the crew member for the special since it varies per sea day.
Sun Club Cafe
Sun Club Café is an outdoor eatery located on Deck 16 and is open just a few hours (typically from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm). Unfortunately, I haven’t tried this place because I don’t find vegan and gluten-free options.
The Social Club Diner
The Social Club Diner is my go-to for popcorn 🍿 and a vegan hot dog with vegan spicy mayo (I ask for no bread for a gluten-free version). They also have pretzels and sweet snacks, but none are vegan and gluten-free. It’s one of the few eateries open late (from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am).
The Pizza Place
The Pizza Place is the best pizza on a cruise ship, with vegan and gluten-free crust options (my opinion!). The best part is that you can explore the ship while waiting for your order. They will give you a portable buzzer that vibrates when your pizza is ready.
If you want to enjoy the pizza in your cabin, ask for to-go boxes. They’ve improved a lot since 2022. They used to close early but are now open from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am—perfect after nighttime parties.
Tips: The vegan pizza comes with vegan cheese, black pepper, and arugula but you can ask to add more toppings. Available vegan and gluten-free toppings are onion 🧅, roasted garlic 🧄, oregano 🌿, tomatoes 🍅, and olives 🫒.
Their service is beyond any other cruise experience. I remember one trip they didn’t have a gluten-free crust ready. Then the chef came to me to apologize and made a gluten-free crust from scratch. It was worth the wait for the best pizza ever!
The Dock House
The Dock House is a cozy Mediterranean vibe spot (located at AFT Deck 7). They have an open-fire grill menu, but there aren’t vegan and gluten-free options. However, they have a “from our mezze cart” menu with some delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
Black baba ganoush, cauliflower couscous, and falafel are incredibly delicious (All are vegan and gluten-free). Chocolate hummus with pretzel crisps and strawberries (vegan and for a gluten-free version, ask for no pretzel crisps).
During my October 2024 sailing on the Valiant Lady, they had an “opa hour” (from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm). They have Kleo Patra cocktails 🍸 and bites (I didn’t see any vegan and gluten-free food options).
DON’T FORGET TO READ:
Grab And Go
The Galley, The Dock House, and The Pizza Place are spots where you can find Virgin Voyages vegan grab-and-go snack options. The food is conveniently stored in a reusable ♻️ container you can grab and store in your cabin fridge to eat later.
The Galley is the only place where you can find snacks most of the time. The Dock House location removes the go snacks early. The one located at The Pizza Place is available while they are serving pizza.
During the morning, you can find bananas, apples, delicious date power bars, and overnight oats (with almond milk).
I love it because you can find a few healthy options for the rest of the day. Especially if you want to eat something light instead of a vegan burger or a pizza late at night.
Lick Me Till Ice Cream
Lick Me Till Ice Cream🍦 is the improved version of a typical “self-serve soft-serve machine” on any other cruise ship. But on Virgin Voyages cruises, they will serve your ice cream.
They have rotating vegan and gluten-free flavors daily (typically one or two flavors), along with vegan cones (not gluten-free; grab a cup instead).
Ship Eats (Room Service)
Ship Eats is the 24-hour room service option you can order from the Virgin Voyages app, with a $10 fee that can be waived if you order items totaling $10 or more.
I haven’t tried it yet since I can’t change milk options in the VV app, but they do offer some vegan and gluten-free choices.
Virgin Voyages Vegan Options At Bimini Beach Club
Virgin Voyages has a fantastic private Beach Club at Bimini, and the pool party is my favorite activity. Typically, you’ll stop here when sailing from the Miami cruise port.
The best part? The food at the Beach Club is complimentary, so you don’t have to stress about meals after getting off the ship. I always find delicious vegan and gluten-free options that are refreshing and healthy.
- Crispy cassava with spicy mango mustard.
- Grilled corn on the cob (for vegan, ask no mayo).
- Tropical fruit salad with lemongrass, cardamon, and ginger.
- Caribbean rice and black beans with pepper sofrito.
Overall Opinion Of The Virgin Voyages Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
Food is a key factor for me when booking vacations. The Virgin Voyages vegan and gluten-free options, service, and attention to dietary needs have all been exceptional.
I’ve never gone hungry, with snacks and meals available throughout the ship—even in my cabin! I’ve had no negative experiences, which is why I’m sailing with Virgin Voyages 🚢 again next year.
Just remember to inform the crew about your dietary restrictions, both before and during your trip, and don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients. You’ll be able to enjoy high-quality cuisine while you sail.
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