Before we get to the Carnival vegan menus, I present to you my three favorite vegan jokes (I promise they won’t be cheesy), to dispel the myth that vegans have no sense of humor:
Joke 1: Did you hear about the vegan devil worshipper? He sold his soul to seitan!
Joke 2: What does a vegan zombie eat? GRAAIIIIIIIIIIIINS.
Joke 3: I met this woman today who said she recognized me from a vegan group… But I’d never met herbivore.
Did you laugh? Admit it, you laughed! Anyway, onto the vegan menus.
SKIP DIRECTLY TO THE NIGHTLY VEGAN MENUS
While Carnival hasn’t traditionally been perceived as a particularly vegetarian or vegan friendly line (although as a vegetarian who shuns salad, I’ve still managed at least 5 lbs of weight gain on every one of my many Carnival sailings), they are stepping up their game with all new vegan menus. And I, for one, can’t wait to try them! And I can’t wait to see how many wives of red-blooded, meat eating husbands discreetly whisper to their waiter “he’d like to order from the vegan menu” as a prank.
Here’s what Carnival had to say about the new vegan menus in a September 18, 2023 press release:
Building on a fleetwide initiative to add even more options for guests in its dining rooms, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing new vegan menus, that have just been added onboard Carnival Freedom in Port Canaveral, Fla. and Carnival Horizon at PortMiami. Going forward, the new vegan menus will be implemented fleetwide in a phased approach through the end of year.
At each meal in the ships’ dining rooms, the new vegan menus will offer a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts that are entirely vegan. Carnival chefs created recipes for each menu item to be prepared without the use of animal products, and the proteins included are made from meat substitutes.
Plant-based food options are a rising preference on our ships just as they are on land, and so the new dishes we’re introducing are a direct response to that shift,” said Richard Morse, senior vice president of food and beverage at Carnival Cruise Line. “Our skilled chefs work to accommodate all dietary needs and preferences but building on our vegan offerings and emphasizing them with specific menus will help to make ordering easier in the dining room and preparation more efficient in the galley.
(Keep reading for the full slate of new vegan menus)
Here’s a sampling of some of the new vegan offerings on Carnival cruises:
Hawaiian Salmon Poke – a refreshing starter that combines plant-based salmon, edamame, mango and cucumber.
Stuffed Mushrooms – four fried mushrooms, stuffed with delicious plant-based cheeses and spinach.
Spaghetti Carbonara – a flavorful pasta with vegan bacon, onion and garlic, this dish can be ordered as a starter or entrée.
Grilled Tofu Steak – a savory tofu steak covered in honey barbecue sauce, accompanied by a Hasselback potato and mixed vegetables.
Baked Vegetable Au Gratin – a medley of mixed vegetables, combined with vol-au-vent and sprinkled with melted plant-based cheeses.
Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana – a tasty entrée, covered in savory vegan mozzarella, topped with pesto and basil leaves.
Key Lime Velvet Cake – a fruity spin on the classic key lime pie, this cake combines flavors of citrus with raspberry and strawberry.
Dutch Double Chocolate Pave – with alternating layers of cake and buttercream frosting, this dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Cappuccino Pot de Créme – a treat with coffee flavors, surrounding cinnamon crème chantilly.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “shrimp,” “cheese,” and “cream” are used in the menu items below.
*Note: This is the first elegant night menu. All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “shrimp,” “parmesan cream,” and “blue cheese dressing” are used in the menu items below.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “chicken tenders,” “beef ragout,” “feta,” “fried fish,” and “mozzarella” are used in the menu items below.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “salmon,” “bacon,” “parmesan,” “cream,” “shrimp,” and “chicken” are used in the menu items below.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “ham,” “cheese,” “parmesan,” “feta,” “crema fresca,” “chicken,” and “shrimp” are used in the menu items below.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “shrimp,” “meatballs,” “cheddar,” “chicken,” “cheese sauce,” and “parmesan cheese” are used in the menu items below.
*Note: This is the second elegant night menu. On a 7 night cruise, it will be served on night 6 (and the menu for night 6 will be served on night 7). These menus are ordered for an 8 night cruise. All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “shrimp,” “blue cheese,” “chicken,” “3 cheese crust,” “sweet cream,” and “custard” are used in the menu items below.
All items are 100% plant-based. Plant-based “shrimp,” “hamburger,” “cream,” and “whipped cream” are used in the menu items below.
I leave you with one final joke, this one about vegans AND cruising:
What vegetable does the vegan captain never allow on her boat? LEEKS!
And with that…
Class Dismissed.
Homework (10 points): Share your reaction to these new Carnival vegan menu options to the comments.
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