 view from our suite In June 2015, my husband and I visited Secrets Silversands for three nights before relocating north to Cancun for four nights at the luxurious and sophisticated Secrets the Vine. I had visited the resort in 2013 for on-site travel agent training in honeymoons and destination weddings, and had been anxious to return on vacation for quite some time. A complete review of our stay here will be posted to the "my travels" section of the website, but for now, here is a look at my vegan food consumption. Similar to the other Secrets resorts properties, Secrets the Vine offers a variety of dining venue options featuring cuisines from around the world: - Barefoot Grill (sandwiches and simple sides) - Bluewater Grill (grilled specialties) - Dragons Oriental Dining (Far East Cuisine) - Market Café (buffet for breakfast and lunch, Mexican restaurant at dinner) - Nebbiolo (Italian) - Olio (Mediterranean) - Sea Salt Grill (grilled items, seafood) - The Vine Bazaar (coffee, pastries, small sandwiches, fresh fruit) Breakfast at the resort was a similar experience to other all-inclusives I have visited: the vegan options readily available included cereal (request soy milk from your server), toast with jam and peanut butter, a wide array of fresh fruit, and many freshly prepared juices. I am always fine sticking with the basics, but ultimately fell in love with my creative buffet concoction of steamed rice, soy milk, dried fruit, granola, and fresh fruit on the side. It was filling and delicious - the perfect combination to fuel me for a day of turning pages in my book while enjoying a sea breeze. (Yes, we were rather lazy on this vacation.)  Lunch in the buffet was suitable for vegans, and the staff was willing to make special preparations if necessary. I absolutely loved the salad bar at this resort with its assorted vegetable and fruit Carpaccio and many flavored oils and vinegars. Items on the buffet were labeled with their main ingredients, and each day many single-serve specialty salads were available for sampling. Sautéed veggies and pasta can be requested from the made-to-order station in addition to the premade foods available.
Dinner options were plentiful, and we chose to dine at the following restaurants during our four-night stay: Dragons (twice), Mexican, and Nebbiolo. The quality and presentation of the meals were remarkable, and I dare say these dinners might be the best I have experienced at a resort in Mexico. Dragons Oriental Dining - Far East Cuisine |
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Pictured above: vegetable spring rolls, green papaya salad, vegetable sushi, green curry tofu served with steamed white rice, tofu and noodles with vegetables and peanut sauce
Nebbiolo - Italian
I was able to order directly from the menu with simple modifications made to a couple of dishes.
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Pictured above: flatbread pizza appetizer adapted to be made without cheese or butter, pasta with arrabiata sauce
Not pictured: The restaurant features a self-serve antipasta and salad bar that was incredible - I made myself a nice salad with various olives, vegetables, and flavored oil and vinegar alongside freshly baked bread.
Not pictured: The restaurant features a self-serve antipasta and salad bar that was incredible - I made myself a nice salad with various olives, vegetables, and flavored oil and vinegar alongside freshly baked bread.
Market Café - Mexican
I was brought a vegetarian menu that I easily adapted to remove the dairy products.
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Pictured above: hominy and radish salad (which arrived looking quite different than described on the menu), vegetarian enchiladas with both red and green sauce because I couldn't decide
My husband (a part-time vegan) and I were both thoroughly impressed with the quality and presentation of our meals at each restaurant we tried. Upon visiting our restaurant for the evening, we were asked about dietary restrictions or allergies before being seated, so I always had a nice segue into mentioning my vegan diet. The servers passed any questions we had along to the chefs, and I felt confident about the food I was eating because of this. Secrets Resorts, among their many fantastic qualities, really shine as a resort brand that is friendly for vegans.
If you are a vegan who visited a Secrets resort, please contact me to let me know about your dining experiences - I always enjoy hearing from fellow travelers! If you are thinking of planning an upcoming vacation, let me assist you with your travel arrangements!
If you are a vegan who visited a Secrets resort, please contact me to let me know about your dining experiences - I always enjoy hearing from fellow travelers! If you are thinking of planning an upcoming vacation, let me assist you with your travel arrangements!
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For those of you keeping tabs on my vegan-friendly mainstream vacations, you have probably already read and thoroughly enjoyed my previous blog post describing my dining experiences at Secrets Silversands in May 2014. For the rest of you, click here for Round 1.
Eating delicious vegan food has become one of my favorite pastimes while visiting the lovely Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The friendly and accommodating staff always ensures I have meals at both the buffet (breakfast and lunch) and a la carte restaurants (dinner), so I never worry about finding plant-powered options.
Breakfast: Breakfast in the World Café does not feature an incredible variety of foods suitable for vegans, but there are certainly items available for a filling and nutritious breakfast. I generally ate toast with peanut butter and jam (or both if I was gettin' crazy), cereal with soy milk (ask for it because it is not with the dairy milks) and large plates of fruit. Vegetarian beans, salsa, and guacamole over toast makes for a nice meal, or you can take advantage of the made-to-order smoothie bar which offers approximately 25 varying fruits and vegetables to be blended with juice or soy milk. The staff offered to prepare something special for me each morning, but I was quite content with my basic breakfasts.
Breakfast: Breakfast in the World Café does not feature an incredible variety of foods suitable for vegans, but there are certainly items available for a filling and nutritious breakfast. I generally ate toast with peanut butter and jam (or both if I was gettin' crazy), cereal with soy milk (ask for it because it is not with the dairy milks) and large plates of fruit. Vegetarian beans, salsa, and guacamole over toast makes for a nice meal, or you can take advantage of the made-to-order smoothie bar which offers approximately 25 varying fruits and vegetables to be blended with juice or soy milk. The staff offered to prepare something special for me each morning, but I was quite content with my basic breakfasts.
 fresh fruit is always available in the buffet |  fruit and veggie options for the smoothie bar |
Lunch: Lunch in the World Café is easier, with many more dishes readily available along the buffet line and various prep stations. Several of the grilled vegetable sides were prepared without butter (consult the staff to find out which ones are okay to eat) so on our first day I dished up a generous portion of rice (oil only I was told, vegetarian-friendly as well) partnered with just about each veggie side I could eat. On the second day, the chef offered to create something special just for me, so I decided to accept and enjoy whatever came through the kitchen doors. I was presented with an incredibly tasty bean and vegetable burrito accompanied by roasted corn and steamed broccoli and cauliflower. I jazzed it up with some pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce and proceeded to die over each bite. Even my omni husband was jealous of my lunch - he loved the single taste I was willing to share. I enjoyed this dish so much I requested the same meal for our final afternoon at the resort.
The salad bar is well-stocked, and even the creatively-challenged vegan can design a gigantic salad masterpiece for lunch. Go for the balsamic, and add a splash of olive oil if you are into that sort of thing. The pasta bar should also be safe, but make sure to specify that the chef does not add butter to your dish and double check to make sure the noodles are egg-free. A plain tomato sauce and several vegetables make a this a complete veggie entrée.
The salad bar is well-stocked, and even the creatively-challenged vegan can design a gigantic salad masterpiece for lunch. Go for the balsamic, and add a splash of olive oil if you are into that sort of thing. The pasta bar should also be safe, but make sure to specify that the chef does not add butter to your dish and double check to make sure the noodles are egg-free. A plain tomato sauce and several vegetables make a this a complete veggie entrée.
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Dinner: Go get cleaned up and men, put on your closed-toe shoes, because it is time to feast at one of the imaginative and delicious restaurants of Secrets Silversands. With no reservations necessary and generally very short wait times (if any), dining at Secrets Resorts couldn't be easier. Options at Silversands include Portofino (Italian), Ratatouille (Mediterranean), Himitsu (Pan-Asian), El Patio (Mexican), Bordeaux (French), Oceana (seafood), and Seaside Grill (seafood and grilled favorites) so there is truly a cuisine for everyone. We only had three nights at Secrets Silversands (we relocated to Secrets the Vine for four nights afterwards), so we chose to dine at Ratatouille, Portofino, and El Patio. My husband is courteous in that he tries to stick to places that will more easily cater to my vegan needs, although I am confident that each restaurant, regardless of theme, would gladly accommodate.
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Ratatouille
~ Salad featuring various olives and vegetables, vinaigrette, and a truffle sorbet that my taste buds couldn't quite get on board with
~ Simple, yet extremely flavorful entrée of vegetables prepared in a tomato sauce (one of the best sauces I have ever tasted)
~ Salad featuring various olives and vegetables, vinaigrette, and a truffle sorbet that my taste buds couldn't quite get on board with
~ Simple, yet extremely flavorful entrée of vegetables prepared in a tomato sauce (one of the best sauces I have ever tasted)
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Portofino
- Salad, in a deconstructed sort of presentation, with half an avocado covering a small heaping of bruchetta - my only complaint was that it was difficult to eat on such a narrow plate
- Stuffed mushrooms with assorted mushrooms and vegetables with baked bread crumbs on top, grilled endive, and a white beans and greens side
- Salad, in a deconstructed sort of presentation, with half an avocado covering a small heaping of bruchetta - my only complaint was that it was difficult to eat on such a narrow plate
- Stuffed mushrooms with assorted mushrooms and vegetables with baked bread crumbs on top, grilled endive, and a white beans and greens side
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El Patio (was able to order directly from menu with just a couple of dairy-removals!)
- Salad with crispy vegetables that was almost too pretty to eat (almost)
- Plain steamed rice to accompany my entrée, served with my beloved pickled Yucatecan onions
- Vegetable mocajetes (omit cheese) served with tortillas to make little tacos
- Assorted sorbet flavors with fruit (I was stuffed, but the chef really wanted me to have dessert)
- Salad with crispy vegetables that was almost too pretty to eat (almost)
- Plain steamed rice to accompany my entrée, served with my beloved pickled Yucatecan onions
- Vegetable mocajetes (omit cheese) served with tortillas to make little tacos
- Assorted sorbet flavors with fruit (I was stuffed, but the chef really wanted me to have dessert)
The Sugar Reef has snacks and burgers available during the day near the pool area, and while most of the items are not vegan-friendly, there are chips with salsa and guacamole, French fries, and carrots and celery.
CoCo Café in the main building has soy milk so you can enjoy coffee beverages.
Secrets Silversands continues to be one of our favorite adult-only, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the quality and presentation of the food exceeds many of the other resorts we have visited. Knowing that I will be able to eat wonderful meals away from home makes the vacation even more enjoyable, and I thank the attentive staff for their help. A special thank you to: Chef Enrique, Chef Jesus, Pamela, Miriam, Elena, Enya, Edith, Renan, Mauricio, Juan, and Victor. Pamela especially looked out for me in the World Café, so if you are visiting the resort, be sure to say hello! She is so kind and helpful, and we really appreciated her service.
CoCo Café in the main building has soy milk so you can enjoy coffee beverages.
Secrets Silversands continues to be one of our favorite adult-only, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the quality and presentation of the food exceeds many of the other resorts we have visited. Knowing that I will be able to eat wonderful meals away from home makes the vacation even more enjoyable, and I thank the attentive staff for their help. A special thank you to: Chef Enrique, Chef Jesus, Pamela, Miriam, Elena, Enya, Edith, Renan, Mauricio, Juan, and Victor. Pamela especially looked out for me in the World Café, so if you are visiting the resort, be sure to say hello! She is so kind and helpful, and we really appreciated her service.
| May 2014 Having both visited and stayed at other AMResorts properties, I was not at all concerned about my dietary needs during our three-night stay at Dreams Riviera Cancun, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort located approximately 25 minutes from the Cancun airport. My experiences with the resorts within this company have always been fantastic, and our three nights spent at Secrets Silversands prior to our arrival here further proved that dining like a vegan princess is possible when enjoying such a mainstream vacation. Before You Depart Making arrangements before traveling isn't necessary - I merely showed up at breakfast and lunch and was easily able to fend for myself with the many choices presented in the buffet, or sat down to dinner and spoke with the restaurant's chef to see what my options might be. The staff all speaks English well, so there shouldn't be any language barriers when working with the restaurants to find options, and since these resorts are more upscale, the chefs and supporting staff working in food service are quite knowledgeable about various dietary needs and restrictions. |  Dreams Riviera Cancun is lush and tropical.  The beautiful resort view from our balcony. |
My Apologies on the Photography Front...
My photography skills during this leg of the trip were sorely lacking - I often forgot my camera in the room, and when I took my camera with me I usually forgot to shoot anything other than what was on the plate in front of me...except for this lone shot of the fruit spread at the buffet in the World Cafe.
My photography skills during this leg of the trip were sorely lacking - I often forgot my camera in the room, and when I took my camera with me I usually forgot to shoot anything other than what was on the plate in front of me...except for this lone shot of the fruit spread at the buffet in the World Cafe.
 grilled veggie tacos |  fresh fruit |
Breakfast: My husband and I generally ate at Himitsu, which transforms daily from an Asian restaurant in the evening to an adults-only breakfast venue in the morning. The buffet is smaller here; however, you can also help yourself to the offerings at the main buffet in the World Café, although the offerings are more of the omelet/pancake/breakfast meat type. During our stay, my favorite breakfast quickly became grilled veggie soft tacos - once I had convinced the chef I didn't want eggs, we had a great chat in Spanish (I am fluent) about me being vegan. The veggies were prepared on the same surface as the eggs, but I was okay with that. I also enjoyed cereal with non-dairy milk and piles of fresh fruit.
 sushi and a spring roll |  veggie fajitas |
Lunch: I was extremely happy with my lunches while staying at Dreams Riviera Cancun because the buffet featured several made-to-order stations with veg-friendly options. I had a loaded veggie pizza baked without cheese, sushi and a spring roll, and vegetable fajitas during our stay. Since customization was such a breeze, I was always able to find options. The food was more simple than other adults-only resorts we have stayed at, but I actually preferred my lunches here because I had greater control over what I consumed without bothering too many staff members! (Although people are always happy to help, especially if you're friendly!) The extensive salad and fresh fruit offerings always bring a smile to my face in Mexico, and I usually topped off my meal with a gigantic salad or bowl of mixed fruit.
 fancy salad |  veg flatbread |  veg pasta |
 guac made tableside |  avocado salad |  veggie enchiladas |
Dinner: On our first night at Dreams Riviera Cancun we visited Portofino for an Italian feast because we hadn't yet dined at an Italian themed restaurant during this vacation (Secrets Silversands also has an Italian restaurant), and what a great decision that was! The chef came out to speak to me regarding my dietary needs and proceeded to fix me a three-course meal of some wonderfully flavorful Italian food. I started with a salad of eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and lettuce before moving on to a veggie flatbread and ending with a glorious bowl of veggie-heavy pasta. I cannot rave enough about this meal, and I was so pleased with the options presented to me.
On our second night, we had a later dinner at Himitsu because I hadn't been feeling well during much of the late evening. I barely ate, but did have some vegetable sushi which is usually a surefire win for me, but didn't impress me here. I did not take my camera with me to dinner because I was more focused on returning to our room to rest.
On our final night we visited El Patio for Mexican food, primarily because I cannot eat enough guacamole on vacation and the Mexican restaurant makes the really great stuff table-side at dinner. Again, I spoke with the servers and told them of my needs before ordering. We started with the guac and I also was served a salad with great flavor but a little too much oil for my liking. I then sampled an appetizer that remains a question mark, although it tasted quite a bit like a corn meal/veggie tamale of sorts. My entrée was similar to the appetizer in taste, but I believe it was a sort of veggie enchilada. All in all, another good meal.
Overall, I enjoyed a very good dining experience that was more simple in taste and presentation than other resorts I have visited, but still quite pleasurable. I would feel very comfortable recommending Dreams Riviera Cancun to vegetarians and vegans alike.
On our second night, we had a later dinner at Himitsu because I hadn't been feeling well during much of the late evening. I barely ate, but did have some vegetable sushi which is usually a surefire win for me, but didn't impress me here. I did not take my camera with me to dinner because I was more focused on returning to our room to rest.
On our final night we visited El Patio for Mexican food, primarily because I cannot eat enough guacamole on vacation and the Mexican restaurant makes the really great stuff table-side at dinner. Again, I spoke with the servers and told them of my needs before ordering. We started with the guac and I also was served a salad with great flavor but a little too much oil for my liking. I then sampled an appetizer that remains a question mark, although it tasted quite a bit like a corn meal/veggie tamale of sorts. My entrée was similar to the appetizer in taste, but I believe it was a sort of veggie enchilada. All in all, another good meal.
Overall, I enjoyed a very good dining experience that was more simple in taste and presentation than other resorts I have visited, but still quite pleasurable. I would feel very comfortable recommending Dreams Riviera Cancun to vegetarians and vegans alike.
infinity pool to the Caribbean My husband and I, in desperate need of a little rest and relaxation, planned a six-night stay in Riviera Maya, Mexico and divided our time between Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun and Dreams Riviera Cancun (dining at-a-glance and a full dining review coming soon for this resort), which are both owned by the same company, AMResorts. (Full vacation reviews will soon be posted here.) Because I have stayed at/visited all of the current resorts owned by this company in Cancun, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya, I wasn't too concerned about my vegan options - the resorts have always come through for me in the past.
Vegan Upon Arrival
I did not take any pre-vacation steps to notify the resort of my herbivore ways, and really, it is not necessary to do so. After checking in, I visited the concierge desk and spoke with the kind and helpful staff about my dietary needs. (They didn't even bat an eye.) I provided my room number so they could tag our reservation and they asked if we already knew where we might like to eat while staying at the resort...of course we did! Secrets resorts do not use a reservation system, so we just let them know as a courtesy where we planned on dining each evening so they could notify the chefs of each restaurant. We decided upon El Patio, Ratatouille, and Himitsu (Mexican, Mediterranean, and Pan-Asian), although other options were available as well. For breakfast and lunch, we would enjoy the World Cafe for some deliciously prepared buffet foods.
Vegan Upon Arrival
I did not take any pre-vacation steps to notify the resort of my herbivore ways, and really, it is not necessary to do so. After checking in, I visited the concierge desk and spoke with the kind and helpful staff about my dietary needs. (They didn't even bat an eye.) I provided my room number so they could tag our reservation and they asked if we already knew where we might like to eat while staying at the resort...of course we did! Secrets resorts do not use a reservation system, so we just let them know as a courtesy where we planned on dining each evening so they could notify the chefs of each restaurant. We decided upon El Patio, Ratatouille, and Himitsu (Mexican, Mediterranean, and Pan-Asian), although other options were available as well. For breakfast and lunch, we would enjoy the World Cafe for some deliciously prepared buffet foods.
 freshly prepared juices |  fresh fruit in abundance |  smoothies to order, soy milk available |
Breakfast
Breakfast was served buffet style in the World Cafe, and I was able to find options each morning even though I tend to stick to the same sorts of breakfast foods while on vacation. Options included vegetarian beans, fresh fruit, cereal with soy milk, oatmeal (prepared with water if you ask for it), made-to-order smoothies, toast, etc. One of my favorite breakfasts in Mexico is beans, pico de gallo and salsa on top of toast or rolls. With guacamole, of course. I didn't take many photos of my morning meals because let's face it, cereal and toast just aren't that photogenic.
Breakfast was served buffet style in the World Cafe, and I was able to find options each morning even though I tend to stick to the same sorts of breakfast foods while on vacation. Options included vegetarian beans, fresh fruit, cereal with soy milk, oatmeal (prepared with water if you ask for it), made-to-order smoothies, toast, etc. One of my favorite breakfasts in Mexico is beans, pico de gallo and salsa on top of toast or rolls. With guacamole, of course. I didn't take many photos of my morning meals because let's face it, cereal and toast just aren't that photogenic.
thank you, chef Lunch
We would head back to the World Cafe in the early afternoon, this time warmed by the sun and ready for lunch offerings to refuel for the day. I was presented with a couple of options for this meal: the chef was happy to prepare me a special vegan-friendly meal for me if I made arrangements at breakfast, or I just ate vegan-friendly food from the buffet on my own. I took the chef up on his offer for one lunch, but then was just fine on my own for the remainder of our stay. (I think. I might have had one snafu with some butter.) The buffet featured a theme each day - while we were there it was international, Mexican, and Italian, although really several cuisines were available regardless of the theme. The salad bar was quite nice, and I was wowed by the number of lettuce varieties in front of me. (I am pretty sure I was more excited about this lettuce than anyone else at the resort.) I was very happy throwing together a giant salad with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo - this was my first meal at the resort. On day two the chef made a vegetable-stuffed zucchini dish for me, and on our final day I enjoyed a made-to-order bowl of pasta (make sure you tell the chef no butter) with lots of vegetables and tomato sauce.
Dinner
To say I looked forward to my evening meals while at Secrets Silversands is an understatement - the chefs really went above and beyond to prepare some really incredible meals for me. Even my vegan-at-home-but-omni-elsewhere husband was ogling a few of my plates during this vacation.
AMResorts properties do not have a dinner reservation system, which is one of many things I love about their resorts - you just go eat when you are hungry! Awesome! During the prime time (7pm-9pm or so) you might have to wait just a bit, but we never experienced a problem while at the resort. There are several themed restaurants to choose from: Bordeaux (French), El Patio (Mexican), Himitsu (Pan-Asian), Oceana (seafood), Portofino (Italian), Ratatouille (Mediterranean), Seaside Grill (seafood). Each restaurant has vegetarian options or a vegetarian menu with items that can be veganized, or the chef is available to assist with a special meal prepared just for you.
I took several photos of my dinners, so let's just go night-by-night...
El Patio
Our first dinner was a really fantastic experience - the server could not have been friendlier (Silversands has an outstanding staff) and the chef came out to speak to me and present my options for appetizers, salads, and entrees...yes, options...plural. We started with freshly prepared guacamole and chips, and I also enjoyed a really delicious and inventive fruit salad. For my entree, I feasted upon vegetable molcajetes with corn tortillas.
We would head back to the World Cafe in the early afternoon, this time warmed by the sun and ready for lunch offerings to refuel for the day. I was presented with a couple of options for this meal: the chef was happy to prepare me a special vegan-friendly meal for me if I made arrangements at breakfast, or I just ate vegan-friendly food from the buffet on my own. I took the chef up on his offer for one lunch, but then was just fine on my own for the remainder of our stay. (I think. I might have had one snafu with some butter.) The buffet featured a theme each day - while we were there it was international, Mexican, and Italian, although really several cuisines were available regardless of the theme. The salad bar was quite nice, and I was wowed by the number of lettuce varieties in front of me. (I am pretty sure I was more excited about this lettuce than anyone else at the resort.) I was very happy throwing together a giant salad with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo - this was my first meal at the resort. On day two the chef made a vegetable-stuffed zucchini dish for me, and on our final day I enjoyed a made-to-order bowl of pasta (make sure you tell the chef no butter) with lots of vegetables and tomato sauce.
Dinner
To say I looked forward to my evening meals while at Secrets Silversands is an understatement - the chefs really went above and beyond to prepare some really incredible meals for me. Even my vegan-at-home-but-omni-elsewhere husband was ogling a few of my plates during this vacation.
AMResorts properties do not have a dinner reservation system, which is one of many things I love about their resorts - you just go eat when you are hungry! Awesome! During the prime time (7pm-9pm or so) you might have to wait just a bit, but we never experienced a problem while at the resort. There are several themed restaurants to choose from: Bordeaux (French), El Patio (Mexican), Himitsu (Pan-Asian), Oceana (seafood), Portofino (Italian), Ratatouille (Mediterranean), Seaside Grill (seafood). Each restaurant has vegetarian options or a vegetarian menu with items that can be veganized, or the chef is available to assist with a special meal prepared just for you.
I took several photos of my dinners, so let's just go night-by-night...
El Patio
Our first dinner was a really fantastic experience - the server could not have been friendlier (Silversands has an outstanding staff) and the chef came out to speak to me and present my options for appetizers, salads, and entrees...yes, options...plural. We started with freshly prepared guacamole and chips, and I also enjoyed a really delicious and inventive fruit salad. For my entree, I feasted upon vegetable molcajetes with corn tortillas.
 fresh guacamole is one of my vacation splurges |  beautiful and colorful fruit presentation |  check out these veggies! |
Ratatouille
The menu at Ratatouille did not really feature anything that I would be able to eat or modify, so I was a little nervous about my dining options. (If you've read my other posts, you know I am really sensitive about being a problem, even when I am a paying customer!) Again, the chef came out and spoke with me and I was soon enjoying one of the most delicious meals that has ever passed these lips. The citrus salad was extremely flavorful, and don't even get me started on the grilled sweet potatoes with balsamic that accompanied my stuffed pepper. I could have eaten a giant bowl.
The menu at Ratatouille did not really feature anything that I would be able to eat or modify, so I was a little nervous about my dining options. (If you've read my other posts, you know I am really sensitive about being a problem, even when I am a paying customer!) Again, the chef came out and spoke with me and I was soon enjoying one of the most delicious meals that has ever passed these lips. The citrus salad was extremely flavorful, and don't even get me started on the grilled sweet potatoes with balsamic that accompanied my stuffed pepper. I could have eaten a giant bowl.
 my favorite salad on this vacation |  vegan food as art |
Himitsu
No problems here, folks. The vegetarian menu had everything I needed and more, and I ate quite a bit of food on our last night at the resort. I started with a fried tofu appetizer, moved on to a green salad, sampled some vegetarian sushi, and ended with teppanyaki vegetables with rice.
No problems here, folks. The vegetarian menu had everything I needed and more, and I ate quite a bit of food on our last night at the resort. I started with a fried tofu appetizer, moved on to a green salad, sampled some vegetarian sushi, and ended with teppanyaki vegetables with rice.
 tofu appetizer |  salad, served Asian-style |  love my veg sushi |
Snacks and Treats
CoCo Cafe, the on-site coffee and snack shop has soy milk, so you can enjoy some delicious coffee drinks while visiting. Other snacks during the day include whole fruit, French fries, chips and salsa/guacamole, and vegetable sticks - most are available by the pool area.
CoCo Cafe, the on-site coffee and snack shop has soy milk, so you can enjoy some delicious coffee drinks while visiting. Other snacks during the day include whole fruit, French fries, chips and salsa/guacamole, and vegetable sticks - most are available by the pool area.
My husband and I had an incredible stay at Secrets Silversands, and would definitely return in the future. The staff couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating, and I ate quite a bit of great food while there. All-inclusives are not created equal, there is a reason why Secrets have so many return guests and so many great reviews. It's because of the vegan food!
While I could write heartfelt odes to the awesomeness that is Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, this post is dedicated specifically to my experience eating a plant-based diet while on board the ship for seven nights. A future post, which will be located on the My Travels page, will cover our entire vacation from start to finish.
Pre-Cruise Steps to Ensure Plant-Filled Nirvana
The planner that I am, I reached out to Royal Caribbean a couple of weeks prior to our sail date and submitted my dietary request to the special needs department. I included that I had a dairy allergy, because it freaks out restaurants of all varieties to serve allergens to someone who has the information included in their reservation, and honestly, I thought I would have better luck with vegan options that way. So, for this particular vacation I was known as “vegetarian with a dairy allergy” – another point some might disagree with, but this was my first plant-based cruise and I was being cautious! I found that taking this extra step prior to departure was completely worthless, and meeting with a head waiter once on board was the way to go. (More on that later!) I also found that “no dairy” pretty much took care of the egg situation when I was fending for myself at the buffets.
Pre-Cruise Steps to Ensure Plant-Filled Nirvana
The planner that I am, I reached out to Royal Caribbean a couple of weeks prior to our sail date and submitted my dietary request to the special needs department. I included that I had a dairy allergy, because it freaks out restaurants of all varieties to serve allergens to someone who has the information included in their reservation, and honestly, I thought I would have better luck with vegan options that way. So, for this particular vacation I was known as “vegetarian with a dairy allergy” – another point some might disagree with, but this was my first plant-based cruise and I was being cautious! I found that taking this extra step prior to departure was completely worthless, and meeting with a head waiter once on board was the way to go. (More on that later!) I also found that “no dairy” pretty much took care of the egg situation when I was fending for myself at the buffets.
 Hawaiian-style oatmeal and fresh fruit |  a mish-mash of awesomeness: potatoes, tofu, veggies, rice, etc. |  miso soup from the buffet |
Breakfast
For morning meals on the cruise ship, we had several location options (mainly buffet, but also a couple of a la carte venues) and I was usually able to get really creative and enjoy healthy and filling meals. Our favorite spot for breakfast (and lunch too) was the Solarium Bistro, located in the ship’s aft on deck fifteen. This venue had a relaxing spa-like atmosphere and its fare reflected healthy eating choices. I found plenty of vegan-friendly options here, and the crew was always available to answer my questions about ingredients. (Please note that the signs on the buffets are not always accurate to reflect dairy, meat, etc. so be sure to inquire when you’re unsure.) I am an oatmeal fanatic at home, so for breakfast I usually gravitated toward the oatmeal bar and concocted some delicious combinations. The Solarium served miso soup that was accompanied by fantastic fixins, which made for a great breakfast as well. (The bowls sitting in the buffet line contain either chicken or shrimp, so ask for the server to prepare a bowl without meat and you will be good to go!) My vegan-at-home-but-omni-elsewhere husband would be upset if I did not include a mention of his favorite grilled vegetables – a combination of tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash – which he ate each morning. I am occasionally apathetic towards the squash family and I loathe tomatoes, so I took a pass on this one. Lastly, there was always an abundance of fresh fruit available. In the Windjammer buffet, options were a little more limited because this was the land of breakfast meats, pastries, and battered creations, but I enjoyed the miso soup here as well, along with my improvised breakfast potato salad (see photo), fresh fruit, and whole wheat peanut butter toast. As someone who normally eats some sort of fancy oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, I was content with my morning meal each day. Powered by plants, I was ready to start my day and enjoy the fun of the ship!
For morning meals on the cruise ship, we had several location options (mainly buffet, but also a couple of a la carte venues) and I was usually able to get really creative and enjoy healthy and filling meals. Our favorite spot for breakfast (and lunch too) was the Solarium Bistro, located in the ship’s aft on deck fifteen. This venue had a relaxing spa-like atmosphere and its fare reflected healthy eating choices. I found plenty of vegan-friendly options here, and the crew was always available to answer my questions about ingredients. (Please note that the signs on the buffets are not always accurate to reflect dairy, meat, etc. so be sure to inquire when you’re unsure.) I am an oatmeal fanatic at home, so for breakfast I usually gravitated toward the oatmeal bar and concocted some delicious combinations. The Solarium served miso soup that was accompanied by fantastic fixins, which made for a great breakfast as well. (The bowls sitting in the buffet line contain either chicken or shrimp, so ask for the server to prepare a bowl without meat and you will be good to go!) My vegan-at-home-but-omni-elsewhere husband would be upset if I did not include a mention of his favorite grilled vegetables – a combination of tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash – which he ate each morning. I am occasionally apathetic towards the squash family and I loathe tomatoes, so I took a pass on this one. Lastly, there was always an abundance of fresh fruit available. In the Windjammer buffet, options were a little more limited because this was the land of breakfast meats, pastries, and battered creations, but I enjoyed the miso soup here as well, along with my improvised breakfast potato salad (see photo), fresh fruit, and whole wheat peanut butter toast. As someone who normally eats some sort of fancy oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, I was content with my morning meal each day. Powered by plants, I was ready to start my day and enjoy the fun of the ship!
 assorted salads and veggies  lentil salad and green beans |  nachos and Asian cuisine  Johnny Rockets and salad |
Lunch
In the afternoons, we frequented the aforementioned Solarium Bistro because of the many tasty salads available there that were naturally vegan-friendly. I enjoyed a vegetable wrap one day that I thought was served on a whole wheat tortilla but I think in hindsight was a crepe. (Progress, not perfection!) Fans of gazpacho would also enjoy the bar with lots of toppings available for gazpacho-personalization. We also dined in the Windjammer a few times, but I really found the selections here hit or miss for the plant-powered palate. While there were many vegetarian options available, the dishes often contained cheese or butter and I had to move on to the next station. On a couple of occasions, I feasted on some really tasty Indian cuisine (which was available nearly every day), but I ate more lunchtime French fries in one week than I normally would in a three-month period…that was definitely my splurge on this vacation. (And they were awesome!) I was surprised to find that the hamburger/hot dog station had zero veggie burger options readily available (and I know lots of omnis that love veggie burgers, so I was really puzzled by this) so if I wanted one, I had to ask to order one from the dining room below. The server didn’t look too happy about this the one day I was really craving a veggie burger, but they obliged, and about fifteen minutes later I was munching happily on a burger piled high with vegetables. One afternoon, I ordered a veggie burger meal from Johnny Rocket’s (located on the Boardwalk, deck six) and took it upstairs to the Windjammer to enjoy with a salad. I also made myself a Royal Caribbean version of a veggie sub using every vegetable from the salad bar I could get my hands on, mustard, and assorted rolls. I also had a veg-friendly panini in the Park Café, (located in Central Park, deck eight) which also creates personalized salads to order. Again, there were options, especially if you are imaginative, but don’t be surprised and/or disappointed if you tend to eat the same sorts of lunches throughout your vacation. For me, this wasn't a big deal because I don't get too hung up on the food when I travel (as long as I have fruit, veggies, and grains I am happy); for those expecting to have a vegan-friendly buffet awaiting each day...the cruise lines just aren't there yet.
In the afternoons, we frequented the aforementioned Solarium Bistro because of the many tasty salads available there that were naturally vegan-friendly. I enjoyed a vegetable wrap one day that I thought was served on a whole wheat tortilla but I think in hindsight was a crepe. (Progress, not perfection!) Fans of gazpacho would also enjoy the bar with lots of toppings available for gazpacho-personalization. We also dined in the Windjammer a few times, but I really found the selections here hit or miss for the plant-powered palate. While there were many vegetarian options available, the dishes often contained cheese or butter and I had to move on to the next station. On a couple of occasions, I feasted on some really tasty Indian cuisine (which was available nearly every day), but I ate more lunchtime French fries in one week than I normally would in a three-month period…that was definitely my splurge on this vacation. (And they were awesome!) I was surprised to find that the hamburger/hot dog station had zero veggie burger options readily available (and I know lots of omnis that love veggie burgers, so I was really puzzled by this) so if I wanted one, I had to ask to order one from the dining room below. The server didn’t look too happy about this the one day I was really craving a veggie burger, but they obliged, and about fifteen minutes later I was munching happily on a burger piled high with vegetables. One afternoon, I ordered a veggie burger meal from Johnny Rocket’s (located on the Boardwalk, deck six) and took it upstairs to the Windjammer to enjoy with a salad. I also made myself a Royal Caribbean version of a veggie sub using every vegetable from the salad bar I could get my hands on, mustard, and assorted rolls. I also had a veg-friendly panini in the Park Café, (located in Central Park, deck eight) which also creates personalized salads to order. Again, there were options, especially if you are imaginative, but don’t be surprised and/or disappointed if you tend to eat the same sorts of lunches throughout your vacation. For me, this wasn't a big deal because I don't get too hung up on the food when I travel (as long as I have fruit, veggies, and grains I am happy); for those expecting to have a vegan-friendly buffet awaiting each day...the cruise lines just aren't there yet.
 chocolate cake with bananas  dessert |  sweet and sour "chicken" and veggies over jasmine rice  vegan quesadillas with roasted veggies and TVP "chorizo" chili |  artichoke and eggplant tart  sliced fruit appetizer |
Dinner
Cruise lines traditionally feature an early seating (around 6 o’clock) and late seating (around 8:30), but nearly all now offer a version of flexible dining so passengers have more control over their evening plans. Although we are normally ones to reserve late seating, my husband and I selected “My Time Dining” for this particular vacation; this allowed us to arrive at the dining room when we liked and be seated in various sections as though it were a typical restaurant. This also meant we had various wait staff and two different head waiters until we found a groove a couple of nights in and just asked to be seated in the same section, with the same head waiter.
While the first night on a cruise ship can present less-than-ideal meals for the plant-based crowd, I lucked out with several items on the menu labeled as dairy free and vegetarian - our Indian waiter was also incredibly helpful and quite familiar with the vegan diet. He was fantastic, and made sure that my meal was delicious. It was a "night one score" for me, which left me feeling pretty optimistic about my first cruise as a vegan.
Night two was significantly worse, and that was only because we were seated in a different section with a new waiter and head waiter that were pretty cranky. I had a salad, baked potato, and steamed veggies, which was fine and delicious, but I was unhappy and frustrated about the treatment I received. Let it be known that I am always kind and gracious to staff, and at this point I had asked multiple people on board how to best and most easily make arrangements for my food. I never like to be a problem for anyone because of my diet, so I tend to be even more sensitive about these sorts of things.
Finally, night three and beyond. We were seated in a section with an outstanding head waiter, Guney Dogan, who was incredible for my dinner arrangements. While the menus are clearly labeled for vegetarian, dairy, gluten, etc., I did have to tailor a few vegetarian options to be vegan-friendly. He made sure to bring me the next day’s menu each evening to help me place a special order, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with his service. All of my meals in the dining room were outstanding – Guney even arranged for some vegan-friendly desserts for me, which was a great treat! I will admit, I really looked forward to the incredible meals that were prepared for me in the dining room. The week started with unfriendly and unhelpful crew coupled with a great deal of frustration, but ended smoothly with incredible service and delicious and creative vegan dishes for me. I believe that had we dined at an assigned time each evening with wait staff who "knew" us, the entire process would have been much simpler, but thankfully, we found a good head waiter who provided great service.
For dinners, I enjoyed the following dishes: artichoke and eggplant tart, soft-shell tortillas with roasted vegetables and TVP chili, minestrone, insalata mista, and Italian eggplant dish, chilled mango and pineapple soup, pasta, bosc pear and arugula salad, moussaka, eggplant and olive tar tare with hummus and pita, sweet and sour "chicken" over jasmine rice, cherries jubilee with soy ice cream, assorted tasty fruit appetizers and desserts, and chocolate cake with bananas.
Cruise lines traditionally feature an early seating (around 6 o’clock) and late seating (around 8:30), but nearly all now offer a version of flexible dining so passengers have more control over their evening plans. Although we are normally ones to reserve late seating, my husband and I selected “My Time Dining” for this particular vacation; this allowed us to arrive at the dining room when we liked and be seated in various sections as though it were a typical restaurant. This also meant we had various wait staff and two different head waiters until we found a groove a couple of nights in and just asked to be seated in the same section, with the same head waiter.
While the first night on a cruise ship can present less-than-ideal meals for the plant-based crowd, I lucked out with several items on the menu labeled as dairy free and vegetarian - our Indian waiter was also incredibly helpful and quite familiar with the vegan diet. He was fantastic, and made sure that my meal was delicious. It was a "night one score" for me, which left me feeling pretty optimistic about my first cruise as a vegan.
Night two was significantly worse, and that was only because we were seated in a different section with a new waiter and head waiter that were pretty cranky. I had a salad, baked potato, and steamed veggies, which was fine and delicious, but I was unhappy and frustrated about the treatment I received. Let it be known that I am always kind and gracious to staff, and at this point I had asked multiple people on board how to best and most easily make arrangements for my food. I never like to be a problem for anyone because of my diet, so I tend to be even more sensitive about these sorts of things.
Finally, night three and beyond. We were seated in a section with an outstanding head waiter, Guney Dogan, who was incredible for my dinner arrangements. While the menus are clearly labeled for vegetarian, dairy, gluten, etc., I did have to tailor a few vegetarian options to be vegan-friendly. He made sure to bring me the next day’s menu each evening to help me place a special order, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with his service. All of my meals in the dining room were outstanding – Guney even arranged for some vegan-friendly desserts for me, which was a great treat! I will admit, I really looked forward to the incredible meals that were prepared for me in the dining room. The week started with unfriendly and unhelpful crew coupled with a great deal of frustration, but ended smoothly with incredible service and delicious and creative vegan dishes for me. I believe that had we dined at an assigned time each evening with wait staff who "knew" us, the entire process would have been much simpler, but thankfully, we found a good head waiter who provided great service.
For dinners, I enjoyed the following dishes: artichoke and eggplant tart, soft-shell tortillas with roasted vegetables and TVP chili, minestrone, insalata mista, and Italian eggplant dish, chilled mango and pineapple soup, pasta, bosc pear and arugula salad, moussaka, eggplant and olive tar tare with hummus and pita, sweet and sour "chicken" over jasmine rice, cherries jubilee with soy ice cream, assorted tasty fruit appetizers and desserts, and chocolate cake with bananas.
Boardwalk Snacks
Sorrento’s Pizza – Located on the Royal Promenade, you can enjoy delicious made-to-order pies in about fifteen minutes. They will gladly skip the cheese and load up your creation with any of the fresh vegetables and herbs available. Topping selection changes daily - some nights we stopped in for a peek we saw great combination potential, and others not as much. Still, it is a nice option for a pizza fix, and I enjoyed my personalized pie.
Starbucks – Located on the Royal Promenade, you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks beverages at sea!
Ice Cream Parlor - If you’re craving something cold and sweet, the ice cream parlor located on the Boardwalk has two sorbet options daily. On a couple of occasions, I enjoyed a kiddie-cone that was the perfect size for me. Sorbet is something I can normally take or leave (let’s be honest, I prefer vegan-friendly ICE CREAM if I am going to indulge), but in the heat of the Caribbean sun, it was a tasty treat. When you see the other passengers walking around all day with their self-serve fro-yo cones, you might be tempted for a plant-friendly cone of your own. Power of suggestion, I think!
Park Café – In the picturesque Central Park neighborhood on deck eight, Park Café offers made-to-order salads and paninis for both lunch and dinner. There was a decent selection for vegans, but the options were comparable to other dining venues. It is, however, a scenic spot for a change of pace.
Wipe Out Cafe - Located on deck 15, the Pool/Sports Deck, the Wipe Out Cafe mostly offers non-vegan friendly food, but...Not that I endorse unhealthy food, but if you have a hankering for some poolside fries or chips with salsa and guac, this is your place.
***Please note that I am only referencing more “specialty” type snacks in this section and that fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available at various venues.
Sorrento’s Pizza – Located on the Royal Promenade, you can enjoy delicious made-to-order pies in about fifteen minutes. They will gladly skip the cheese and load up your creation with any of the fresh vegetables and herbs available. Topping selection changes daily - some nights we stopped in for a peek we saw great combination potential, and others not as much. Still, it is a nice option for a pizza fix, and I enjoyed my personalized pie.
Starbucks – Located on the Royal Promenade, you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks beverages at sea!
Ice Cream Parlor - If you’re craving something cold and sweet, the ice cream parlor located on the Boardwalk has two sorbet options daily. On a couple of occasions, I enjoyed a kiddie-cone that was the perfect size for me. Sorbet is something I can normally take or leave (let’s be honest, I prefer vegan-friendly ICE CREAM if I am going to indulge), but in the heat of the Caribbean sun, it was a tasty treat. When you see the other passengers walking around all day with their self-serve fro-yo cones, you might be tempted for a plant-friendly cone of your own. Power of suggestion, I think!
Park Café – In the picturesque Central Park neighborhood on deck eight, Park Café offers made-to-order salads and paninis for both lunch and dinner. There was a decent selection for vegans, but the options were comparable to other dining venues. It is, however, a scenic spot for a change of pace.
Wipe Out Cafe - Located on deck 15, the Pool/Sports Deck, the Wipe Out Cafe mostly offers non-vegan friendly food, but...Not that I endorse unhealthy food, but if you have a hankering for some poolside fries or chips with salsa and guac, this is your place.
***Please note that I am only referencing more “specialty” type snacks in this section and that fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available at various venues.
 Central Park |  Sorrento's Pizza on the Royal Promenade |  Solarium |
There were a few snafus when the cruise began, but all in all, I had a great experience on board Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and wouldn't hesitate to sail with them again (armed with some new vegan/cruising wisdom!). My husband and I love cruise travel so much, and it is exciting to see the dining changes that have been occurring and will continue to occur for those who follow a plant-based diet or have other special dietary needs. Each cruise line and ship is different in their offerings and helpfulness, and I will continue to share my experiences with you all.
And if you're sailing the Oasis of the Seas and you see my buddy Guney, tell him I said hello!
I would love to hear about your cruise experiences, both good and bad. Please comment below!
***While I receive discounted travel because of my career, I was in no way compensated by Royal Caribbean in exchange for this review.
And if you're sailing the Oasis of the Seas and you see my buddy Guney, tell him I said hello!
I would love to hear about your cruise experiences, both good and bad. Please comment below!
***While I receive discounted travel because of my career, I was in no way compensated by Royal Caribbean in exchange for this review.
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