AIDA Cruises is expanding its fining offerings with the addition of a new restaurant serving sustainable, plant-based cuisine.

The new Soulkitchen vegan restaurant will debut aboard AIDAprima ahead of her 2023/24 cruise season out of Dubai, as well as other ships in the fleet.

The restaurant will be available from June 24th, 2023, aboard AIDAnova, AIDAperla and AIDAprima, offering dishes made from primarily plant-based ingredients on an à la carte menu.

AIDAprima in Dubai

“We are proud to create another trendy offering with Soulkitchen and are also responding to the increased demand from our guests,” said Rene Thiersch, Senior Manager of Culinary Operations, AIDA Cruises. “With our modern and sustainable concept, we not only want to promote healthy eating but also create a special experience.”

“We were able to implement the conversion and re-design onboard smoothly during ongoing operations thanks to the good planning preparation and the well-coordinated crew,” he added.

The new restaurant will offer a selection of plant-based vegan treats, from homemade spreads and overnight oats to banana bread, fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables. There will also be a new range of fairtrade coffee, organic tea and fresh orange juice.

In the evening, Soulkitchen serves three-course menus offering vegan and plant-based meat and seafood alternatives that change daily. Examples include coconut lemongrass soup and almond barley risotto with sautéed herb apples. Non-alcoholic wines and spirits will also be available.

Soul Kitchen, AIDAprima

AIDA Cruises has already expanded the offering in specialty restaurants onboard its ships last year to include new vegan starters, main courses and desserts, but this will be its first dedicated vegan restaurant.

The new vegan dining experience will debut aboard AIDAprima before she is repositioned to Dubai to sail her 2023/24 cruise season in the Arabian Gulf.

Between November and March, the ship will cruise roundtrip from Dubai on week-long alternating itineraries visiting Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Sir Bani Yas, or Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat.

Cruise lines are increasingly catering to the growing demand for vegan dining options.

Celebrity Cruises provides a dedicated plant-based menu crafted in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of vegan dishes across its fleet, including exclusive menus at its specialty restaurants, and Royal Caribbean offers a diverse selection of vegan options in partnership with culinary experts like Chef Matthew Kenney.

MSC Cruises and Holland America Line have also expanded their vegan offerings, providing plant-based menus on several ships.