Healthful breakfast and lunch options at Oceania Vista's Aquamar Kitchen

Eating healthy can be challenging on a cruise ship. Despite the plethora of options, a tempting stack of pancakes or a juicy burger are typically more delightful on vacation than a fruit plate or salad.

But Oceania is noticing a trend of more guests with health-conscious lifestyles, the brand’s president, Frank A. Del Rio, said during the christening sailing of the Oceania Vista, the first new ship for the line in 11 years. Under his leadership, the line introduced Aquamar Kitchen on the vessel, a casual breakfast and lunch spot located near the ship’s buffet, to appeal to the mindful eater. Think energy bowls or three types of banana pancakes, four varieties of avocado toast and tuna burgers.

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The restaurant concept is an expansion of Oceania’s Aquamar spa, stretching wellness culture into the kitchen. Del Rio said he expects a younger crowd, perhaps millennials, who have a “hyperfocus” on wellness, will appreciate this. 

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m not so in love with health-oriented food, but that’s just me,” he said. “I’m an eater; I like greasy food. But it bodes well with our approach to this new wellness-oriented traveler.”

It was clear the wellness-oriented traveler existed on my sailing of press and trade partners in early May. The restaurant was often nearly full when I stopped in for breakfast or lunch. Once it was so busy, several people, including myself, stood waiting for other guests to clear out so they could be seated.

As someone who tries to make healthy food decisions while cruising, Aquamar Kitchen was a breath of fresh air. I had my choice of three types of juice blends, including creative ones like orange, lime, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper. For its line of smoothies and coffees, the venue also offered two types of homemade cashew or almond milk blends, a plus for me and my digestive system. 

Coffee and tea drinks were also creative, like a pumpkin spice cappuccino and matcha lattes. Trying to go full-on healthy, I ordered a turmeric latte; it had a surprisingly strong flavor but made me feel good about the anti-inflammation properties of turmeric.

The lunch menu was so extensive, I kicked myself for not finding the restaurant sooner. The varied salad options included the Thai Mood, with 11 ingredients including free-range chicken, fennel and mint.

I settled on the poke bowl of yellowfin tuna, sushi rice, wakame seaweed, mango, avocado, edamame, daikon, carrot, spring onion and wasabi dressing. I walked away impressed with how fresh the ingredients were and how guilt-free I felt about the meal. My only wish was that I had ordered two, which may have defeated the purpose of mindful eating. 

Other lunch items include sandwiches, wraps, tacos and, of course, burgers. Guests had the option of a grilled yellowfin tuna burger, an Impossible burger or a cornflakes-crusted chicken patty. 

Aquamar’s drink menu also offered healthy options, including mocktails, nonalcoholic beer and low-sugar or organic wines. 

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