Vegans will be over the moon. The first health retreat at sea for vegans will launch on Celebrity Solstice’s nine-night South Pacific voyage on 20 October.

The transformational retreat will bring together all vegan cruisers who want to learn about the health benefits of a plant-based cuisine and lifestyle.

There will be a team of health and wellness experts to help guests enjoy an entirely vegan menu during the cruise. Yoga, pilates, meditation sessions, cooking classes, workshops and panel discussions will also be organised for guests to transition and change their lifestyle.

Guest speakers include Dr Michael Klaper, a US-based clinician and advocate of plant-based nutrition in preventive medicine, NZ based health coach Jason Bennett who transformed his life from a debilitating illness through plant-based lifestyle change and kitchen coach Ashley Jubinville who will help people make gradual nutrition changes in their lifestyle.

The onboard program has been put together by Paige Renshaw, the brains behind The Whole Connection. After battling multiple illness including chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, Ms Paige said she began “listening” to her body and moved to a plant-based diet. She soon converted to a vegan lifestyle and began nourishing her mind with meditation and strengthening her body with consistent exercise.

Ms Paige said she is now at her “optimal health” and wants to “shake up the vegan world” with her innovation.
Celebrity’s business development manager Cameron Mannix said: “Celebrity Cruises is recognised for its variety of health and wellness options across its fleet of ships, like Blu, our famous clean cuisine restaurant and world-renowned Canyon Ranch spa. The Whole Connection retreat complements our modern luxury mantra perfectly.”

The itinerary will be flexible to allow companions and partners who may not want to participate in the all-vegan program during the cruise. For a special fee, they will be allowed to eat the specially prepared vegan meals and attend two workshops of their choice.

“We’ve also had interest from families. If one parent wants to join our retreat, they are able to spend time with their family, particularly during the shore excursions. They may even choose to join us for some meals, then have others with their family. No one is tied to us the whole time,” Ms Paige said.

The cruise will visit Noumea, Mystery Island, Isle of Pines and Loyalty Island.

Prices start from $1697pp twin share for an interior room which includes all vegan meals, workshops and daily yoga, pilates and meditation classes. www.thewholeconnection.com.au