A Letter from Holistic Holiday at Sea’s Founder, Sandy Pukel

Twenty years of Holistic Holidays!

I started Holistic Holiday at Sea twenty years ago, after realizing the potential of holding health retreats on cruise ships, which provide unique and all-encompassing experiences for attendees. The idea was a hit from the start, with double-digit growth every year and a diverse audience attracted by the opportunity to learn, relax, and bond with like-minded people on similar journeys. Since the inception of Holistic Holiday at Sea, our attendees have included health-conscious individuals as well as people seeking healing and those hungry for information to transform their conditions.

From the beginning, we featured top speakers such as Deepak Chopra and Drs. Michael Greger and Neal Barnard (both of whom continue to join us!), drawing in people from all walks of life interested in holistic living. The cruise experience was carefully curated to provide a transformative and immersive experience for all attendees. While we initially focused on vegan and health-related topics, the cruise has evolved to encompass a broader range of interests, including spiritual and environmental aspects of holistic living.

As the movement towards plant-based living grows, I’ve observed an increase in awareness and interest in veganism for various reasons, not just health. However, I emphasize the importance of education in making informed dietary choices. It’s not enough to be vegan, one must also consider the health implications of their food choices. The goal is to educate and inspire people to make healthier choices for themselves and the planet.

Our cruise speakers continue to connect the dots between plant-based living and its various benefits, encouraging attendees to think beyond just dietary restrictions. We strive to provide a holistic approach to wellness, addressing not only individual health but also the wider impact of our choices on animals, the environment, and society. By casting a wider net and attracting a diverse range of guests, we hope to create a community focused on promoting health, happiness, and sustainability for all.

Holistic Holiday at Sea 2025

We’ve got some exciting news to share about our twentieth voyage! Holistic Holiday at Sea is expanding its horizons, and our 2025 program is the most exciting yet. The upcoming trip will feature more interactive panels and activities to foster connections among guests. The dining experience is also improved, with a new brunch concept offering a wider variety of options for breakfast and lunch. Additional social activities are being considered to further connect guests and promote meaningful interactions.

Among dozens of world-famous health experts and plant-based doctors, our speaker line-up includes:

Together, as a community of over fifteen hundred health advocates, we’ll journey to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands as we learn, grow, and elevate our well-being.

I’ve always said that the heart and soul of our program each year is the recovery panel, where guests share stories of transformation and healing through holistic living and eating. These personal accounts inspire others and highlight the life-changing impact of the cruise experience. The goal is to continue spreading awareness and make the plant-based lifestyle a mainstream choice.

Participants have reported significant improvements in their health and well-being after attending the cruise, with many attributing their transformation to the supportive community and immersive experience provided. The cruise offers a structured environment that encourages healthy habits, exercise, and social connections, leading to lasting positive changes in behavior and mindset.

The immersive experience of the cruise, combined with the unparalleled expert line-up, and social activities with like-minded health advocates, creates a unique and life-affirming atmosphere that sets it apart from typical vacations. Guests leave feeling rejuvenated, supported, and motivated to continue their health journey beyond the cruise. This collective experience of transformation and healing is what makes Holistic Holiday at Sea a truly special and impactful event.

We hope you will join us for our momentous 20th Anniversary trip!

In health,

Sandy

PS If you reserve your spot before September 13, 2024, you’ll save $150 off your cabin booking.