READ MORE: How a luxury menopause retreat at Scotland's Mar Hall - frequented by Kylie Minogue and Beyonce - got me out of 'fight or flight' mode See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER Published: 12:45 BST, 22 June 2026 | Updated: 12:46 BST, 22 June 2026
All-you-can-eat buffets, fruity cocktails and pizza with an ocean view are what most will be after on a cruise holiday.Most, but not all - as some travellers have turned to the 'Low Carb Cruise' as a way of seeing the world while hitting health goals at the same time.The Low Carb Cruise brings people together who are either living a 'keto' lifestyle or wish to learn more about it in an enjoyable setting. 'Keto' refers to a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate eating plan, exactly the sort of diet passengers aboard this voyage will eat.The Low Carb Cruise has sailed 20 times - and has expanded from 30 people on its first sailing to 360 last year.Most sailings are run on Royal Caribbean ships, and feature a range of talks from specialists and experts on the subject. Low Carb Cruises mainly take place on Royal Caribbean ships Passengers enjoy a range of talks and activities on boardMany have reported significant weight loss as a result of the cruise, according to Fox News.The concept was created by Debbie Hubbs, whose passion for low-carb diets began in 1972 with the publication of Dr Atkins' Diet Revolution book.The Low Carb Cruise website says: 'The Low Carb diet made sense! It worked for her as she married and started her large family of five sons and two daughters.'The Low Carb diet helped her when trying to lose those pesky post-pregnancy pounds. Struggling her whole life with being overweight with lots of ups and downs, it continues to be a work in progress, but she knows what works to stay healthy – LOW CARB!'She set up the cruise in 2008 after discussing weight loss in an online discussion forum.Experts are part of the cruises, including Michelle Hall, a certified primal health coach who specialises in helping women navigate fat loss, metabolic health, hormones, and midlife transitions.Speakers on the 2026 cruise include Dr Roberta Batista, a board-certified cardiologist who focuses on using low-carb philosophy to improve metabolic health and prevent cardiovascular disease.Joining her is Amy Berger, a US Air Force veteran and certified nutrition specialist who helps people do 'Keto Without the Crazy.' Dr Roberta Batista, a board-certified cardiologist, is one of the speakers on board Michelle Hall, one of the organisers of the Low Carb CruiseIn 2027, the Navigator of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s ships, will be sailing from Southern California to the Mexican Riviera as the next Low Carb Cruise.There will also be plenty of activities on board, from attractions such as a surf simulator and rock climbing wall to relaxing pool days and Broadway-style entertainment.The low-carb group is a small number of people compared to the thousands of guests on board the cruise ship. The cruise line does not offer a special low-carb menu or prepare special low-carb food just for the group - rather, it is up to individuals to follow their own personal diet, with a focus on education.
