Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) travel with the NHA is truly one of a kind. These journeys offer the chance to explore remarkable destinations alongside like-minded friends who share a passion for healthy living. Each trip is enhanced by delicious, abundant, and creatively prepared meals that are not only whole-food, plant-based but also meet the NHA gold standard—completely free of salt, oil, and added sugar.
Recent NHA WFPB SOS travel adventures include:
- AmaWaterways – Seine & Paris – July 2026
- Costa Rica – Feb & Mar 2026
- Canary Island – February 2026
- Antarctica – January 2026
- Botswana & South Africa – November 2025
- Gaelic Explorers: Scotland & Ireland – July–August 2025
- Norway’s Famous Fjords – July 2025
- Tuscany – May 2025
- Italy & the Dalmatian Coast – March 2025
- Tahiti – February 2025
- Iceland – August 2024
- Tuscany – May 2024
- Costa Rica & the Panama Canal – February 2024
- Greek Isles – October 2023
- Galápagos Islands – February 2023
- Alaska – August 2022
- Bahá (Baja) – April 2022
- Germany & Amsterdam – 2019
AmaWaterways – Seine & Paris – July 2026
The National Health Association explored the rich history, art, and scenic beauty of northern France on a memorable Seine River cruise that began and ended in Le Havre. Before embarking, guests visited iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the artistic Montmartre district.
Cruising through the picturesque Seine Valley, the group visited historic towns including Mantes-la-Jolie, La Roche-Guyon, Giverny, Rouen, and Villequier. Highlights included touring the 16th-century Château d’Anet, sampling regional cider at a traditional farm, and exploring Claude Monet’s world-famous gardens, where colorful flowers, Japanese bridges, and water lily ponds inspired many of his greatest masterpieces. Guests also enjoyed walking and bicycling through the charming French countryside and medieval villages.
The journey concluded with a moving full-day excursion to the Normandy Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Longues-sur-Mer, and Arromanches, where participants reflected on the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.
A post-cruise extension provided the opportunity to visit the magnificent island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most treasured landmarks.
Costa Rica – Osa Peninsula – Feb & Mar 2026
Two groups of NHA travelers experienced an unforgettable seven-night journey to the pristine Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, staying at one of the country’s premier ecolodges. Surrounded by breathtaking, 360-degree views of lush primary rainforest, guests immersed themselves in what is often called “the most biologically intense place on earth,” exploring the remarkable biodiversity of the region.
The trip featured guided adventures in Corcovado National Park, along with kayaking through wildlife-rich lagoons, birdwatching and photography tours, and visits to a turtle sanctuary and tropical permaculture farm. Guests also enjoyed activities such as night hikes, zip lining, horseback riding, and surfing, balanced with restorative experiences including yoga, massage, reiki, and forest bathing—creating a perfect blend of exploration, education, and renewal.
Every meal reflected the NHA gold standard—100% whole food, plant-based, and SOS-free. Locally sourced, organic ingredients were transformed into vibrant, nourishing dishes that were not only beautifully presented, but absolutely delicious, thanks to the creativity and care of the Luna Lodge culinary team. The response to this journey was overwhelmingly positive, and we are already planning a return to Luna Lodge in 2028!
Learn more about these amazing trips in Health Science, Summer 2026.
Canary Island Idyl Cruise – February 2026
The NHA recently hosted a memorable small-group sailing through the Canary Islands aboard an intimate Windstar yacht, departing from and returning to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Guests explored the diverse landscapes and rich culture of ports including Santa Cruz de Palma, San Sebastián, Funchal (Madeira), Lanzarote, and Las Palmas, all while enjoying a relaxed and immersive cruising experience.
A highlight of the journey was the presence of NHA Executive Chef John Nowakowski, who collaborated with the Windstar culinary team to elevate the onboard dining experience. He also shared his signature dressings, sauces, and recipes, helping to enhance future plant-based offerings for upcoming NHA voyages.
Antarctica – January 2026
NHA’s Plant-Based Travel had an unforgettable debut in 2026 for over 30 lucky NHA travelers who experienced a true “bucket-list” journey to the southernmost part of the world in Antarctica. While Antarctica is often called “The Frozen Continent” and is known for its icy conditions, our voyage took place during the Antarctic summer, when there are at least a few months of sunshine and temperatures often reach the mid-20s to low-30s Fahrenheit. Luckily, our travelers encountered those comfortable temperatures and mostly calm seas—even when crossing the infamous Drake Passage— and enjoyed picturesque days with both snow and sunshine. As expected, vibrant penguins were everywhere, delighting us in their own unique habitat. Yet, what truly inspired us were the daily Zodiac excursions in the mirror-like Antarctic waters, offering remarkably close encounters with penguins, numerous charming seals resting on floating icebergs, and majestic orca and humpback whales surfacing and diving amidst stunning glaciers with their iconic blue ice. Some travelers had the distinct experience of kayaking around these incredible glaciers, while others ventured into a state-of-the-art submersible to descend nearly 1,000 feet to the ocean floor and observe rarely seen sea creatures. Naturally, many brave passengers also took the obligatory “polar plunge.”
This was NHA’s first trip with the luxury cruise line Seabourn, and it certainly won’t be our last. While the accommodations and crew were outstanding, what made this journey truly memorable for our travelers was the unexpected abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, smoothies, and beautifully crafted SOS-free meals, ranging from specialty salads and inventive entrées to some of the best desserts we’ve ever tasted. Wanda Huberman teamed up with Chef Trevor for nearly two years to source SOS-free products and develop exclusive recipes for our guests, and their efforts surpassed our highest expectations at every turn. Finally, special thanks once again go to NHA Life Member and travel agent extraordinaire, Lisa McCarl, for working closely with Wanda to plan another seamless and enjoyable voyage for NHA members. The travel opportunities she and Wanda continue to create keep expanding, making NHA Travel a treasured benefit, especially for the sense of community it fosters among those of us committed to a gold-standard, plant-exclusive lifestyle. As we continue to say, if you haven’t journeyed with NHA for plant-based travel, you haven’t experienced plant-based travel at all!
Botswana & South Africa – November 2025
The NHA traveled to Botswana to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of its wildlife, paired with the many treasures South Africa had to offer. The journey featured stays in luxurious safari camps, where they enjoyed whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free meals throughout the experience. This extraordinary adventure departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on October 31, 2025. The nine-day, eight-night safari concluded on November 8, 2025.
This once-in-a-lifetime journey brought the dream of a 100% plant-based safari to life. Led by the NHA, the eco-luxury experience spanned two remote, deluxe safari lodges in Botswana and offered unforgettable encounters with lions, elephants, and a remarkable array of wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. After six nights of awe-inspiring safari experiences, they returned to Cape Town to celebrate their adventure with a final feast, perfectly blending the exhilaration of wildlife exploration with the cosmopolitan charm of South Africa’s iconic city.
Gaelic Explorers: Scotland & Ireland – July–August 2025
From July 28 to August 5, 2025, NHA members embarked on the unforgettable Windstar Gaelic Explorers Cruise, sailing from Dublin, Ireland, to Edinburgh, Scotland. This remarkable journey explored the rich coastlines and cultures of Ireland and Scotland, blending historic cities, charming villages, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking natural wonders into one extraordinary experience.
Along the way, travelers discovered the rolling hills and quirky charm of the Isle of Man—often called the gem of the Irish Sea—and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most scenic regions. Highlights included a visit to the 5,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar in Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site often compared to England’s Stonehenge, and a memorable walk along Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. This historic thoroughfare, connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, has served as the ceremonial route for kings and queens for more than 500 years and offered a fitting finale to an epic voyage.
Ports of call on this itinerary included Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Douglas on the Isle of Man, Portrush, Tobermory, Portree, Kirkwall, Invergordon, and Leith (Edinburgh). Throughout the cruise, guests enjoyed Windstar’s exceptional service aboard a stunning ship with spacious staterooms, along with delicious, whole-food, plant-based buffet meals prepared without added salt, oil, or sugar.
The Gaelic Explorers program also featured a companion itinerary earlier in the season, sailing from July 20–28, 2025, from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin, Ireland, led by Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Lisa Fuhrman. Together, these back-to-back sailings offered members the flexibility to experience one—or both—of these equally priced itineraries. Some travelers even extended their adventure by first joining the Norway Fjords cruise from July 10–20, 2025, before continuing on to explore Scotland and Ireland.
The NHA Gaelic Explorers cruises stood as a celebration of history, culture, natural beauty, and community—an inspiring example of how unforgettable travel and a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle came together seamlessly.
Norway’s Famous Fjords – July 2025
From July 10–20, 2025, travelers experienced the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s legendary fjords on an unforgettable NHA journey. Along Norway’s western coast, more than a thousand fjords—carved over millennia by glaciers and filled by the Norwegian Sea—created a landscape of extraordinary natural drama. Iconic wonders such as Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord revealed their beauty from every perspective: standing atop Lysefjord’s anvil-shaped Pulpit Rock, riding the famed Flåm Railway as it wound through mountain tunnels and past cascading waterfalls high above Aurlandsfjord, and gliding directly through the fjords themselves.
The carefully curated itinerary included Copenhagen, Aalborg, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Flåm, Olden/Loen, Geiranger, scenic cruising through Geirangerfjord, Bergen, and Leith (Edinburgh). Throughout the voyage, guests enjoyed the exceptional service of the Windstar staff aboard a beautiful ship featuring spacious, comfortable staterooms. Windstar’s strong commitment to health-promoting cuisine was evident in the delicious, whole-food, plant-based meals served without added salt, oil, or sugar—making this journey as nourishing as it was visually spectacular.
Tuscany – May 2025
Life doesn’t often offer “do-overs,” but when it came to NHA Plant-Based Travel to the enchanting Tuscany region of Italy, we were determined to recreate the magic of our first journey. In partnership with Seb Ranger and Brighde Reed of World Vegan Travel, we successfully delivered another unforgettable experience for our members.
From May 10–17, 2025, nearly a year to the day after our 2024 trip, 14 fortunate NHA members gathered at the beautiful Vegan Agrivilla I Pini in historic San Gimignano, which once again served as the perfect home base for a week-long exploration of Tuscany. The group traveled through some of the region’s most stunning and historic cities, including Pienza, Siena, Volterra, Lucca, and Pisa, with its iconic Leaning Tower.
The weather throughout the week was spectacular, perfectly complementing the plant-exclusive, SOS-free meals served daily at the villa. Adding to the culinary delight, unexpectedly magical SOS-free buffet lunches awaited the group at several destinations along the way. From handmade fresh pici pasta and hillside foraging to breathtaking frescoes, surprise opera performances, and soul-stirring landscapes, every moment was fully embraced and deeply enjoyed.
Seb and Brighde once again proved themselves to be consummate travel professionals, attending to every detail with care while fostering a remarkable sense of warmth and community that left a lasting impression on all who attended. It is difficult to fully capture the joy and satisfaction NHA members experienced while traveling to world-class, bucket-list destinations—free from any concern about where or how they would eat.
With the overwhelming success of both the 2024 and 2025 Tuscany trips, NHA has already scheduled a highly anticipated “three-peat” for 2026. Visit the NHA website for details—and as we proudly like to say, if you haven’t traveled plant-based with the NHA, you haven’t truly traveled at all.
Italy & the Dalmatian Coast – March 2025
From March 18–26, 2025, NHA members took part in a memorable NHA/6D Whole-Food, Plant-Based Group Cruise featuring Italy and the Dalmatian Coast. Hosted by Sia Hurst, founder of 6D Living and author of the Food for Thought article series published by the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, this special voyage brought together like-minded travelers for eight inspiring days aboard Windstar’s elegant Star Legend.
Sailing from Rome to Venice, the itinerary offered abundant opportunities to explore the cultural and historical treasures of Italy and Croatia. Ports of call included Naples, Messina (Taormina), Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Venice, each providing a rich blend of history, architecture, and local flavor. Traveling during the off-season allowed the group to leave the crowds behind and experience iconic destinations—such as the Sistine Chapel, St. Mark’s Square, and Pompeii—in a more intimate and meaningful way. With fewer tourists and more locals, travelers had the time and space to fully absorb the genius of Michelangelo, the haunting beauty of Pompeii, and the romance of Venice.
Highlights included walking the legendary walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, enjoying an overnight stay overlooking the city’s iconic red rooftops, and hiking through the serene parks of the Dalmatian Coast. Seasonal celebrations added extra magic, with winter festivals, Carnaval parades, festive lights, and glowing canals enhancing the grandeur of Gothic and Baroque cathedrals and historic city centers.
Throughout the journey, guests enjoyed Windstar’s exceptional service aboard a beautiful ship with spacious staterooms, along with outstanding whole-food, plant-based buffet meals prepared without added salt, oil, or sugar. This thoughtfully curated cruise offered a perfect balance of culture, cuisine, and community—an enriching travel experience that reflected the very best of NHA plant-based living.
Tahiti: February 16–23, 2025 – NHA Windstar Plant-Based Culinary Extravaganza
In February 2025, NHA Travel made history by chartering an entire Windstar ship for an unforgettable seven-day plant-based cruise through Tahiti and the stunning Society Islands of French Polynesia. A record 266 whole-food, plant-based enthusiasts—drawn from the NHA community and followers of Dr. Joel and Lisa Fuhrman—gathered aboard the beautiful Star Breeze for a truly extraordinary journey.
The cruise explored the breathtaking destinations of Papeete, Moʻorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahaea (Tahaʻa), Bora Bora, and Huahine, offering endless opportunities for active exploration and relaxation. Guests enjoyed swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, kayaking, diving, and paddleboarding, as well as wandering through lush rainforests and experiencing the rich Polynesian culture—from ancient tikis to fragrant tiaré (Tahitian gardenia) flowers.
In a groundbreaking first, Windstar served exclusively whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free cuisine throughout the voyage. Guests enjoyed delicious, NHA-compliant meals prepared by Executive Chef Nelish and his outstanding culinary team, including abundant salad bars, extraordinary soups, flavorful entrées, and indulgent desserts. After days filled with snorkeling in pristine lagoons or touring family-owned vanilla plantations, travelers returned to the yacht to savor dishes such as veggie enchiladas, crispy lentil-and-beet kefta, and decadent chocolate cake. Special appreciation also goes to the chefs at the InterContinental Hotel in Tahiti, who collaborated with NHA to provide exceptional SOS-free buffets for guests arriving early or staying on after the cruise.
Windstar’s complimentary water sports platform added to the adventure, offering custom-fit snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a sailboat, a floating “Magic Carpet,” and even a water trampoline. With spectacular weather, awe-inspiring scenery, and the consistently exceptional service provided by the Windstar staff, the experience was nothing short of magical.
As always, the strong sense of community shared on this small-ship excursion made the journey even more meaningful. This landmark voyage reaffirmed why plant-based travel remains one of the NHA’s most cherished member benefits.
Iceland – August 2024
In August 2024, two large groups of NHA members—one led by Lisa and Clayton McCarl and the other by Mark and Wanda Huberman—embarked on back-to-back, unforgettable Windstar voyages that circled the magical island of Iceland. The weather was spectacular, perfectly complementing the unmatched beauty and majesty of this extraordinary land of fire and ice. Travelers were captivated by endless volcanoes, breathtaking waterfalls, vast unspoiled wilderness, and dazzling northern lights, which appeared in full splendor as the ships crossed the Arctic Circle.
The Windstar staff once again delivered their signature above-and-beyond service, while the plant-exclusive, SOS-free cuisine prepared by the talented executive chefs exceeded expectations. Guests enjoyed abundant and beautifully presented salad bars, flavorful soups, satisfying entrées, and extraordinary desserts—each meal a highlight of the journey.
As with every NHA small-ship excursion, the strong sense of community shared among members made the experience even more meaningful and memorable. These remarkable Iceland voyages reaffirmed why plant-based travel remains one of the NHA’s most cherished member benefits.
Tuscany – May 2024
NHA Plant-Based Travel continued to expand its unique offerings in May 2024, when 14 fortunate NHA members participated in our inaugural all-inclusive land tour in partnership with World Vegan Travel. From May 11–18, 2024, the group embarked on a memorable journey beginning in Florence, Italy, and traveling through a collection of beautiful and historic Tuscan villages.
The tour marked NHA’s first-ever all-inclusive land-based travel experience and set a remarkably high standard. Sebastian Ranger and Brighde Reed, the visionary leaders of World Vegan Travel, were exceptional partners, and our year-long collaboration with the talented chefs at each destination ensured an extraordinary culinary experience. The itinerary was both breathtaking and inspiring, matched by elegant and welcoming accommodations throughout the journey.
Most importantly, the plant-exclusive, SOS-free cuisine served at every stop exceeded our highest expectations, offering exceptional abundance, vibrant flavors, and impressive creativity. As always, the strong sense of community shared among our members added immeasurable value to the experience. The success of this inaugural tour made it clear that a return engagement was inevitable—and plans were already underway.
ERIC BERGE shares…
It was a wonderful trip for so many reasons. The tour hosts, Seb and Brighde, designed and managed a wonderful visit to the Tuscan countryside. The places we visited gave us a great range of small Italian hilltowns to larger Tuscan cities, all with their own unique flavor and sites to see. We experienced everything from high Italian art to the beautiful Italian countryside. The agriturismo that we stayed at is a wonderful place with fabulous staff running everything; we really felt totally taken care of! To top it all off, we had a great group to tour with, and we really bonded through the marvelous shared experience.
JENNIFER B. shares…
It was definitely a trip of a lifetime. If you want to go on an incredible trip with delicious and amazing food, catered day trips to nearby Tuscany towns, and a home base in an idyllic setting with wonderful people in the Italian countryside, then this trip is for you. Our tour leaders saw to every detail, making me feel cared for and pampered. One of my best trips ever!
CRAIG MASON AND LINDSAY PRICE shares…
What a magical trip! The experience was perfectly balanced between captivating sightseeing and engaging activities, ensuring we always had something delightful to do. Magic is an art, and Brighde and Seb are true trip magicians. Every little detail was meticulously planned and executed. When you’re on an NHA/World Vegan Travel trip, you can truly leave your wallet at home—every need is anticipated and taken care of. From the expertly hand-picked local guides they chose to Brighde carrying a bag full of Euro coins for “loo” time, every aspect of the trip was thoughtfully arranged to perfection. The culinary aspect of our trip was nothing short of exceptional. Our group had special dietary needs well beyond standard vegan fare, and each of our unique requirements was met perfectly. Every meal was a delightful surprise, showcasing local flavours and creativity while accommodating our specific needs. From breakfast to dinner, the food was always delicious, nutritious, and thoughtfully prepared, ensuring we could enjoy every bite without worry. It was an unforgettable journey, seamlessly blending relaxation and adventure, all thanks to the extraordinary care and attention of Brighde and Seb.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal – February 2024
During the latest NHA plant-based cruise aboard the elegant Windstar sailing ship Wind Star, groups of NHA members—one led by Tami and Tom Kramer and the other led by Mark and Wanda Huberman—experienced the breathtaking tropical beauty and crystal-clear waters of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal from February 10 to March 2, 2024.
The weather throughout the voyage was once again spectacular, perfectly complementing the remarkable destinations along the route. The Windstar staff continued to deliver their signature above-and-beyond service, while the plant-exclusive, SOS-free cuisine prepared by Corporate Executive Chef Graeme surpassed even our highest expectations. Guests enjoyed abundant, beautifully presented salad bars, flavorful soups, exceptional entrées, and truly memorable desserts.
Above all, the strong sense of community shared among members on these intimate, small-ship excursions once again proved why plant-based travel remains one of the NHA’s most valuable and rewarding member benefits. The NHA–Windstar partnership continued to grow stronger, and as we proudly say: if you haven’t traveled plant-based with the NHA, you haven’t truly traveled plant-based at all.
Greek Isles – October 2023
From October 20–28, 2023, 46 NHA members experienced the extraordinary beauty of the Greek Isles aboard Windstar’s elegant Star Legend during the latest NHA plant-based cruise. The weather throughout the voyage was spectacular, perfectly complementing the remarkable destinations, which included Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, and Santorini.
The Windstar executive team and crew were exceptionally accommodating, delivering attentive, personalized service at every turn. The plant-exclusive, SOS-free cuisine, prepared by the talented Chef Rajeev and his culinary team, exceeded even our highest expectations. Each meal featured abundant, beautifully presented salad bars accompanied by a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and creative dressings—served consistently at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Adding to the culinary delight were multiple daily soups, an array of desserts, and a generous selection of entrées at every meal, transforming dining into an experience as memorable as the destinations themselves. Over time, the NHA–Windstar partnership had matured into a truly unique and valuable collaboration, continuing to set the standard for exceptional plant-based travel experiences.
Galápagos Islands – February 2023
The National Health Association hosted an extraordinary journey to the Galápagos Islands, where travelers experienced one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. Guests explored the islands’ volcanic landscapes and encountered remarkable wildlife up close—including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions—in their natural habitats.
The trip featured guided excursions led by expert naturalists, snorkeling and kayaking in crystal-clear waters, and visits to multiple islands, each offering distinct scenery and biodiversity. Throughout the journey, travelers enjoyed a supportive community atmosphere and nourishing plant-based meals, making the experience both adventurous and deeply enriching.
Alaska – August 2022
From August 19–29, 2022, 96 NHA members experienced Alaska’s extraordinary natural grandeur aboard the Windstar Star Breeze. The small, luxury, eco-friendly ship carried 230 passengers and a crew of 100, creating an intimate setting ideal for exploration and community. After nearly two years of meticulous planning by Wanda Huberman, NHA Executive Director; Lisa McCarl, NHA Travel Agent; and the Windstar executive team, expectations were not only met but exceeded—particularly with the whole-food, plant-exclusive meals, prepared without added salt, oil, or sugar, that were thoughtfully created for our group.
Nature offers no guarantees in Alaska, yet our group was rewarded with what locals described as the best weather of the entire summer—clear skies, brilliant sunshine, and mild temperatures throughout the voyage. From both the ship and shore excursions, members observed and photographed an abundance of wildlife, including whales, seals, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins, and salmon returning to spawn.
Among the many highlights were kayak and Zodiac excursions through remote fjords filled with floating ice debris, offering breathtaking, up-close views of glaciers, dramatic scenery, and wildlife. Windstar’s exceptional Alaska Expedition Team expertly led these outings and also guided hikes and tours that showcased Alaska’s distinctive landscapes and rich history. In addition, the team offered engaging onboard presentations covering Alaska’s culture, ecology, wildlife, and photography techniques.
One especially moving evening featured a talk by an Indigenous Alaskan elder and former mayor of a small port town, who shared personal reflections on life, culture, and the ongoing challenges faced by his community. His presentation added depth and meaning to the journey.
Our goal of providing healthy, whole, plant-based, SOS-free meals aboard a small ship was a resounding success. Other passengers were naturally curious about the NHA group and our food, and many were invited to sample the meals—often with enthusiastic responses. Throughout the voyage, NHA members bonded deeply; strangers became friends, united by a truly transformative shared experience.
As with any group travel, challenges did arise, and Wanda and Lisa worked tirelessly around the clock, offering guidance, reassurance, and support to ensure a smooth journey for all. In the end, Alaska served as a powerful reminder that there is a vast and beautiful world waiting to be explored—together.
Bahá (Baja) – April 2022
In April 2022, the National Health Association hosted an unforgettable journey to Baja, where travelers experienced the region’s stunning desert-meets-ocean landscapes and rich marine life. Guests explored the coastline through guided excursions, including opportunities to observe whales, snorkel in clear waters, and enjoy peaceful beachside settings.
The trip combined adventure with relaxation, offering time for connection, reflection, and community. Attendees also enjoyed nourishing plant-based meals and engaging discussions, making the experience both rejuvenating and inspiring.
Germany & Amsterdam – 2019
Shortly after the 2018 NHA Conference, NHA member and travel agent Lisa McCarl—profiled alongside her husband, Clayton, in the Spring 2019 issue of this magazine—approached the NHA with the idea of organizing a unique and active European river cruise that would offer passengers meals fully compliant with NHA standards: whole-food, plant-based, and free of added oil, salt, and sugar. Lisa reported that Avalon Waterways had agreed to accommodate these specific dietary requirements and to work directly with NHA Conference Chair Wanda Huberman to develop all meals.
This European river cruise concept was a first for the NHA, and there was initial uncertainty about the level of interest it might generate. However, as the saying goes, “If you build it, they will come.” And come they did—41 members, with more than 40 additional members on a waiting list. From October 5–12, 2019, participants enjoyed what proved to be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Avalon Panorama was elegant in every respect, and its crew demonstrated exceptional professionalism and hospitality throughout the journey. Guests traveled smoothly along the Rhine River, from Nierstein, Germany, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, enjoying both the scenery and the thoughtfully curated itinerary. Bicycles were available on board, and an activities director guided travelers on tours and hikes through the many beautiful cities where the ship docked.
Ensuring that the meals met NHA standards was the highest priority. To that end, Wanda and Lisa maintained direct and consistent communication with Avalon’s European leadership for more than a year, providing detailed recipes and clear guidance on approved and prohibited ingredients. As an added layer of assurance, Cathy Fisher was onboard to address any questions from the culinary staff. While there were a few initial miscommunications involving some evening entrées and desserts, the Avalon chefs and staff ultimately delivered an outstanding culinary experience.
The daily fruit and vegetable buffets—available at all three meals each day—were abundant and featured thoughtfully selected, high-quality fruits and vegetables, along with nuts, dates, figs, and seeds, all beautifully and creatively presented. The joy of traveling through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities without ever needing to worry about where or how to eat made the experience especially meaningful for participants.
For those who attended, the cruise was truly a dream come true, and many continued to reminisce about it at the 2020 NHA Conference in Cleveland, for which they were already registered. The overwhelming success of this inaugural river cruise prompted NHA to begin exploring options for future cruises. As with NHA Conferences, future NHA River Cruises quickly became experiences not to be missed.
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