Hi Anders!
To be Veggie shouldn't be a big problem on Bord. There are plenty of fruits and Vegetables to eat... and If you are very friendly to the chef then its even better;-))) But the best is telling your agent in advance!!! Vegan would cause a problem I think. on most boats food habits seem to be under German influence;-))). Dark bread cheese sausage, eggs and cereals in the morning. But they have also rice for each meal. You will soon feel at home on Bord and on most boats you are allowed to open the fridge and take what you need to eat!!!
I bought some soy meat to bring on Bord and was allowed to prepare my own food in between. The crew loved it and soon I was the official supplier of the German potato salad;-))))
On most boats you have a BBQ at least once during the voyage, bring some money to invite the whole crew for a beer or two!
Bring a variety of herbal teabags, I was very astonished that they love it!!!!

Then think of your favourite treats like chocolate or biscuits or what ever. Maybe you could take one or two bottles of wine to share with the captain and the officers.

Well, any questions left? Do ask them;-)))
Enjoy your adventure

Susanne

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A ship is an industrial environment so pack sturdy shoes/sandles and clothing that you don't mind getting an oil sludge or two on.
In the evenings you don't need to dress formally for dinner but on many ships the officers will eat dinner in their uniform so pack something decent like long pants (jeans are fine) and maybe a casual shirt.
Drinks are dirt cheap on board so do your part and buy a round or two in the officer's bar.
Somebody will most likely explains the rules and what you can or cannot do on board. Usually there are few restrictions but as a rule of thumb, ask somebody in authority first. More often than not they will say yes.
Don't expect too much in the way of gourmet food but they'll be able to accommodate you as a vegetarian. The quality of what you eat will depend entirely on the chef. Some take a great deal of pleasure in their jobs and come up with the most amazing meals, others are jobsworths who believe everything must come out of a can. If you like good wine bring a few bottles of your favourite because most wine on board ships (unless it is a French ship) comes out of a tetrapak box.
The crew will, as someone else said here, be very busy and not have much time for you when you first get on board, but once the ship is out at sea they'll begin to relax and be very sociable.
Don't worry about a thing. You will have an amazing time.

I just disembarked from CMA CGM SAMBHAR!
Had a very pleasant time. All of your tips were useful, thank you so much!!

We actually had a really good cook on board - Armando Issai. Anyone of you met him? :P You never know... He's got these eyes, you know, really wise but introvert somehow.
He just improvised vegetarian dishes for me, and they were so good. And so large!! On the last day, he said "You know.. I never cook vegetables before. I have no idea what is good."


On your trips, did you also get really sleepy? Like, when there's no one waiting for you or anyone expecting anything from you, your own willpower suddenly is in charge... As for me, it directly told me to rest rest rest. I loved talking to the crew, but when I was with myself.. Very often, I just wanted to rest. I forced myself to gym once in a while. :P