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First, it was New York City. Then, it was Starbucks. And now, Royal Caribbean International has announced it plans to be the first cruise line to ban trans fats from the menus aboard its cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean announced on Jan. 3rd that it will begin removing trans fat from its menus beginning March 1, culminating in a fully trans-fat-free menu fleetwide by the end of this year.

Trans fats are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that block arteries and are implicated in elevating levels of bad cholesterol.

New York City decided to ban trans fats from all eateries and restaurants last month, and Starbucks announced a day ago that all its US stores trans fat-free by the end of this year.

Royal Caribbean said that effective immediately, trans-fat-free
frying oil will replace the old pour-and-fry oil originally used in food
preparation, and entirely-new, trans-fat-free menu options will be
introduced to Royal Caribbean's menus.

"Vegetable oils that have undergone hydrogenation result in a type of fat that doctors have linked to serious health risks including diabetes, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels," said Michael Bayley, senior vice president, Total Guest Satisfaction.

"If we can offer guests a healthier serving of the foods they love by switching to trans-fat-free oils, while maintaining the same level of satisfaction, why wouldn.'t we make the switch?"

Royal Caribbean said it tested trans-fat-free oil onboard Navigator of the Seas last November, and the conclusion was that it provides a better tasting product.

"Making this investment to upgrade to a healthier option in terms of food preparation is yet another way we can connect with our guests to ensure the best overall cruise experience," Bayley added.