New Chocolate and Cheese Afternoon Tea Experiences on Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises Expands Afternoon Tea Offerings

Marella Cruises, part of TUI UK&I’s ocean cruise line, is enhancing its afternoon tea experience with the introduction of two innovative themes: The Chocolate Bar - Afternoon Tea and The Cheese Table - Afternoon Tea. Starting from August 2025, these unique dining choices will alternate every two weeks and will be included in the all-inclusive package available across its fleet.

The Chocolate Bar - Afternoon Tea

The Chocolate Bar offers guests a decadent chocolate-centric experience where every delicacy incorporates the rich flavors of white, milk, and dark chocolates. Notable highlights include a flowing chocolate fountain, chocolate scones, exquisite patisseries, mini cakes, and a special Baker’s Box containing chocolate twists, chocolate strudel, and indulgent chocolate chip cookies. Guests can unleash their creativity at the “Build Your Own Chocolate Trifle” station, where they can layer brownies and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a variety of choices such as whipped cream, salted caramel, cherry or orange compotes, crushed waffles, and chocolate sauce.

The Cheese Table - Afternoon Tea

The Cheese Table adds a savory flair to the traditional afternoon tea format, featuring a mix of sweet and savory bites offered both hot and cold. A standout feature is The Raclette Bar, providing melted cheese served atop fresh sourdough bread alongside gourmet accompaniments. This afternoon tea also boasts a sophisticated Cheese Board showcasing five distinct types of cheese, served with grapes, crackers, celery, apples, pickled onions, mustard, and cornichons. Indulging in this experience also includes cheese and bread twists, sandwiches, savory scones, pastries, and mini cakes. To cap off the experience, guests can create their own cheesecake cones, customizing creamy vanilla cheesecake with toppings like blueberry or mixed berry compote, lemon curd, salted caramel, and biscuit crumbs.

Enhancements to Onboard Dining

In addition to these new afternoon tea options, the main buffet areas on all Marella cruise ships will offer exciting new offerings, such as a fruit cutting station featuring an array of fruits from around the globe, along with a pop-up salad bar catering to diverse tastes.

Feedback and Anticipation

Luke Saunders, Food and Drink Development Manager at Marella Cruises, expressed excitement over these new additions, stating, “We are pleased to be expanding our afternoon tea selection onboard across our ships. Feedback from our successful trials indicates that guests appreciate these innovative afternoon teas. We eagerly anticipate our regular customers and newcomers enjoying their sweet and savory cravings on their next voyage.”

A Look Back at Afternoon Tea's History

The tradition of afternoon tea has evolved significantly since its introduction in the early 19th century. The custom traces back to the Duchess of Bedford, who in the 1840s sought a way to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. This led to the casual gathering of tea, sandwiches, and pastries, which soon became a fashionable social event. Over time, afternoon tea became synonymous with leisure and elegance, drawing patrons into the delightful world of fine teas and savory bites.

Significance of Afternoon Tea in Tourism

Today, afternoon tea is not only a beloved tradition in the UK but an essential part of the culinary experiences offered in various tourism sectors, particularly in upscale dining venues and cruise lines. Travelers now seek authentic cultural experiences and culinary explorations when visiting different destinations. Afternoon tea events aboard cruise ships can enhance guest satisfaction, enabling them to indulge in this classic tradition while enjoying stunning ocean views. The demand for such experiences illustrates the importance of offering unique dining options as a way to attract a wider audience and create memorable travel moments.

The Future of Afternoon Tea Offerings

With the continual evolution of the luxury cruise experience, the introduction of themed afternoon teas can play a significant role in international tourism, appealing to both seasoned travelers and newcomers to cruising. Such offerings not only diversify the onboard experience but also showcase the culinary artistry of the cruise line's team, enhancing overall guest satisfaction and contributing to the growing popularity of cruise vacations.

In conclusion, Marella Cruises is set to elevate the afternoon tea experience with its innovative Chocolate Bar and Cheese Table concepts, allowing travelers to indulge in delightful culinary experiences. As the cruise industry continually seeks new ways to engage with guests, thematic dining options such as these are becoming increasingly essential. For those looking to explore marine destinations where these delectable experiences are available, GetBoat.com is an excellent resource for renting sailing boats and yachts that cater to every taste and budget, providing wonderful opportunities to enjoy the stunning waterways that surround these culinary adventures.