Marella Cruises, the ocean cruise line operated by TUI, has announced the launch of two new afternoon tea experiences set to debut fleetwide from this month.
The new offerings, The Chocolate Bar - Afternoon Tea and The Cheese Table - Afternoon Tea, will be available on an alternating fortnightly basis and included as part of the cruise line’s all-inclusive dining.
The additions aim to enhance the culinary experience for passengers across all Marella ships and follow successful trial runs earlier this year.
Each themed afternoon tea offers a distinct twist on the traditional British favourite, catering to both sweet-toothed guests and those with a savoury palate.
The new restaurant will be on the Marella cruise ships | TUIThe Chocolate Bar - Afternoon Tea is a dessert lover’s dream, with every item featuring white, milk, or dark chocolate.
Guests can indulge in chocolate scones, a selection of patisseries and mini cakes, and a Baker’s Box filled with rich treats such as chocolate twists, chocolate strudel, and chocolate chip cookies.
One of the centrepieces of this offering is a flowing chocolate fountain, while a Build Your Own Chocolate Trifle station allows guests to get creative.
Diners can layer rich brownie pieces and smooth chocolate mousse before adding their choice of toppings, which include whipped cream, salted caramel, shaved chocolate, fruit compotes, crushed waffles, and chocolate sauce.
For those looking for a more savoury twist, The Cheese Table - Afternoon Tea presents a gourmet spread of hot and cold bites. A highlight is the Raclette Bar, where melted cheese is served over fresh sourdough with a selection of accompaniments.
The experience also features a curated Cheese Board with five varieties of cheese, paired with traditional sides such as grapes, crackers, pickled onions, celery, apple, mustard, and cornichons.
Additional offerings include sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones, cheese-infused bread twists, and a range of patisseries and cakes.
Guests can end their meal with a Build Your Own Cheesecake Cone, filling a cone with vanilla cheesecake mix and customising it with toppings such as berry compote, lemon curd, biscuit crumbs, and salted caramel.
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The Chocolate Bar - Afternoon Tea is the perfect sweet treat
|TUI
In addition to the new afternoon teas, Marella Cruises is also updating its main buffet areas. New features include a global fruit-cutting station and a pop-up salad bar.
These enhancements will be available in the buffet areas on all ships: Islands (Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2), The Market Place (Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2), and The Kitchens (Marella Voyager).
Food and drink development manager at Marella Cruises, Luke Saunders, commented: “We are pleased to be expanding our afternoon tea selection onboard across our ships. After two successful trials across a couple of ships, feedback from customers shows us that they love the latest afternoon teas.”
These new experiences will join existing favourites, including the Great Musical Afternoon Tea, a chargeable weekly event (£18.95 per person) inspired by West End musicals.
All new and returning guests can expect the upgraded afternoon tea menus to be part of the all-inclusive dining offer on Marella Cruises.