Almost as important as the cruise itself, food on board ship is a huge part of cruising. From vast, splendid buffets to themed dining, black-tie formal events to casual club sandwiches by the pool, mouthwatering morsels and delicious dinners are a fundamental part of all the best cruises.
And when it comes to culinary indulgence, there is nothing quite like a good dessert. While some cruise lines are focusing more on wellness and healthy eating, the temptation of something sweet and sinful is still hugely important for most cruise travelers.
So if you are packing your bags for a tropical cruise from Florida and want to get a sneak peek of what might be waiting for you in the dining room at the end of the evening, here are 6 of the best desserts to taste on your next cruise.
Warm Chocolate Melting Cake
You can never go wrong with chocolate, and this famous cruise staple fully lives up to its billing. Melt-in-the-mouth delicious, some variant of a melting chocolate cake, lava cake, or molten souffle is found on almost every ship all around the world. The most famous version of this can be found in the main dining room on most Carnival Cruise ships, but wherever you choose to sail this excellent dessert is a must-try.
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska and cruise ships go together like white on rice. Can a cruise be truly complete without a Baked Alaska? Who knows, and frankly, who wants to find out! One of the best parts of a Baked Alaska is the show that comes with it, a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, usually accompanied by dancing waiters and general flamboyance, as befits such an impressive dish.
Meyer Lemon Tart
Celebrity Cruise’s showstopping dessert, the Meyer Lemon Tart is something truly special, and it alone makes the already superb dining experience at the Eden Restaurant unmissable. Made with Meyer lemons, which are a slightly sweeter version of the traditional citrus fruit, this particular version includes lavender cream, huckleberries, and a graham cracker crust. It is a seriously innovative, exciting, and truly delicious dessert, and you’ll be delighted you chose it over more decadent-sounding options.
Gelato
Gelato might just be the perfect cruise dessert. Tasty, refreshing, perfect for warmer climates, and totally portable, there’s nothing quite like an ice cream by the pool on a hot day to get your tastebuds tingling. A Mediterranean cruise is the perfect opportunity to try authentic Italian gelato, although MSC Cruises offer a genuine taste of Italy on all their sailings wherever you are in the world.
Bread and Butter Pudding
This classic British dessert is a legend on Holland America sailings and a mainstay of almost every cruise ship in some form or other. An intensely comforting pudding option, it is warm, stodgy, and sweet, and conjures up delightful mental images of nights beside an open fire and childhood memories.
Cheese Trolley
Finally, if your tastes are more savory and you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can always go for the cheese trolley! Almost every cruise line boasts an impressive cheese board, with regional delights from around the world, but the best offerings are almost always those with a heavy French influence.
While you probably won’t pick your cruise ship or itinerary based solely on the desserts on offer, knowing what sweet treats are in store for your after-dinner delight is a lovely added extra. While these desserts are some of the best on offer, every on-board dining option boasts its own specialties and delicacies, so you are guaranteed to find something delicious wherever you travel!
