After a day onshore exploring another spectacular destination, imagine boarding your cruise ship to be delighted with a new dessert more delectable than the last. From the irresistible allure of traditional Italian tiramisu to the elegant simplicity of a perfectly crafted macaron, there is an array of indulgent cruise desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth.
In this blog, we share six of the best cruise desserts you can enjoy when sailing on the open waters. These aren’t everyday treats; these cruise ship desserts are sweet culinary experiences—crafted by the finest chefs and almost as exciting as the destinations themselves.
1) ‘The Michelangelo’ – Princess Cruises Specialty Desserts
Step into the sweet, whimsical world of Princess Cruises, where your dessert dreams come to life with their Premier Dessert, “the Michelangelo.” This delectable masterpiece is a symphony of flavours, combining the soft, rich texture of a chocolate chip muffin with the cool, creamy bliss of vanilla gelato. This taste journey is further enhanced by the vibrant zing of raspberry and the indulgent depth of chocolate sauces, all crowned with playful twirl twister lollipops that add a fun, colourful twist.
‘The Michelangelo’ is part of Princess Cruises’ Specialty Desserts. Upgrade to the Princess Plus package, and you can enjoy up to two of these per day. Alternatively, with the Princess Premier package, these sumptuous gelato treats are unlimited!
2) Carnival Cruise Line’s Infamous Chocolate Melting Cake
The Chocolate Melting Cake, found on Carnival Cruise Line, has a reputation as one of the best desserts at sea. This decadent delight captures the hearts of its cruise guests with a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance.
Picture breaking through a slightly crisp chocolate crust to discover a warm, molten dark chocolate centre that flows like lava. Paired perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast that’s both tantalising and comforting, the Chocolate Melting Cake offers perfection in every bite.
Though this cruise dessert is made with just five basic ingredients, achieving its signature velvety interior requires immeasurable skills. Many have been inspired to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home, blending dark chocolate and butter with eggs, sugar, and a touch of flour. The success of this task comes with the timing; get it right, and you’ll be treated to a moment of chocolate bliss.
3) Fried Cheesecake from 150 Central Park, Royal Caribbean
Take a seat at Royal Caribbean‘s 150 Central Park restaurant to discover one of the most unique desserts at sea: the fried cheesecake. It offers a creative blend of the quirkiness of street food with the sophistication of gourmet cuisine.
Traditionally, the rich, creamy filling of a cheesecake is enjoyed layered over a biscuit crust, but Royal Caribbean has created a playful twist. This cheesecake is rolled into balls, coated, and deep-fried to golden gorgeousness, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a lusciously soft and creamy centre. It’s then elegantly served with a dusting of icing sugar, fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce, and an unexpected but delightful touch of caramelised popcorn, adding an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheesecake.
150 Central Park is one of Royal Caribbean’s most exclusive and sophisticated dining venues. It is known for its modern American fare and seasonal, locally sourced menus. As a Royal Caribbean speciality restaurant, there is an additional charge to dine here and sample this fried cheesecake innovation.
4) A Touch of Elegance: Silversea Cruises’ Grand Marnier Souffle
Treat yourself to a visit to La Dame, the gourmet French restaurant on Silversea Cruises. Every dish is a mouthwatering adventure, a crescendo to the Grand Marnier soufflé—simply irresistible.
Undeniably one of the best cruise ship desserts for its elegant simplicity, the Grand Marnier soufflé is baked to perfection on order, then rushed to your table in all its glory. Like all the best soufflés, this speciality provides a beautiful balance of crispy on the outside with a dreamily airy yet creamy inside, an utter treat that is so special.
La Dame is celebrated for providing its cruise guests an exquisite dining experience. While you need to pay a surcharge when visiting, it claims to offer the highest expression of excellence in French dining, with its chic, contemporary style and sophisticated menu, designed by top chefs.
5) Norwegian Cruise Line’s Decadent Brownie S’more Ice Cream Coupe
When looking for the best cruise desserts, the Decadent Brownie S’more Coupe at Coco’s on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore has to be up there as the ultimate sweet treat. This mega ice cream sundae is served in a glass goblet, overflowing with delight.
You’ll discover layers of double-fudge gelato, fluffy marshmallow cream, crunchy biscuit, and rich brownie pieces, all topped with toasted meringue and chocolate shavings. While this dessert costs extra, it is mammoth in size, making it perfect for sharing.
6) The Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake on Disney Cruise Wish
Discover the Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake at 1923, a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to savour. This dish artfully combines a sweet dough shell with caramelised apples and cinnamon cheesecake, all nestled in a rolled oat crumble shell.
If deciding between creamy cheesecake and exquisite apple pie always has you flummoxed, this dessert is for you, as it combines the two with perfect precision. Despite its rich flavours, it doesn’t feel overly indulgent. The portion is just right, so it simply leaves you soulfully satisfied at the end of your meal.
1923, named after the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, is a main dining restaurant currently found exclusively on Disney Wish. However, you’ll also be able to enjoy it on Disney Treasure launching at the end of this year.
Dessert Availability
Please note that not all desserts are available on every ship; some are exclusive to specific venues on a particular vessel.
What Is Speciality Dining on a Cruise?
You’ll find several of our favourite desserts described above in cruise ships’ speciality restaurants. But what exactly is speciality dining on a cruise?
Food is included on cruises, but only in select outlets, such as the main dining restaurants, buffets, and often a few other venues around the ship. Speciality dining restaurants charge an extra fee.
Speciality dining on a cruise refers to premium dining experiences, where you can sample unique dishes and enjoy dining environments distinct from the main restaurant options. These venues allow you to experience gourmet cruise food, often created by renowned chefs or themed around specific cuisines.
Can You Eat as Much as You Want on Cruises?
For many cruise guests, food is a significant part of their cruise holiday, with most cruise ships offering an enticing selection of delicious meals and snacks to try.
When it comes to eating as much as you want, the main dining rooms and buffet options generally allow for unlimited eating. On the other hand, speciality dining experiences typically have set menus with courses. However, when it comes to some desserts, such as the ice cream sundaes described, you’ll soon discover that these portions are often more than satisfying!
