MSC Cruises Reveal First Tea Library at Sea

MSC Virtuosa is stocking all our favourite brands, and even bottled British tap water from different regions

Is there anything more quintessentially British than a good cup of tea? According to research from MSC Cruises, a whopping 76% of British travellers say tea just doesn’t taste the same when they’re abroad - and I’d have to agree. This has led 51% of us to pack our own tea bags when leaving the UK, with 37% even bringing their own kettle, mug, and sugar bowl! Now, whilst I’ve never gone that far, I often despair about being unable to enjoy the perfect cuppa on the ocean waves.  Clearly, there’s more to making the perfect cuppa than just boiling water, a standard tea bag, and a splash of milk, that until now only we British had mastered.

Well, fear not, fellow tea aficionados! MSC Virtuosa, sailing from Southampton this summer, has introduced the fabulous new Tea Library, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite brew just like at home. The library is stocked with nearly 100 types of tea, including beloved brands like PG Tips, Tetley, Clipper, Yorkshire Tea, Twinings, and even supermarket own brands. They’ve also got a variety of milk, sugar, sweeteners, mugs, cups, teapots, tea cosies, and more. And to make it truly authentic, they’ve even got British tap water from different regions, ranging from the hardest water in London to the softest in Dundee. I mean, that’s going over and beyond!

MSC Virtuosa is already a firm favourite with British travellers, and this summer, it’s back with sailings from Southampton. Guests in the MSC Yacht Club can indulge in daily afternoon tea—a popular demand from Brits which MSC Cruises has met by increasing the frequency from weekly to daily on board.

Imagine enjoying a perfect cuppa while taking in the stunning scenery of Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, or the Norwegian Fjords. It’s no wonder that 58% of Brits believe drinking British tea abroad enhances the overall travel experience. The British politeness stereotype rings true, too: 45% of us would still drink an awful cup of tea, and 40% would even thank the person who made it. However, 8% are confident enough to refuse a bad brew altogether.

Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales and Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, sums it up nicely: “Brits are very particular about their tea, and they should be. When it doesn’t taste right abroad, it can change the whole experience. It might be the tea bags, the water, or even UHT milk – replicating the perfect cuppa components when you’re not at home is tough.”

For a limited time, tea lovers on MSC Virtuosa will be delighted with the variety of bottled British tap water to suit their preferences. Whether you’re used to very hard tap water from London, moderate water from Birmingham, or soft water from Dundee, MSC Cruises has got you covered. During this trial, guests can explore the impressive handmade Tea Library, stocked with everything from Yorkshire Tea to Tetley, PG Tips to Twinings, and even Asda supermarket essentials.

Antonio Paradiso adds, “We’re always listening to our customers to ensure their sailing experience is truly remarkable. If this trial is successful, we will roll it out in 2025. We want our guests to feel like they’re in a home away from home when sailing with us, which is why we’ve always taken tea seriously on board MSC Virtuosa. We’ve perfected even the smallest details so our guests can relax with their perfect cuppa, whatever their tastes.”

So, if you’re setting sail on MSC Virtuosa this summer, rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite brew just the way you like it. Cheers to that!

Let me know in the comments your secret to a perfect cuppa. I’ll go first - take the pot (or mug) to the kettle for boiling water, then brew for 5 minutes!