British travellers often struggle to enjoy a cup of tea abroad, with three-quarters (76%) of holidaymakers claiming it never quite tastes the same once they leave the UK. Research from MSC Cruises has revealed that 51% of Brits resort to packing their own tea bags when travelling, and 37% even take their own kettle, mug, or sugar bowl to ensure the perfect brew.
In response to the findings, MSC Cruises has launched the MSC Tea Library aboard its popular cruise ship, MSC Virtuosa, catering specifically to British tea drinkers. The innovative new offering provides travellers with nearly 100 different types of tea, ranging from iconic British brands like PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea, Tetley, Clipper, and Twinings, to supermarket favourites such as Asda’s own-label tea. Alongside the teas, passengers can choose from a variety of mugs, cups, teapots, and even tea cosies to recreate the comfort of home while on holiday.
Understanding that water quality plays a key role in making a good cup of tea, MSC Cruises has gone the extra mile by providing authentic tap water from across the UK. Guests can select bottled water ranging from the hard tap water of London to the softer water of Dundee, ensuring that the taste of tea is as close to home as possible.
Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales and Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, said: “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 wrong tea bags, off-tasting water, or even UHT milk – it’s very hard to replicate the perfect cuppa when you’re not at home.”
The MSC Virtuosa, which has returned to UK waters for the summer, offers sailings from Southampton, providing British travellers the chance to enjoy this one-of-a-kind tea experience while cruising through destinations like Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Norwegian fjords. For guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, the popular afternoon tea service has been expanded from weekly to daily, following strong demand from British travellers.
MSC Cruises’ commitment to perfecting the tea experience extends beyond the selection of teas and water. Research shows that 58% of Brits believe a good cup of British tea can enhance their overall travel experience. In true British fashion, however, 45% of those surveyed admitted that they would still drink a sub-par cup of tea rather than complain, with 40% even expressing gratitude for it, while 8% said they would refuse to drink it altogether.
MSC Cruises is currently trialling the Tea Library aboard MSC Virtuosa, with plans to potentially expand the service fleet-wide by 2025. Paradiso added: “If this trial is successful, we will roll it out further. We’ve always taken tea seriously on board, and we’re committed to making our guests feel like they’re in a home away from home while sailing with us.”
The Tea Library trial continues throughout the summer, offering British passengers the ultimate tea experience while at sea.
