The Most Decadent Dessert Parade At Sea

To celebrate the final night at sea on each Holland America voyage, the popular mid-size cruise line is replacing the traditional dessert buffet on its entire fleet with a "Chocolate Surprise Parade" at the climax of its gala evenings.

Instead of passengers queuing up for the dessert buffet after dinner, white-jacketed waitstaff now parade through the main public areas of the vessel, presenting trays filled with decadent chocolate desserts for guests throughout the ship's bars and lounges and during the evening's live entertainment and dancing.

It takes nearly an hour to serve the entire bite-sized Chocolate Surprise menu, which includes: chocolate cones with lemon curd, bittersweet chocolate and butter cream, double chocolate cupcakes, dark chocolate hazelnut pops, milk chocolate raspberry tarts, chocolate macaroons with Grand Marnier, chocolate-dipped marshmallows, and caramel puffed rice treats with chocolate sauce. The belly-busting parade is the newest addition to Holland America Line's growing list of culinary innovations that put an unconventional twist on traditional meals.

"Guests love our culinary events, particularly those featuring chocolate, and we wanted to create something special that enhances their evening activities," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "It's all about making the most of our exceptional service, and the Chocolate Surprise delights guests in a most delicious and memorable way."