With eight years of service for Marella Cruises and over 30 years of fruit carving experience, Alfred Dizon, 53, brings a unique blend of skill, tradition, and flair to the ship’s culinary presentation with the art of fruit carving onboard Marella Explorer.
Originally from Paete, Laguna — famously known as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines” — Alfred’s journey into the world of carving began at home.
“My brother and relatives taught me,” he shares. “In Paete, carving is part of our culture. It started with wood, but I found my passion in food.” That passion has since evolved into a career that blends artistry with gastronomy.
Alfred’s carvings are a staple of Marella Explorer’s buffet displays and special events. From intricate floral patterns on melons to elaborate ice sculptures of dragons, dolphins, and swans, his work never fails to impress. “The weirdest thing I’ve carved? A guitar and a ship — not your usual fruit designs!” he laughs.
His largest fruit carving to date was on a big watermelon, a canvas he says is perfect for both size and texture.
But Alfred’s talents extend far beyond fruit. Over the years, he has carved ice, vegetables, cheese, and even chocolate for decorative purposes. “Each material has its own challenge,” he explains. “Ice is slippery and chocolate is fragile”.
Despite the complexity of his designs, Alfred works quickly. “I can carve any fruit in about 10 minutes,” he says.
His favourite fruit to work with are melons — watermelons, honeydew, and cantaloupes — which he describes as the best and easiest to carve due to their firmness and vibrant colours.
Guests aboard Marella Explorer often stop to admire Alfred’s creations, and many are surprised to learn that such artistry can come from everyday ingredients.
“It’s not just about making food look good,” Alfred says. “It’s about creating a moment — something memorable that adds to the experience of being on board.”
To see Alfred’s great creations onboard, customers can book a seven night A Taste of the Tropics round cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados on Marella Explorer from £1488 per person.
Price based on two adults sharing a Decks 8/9 Inside Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Calling at Bridgetown, Barbados; day at sea; Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Castries, St Lucia; Scarborough, Tobago; Kingstown, St Vincent and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Includes Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow to Bridgetown, Barbados on the 25 January 2026, transfers, tips and service charges.
* All prices quoted are correct to the particular product package at the time of TUI issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 29/12/2025. Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Source: TUI Group PR & Comms
Images: © 2025 TUI AG
0 Comments