I invited my new friend, Saundra, as a guest blogger, to share her love of tea and cruising in her review of Cunard’s high tea. Saundra is a wife and mother of two, and is always looking forward to her next cruise. You can read more of Saundra’s musings at her blog, Boat Shoes on Deck.
Cunard’s High Tea
One of the reasons I wanted to sail on Cunard was to experience their afternoon tea. Only tea fanatics can understand this. I haven’t been all over the nation, or the world, trying out the best teas, but I love cruises, I have an interest in Britain (Cunard has a British heritage), and I love tea–so here you have an interesting marriage of the three in one place on Cunard.
When the opportunity leant itself, I took one of their shorter voyages out of New York City which went through Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia. I thought both places were lovely and hope to return sooner than later.
The Queen Mary 2 is the largest ocean liner (some would say cruise ship) in the Cunard fleet. Currently it is joined by the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth (which is due for delivery in Autumn 2010). Their afternoon tea is commonly known to be held in the Queens Room. But they also have tea in other locations such as the Winter Garden, and other venues. The ship’s Daily Programme (which is the ship’s daily newsletter) should be checked for details.
Tea was scheduled late afternoon, at about 3:00PM, but check the Daily Programme as the time could change from day to day depending on itinerary. With Cunard, tea is served virtually every day except embarkation and debarkation days. Other cruise lines, if they have tea, typically have it on sea days only. Additionally, the tables are usually set up for two or four people, first come, first served. There’s a live quartet or pianist, which for me was a real treat. When I was onboard Cunard, we celebrated the Fourth of July American holiday. And on this day, Cunard decorated the Queens Room to commemorate it, what a nice touch!
If you ever have a chance to have tea onboard a ship, it can also be a nice change of pace from being on land. Give it a try.
–Saundra
(My photos from top to bottom: Queen Mary; “Queens Room” artwork outside of the Queens room; a cup of tea ready to drink; sweets and savories)
