Time for tea

In today’s busy world, there aren’t always many opportunities to indulge in this most refined of customs - but on a Cunard voyage, no such constraints apply.

Here we take a look at how this quintessential British repast first began - and what you can expect when it’s time to enjoy the very best afternoon tea.

An ancient custom

While tea drinking dates back thousands of years in China, it was only when Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II in 1662 - bringing the precious leaves with her as part of her dowry - that tea consumption among the wealthy classes in Britain was first established.

However, it was almost 200 years before the concept of afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who in 1840 required a little sustenance to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.

She requested that a tray of bread and butter, sweetmeats and a pot of tea be brought to her room in the late afternoon. Soon friends began to join her, and before long afternoon tea became a daily occasion in fashionable society.

Since then the time-honoured menu has evolved to include delicate finger sandwiches and savouries, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of irresistible cakes and pastries - all served on fine china with starched linen.

A special treat

Our ships provide a perfect environment to enjoy the ritual of afternoon tea while on holiday – the beautiful surroundings of the Queens Room, impeccable white-gloved service, and the melodic strains of a string trio or tinkling piano.

While the traditional elements are all present and correct, unique finishing touches and innovations ensure that Cunard’s Afternoon Tea stands out from the teatime crowd.

‘There’s our Cunard Macaron which is red and black, while a specially made branding iron finishes the top of each handmade scone with the ship’s logo,’ says Pastry Development Chef Alex Wibberley.

You could also have the opportunity to enjoy Cunard’s themed Afternoon Teas, such as the Japanese and Alaska Afternoon Teas inspired by these extraordinary destinations. During our Transatlantic Fashion Week event voyage, we offer a very special, fashion-inspired Afternoon Tea menu.

Teatime titbits

Every day across the fleet: 

• 2,000 Afternoon Teas are served.  
• 6,000 cups of tea are poured.  
• 4,000 finger sandwiches are made.  
• 3,000 scones are handmade from scratch.  
• 8,000 linen napkins are laundered and starched.   

Afternoon Tea is served daily at 3.30pm on all of our ships.