Tea at sea! Yes, please! Did you know you can have a complimentary afternoon tea on Princess Cruises? The indulgent experience is available on sea days and includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, sweet treats, and a cup of tea. Here’s a review of my experience.
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If you’re anything like me and love food, then afternoon tea onboard Princess Cruises is an unmissable treat. I often eat out for a classy afternoon tea, prepared by talented chefs. Whether you’re a foodie or enjoy the finer things in life, this refined dining experience is the perfect way to unwind onboard.
Do Princess Cruises have Afternoon Tea?
When we think of traditional afternoon tea, we envision dainty finger sandwiches filled with egg mayonnaise, cucumber, salmon and cream cheese or ham and mustard. Perhaps even some more modern or exciting concoctions. Alongside this, a freshly baked scone or two with clotted cream and jam, plus a variety of cakes and sometimes sweet pastries. This was the experience we were hoping for on the cruise ship.
Princess Cruise Afternoon Tea Review
I sailed on the Sapphire Princess in November 2022. Destination: Hawaii. Tea service was every afternoon from 3pm until 4.30pm in the Pacific Moon Dining Room. Even today, when it is easily booked in cafes and restaurants, having afternoon tea should be a luxury experience. Mum and I decided to indulge after being at sea for a few days and with no shore excursions to prepare for.
Regrettably, Princess didn’t quite meet our expectations. It wasn’t a terrible experience, but it didn’t quite match the level of luxury we were hoping for.
Princess Cruise Afternoon Tea Menu
Upon arrival, we were asked if we’d like a table to ourselves or to join a table – ideal for those travelling alone or wanting to meet other travellers.
Once seated, the tea was poured. On their website, Princess Cruises says you can “enjoy a wide selection of teas, or coffee if you prefer”. I was only offered English Breakfast, which was my preference, but if you wanted another variety, you might have to ask for another tea to be served. It’s also not quite hot enough, almost as if the water hasn’t boiled, which is quite common in America.
In quick succession, a tray of sandwiches was offered. But, here was the first downfall; the waiter did not know what all of the fillings were. My mum can be a bit fussy, and when we realised we weren’t going to get much sense out of the waiter, we just pointed at a few and hoped for the best.
Sweet treats and mini desserts
Then, before I’d even taken a bite out of my sandwich, we were offered cakes. The plates were tiny, and there was no room for cakes, too. Your sweet and savoury should not touch (or more like I didn’t want them to touch), as it would have an overpacked plate. I asked for another plate to be brought over, which seemed inconvenient.
I’m intolerant to nuts – I won’t die if I eat them, but they can make me unwell. When I asked if any of the cakes had nuts in them, again, the waiter didn’t know. I asked if they could double-check. He said, “just have this; it’s fruit,” and put a tartlet on my plate. He disappeared and never came back. The next waiter didn’t know either, so I chose what I thought were the safe options. Personally, I think the cakes on board (across all restaurants) lacked any depth, flavour or texture. They all tasted the same! If I were blindfolded, I couldn’t have told you if it was strawberry or chocolate.
The best bit… Scones!
The scones were next, even though traditionally, you’re supposed to eat your scone before the cakes. Obviously, there was no clotted cream, and whipped cream was offered instead. It didn’t work for me. Perhaps butter should be provided, too? However, the scone was the crowning glory of the meal. Warm, fresh and not too crumbly. Dare I say, perfect?!
Whilst we were nibbling away, more sandwiches were brought around, but not cake and refills on the tea. We could have asked, but it seemed like an effort. A few other British guests sat near us, and we all giggled at how it was served and the lack of knowledge. The table beside us also had some allergy questions that weren’t answered satisfactorily.
Would I recommend the experience?
As I mentioned initially, it was a good experience, but it could have been more polished. The spread may have been designed to suit American tastes. The servers were eager to unload their trays when there should have been a more relaxed pace.
I would have also liked to order a few glasses of Prosecco from our drinks allowance, as we had purchased the Princess Plus Package. But there were no opportunities to ask.
However, I recommend making time to experience the tea in your cruise schedule. Even if it’s to say you’ve done it or make you laugh as we did.
Is afternoon tea free on Princess Cruises?
Afternoon tea is available on all Princess ships. Check your daily patter to see when and where it is being served. There are no additional charges.
Princess Cruises Royal Afternoon Tea
So, some ships offer Royal Tea at an additional charge. The teas are properly decanted, and the Princess tea spread is served on a tiered stand. It is $10 per person or $20 with champagne. Pre-booking is required.
Princess Cruise Afternoon Tea Dress Code
There’s no formal dress code for afternoon tea on Princess Cruises. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in – just not your swimwear. I wore denim shorts, a t-shirt and sandals – because it was a warm day.
Book Your Next Princess Cruise
Booking a Princess Cruises is your ticket to stress-free travel with a touch of luxury. Explore the tropical Caribbean, European villages or the colder climates of Alaska. You can wake up in a new destination each day without the hassle of packing and unpacking, while enjoying world-class dining, Broadway-style entertainment, and relaxing spa treatments all in one place.
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Why do you think Americans want to drink cold tea and eat cakes without depth flavour or texture. I, as an American have the same opinion of the Deserts on Princess ships!
I know I’m generalising, but there is a difference in taste between making tea with hot water and boiling water. Don’t get me started about making tea in the microwave, which an American friend tried to do before. We have a whole tea culture here in the UK. Many debate whether to put the milk in first or afterwards. As well as clotted cream or jam first on your scone.
The Princess cakes look beautiful, but was so disappointed in the flavour profiles.