5 Reasons Not to Miss Afternoon Tea On Board Oceania Cruises

At four o’clock each afternoon in Horizons, the gleaming four-tiered pastry carts roll out, fine teas, finger sandwiches, sweet scones and delectable desserts appear. The string quartet begins to play. This is teatime with Oceania Cruises. Sophisticated yet fun, indulgent but inviting, teatime is a favorite ritual that our guests look forward to when they sail with us. While the custom of teatime dates back to 19th-century England, few experiences are as anticipated and inspired as ours.

Here are 5 reasons why you don’t want to miss teatime on board.

1. The Perfect Setting
   In 1800s Britain, teatime was a symbol of a fashionable society and became an integral part of British customs – and it still retains that aura even today. So, too, were the related accompaniments that you’ll see on board at Horizons while the staff serves – the customary white gloves, porcelain pots, fine china and gleaming silver – complemented by a string quartet playing softly in the background and magnificent panoramic views, all of which set the scene for your delightful experience ahead.
2. The Centerpiece – Selection of Artisanal Teas
   Hot, cold, with cream and sugar or without – you can have your tea however you wish. Our resident tea expert and Vice President of Culinary Operations, Bernhard Klotz, says that the most popular choices on board are Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Green Tea; herbal and fruit teas are becoming more and more popular too. Which one is his favorite? “I am a traditionalist – an English Breakfast tea man with milk,” he said. For those guests who prefer other beverages, specialty coffees, Champagne and other options are available.

3. Delectable Fare & Sinful Desserts
   Teatime isn’t teatime without a variety of savory and sweet treats to tempt your palate. Passionate about our commitment to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, our culinary team looks forward to preparing afternoon teatime almost as much as our guests enjoy delighting in it. Four-tiered pastry carts are filled with an ever-changing selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, colorful petits fours, richly textured scones with clotted cream and other indulgences to savor with every sip. Klotz is a fan of the classic scone with clotted cream and jam paired with his English Breakfast tea, and as he tells us, “The scone must have clotted cream.”
4. Sharing the Experience
   This tranquil and revered event is the perfect time to sit back, relax and enjoy spending leisurely time with family and friends. Or take the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow guests, sharing travel stories of the amazing destinations you have visited on your voyage. A shared experience is one to be treasured.
5. The Enchantment of It All
   The sense of tradition, warm and welcoming ambiance, culinary delights, attention to detail, musical accompaniment – each element comes together to create a perfect afternoon reprieve, a time to pause during your voyage to embrace the joy of the occasion.

Sailing on a longer voyage? Teatime on lengthier cruises, such as select Transoceanic sailings, are the perfect opportunity for our talented chefs to show off their creativity even more, with elevated displays and enhanced offerings that perfectly complement your leisurely days at sea.

We can’t wait to welcome you at Horizons for afternoon teatime. Tell us when you’ll be sailing with us next on Facebook.