Cost – $11.95 (Oct 2014)
Background – Afternoon Tea is an institution onboard a Cunard ship. It is served every day in the Queens Room served by waiters in white gloves. However, once a voyage, there is a deluxe version offered. It is served in the Verandah Restaurant which is a stylish place to eat situated on deck 3 on Queen Victoria. There is an extra charge for this tea, which is added to your onboard account in dollars (the currency used on the ship). The tea must be pre-booked.
Contents – 4 small rolls (prawns and sea food, goats cheese, roasted vegetables, and beef with paste of some sort). 1 small fruit scone, 1 small cinnamon scone, 1 small choc chip scone, 2 small jars of strawberry jam and a tiny portion of clotted cream. A slice of chocolate opera sponge cake, a fruit meringue, a piece of iced fruit cake and a choux swan. This quantity was between the two of us, including the rolls!! Tea was made with tea bags.
Comments – We were sat in the Verandah restaurant on a table for two looking towards the sea but without a clear view. We were first brought a small white teapot and tea bag each plus a small jug of milk. The tea was a little on the weak side but was hot. There was barely enough for one small cup each. We were never offered a re-fill.
The rest of the tea was nicely presented on a three tier cake stand with square white plates.
The small rolls were very fresh and stylish. They were well filled. However, the fillings were very odd and not entirely to our taste. Oddly, there was only one of each between the two of us. Unfortunately, none of them were particularly appealing to either of us. We ended up leaving one completely.
The scones were very small and nicely cooked but, again, there were just three of them between the two of us and only one of each type. Very odd!! The two pots of strawberry jam was enough for the three scones but one of the pots had already been opened and used! This was replaced for us with a new pot. There was nowhere near enough clotted cream.
The cakes were very tasty and very fresh. However, none of the items were particularly large and, again, there was only one of each item so they needed to be shared between us.
There was a choice of teas which were tea bags. However, we tried to obtain a refill of the pot but were unsuccessful.
| Sandwiches | 1.0 |
| Scone | 1.0 |
| Jam | 1.0 |
| Cream | 0.5 |
| Cake (variety) | 1.5 |
| Cake (quality) | 1.5 |
| Tea | 0.5 |
| Presentation | 1.5 |
| Service | 0.5 |
| Value | 1.0 |
| Total | 10.0 |
Sarnies Scones and Cakes 
Very interesting to read this. I did not feel tempted by your description of the sandwiches or the cinnamon scone or choc chip scone. The cakes look lovely, but I have seen them at the normal (free) afternoon tea. I’m so glad you tried this to report back to us. I certainly don’t feel tempted to try it now.
Diane
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