All Things TEA TIME

[Almost Packed]

Earlier, a thread was posted about tea bags in and around the buffet etc. So it got me wondering about Tea Time on board.

 

I have never been to tea time, and I figured there are several others like me who have not experienced Tea Time on a ship.

 

So I thought it would be nice to have a thread "All Things Tea Time" related.

 

I thought maybe we could have Q&A's and tips etc.

 

Such as, what flavors of tea bags can we find, and on what ship did you find them?

 

Where did you find the tea bags?

 

Glass coffe/tea glasses or plastic?

 

What's your favorite/least favorite?

 

What can I expect during tea time, and my most important question, what kind of tea do you put milk in?

 

So let's hear it....what's your tea story?

 

Don't forget to mention when and what ship as if it were 40 years ago, that may make a difference :eek:

 

I'd love to hear your experiences and why Tea Time is so great. I think I'm going to try my first Tea Time if it fits in to my schedule. But I don't want to show up and be completely clueless. You know, like the first time you ever walked in to Starbucks and didn't know the difference between Venti and Grande or what a skinny mocha frap no whip etc. is.

[funinthesun1964]

I decided to try my first tea time on the Ecstasy, this past October. I had heard so many others talk about tea time and figured that I was missing out on something great. Well...this is what it was like:

 

We went into the piano bar at the designated time (afternoon, on sea day). There were already many tables full. Someone was playing the piano, it was very quiet - almost like a library. A server came by and offered us tea (I am sorry, I don't remember which kinds were available, but it was a nice variety). Another server came by with a cart which had different pastries to offer. We really didn't need anything to eat -- we were still full from lunch! But, we ate something small and drank our tea.

 

It was rather boring, quiet, and DH and I both agreed that we wouldn't bother to go again. But others do love it.

 

I prefer loud music, socializing with others, etc. This was just too "quiet" for me!

 

Form your own opinion, though.

 

I would love to see what others write about tea time.

[jtwitch]

Generally, I think that one would only add milk to the black teas--English Breakfast, Earl Grey, etc. It's a more "British" way of drinking tea. A true tea drinker will brew their tea in a separate pot... and then pour it over their milk (& sugar). The argument is that pouring the milk into the hot tea somehow scalds the milk.

 

I tend to prefer herbal teas--mint or lemon being my regulars. Instead of sugar, I prefer to sweeten my tea with honey.

 

But I've not yet been on a cruise (3 days left!) so I can't answer any of your other questions.

[deborahjo]

We have been to Tea 2 times and love it. We do enjoy the teas that are offered and the pasteries, scones and finger sandwiches that are offered. It is quiet and relaxing. Oh you can order iced tea also if you want or like my husband bring your own drink with you. He does not drink tea but enjoys TEA TIME.

[karenh1127]

I have been on 7 cruises with 2 more booked and have gone to tea every time they had it. I love it! On the bigger ships (Conquest, Triumph) they serve tea in the dining room, usually upstairs aft. Like said above they come around with tea box and they usually have a nice variety. I like Earl Grey. A cart comes around with cake, cucumber sandwiches, salmon, and pastries. I love the little cookie type thing with the cream in the middle! We are not usually very quiet and I like meeting and talking to others at my table. Sometimes the tea in the piano bars (smaller ships) are on the quiet side but it depends on if you like to talk. Even my 15 year old son loves to go to tea for the pastries! I suggest going atleast once to see if you like it. Oh and I am an avid iced tea drinker so hot tea doesnt appeal to me but I will drink some at tea, no sugar or cream. Have a great cruise!!

[funinthesun1964]

I have been on 7 cruises with 2 more booked and have gone to tea every time they had it. I love it! On the bigger ships (Conquest, Triumph) they serve tea in the dining room, usually upstairs aft. Like said above they come around with tea box and they usually have a nice variety. I like Earl Grey. A cart comes around with cake, cucumber sandwiches, salmon, and pastries. I love the little cookie type thing with the cream in the middle! We are not usually very quiet and I like meeting and talking to others at my table. Sometimes the tea in the piano bars (smaller ships) are on the quiet side but it depends on if you like to talk. Even my 15 year old son loves to go to tea for the pastries! I suggest going atleast once to see if you like it. Oh and I am an avid iced tea drinker so hot tea doesnt appeal to me but I will drink some at tea, no sugar or cream. Have a great cruise!!

 

 

Forgot about the little cucumber sandwich things..those were very good. I think we also had the cookie thing with the cream in the middle. Tasty.

 

[tattoos]

Absolutely love tea time which is held only on sea days. Even if you don't like tea, the desserts are outstanding and comparable to the ones you pay extra for at the coffee bar.

 

On the Liberty and Dream, tea time was in the main dining room...on all other ships where we attended, tea was served in the piano bar. The tables are set with china, silverware and linen napkins. The wait staff will come to your table with a wooden box full of different tea bags, choose whichever you want, then they will come to your table with a tea pot full of hot water. You can have as much tea as you like.

 

The next server will roll the dessert cart to your table and you make your choices. Some of the desserts we have tried: cucumber sandwiches, open faced smoked salmon sandwiches, fresh fruit tarts, little scones filled with cream, strawberry cream cake, a rich chocolate layer cake with dark ganache frosting, yellow cake with lemon curd filling, huge, fresh, strawberries served with whipped cream, etc. Which ones were my favorites? The chocolate cake, scones, strawberries, well, just about everything. OMG, my mouth is watering.

 

Soft music will be playing and it's a soothing respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship. On the Sensation, there was only a handful of people enjoying Tea Time, too bad, they missed out on some delicious desserts and a chance to take a deep breath and reconoiter.

 

And, yes, men attend Tea Time. I sailed on the Liberty last year and my grandson joined me for tea (he's 20 years old) and loved it.

[najnelle]

We went on our cruise on the Splendor in 2009. They had several varieties of tea and lots of little goodies. Unfortunately, I am unable to eat food containing gluten, so there wasn't anything for me (that I can remember) and DH wasn't impressed with the food choices. It was nice, quiet, in the dining room, and maybe about 30 people. We probably won't do it again. :(

[serene56]

Tea TIme is on ALL carnival ships on sea days only. Usually about 3pm or 3:30

 

Depending on the ship- sometimes its held in a lounge. Last few cruises it was in the dining room.

 

When we took our first cruise with the entire family (Sensation)we used the Tea Time to reconnect on the sea day. Kids loved spending that time with their grand mom. It was held in the cigar bar but you were not allowed to smoke during the tea time.

 

There was a harp player that added the ambiance to the afternoon.

Not many people attended that tea time.

 

Last cruise on the Pride it was the lower leval of the dining room and there was a HUGE line waiting to get in. You get escorted to the tables all the way in the back.

The waiters bring around a wooden box with various teas. (you can have coffee too) and then another waiter brings around a cart with assorted desserts/sandwiches.

 

A few years back- the Tea was again held in a lounge- I think it has gotten bigger over the years.

 

Our 5 year old grand daughter had a great time spending that time with PopPop

 

this was in a lounge:

 

 

 

Edited January 25, 2012 by serene56

[19snapshot]

I haven't done the tea time on a ship yet.

We have a restaurant in the town where I live that serves nothing but tea and tiny finger sandwiches and pastries. It is in an older building filled with antiques, including the tables. It is one of my favorite places to go. It is the most relaxing and stress-free hour imaginable.

Edited January 25, 2012 by 19snapshot

[maryann2]

Tea TIme is on ALL carnival ships on sea days only. Usually about 3pm or 3:30

 

Depending on the ship- sometimes its held in a lounge. Last few cruises it was in the dining room.

 

There was a harp player that added the ambiance to the afternoon.

 

The waiters bring around a wooden box with various teas. (you can have coffee too)

 

 

 

 

Thank you for posting these photos. I love tea time but want it done properly. I HATE the tea bag slopping on the saucer. Glad that you show teapots being used in the bottom photo. If they don't offer teapots I always ask for one.

Nowadays it seems to be piano music, . The days of the harp have gone.

We often arrange to meet friends at tea time and love the quiet social time.

Coffee is not usually offered.

[Jbird81]

We went to Tea Time on two sea days on our past Dream cruise, and loved it. They offered Bigelow tea, (the sever came around with a box full of selections). They had a cart full of sweets such as tartes, cakes, strawberries, cucumber sandwiches, etc. It was definitely something to go back to for sure, we loved it! Our tea time was in the Crimson Dining Room I think.

Edited January 25, 2012 by Jbird81

[TriciaEMTB]

I wish I liked tea. This sounds amazing, and relaxing.

[5waldos]

Loved the Tea in the Piano Bar with semi-classical music- thought it lost something when served in the Dining Room. It was a lovely quiet get away from the sometimes frenetic activity on the rest of the ship. The lighting was also subdued in the Piano Bar which was a pleasant break from the subtropical sun. Does anyone know where it is held on the Magic?

[dmarie1623]

Generally, I think that one would only add milk to the black teas--English Breakfast, Earl Grey, etc. It's a more "British" way of drinking tea. A true tea drinker will brew their tea in a separate pot... and then pour it over their milk (& sugar). The argument is that pouring the milk into the hot tea somehow scalds the milk.

 

I tend to prefer herbal teas--mint or lemon being my regulars. Instead of sugar, I prefer to sweeten my tea with honey.

 

But I've not yet been on a cruise (3 days left!) so I can't answer any of your other questions.

 

I have been drinking my tea with milk and sugar since I was a little girl. Just figured my way was not the proper way. Nice to know that I'm at least on the right track.;)

[erinmarie424]

DBF loves tea time mostly for the music and relative peacefulness compared to everything else that is going on. I go with him to check out the pastries!

[Rockitman]

I go to tea time to listen to some talented musicians play classical music.

 

Seems like everybody else goes to tea time for the free grub.

 

moooooooo!

[Jbird81]

I wish I liked tea. This sounds amazing, and relaxing.

You don't have to like tea to go, if you want a drink for the Tea Time, you could always bring in one with you when you go. :)

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I found that you must be patient when attending tea time, as it may take awhile once you are seated for them to bring your tea around and then the cart. Then if you want seconds, longer wait.

 

Just a head's up, as this has been my experience.

 

That being said, i plan to attend tea time on my upcoming cruise this weekend.

Edited January 25, 2012 by CaliforniaDreamer

[5waldos]

I go to tea time to listen to some talented musicians play classical music.

 

Seems like everybody else goes to tea time for the free grub.

 

moooooooo!

 

One in every crowd.

 

boooooooooo

[serene56]

I go to tea time to listen to some talented musicians play classical music.

 

Seems like everybody else goes to tea time for the free grub.

 

moooooooo!

 

 

Actually I go to spend that quiet time with my family members who were busy doing other things during the day. As for free grub - the portions are smaller then small. I doubt very much that people are there for free food.

[Ckrewz]

I was so tickled to hear there is afternoon tea.:) I truly enjoy the slow pace and "special" fare of tea time. While I love tea with the sweets I also enjoy a glass of wine with the savory offerings. Will I need to bring a glass with me or can I order when I arrive. :confused:

Edited January 25, 2012 by Ckrewz

[richstowe]

Was on the Pride for a very classy tea held in the upper level of the MDR.

It was held in the back next to the grand piano which was used for the tea. Very nice with perhaps 80 people.Great pianist.

This was held on the first sea day. There may have been a 2nd tea day. Don't know.

 

The Fascination tea was nice but much smaller in scale. Held in the piano lounge there were only 15 or so present.

The staff were not very nice. The food offered was the equal of the Pride. Tea of course but also great small danishes and sandwiches.

Served macaroon that were the equal of ones I've paid $3 each for ,but smaller. Excellent!

Believe there was a 2nd tea on this five day cruise.

[richstowe]

I go to tea time to listen to some talented musicians play classical music.

 

Seems like everybody else goes to tea time for the free grub.

 

moooooooo!

You must be very classy (in your own mind). I went for both plus the pleasant atmosphere.

[serene56]

I go to tea time to listen to some talented musicians play classical music.

 

Seems like everybody else goes to tea time for the free grub.

 

moooooooo!

 

 

Actually I go to spend that quiet time with my family members who were busy doing other things during the day. As for free grub - the portions are smaller then small. I doubt very much that people are there for free food.