High tea service in-suite

[richarduk]

HAL's website states that you can request high tea service in-suite.

 

Is it good and what does in consist of? Is there flexibility as to what you receive? What times is this available?

 

Thanks.

[tangerinebunny]

We've done it a few times; it's most the same afternoon tea treats offered in the Neptune Lounge but delivered to your cabin. On some ships that can be pretty good, other times, not so much.

 

We did the Oosterdam in May and the Neptune Lounge had great service from the Pinnacle Grill. The smoked salmon was worth several trips down the hall.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You can request just about any time you want.

[OlsSalt]

Afternoon tea in the MDR on all HAL ships are very good, especially the specialty events like the Indonesian and the Royal Dutch themed ones which hopefully you won't miss, or that you get these specialities when you order them in your suite,

 

Check your daily schedules for the days these are presented. The real treat at the Indonesian tea besides the decor, costumes and wonderful array of Indonesia sweets is offering Indonesian coffees as well - the Sumata blend is exceptionally rich, deep and aromatic. The sausage pastries at the Royal Dutch tea are good enough to make them your dinner for that day too.

 

Cupcake tea was disappointing because of their bland flavors (lemon one okay) but their scones are nicely small and tasty no matter what else they are serving. It is a great mid afternoon break for sea days and enjoyable if in your suite, cabin or coming from down the hall Neptune Lounge.

 

All HAL teas are essentially high teas, in that both sweets and savories are available making them a small afternoon meal depending upon what you choose from their offerings.

[lovetocruise2020]

 

Cupcake tea was disappointing because of their bland flavors (lemon one okay) but their scones are nicely small and tasty no matter what else they are serving. .

 

We agree completely. 3 or 4 years ago we did not want to miss the cupcake tea, as that is not what is served in the suite tea, so we went.

It was horrible. Everything tasted the same like a food colored bland muffin. The lemon was the only standout, but it also tasted like a muffin.

 

We have not done the cupcake tea since.

 

HAL does "Tea" very well, but one place they have always fallen short was dessert and sweets. Let's hope the new chef on the culinary council sees that. Jaques Torres. The famous chocolatier. It would be great to have something on the always available menu, like the warm chocolate melting cake that Carnival has. Here's hoping!

[OlsSalt]

We agree completely. 3 or 4 years ago we did not want to miss the cupcake tea, as that is not what is served in the suite tea, so we went.

It was horrible. Everything tasted the same like a food colored bland muffin. The lemon was the only standout, but it also tasted like a muffin.

 

We have not done the cupcake tea since.

 

HAL does "Tea" very well, but one place they have always fallen short was dessert and sweets. Let's hope the new chef on the culinary council sees that. Jaques Torres. The famous chocolatier. It would be great to have something on the always available menu, like the warm chocolate melting cake that Carnival has. Here's hoping!

 

At this point one does need to point out the cup cakes are quite small, bite sized things. And for most, one bite was more than enough. Good description - tasted like a stale muffin mix.

 

Don't want people to get the impression we wolfed down full sizes of all of them like in the old joke about the food being so bad, .... and in such small portions. :p

 

That being said we noticed great improvements in HAL desserts on our last few cruises. :( This is not a Good Thing.

[lovetocruise2020]

At this point one does need to point out the cup cakes are quite small, bite sized things. And for most, one bite was more than enough. Good description - tasted like a stale muffin mix.

 

Don't want people to get the impression we wolfed down full sizes of all of them like in the old joke about the food being so bad, .... and in such small portions. :p

 

That being said we noticed great improvements in HAL desserts on our last few cruises. :( This is not a Good Thing.

 

I agree and get what you are saying. Like a mini muffin.

 

Let's hope they have improved before our next cruise. We usually do not do dessert on HAL unless it is the chocolate purse we have not seen for a couple years.

 

On Carnival, I have 2!

 

We shall see. It is coming soon!

[AZNative2000]

HAL's website states that you can request high tea service in-suite.

 

Is it good and what does in consist of? Is there flexibility as to what you receive? What times is this available?

 

Thanks.

When we did this, we arranged it through the concierge in the Neptune. We got to pick what time and the items to be delivered. (They were quite helpful with their suggestions!) We ended up with not only tea, but various hot and cold hors d'oeuvres as well. We had guests over and it was served on the balcony on a sea day.

 

It was very enjoyable and quite filling ... so we ended up skipping dinner.:D

[Typhoon1]

Let the concierge know what time you'd like it. He/she will make it magically appear in your cabin.