Has any one done the Quebec excursion from cruise ship that includes tea at Frontenac hotel?

[Jetswdo]

I am trying to find out if the afternoon tea at Frontenac is the same tea that you can book yourself for a Fri or Sat afternoon. The Tea is held in one of their nice restaurants or on their terrace.  I read someplace that  the tea that is part of a cruise excursion is held some place in a dingy room in the basement!  I will be specifically on a Princess cruise next Sept--  and am considering their walking tour of Quebec with optional tea at the hotel.  I'd rather skip that option, if it isn't really the same tea. Thanks in advance for any replies from people who have done this  Anita

[CCJack]

Cannot answer your question about the tea, but we were just on a similar cruise last month and I think Quebec City is the prefect port to skip the ship's excursions.   The ships dock right near the old town and there is lots to do there in the city.   We booked an independent city walking tour that started near the visitor center right across from the Frontenac and it was a great tour.   I believe the hotel is open to walk into on your own and go to the restaurants,  etc.

 

 

[Ashland]

5 hours ago, CCJack said:

Cannot answer your question about the tea, but we were just on a similar cruise last month and I think Quebec City is the prefect port to skip the ship's excursions.   The ships dock right near the old town and there is lots to do there in the city.   We booked an independent city walking tour that started near the visitor center right across from the Frontenac and it was a great tour.   I believe the hotel is open to walk into on your own and go to the restaurants,  etc.

 

 

I couldn't agree more...absolutely no need for a ship excursion. Agree the hotel is open and easily accessible....just walk in.

[LHT28]

If the Afternoon Tea is something you want to  do & you can book it  while the ship is in port   (it is offered select days)  then DIY

The  Chateau is not really that far from the  docks or rake a taxi

You need to  reserve  your spot

https://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/dining/afternoon-tea-at-the-chateau

[vlbradley21]

On 10/29/2023 at 8:25 AM, LHT28 said:

If the Afternoon Tea is something you want to  do & you can book it  while the ship is in port   (it is offered select days)  then DIY

The  Chateau is not really that far from the  docks or rake a taxi

You need to  reserve  your spot

https://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/dining/afternoon-tea-at-the-chateau

Have you done the afternoon tea before?  Considering making a reservation when we are there in October.

[TMLAalum]

No tea for us but we are taking a tour of Chateau Frontenac with Cicerone.

On this one-hour guided tour, truly experience the history of the prestigious Château Frontenac. Discover the famous people and historical events that have shaped its identity over the years. You'll have the unique opportunity to see the architectural improvements and installations undergone in the recent years.

Meet one of the historical figures that contributed to the long-standing reputation of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and walk into this iconic building to catch a glimpse of the true castle life over the years. Depending on availability, the tour will take you through the lobby, Champlain gastronomic restaurant, Salon Rose and Ballroom where numerous celebrities attended various events over the years. Availability of the rooms to be visited are subject to events taking place at time of visit and is out of our control considering the hotel is in operation 24/7. But rest assured that our seasoned guides will always make the best of every situation and will show you as much as possible, exception made to the hotel rooms that are never included in the tour.

 

 

[scobie15]

We are doing this too

[princeton123211]

On 7/3/2024 at 10:37 PM, vlbradley21 said:

Have you done the afternoon tea before?  Considering making a reservation when we are there in October.

The tea there is very nice. As the original poster alluded to-- do not book a ships excursion that includes tea at the Chateau Frontenac. When you go through the cruise line the tea is held all at once in a banquet room and is only for the cruise excursion. It is not the same as the one held for everyone else in the Place Dufferin Restaurant (which doubles as the breakfast room) and is much nicer and less chaotic than the banquet room cruise excursion folks get put in. 

 

On 7/4/2024 at 8:33 AM, TMLAalum said:

But rest assured that our seasoned guides will always make the best of every situation and will show you as much as possible, exception made to the hotel rooms that are never included in the tour.

The hotel used to offer their own history tours which did include access to a couple of the top suites. 

[TMLAalum]

1 hour ago, princeton123211 said:

The hotel used to offer their own history tours which did include access to a couple of the top suites. 

They were not available when we were on a land trip to Quebec in 2012! The couple we were traveling with was especially disappointed about this since the husband's parents had honeymooned there. We did wander through the public areas, but a tour would have been so much better. Looking forward to seeing whatever we can with Cicerone.