Ultra-luxury Seabourn is introducing an enhancement on Afternoon Tea Service across the entire fleet. The cruise line’s new daily tea service is now centered around the finest luxury tea brand TWG Tea. Makes sense. Good fit. Not entirely sure what Afternoon Tea is?  Here, a wee bit of a primer for you as just about every cruise line does this to varying degrees of opulence.

• In keeping with English tradition, Seabourn’s new Afternoon Tea Service is held between lunch and dinner, available from 4 – 5 p.m. daily in the Observation Bar.
• Loose-leaf tea selections from TWG Tea include choices such as English Earl Grey (pf), Imperial Lapsang Souchong, and Highlands BOP Ceylon.
• They are delivered to the table and properly served on handcrafted china from Bernardaud, the family-owned French porcelain company originally established in Limoges, France in 1863.
• Afternoon Tea will also be accompanied by a set selection of sweet desserts and savory snacks that will change daily on a rotating cycle, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, presented upon a stylish three-tiered display tray at the guest’s table.
• A sand clock, started as soon as the tea hits the water, is left at the table to ensure that guests can steep their tea precisely the way they like it     
• Afternoon Tea is a traditional British tea service focused on serving light fare that includes scones, finger sandwiches, jam and marmalade.

There is Afternoon Tea, then there is also High Tea, two different animals. A version of Afternoon Tea can be found on just about any cruise ship. Seabourn, though, has another rendition: High Tea

• Seabourn’s High Tea is a step up, offered on select afternoons with formal white glove service and live cooking features or themed menu options as accompaniments.
• High Tea themes may include The “Viennese” High Tea with Apple strudel, The “Parisian” High Tea with Crêpes Suzette, The “Venetian” High Tea with Zabaione, and The “Royal” High Tea with English Triffle (a dessert made with fruit, a thin layer of sponge fingers soaked in sherry or another fortified wine, and custard), which will typically feature more substantial food items
• Live piano music also accompanies the High Tea experience. 

There is one other thing to know about Afternoon Tea: Go! It’s one of the most unique parts of the cruising experience; not to be missed.

Some final things to know about Afternoon/High Tea:

• Tipping is not really a thing at this event. Forget about it.
• Tea time is double must-do for those scheduled at a late seating of dinner.
• While Afternoon tea is more formal, there is not a specific dress code for it. Still, come in formal wear for the ultimate experience. The crew gets off on it.
• Timing is important. If it’s held between 4 and 5, get there at 4.
• The menu is set. If you want a burger, go to the pool grill.
• Tea time is not the first choice for kids but exposing well-behaved children to it has great educational value.
• Scones can be quite addictive.
• If tea time is done well, odds are room service will be too.
• A nice evening could begin with tea time then continue with room service dinner and every cruise line in the world hates me for saying that.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com. A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225.