Cunard Queen Anne Afternoon Tea – Your Complete Guide

In this guide I’ll take you through all the venues on board Cunard’s Queen Anne where you can enjoy afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British occasion, and it’s also a perfect way to indulge and partake in the timeless elegance of the golden age of cruising.

Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea on Cunard’s Queen Anne.

As well as a British institution (of sorts), afternoon tea is a timeless tradition on Cunard and thankfully Queen Anne, Cunard’s newest ship follows this tradition with flair. Queen Anne offers guests several stunning venues for afternoon tea, each with its own unique ambiance and delectable menu options.

Whether you’re after a classic afternoon tea experience or a modern twist on this cherished tradition, Queen Anne has options to delight every palate. I tried as many venues as I could on my recent voyage (oh, dear reader, the trials I put myself through for you), so here’s my guide to afternoon tea at sea, along with tips, and what to expect at each location.

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The Queens Room: Afternoon Tea in an Iconic Venue

The Queens Room, known as the ballroom of Queen Anne, is one of the most coveted venues for afternoon tea. As a result, it’s VERY popular. The Queens Room on Queen Anne is an ideal spot for a more formal and glamorous afternoon tea experience and is ideal for enjoying a memorable afternoon at sea.

What to Expect:

White Glove Service: Afternoon, tea is served with traditional white-glove service by Cunard’s staff, adding a touch of grandeur to your afternoon. Staff are paraded in heavily silver platters full of afternoon tea goodies to great delight and applause from waiting guests.
Menu: Savour classic British treats, including smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, dainty pastries, and of course, warm scones with clotted cream. You can add a glass of Champagne into the mix if you want to indulge even more. The Champagne trolley winds its ways around the tables once service has started. Yes, a champagne trolley. Yes, I need one too.
Ambiance: A touch of old-world charm and elegance. Musicians fill the venue with elegant and refined tunes, while guests are encouraged to step on the dance floor to show off their ballroom skills to a captive and well-fed audience.

My tips for afternoon tea in the Queens Room

🫖Afternoon tea in the Queens Room does not require a reservation, so turn up early to ensure a spot during your cruise.

🫖Although the service doesn’t start until 3pm, guests were seated and waiting from 2pm to bag the best seats/tables around the edge of the dance floor.

🫖While you don’t have to dress up for the occasion, no one is going to frown upon you if you do.

🫖Sometimes this venue is so popular guests are hosted in the Britannia Restaurant or Britannia Club Restaurant.

Choux at Carinthia Lounge: Afternoon Tea with a View

The Carinthia Lounge is a much quieter venue for afternoon tea on board Queen Anne. Yet, I urge you not to overlook it as an option. I did not consider it to be an inferior experience to the Queens Room.

What to Expect:

Tea Selections: Choose from a variety of fine teas, including black, green, and herbal options curated by Cunard. As this is the Carinthia Lounge, there is an extensive wine list to choose from or you can simply pair your pastries with a glass of Cunard’s House Prosecco which is not too shabby at all.
Pastries and Savouries: The afternoon tea menu at the Carinthia Lounge is slightly different to the Queens Room. While you won’t find scones and clotted cream on offer, there are a delicious selection of delicate pastries.
Atmosphere: Settle into the luxurious surroundings as you listen to live classical music, often performed by a string quartet or pianist in the lobby. While there’s none of the pomp and ceremony you get with the Queens Room afternoon tea, you still get impeccable and attentive service.

My Tips for Afternoon Tea at the Carinthia Lounge:

🫖The best seats are near the window if you want a sea view. 

🫖While it’s not as popular as the Queens Room afternoon tea, it is still popular, so arrive early to secure a prime seat near the windows for optimal views and ambiance.

Champagne Afternoon Tea in Aji Wai: Intimate and Special

Each ship in the Cunard fleet provides a specific venue in which you can elevate your afternoon tea experience even further, by opting for a Champagne Afternoon Tea with a glass of fizz. Fraser and David from Two Guys on a Ship tested out this venue on a recent voyage and were kind enough to share their experience and photos.

Menu: A plentiful supply of delicate finger sandwiches, a symphony of patisserie delights served on tiered platters, with of course, the all-important scones. Two Guys on a Ship mentioned the cucumber and mint sandwiches were a particular highlight. Wash down these delicious treats with a selection of teas and a crisp glass of either Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, Brut or Demi Sec.
Atmosphere: Served in the intimate surroundings of Aji Wa Japanese restaurant with a pianist providing an elegant musical backdrop, this exquisite experience makes for a truly elevated Afternoon Tea. As this is a smaller venue expect a more intimate, unrushed feel with gorgeous sea views.
Perfect for Celebrations: This elevated and more intimate experience is a perfect option for celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious moment of relaxation.

My Tips for Afternoon Tea at Aji Wa:

🫖This Champagne Afternoon Tea is available on board at a cost of US$40 per person, and you’ll need to reserve your seat at least 24 hours in advance.

🫖 You can also book before your voyage via My Cunard, ‘My Voyage’ or talk to the reservations team on board.

🫖This seems to be only available on longer voyages (as it was not offered on my recent 4-night voyage) and only offered on sea days.

🫖As it’s a smaller venue, my tip would be to book as soon as you can to secure a place.

Stateroom Afternoon Tea: Treats in your Cabin or Suite

For those who prefer a more intimate experience, Queen Anne offers the option of enjoying afternoon tea in your own stateroom or private balcony. This is a fantastic option if you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want a quiet tea with stunning sea views from the privacy of your cabin.

What to Expect:

Classic Menu: Room service offers a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
Exclusive Privacy: Relax on your veranda with uninterrupted ocean views and enjoy tea at your leisure.
Perfect for Celebrations: In-room afternoon tea is ideal for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious moment of relaxation.

My Tips for Afternoon Tea in your Cabin or Suite:

🫖You can request a champagne upgrade to elevate your in-room tea experience with a glass of bubbly.

🫖While the afternoon tea is delicious, the ambiance of my inside cabin didn’t really match the exquisite treats which were delivered to my stateroom, so having a balcony definitely makes a difference.

Afternoon Tea at the Grills: The Ultimate Luxury

If you are sailing in one of the suites on board Queen Anne, then you can take afternoon tea in Princess Grills restaurant (open seating).

What to Expect:

Elevated Menu: Expect treats with a modern flair, such as exotic fruit-infused pastries, artisan bread sandwiches, and unique spreads for the scones. All served on delicate tiered stands.
Exclusive Tea Pairings: The Grills Restaurant Afternoon Tea serves exclusive tea pairings, featuring premium teas from around the world, chosen to enhance each bite.
Sophisticated Setting: Nothing beats afternoon tea in the Grills restaurant. The ambiance is the epitome of sophistication.

My Tips for Afternoon Tea at the Grills:

🫖You can also take tea in your suite (served by your butler) and

🫖Afternoon Tea is also served alfresco on the Grills Terrace too.

🫖If sailing in a Grills suite my advice is to is to try ALL these options on different days to max the experience and decide which you prefer the most.

GRILLS AFTERNOON TEA MENU

Savoury

Cucumber, Cider Vinegar, Herbed Cream Cheese served on brown bread
Roasted Ham, Tomato Relish served on white bread
Smoked Salmon Herbed Crème Fraiche filled mini soft brown roll
Cunard Bespoke Ale Chutney served on tomato bread
Chicken Caesar served on an open face white bloomer

Scones

Freshly baked and plain and fruit scones from our bakery with
Tiptree tree strawberry jam and clotted cream

Sweets

Praline Choux
Praline filled choux topped with hazelnuts

Cherry Almond Pain de Genes
Soft almond sponge cake with cherries and sliced almonds

Apple Caramel Trifle Verrine
Caramel apples, vanilla brulee and Chantilly cream

Red Fruit Meringue Tart
Tart shells red fruit, red and white meringue

Chocolate Nut Xavier
Sugar and nut topped chocolate sponge whipped ganache

Afternoon Tea

Served with your choice of Twinings loose, leaf tea

London Strand Earl Grey
This sublime Earl Grey blends Chinese black loose leaf tea 
with a wonderfully citrusy flavour of bergamot

Second Flush Assam ‘Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe’
The highest quality tea from the Langharjan Estate, in the 
eastern part of Assam. Smooth rich and full bodied 
with an unmistakenly malty punch

Other tea blends are available on request

Artisans Food Hall: A Casual Afternoon Tea with Scenic Views

If you’re in the mood for a relaxed afternoon tea in a more informal setting, and if you prioritise scones over ceremony, the Artisans Food Hall is the perfect option. (Jam first by the way, ALWAYS jam first)

What to Expect:

Relaxed Afternoon Tea Experience: Enjoy a less formal, self-service tea with a variety of light bites, pastries, and scones. You can serve yourself at your own pace, making it perfect for a laid-back afternoon tea experience.
Casual Setting: The Artisans Food Hall is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet cup of tea while admiring the sea views without the structured format of other tea venues.
Family-Friendly: With its relaxed atmosphere, the Artisans Foodhall is an ideal choice for families and groups who might not always be able to get seated together in the Queens Room.

My Tips for Afternoon Tea in the Artisans Food Hall:

🫖 While you can enjoy your afternoon tea in the Food Hall with a prime seat by the windows, you can also take your tea to enjoy at the Pavilion Pool

🫖Or alternatively head outside to the Panorama Pool Club for scenic views as you sip your tea and enjoy your scones.

My top tips for enjoying afternoon tea on Queen Anne

Tops Tips for Afternoon Tea

👗Dress Code: No venues have formal dress codes for afternoon tea, but there is no harm in dressing up a little if you want to join the ambiance of Afternoon Tea.

📝Reservations: Afternoon tea is a popular activity on Queen Anne, especially in iconic venues like the Queens Room. As reservations are not required (with the exception of Aji Wa), arrive as soon as possible to avoid disappointment or queues.

🕰️Timing: Afternoon tea is typically served between 3pm and 4 pm. Check the daily program or for precise times and venues during your voyage.

🥂Make it special: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about specialty tea pairings or a glass of champagne, which can enhance your experience, especially in venues like the Queen’s Room or on your own private balcony.

🍰Dietary requirements: Gluten free and vegetarian dishes are available on request at all Afternoon Tea venues on board.

Where to enjoy afternoon tea on Queen Anne

From the grand setting of the Queens Room to the privacy of your balcony, Queen Anne offers a wealth of options for enjoying afternoon tea at sea.

Each venue has its own unique ambiance and take on this cherished tradition. Whether you’re indulging in white-glove service in the Queens Room, savouring modern flavours in the Carinthia Lounge, or enjoying a private tea on your balcony, afternoon tea on Queen Anne is a truly delightful way to experience the elegance of Cunard cruising.

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