Cunard Afternoon Tea Menu: Sandwiches, Scones & Sweets
Afternoon Tea is one of Cunard’s signature onboard traditions, combining white-gloved service with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes, pastries and tea. The traditional experience is currently offered across Cunard’s four-ship fleet and is included in the cruise fare, making it one of the classic experiences passengers can enjoy during a voyage.
CruisePrism readers planning a Cunard sailing can also explore our Cunard drink prices and bar menus, Cunard restaurant menus, and Cunard Onboard Guides for more information about dining, drinks, entertainment and onboard activities.
Cunard Traditional Afternoon Tea
Cunard has made Afternoon Tea a daily onboard ritual, maintaining many of the elements associated with a traditional British afternoon tea.
The experience includes:
- Savoury finger sandwiches and rolls
- Freshly baked plain and fruit scones
- Strawberry jam
- Clotted cream
- Cakes and pastries
- A selection of teas and coffees
Cunard currently serves its traditional Afternoon Tea from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Queens Room.
White-gloved waiters serve guests at their tables, and the presentation is deliberately more formal than simply stopping by the buffet for an afternoon snack.
Cunard Afternoon Tea Savoury Menu
The photographed Cunard Afternoon Tea menu offers five savoury selections:
- Cucumber, Cider Vinegar Herbed Cream Cheese served on brown bread
- Roast Beef & Horseradish served on white bread
- Baby Shrimp, Chive & Lobster Cream filled mini soft brown roll
- Eggs Mayonnaise, Cress & Black Pepper served on tomato bread
- Whipped Feta Cheese, Pickled Heritage Carrot served on an open-face white bloomer
The selection mixes traditional British afternoon tea flavors with seafood and vegetarian alternatives.
Cucumber & Herbed Cream Cheese
The cucumber sandwich combines cucumber with cider vinegar herbed cream cheese and is served on brown bread.
It is one of the vegetarian selections identified on the photographed menu and represents one of the most traditional types of sandwich associated with British Afternoon Tea.
Roast Beef & Horseradish
The Roast Beef & Horseradish sandwich is served on white bread.
This provides one of the heartier savoury choices alongside the lighter cucumber and vegetable selections.
Baby Shrimp, Chive & Lobster Cream Roll
The seafood option combines baby shrimp, chive and lobster cream inside a mini soft brown roll.
Instead of another traditional sliced finger sandwich, this selection uses a small roll and adds a more distinctive seafood option to the savoury course.
Eggs Mayonnaise, Cress & Black Pepper
Another classic British combination is the Eggs Mayonnaise, Cress & Black Pepper sandwich.
It is served on tomato bread and is marked as vegetarian on the photographed menu.
Whipped Feta Cheese & Pickled Heritage Carrot
The final savoury selection combines whipped feta cheese with pickled heritage carrot.
It is served on an open-face white bloomer and is also identified as vegetarian.
Cunard Afternoon Tea Scones
Scones are at the center of Cunard’s Afternoon Tea tradition.
The photographed menu lists:
- Freshly baked plain scones
- Freshly baked fruit scones
- Strawberry jam
- Clotted cream
Cunard prepares its scones onboard, and the combination of warm scones, jam and clotted cream remains one of the most recognizable parts of the experience.
Cunard Afternoon Tea Sweets
After the savouries and scones, the photographed menu offers five sweets:
- Coffee Cream Choux
- Almond Financier
- Mango Pudding Verrine
- Lemon Tart Candied Lemon
- Soft Chocolate Orange Cake
The dessert selection ranges from pastry and cake to a fruit-based verrine.
Coffee Cream Choux
The Coffee Cream Choux consists of a choux bun filled with coffee cream and finished with a coffee glaze.
It provides a coffee-flavored pastry among the five sweets.
Almond Financier
The Almond Financier is served with sliced almonds and apricot glaze.
The photographed menu identifies this selection as vegetarian.
Mango Pudding Verrine
The Mango Pudding Verrine combines layers of:
- Mango pudding
- Mango lime compote
This provides a fruit-forward alternative to the richer chocolate and coffee desserts.
Lemon Tart Candied Lemon
The lemon tart is described as freshly baked and finished with candied lemon glaze.
Its citrus flavor provides another lighter contrast to the chocolate dessert.
Soft Chocolate Orange Cake
The final sweet on the photographed menu is the Soft Chocolate Orange Cake.
It combines:
- Soft chocolate cake
- Candied orange peel
- Chocolate ganache
The menu identifies this dessert as vegetarian.
Is Cunard Afternoon Tea Free?
Traditional Afternoon Tea is included in the Cunard cruise fare.
Passengers can attend the traditional service without paying an additional cover charge.
This is different from Cunard’s Champagne Afternoon Tea, which is a separate upgraded experience available for an additional charge.
For passengers who simply want the classic Cunard Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea, the traditional service is already part of the voyage.
What Time Is Afternoon Tea on Cunard?
Cunard currently schedules Traditional Afternoon Tea between:
- 3:30 p.m.
- 4:30 p.m.
The exact schedule for activities and dining should still be checked in the ship’s daily program during the voyage.
Afternoon Tea can be particularly popular on sea days, when passengers have more time to enjoy the ship’s daytime activities.
Where Is Cunard Afternoon Tea Served?
Traditional Afternoon Tea is associated with the Queens Room, Cunard’s elegant ballroom and entertainment venue.
During the day, the space hosts activities that can include dance classes and Afternoon Tea. In the evening, the Queens Room becomes a venue for live music, dancing and selected entertainment.
Cunard also notes that Afternoon Tea may occasionally be served in the Britannia Restaurant.
A more casual interpretation of Afternoon Tea is available in the ship’s buffet restaurant.
Which Cunard Ships Have Afternoon Tea?
Cunard currently offers Traditional Afternoon Tea aboard all four ships in its fleet:
- Queen Mary 2
- Queen Anne
- Queen Victoria
- Queen Elizabeth
That makes Afternoon Tea a fleetwide Cunard experience rather than something exclusive to Queen Mary 2 or a particular itinerary.
Afternoon Tea on Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is particularly associated with Cunard’s traditional style of ocean travel, and Afternoon Tea is served in the ship’s Queens Room.
Guests are served finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, pastries and cakes alongside a selection of teas.
For passengers taking a transatlantic crossing, Afternoon Tea can be an especially appealing part of the daily program because of the number of sea days available to experience Cunard’s onboard traditions.
Afternoon Tea on Queen Anne
Queen Anne also continues the Cunard Afternoon Tea tradition in its Queens Room.
The ship’s Queens Room combines a dance floor, stage and seating area and serves as a major daytime and evening activity venue.
At 3:30 p.m., it becomes the setting for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea on Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria features a two-level Queens Room inspired by the traditional ballroom style associated with Cunard.
Traditional Afternoon Tea is offered aboard the ship as part of the included dining experience.
Afternoon Tea on Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth also serves Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room.
The experience includes finger sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of teas.
Like the other ships in the fleet, the traditional service is included in the cruise fare.
Cunard Traditional Afternoon Tea vs. Champagne Afternoon Tea
Cunard offers both Traditional Afternoon Tea and a separate Champagne Afternoon Tea experience.
Traditional Afternoon Tea:
- Is included in the cruise fare
- Includes sandwiches and savouries
- Includes freshly baked scones
- Includes cakes and pastries
- Includes tea and coffee
- Is served as Cunard’s signature daily Afternoon Tea experience
Champagne Afternoon Tea:
- Is an upgraded experience
- Carries an additional charge
- Requires a reservation
- Includes Champagne
- Has its own menu and presentation
Passengers do not need to purchase the Champagne version to experience Cunard’s traditional Afternoon Tea.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options
The photographed menu identifies several vegetarian items.
These include:
- Cucumber, Cider Vinegar Herbed Cream Cheese
- Eggs Mayonnaise, Cress & Black Pepper
- Whipped Feta Cheese & Pickled Heritage Carrot
- Almond Financier
- Soft Chocolate Orange Cake
The menu also states that gluten-free alternatives are available on request.
Cunard asks guests with food allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease to inform a member of staff before ordering.
Do You Need a Reservation for Cunard Afternoon Tea?
Cunard presents Traditional Afternoon Tea as its daily included service rather than the separately bookable Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Passengers should check the daily program for the exact onboard schedule and any instructions applying to their sailing.
Champagne Afternoon Tea is different and requires advance booking.
What Is the Dress Code for Cunard Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon Tea takes place during the daytime, so passengers do not need to dress as they would for one of Cunard’s Gala Evenings.
The atmosphere, however, is deliberately elegant, with white-gloved service, table linens and traditional presentation.
The ship’s current daily program is the best place to check any applicable daytime dress guidance during a particular voyage.
Is Cunard Afternoon Tea Worth Trying?
For first-time Cunard passengers, Afternoon Tea is one of the onboard experiences most closely associated with the cruise line.
There is also little downside to trying it because the traditional version is included in the fare.
Passengers can enjoy a selection of savouries, scones and desserts while experiencing the formal service style that distinguishes Cunard from many contemporary cruise lines.
It can be particularly appealing on a sea day, when there is no need to fit the experience around a shore excursion or port schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Afternoon Tea included on Cunard?
Yes. Cunard’s Traditional Afternoon Tea is included in the cruise fare.
What time is Cunard Afternoon Tea?
Cunard currently schedules Traditional Afternoon Tea from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where is Afternoon Tea served on Cunard?
Traditional Afternoon Tea is generally served in the Queens Room. Cunard notes that it may occasionally be served in the Britannia Restaurant, while a more casual version is available in the buffet.
Which Cunard ships serve Afternoon Tea?
Traditional Afternoon Tea is available aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
What sandwiches are on the Cunard Afternoon Tea menu?
The photographed menu includes cucumber with herbed cream cheese, roast beef and horseradish, baby shrimp with lobster cream, eggs mayonnaise with cress, and whipped feta with pickled heritage carrot.
What kind of scones does Cunard serve?
The photographed menu includes freshly baked plain and fruit scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
What desserts are on the Cunard Afternoon Tea menu?
The photographed menu includes Coffee Cream Choux, Almond Financier, Mango Pudding Verrine, Lemon Tart Candied Lemon and Soft Chocolate Orange Cake.
Does Cunard have vegetarian Afternoon Tea options?
Yes. Several items on the photographed menu are identified as vegetarian, and Cunard confirms vegetarian options are available for Afternoon Tea.
Does Cunard offer gluten-free Afternoon Tea?
Yes. The photographed menu states that gluten-free alternatives are available on request.
Does Cunard have Champagne Afternoon Tea?
Yes. Champagne Afternoon Tea is a separate upgraded experience available for an additional charge and requires a reservation.
Do you need to reserve the regular Cunard Afternoon Tea?
Traditional Afternoon Tea is offered as Cunard’s daily included service. Passengers should consult the daily program onboard for the schedule and any sailing-specific instructions.
Conclusion
Cunard Afternoon Tea remains one of the cruise line’s most recognizable traditions and one of the easiest signature experiences to add to a day at sea.
The photographed menu combines five savoury selections with freshly baked plain and fruit scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream and five desserts. Choices range from the traditional cucumber and cream cheese and roast beef sandwiches to baby shrimp with lobster cream, Coffee Cream Choux and Soft Chocolate Orange Cake.
Most importantly, passengers do not need to purchase a specialty dining package to experience it. Traditional Afternoon Tea is included in the Cunard cruise fare and is currently offered across Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
For anyone sailing Cunard for the first time, an afternoon in the Queens Room with tea, sandwiches and warm scones is one of the line’s classic onboard experiences worth making time for.
