Afternoon tea on P&O Britannia is more than a simple break between lunch and dinner—it’s a proper British tradition that fits nicely with modern cruise comforts.
You can go for the free tea service in the main dining room or fancy it up a bit at the Epicurean, where you’ll find everything from traditional finger sandwiches to lovely pastries.
To get the most out of your teatime at sea, it’s worth knowing about the different places, times and what to wear. This guide will help you sort out all the options for a brilliant cuppa aboard.
Key Takeaways
- Classic afternoon tea runs daily 4:00-4:45 p.m. in several spots aboard, including the laid-back Peninsular Restaurant.
- The Epicurean does a fancy tea service at £15 per person, with posh cakes and special teas – best to book ahead.
- For dress code, keep it smart but relaxed – no swimming gear, tracksuits or t-shirts with slogans.
- You can get free afternoon tea in the Main Dining Rooms, while places like Market Café come with extra charges.
- They’re good with special diets – you’ll find clearly marked gluten-free and veggie choices in all tea venues.
Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea
You’ve got plenty of choices for afternoon tea on P&O Britannia.
The Peninsular Restaurant serves a traditional tea from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., with its lovely glass pillars and bigger tables creating a rather smart atmosphere.
If you fancy something more laid-back, pop into the Horizon buffet from 3:45 p.m. onwards, where you’ll find themed afternoon teas with different food choices.
For something a bit posh, try The Epicurean at 3:30 p.m., where you can have Eric Lanlard’s fancy cakes and special teas for £15. Best to book this one ahead of time.
The good news? Afternoon tea in the main dining rooms comes at no extra cost, so you can pick and choose where you’d like to go.
Menu Options and Specialty Items
The P&O Britannia serves a lovely afternoon tea with everything from simple finger sandwiches to fancy pastries.
You’ll get warm scones with jam and cream, plus different specialty teas to choose from. Both the main restaurant and Epicurean spots serve beautiful pastries, cakes and dainty sandwiches.
The Epicurean option includes extra sweet and savoury bits, with posh pralines and chocolate treats. They use local and seasonal ingredients where possible.
You’ll see clear labels for special diets, with gluten-free and vegetarian items available. The Epicurean costs £17.50 more per person, but you can get £3.50 off by booking early.
Both places ask for Evening Casual dress.
Best Times to Book
Planning ahead is the way to go for P&O Britannia’s afternoon tea sessions. If you’d like to join the special Epicurean Afternoon Tea, it’s best to reserve your spot up to 4 months before sailing through My P&O Cruises platform.
For the main dining times, these are the key things to remember:
- Regular afternoon tea happens every day from 4:00pm to 4:45pm in the main restaurant – just turn up.
- The fancy Epicurean Afternoon Tea costs £15 and runs only on selected sea days.
- You can see what’s on each day in the Horizon newsletter once you’re aboard.
- Market Cafe is a paid option if you prefer something more laid-back.
Dress Code and Tea Etiquette
The afternoon tea crowd aboard P&O Britannia keeps it fairly relaxed, with a casual-smart style that works well for everyone.
While you won’t need your fanciest clothes, it’s best to avoid very torn jeans, tracksuits or t-shirts with messages on them. Most people go for simple, tidy clothes or dark jeans, and fellow guests tend to dress neatly without being too formal.
Do note that swimwear isn’t allowed in dining areas, and you’ll need to wear proper footwear whenever you’re not at the pool.
For a nice but comfortable look, try wearing casual dresses, smart trousers or neat shorts with suitable tops. If you’re not quite sure what to wear, our guide to cruise outfits might help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Tea Blend to the Afternoon Tea Service?
Sorry, but you’ll need to stick with P&O’s Twinnings tea during the service. Though you might fancy a cuppa of your own special blend, it’s best to go with what’s already on the menu. The ship serves quite a nice range of teas for you to try.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children at the Epicurean?
The Epicurean welcomes all ages, but it’s more of a grown-up place really. If you’ve got little ones, you might prefer taking them to the Children’s Tea or having a go at the buffet – both are brilliant for families.
Is Photography Allowed During the Afternoon Tea Service?
Yes, you can snap photos during afternoon tea. Just be mindful of other people and try not to get in anyone’s way or disturb other guests while they’re eating and drinking.
Can I Get a Takeaway Box for Leftover Pastries and Sandwiches?
Though it’s not that common, just ask your waiter if you fancy taking your food away. Worth noting that cruise ships usually aren’t keen on guests taking food out of their restaurants.
Are There Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Afternoon Tea Variations Throughout the Year?
Many places do brilliant seasonal teas all year round. You’ll spot Christmas specials with mince pies and fancy sandwiches in winter, whilst Easter brings chocolate treats and spring flavours. Hotels and tea rooms change their menus with the seasons, using whatever fruits are in season for their cakes and treats. The decorations change too – think holly and baubles at Christmas, and daffodils at Easter. It’s lovely to see what different places come up with for each holiday.
