In a continued return to pre-pandemic normalcy, Carnival Cruise Line has brought back another favorite guest activity that was temporarily suspended. From 6 September 2022, the afternoon tea event will be available across the fleet on every cruise.
More events and places available
The return of afternoon tea is the latest in a growing list of onboard events that could start again as health and safety protocols are adjusted and crew shortages resolved.
Many such events, including the Captain’s Cocktail Party, Seuss at Sea Breakfast, Chef’s Table darkening, VIFP past passenger parties and others, were initially discontinued to facilitate social distancing and improved protocols of cleaning and could not be returned quickly due to lack of staff. the cruise resumed.
Slowly, Carnival Cruise Line has brought back many of these popular events.
VIP parties for Platinum and Diamond level passengers, for example, started to be held again from June 24, 2022, on cruises of 5 nights and longer. The events are no longer held on shorter cruises, an adjustment that was made several years ago, long before the cruise industry shut down.
The elite kitchen table dining experience resumed across the fleet from June 30more children’s programs resumed on board at the end of July and the Italian specialty restaurant Cucina del Capitano, found aboard nine ships in the Carnival fleet, reopened from August 6, 2022.
As more events return, eager guests can enjoy more of their favorites on board with each Carnival cruise.
What is afternoon tea?
The Afternoon Tea event on Carnival ships is a special gathering to socialize and enjoy unique tea blends and flavors. Several tea options are available, and delicious finger sandwiches, pastries and other light refreshments are also served, including the ever-popular cookies and clotted cream.
The options available at the tea party are usually exclusive and not available anywhere else on the ship or at any time other than afternoon tea.
As of September 6, 2022, this engaging event will now be available once again on all Carnival cruise ships, the cruise line’s brand ambassador John Heald announced on his Facebook page.
The exact time, location and offerings at each afternoon tea will vary for different ships. The event is free for all passengers and is suitable for all ages.
Guests can also enjoy a more limited selection of teas available 24 hours a day from beverage stations on each ship’s Lido Deck, with more exclusive and unique teas available from onboard cafes for a nominal fee.
Still to return
While the resumption of afternoon tea is a welcome sign that more and more events are returning to cruise ships, some highlights are still missing from the daily schedules.
Still to return is the quirky Suess at Sea special breakfast popular with families, as well as past guest benefits such as priority boarding for Diamond and Platinum level guests. Neither has the decadent Chocolate Extravaganza buffet relaunched yet, nor has the exclusive Behind the Fun onboard tour. All of these options are still planned to be available in the near future.
However, not every pre-pandemic option will return. Carnival Cruise Line has announced several small but permanent cuts in dining optionsfor example. no longer having a 24-hour pizzeria and some shortened hours for some events and other dining venues.
Similarly, popular but sometimes controversial The hairy chest race will not return on Carnival Cruise Line’s pool deck festivities, but is being replaced by more family-friendly options and poolside games.
