The baffling thing about the new afternoon tea that Fred Olsen has introduced on all its ships is not that they are charging for it - show me a cruise line that isn't looking for new ways to increase on-board revenue - but that they describe it as a "proper" afternoon tea.
What, I wonder, have they been serving all this time in the dining room when the clock strikes three (or is it four?).
And indeed continue to serve for those who don't want to pay for the new enhanced tea? Next time I'm on I'll be examining those improper sandwiches very carefully.
The "proper" tea costs £5.95 a head and is served by waiters wearing white gloves. There's all sorts of teas including herbal varieties, sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and cakes.
But the best bit is you get to have all this in more secluded surrounds - away from the bustle of the main dining room as it's only for about 40 other passengers a time - with music playing in the background.
Far more elegant you have to admit.
But will Fred followers play the game and pay the extra? I'm told it's booked up fast each time it's been listed in the daily programme. Presumably by people other than JA (pure coincidence I promise!). I somehow get the impression he/she is not impressed.
Jane Archer
