Embarking on the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady we enjoyed afternoon tea in the Sip Lounge.
We cruised from Sydney to Melbourne aboard the Resilient Lady, the latest ship to join Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages fleet.
The Resilient Lady, marking her territory as the first of Virgin Voyages to grace Australian waters, brings a fresh, adults-only concept to the cruising world. With a vibrant yet sophisticated crowd the atmosphere is a blend of youthful spirit and elegant maturity.
The ship, a masterpiece designed by boutique hotel industry mavens, exudes the air of a super-yacht, setting a grand stage for the finest dining experiences at sea.
Nestled in the heart of this majestic vessel, the Sip Lounge serves as the sanctuary for Afternoon Tea enthusiasts. The experience is a heartfelt nod to the Virgin brand’s British roots, presented with a delightful twist of Virgin’s signature quirkiness. From the moment the three-tiered stand graces your table, adorned with white fine bone china, you know you’re in for a treat.
The menu begins with savoury delights that push the boundaries of traditional afternoon tea. The Toasted sandwich with Brie and pear, along with the Chicken liver mousse on pumpernickel, redefines savoury satisfaction.
As for the sweets, the Earl Grey chocolate madeleines, dusted with gold leaf, and the intricately layered profiteroles are just the beginning of a dessert voyage that dazzles and delights in equal measure.
And, of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones – here, both plain and cheese varieties are served with strawberry jam and cream.
With an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas served in elegant teapots, the experience caters to every palate, enriched further by the option of adding champagne to your afternoon indulgence.
While the Afternoon Tea, available daily between 1-4 pm, stands as a highlight, the Resilient Lady doesn’t stop there. With 28 distinct dining experiences and no buffets in sight, the ship offers a culinary journey that rivals the best on land. The Wake and Pink Agave are particular standouts, offering flavours as diverse as the passengers themselves.
Remarkably, except for special events like this Afternoon Tea, dining aboard the Resilient Lady is included in the ticket price, as are basic hot drinks and soft drinks, with alcohol at additional cost.
Our journey allowed us to experience the ship’s other activities, from group fitness classes and an extensive spa menu to the vibrant Scarlet Night parties – making every moment aboard an experience to remember.
With the recent announcement that the Resilient Lady won’t be returning to Australia for the 2024/25 summer season, those wishing to enjoy this Afternoon Tea can do so by booking a Virgin Voyages cruise in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Sip Lounge Tea Time Afternoon Tea Menu:
Savoury items:
- Toasted sandwich with Brie cheese and pear
- Whipped goats cheese, cucumber on mushroom
- Chicken liver mousse with pickled ginger on pumpernickel bread
Sweet items:
- Earl Grey chocolate madeleines
- Palmiers, caramelised puff pastry, white chocolate and rose petals
- profiteroles with cream
- Chocolate Madeline
- White chocolate ganache and wild strawberry
- Seven layer cake
- macaron
Plain and cheese scones with jam and cream
Served with tea and the option to add champagne.
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Priced at $19 for the non-alcoholic offering and $35 with champagne, it’s an experience that enriches the soul and delights the senses, making it a must-try for anyone sailing aboard the Virgin fleet.
Afternoon Tea is served on board all Virgin Voyages ships including Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
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