British people and tea drinkers worldwide are serious about their tea.
One of the most common questions that comes up in Facebook groups and on cruise forums is whether you can bring your own teabags on board.
The short answer is yes…but you might not need to.
You Can Bring Teabags
Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring sealed, packaged teabags with them.
They aren’t considered restricted items, so you can just pop a box into your suitcase.
This is handy if you’re loyal to a particular brand or need a caffeine-free or herbal option. I only drink peppermint tea, but I can normally find peppermint teabags in the buffet, so I don’t pack any.
You Might Not Need To
Cruise ship buffets have teabags available, usually alongside the coffee machines.
You just pour the boiling water onto your teabag of choice, and add milk and sugar to taste.
Brands vary. Lipton and Twinings are often available, but there are usually options for a black tea, green tea, and various herbal varieties to choose from.
I have to say, I am not keen on Lipton’s tea. I see it as a tea for non-tea drinkers! You often find Lipton’s tea on American Cruise Lines – probably because most guests are drinking coffee!
I was absolutely delighted to see that the British cruise line Marella has Yorkshire tea bags in the buffet. They make a good British cup of tea!
In the main dining room, if you ask for tea after your meal, they will often bring a selection of different types in a box for you to choose from.
British Lines Have Tea And Coffee Making Facilities In The Cabin
If you are sailing with a British Cruise Line like Marella, P&O, or Fred Olsen, you will always be given tea and coffee-making facilities in the cabin.
Other cruise lines (if they are sailing from the UK) may also do so, as they know that British people take their tea-making very seriously!
Teabags will be supplied in individual packets and restocked daily by your cabin steward. This is usually black tea, or “British Breakfast Tea,” so I look for my preferred peppermint teabags in the buffet and bring them down to the cabin.
If you are sailing with a company that doesn’t supply tea and coffee-making facilities in the cabin, you could always ask your room steward if they have any available.
My Mum did that on Celebrity Infinity, as she had seen my brother had tea and coffee-making facilities in his solo cabin. They were happy to supply a kettle, cups and tea and coffee for her for the voyage.
When It Makes Sense to Bring Your Own
If you can’t bear to be without your specific brand or flavour (Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips, Tetley, Sainsbury’s Red Label, etc.), maybe bring your own.
If you prefer to drink decaffeinated tea or a specific herbal brand not commonly stocked, definitely bring your own to avoid disappointment.
If you’re picky about strength or a particular flavour, maybe bring your own teabags. There is not much worse than a disappointing cup of tea…
The Packaging Rule
It is probably best to bring them in their original sealed packaging to avoid issues with customs or onboard rules.
Loose tea in unmarked bags or containers may cause problems – they might mistake the tea for something else.
A small box or packaged sachets may be the easiest to carry and store in your cabin.
Before You Go
Find out what free drinks options are available when you cruise here:
Do Cruises Include Drinks? Don’t Miss These FREE Options (Tea, Coffee, Juice & More)
Find out why I always try to avoid cruise ship mini bars here:
Cruise Ship Minibars: Why I Always Avoid Them
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