Fred. Olsen gifted tea bricks by Borealis' naval architect

Stephen Payne, who was the project manager for the building of the ship – which previously belonged to Holland America Line and named Rotterdam VI – presented the bricks made of compressed tea to capt. Rommel Pineda on a recent cruise to the land of fire and ice.

They were previously owned by his late father, Michael Payne, who was a tea-taster and blender of distinction in the tea trade and instrumental in the introduction of flavoured teas into the UK.

‘It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Dr Stephen Payne OBE on board Borealis for the first time since he built the ship,’ said Pineda. ‘The gifting of the tea bricks was incredibly generous and they are a wonderful addition to our Oriental Tea Room.’ 

Educational talks 

Payne, who stepped on board the vessel after 27 years, delivered three talks to passengers: the first about his role in creating Borealis, another on the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941 and a third on HMY Britannia.

He said, ‘When we found the tea bricks, we didn’t really know what to do with them, but we were reluctant to throw them away as my father obviously cherished their historical importance.

‘Knowing I was due to join Borealis’ ‘Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland’ cruise and learning that she has the Oriental Tea Room, it seemed appropriate that the tea bricks should be presented as a lasting tribute from me to my late father and on the ship that I helped bring to commission.’ 

He added, ‘...Returning to this ship, I certainly feel that she has a soul and is well loved by her crew and guests. It was a delight to be back on board and see just how well she is looked after by Fred. Olsen.’