Ornate tea bricks gifted to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines by Borealis’ naval architect

The naval architect behind Borealis has presented Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines with two decorative tea bricks.

Dr Stephen Payne OBE, who was the project manager for the building of the ship, formerly known as Rotterdam VI for Holland America, presented the ornate tea bricks to Captain Rommel Pineda on a recent cruise to Iceland.

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

Dr Payne 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 an 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.”

While on board, Dr Payne also delivered three talks to guests about his role in creating Borealis, another on the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941 and a third on HMY Britannia.

Speaking about stepping aboard Borealis for the first time in 27 years, Dr Payne added:

“Those of us who work with ships or know them well, recognise that some ships are blessed. They have an undefinable enigmatic quality which we euphemistically call a soul.

“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.”

Captain Rommel Pineda, of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Dr Stephen Payne OBE on board Borealis for the first time since he built the ship.

“The gifting of the tea bricks was incredibly generous and they are a wonderful addition to our Oriental Tea Room.”

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com
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