Friday, August 9, 2024 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines received a special gift of ornate tea bricks from Dr. Stephen Payne, the naval architect behind Borealis, celebrating a unique maritime connection.
Dr. Stephen Payne OBE, the lead coordinator for the construction of the vessel previously identified as Rotterdam VI for Holland America, recently handed over decorative tea bricks to Captain Rommel Pineda during a cruise to Iceland. These bricks, crafted from condensed tea, had belonged to his deceased father, Michael Payne.
Michael was a renowned tea-taster and blender within the industry, and he played a crucial role in pioneering the introduction of flavored teas in 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.
” During the voyage, Dr. Payne also gave three lectures to the passengers. He discussed his involvement in the development of the Borealis, detailed the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941, and spoke about the 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.”.
