Does Seabourn charge for children?

Seabourn Cruises is one of the world’s most renowned ultra-luxury cruise lines, celebrated for its intimate ships, exceptional service, and elegant onboard atmosphere. With voyages designed for discerning travelers seeking tranquility and sophistication, Seabourn appeals mainly to adults and couples. However, families occasionally consider bringing their children aboard to share the luxury experience.This leads to one of the most common questions: Does Seabourn charge for children?The answer is yes — Seabourn does charge for children, as there are no discounted fares or special child pricing options available. Every guest, regardless of age, is considered a full passenger and is subject to the same fare structure and onboard costs as adults.

This comprehensive guide explains Seabourn’s child fare policy, how pricing works for families, age-related restrictions, and tips for parents considering a Seabourn cruise.

1. Understanding Seabourn’s Guest Policy

Before diving into pricing, it’s important to understand Seabourn’s guest demographics and service philosophy.

1 Luxury Over Family-Focused

Seabourn’s primary audience consists of adult travelers, including:

• Couples seeking romantic escapes

• Retired or semi-retired travelers

• Luxury vacationers who value exclusivity and personal space

Unlike mainstream cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Disney Cruises, Seabourn does not position itself as a family-oriented brand. Its ships are designed for a quiet, elegant ambiance without children’s play areas, youth clubs, or babysitting services.

2 Guest Experience Philosophy

The Seabourn experience emphasizes:

• Intimate all-suite accommodations

• Gourmet fine dining

• Personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest

• Curated enrichment programs

• Sophisticated entertainment and excursions

Because of this, Seabourn’s pricing and policies are consistent for all guests, regardless of age.

2. Seabourn’s Child Pricing Policy

1 No Child or Infant Discounts

Seabourn does not offer discounted fares for children or infants. Every person occupying a berth (bed) in a suite — whether a baby, child, teenager, or adult — must pay the applicable fare for that sailing.

This policy stems from Seabourn’s all-inclusive luxury pricing model, which includes:

• All meals and fine dining experiences

• Open bars and premium beverages

• Gratuities and service charges

• Butler service and onboard entertainment

Since Seabourn’s pricing covers the complete luxury experience, it does not differentiate between children and adults.

2 Infants and Toddlers

Even infants (meeting Seabourn’s minimum sailing age requirement of 6 or 12 months, depending on itinerary) are charged the same full fare as adults if they occupy a berth or suite.

Seabourn does not allow infants under six months to sail and requires infants to be at least 12 months old for long transoceanic voyages.

3 Shared Suites and Rollaway Beds

When a child shares a suite with parents or guardians, the child’s fare typically matches the third or fourth guest rate, which can be slightly lower than the first two fares — but it’s still not a “child discount.”

For example:

• First and Second Guests: Standard fare per person

• Third Guest (child): Reduced fare if space allows, depending on suite type

However, these third-person fares are limited, and availability varies by ship and sailing date.

3. Why Seabourn Charges Full Fares for Children

1 Equal Access to Luxury Amenities

Every Seabourn guest enjoys:

• Gourmet meals crafted by world-class chefs

• Premium open-bar access (for adults)

• Butler and concierge services

• In-suite dining

• Entertainment and enrichment programs

Even if a child doesn’t use these amenities fully, Seabourn’s inclusive fare model treats every guest equally because the cruise is designed as a luxury hospitality experience rather than a per-service model.

3.2 Limited Cabin Capacity

Seabourn ships are intentionally small and luxurious, with suites accommodating a maximum of 2–3 guests. Since space is limited, each berth is highly valued, and the fare reflects that exclusivity — regardless of the passenger’s age.

3.3 No Family-Focused Infrastructure

Unlike family-oriented cruise lines that can spread costs across hundreds of family cabins and child programs, Seabourn operates intimate ships with smaller passenger counts. Therefore, child discounting doesn’t fit their pricing model.

4. How Child Fares Work on Seabourn Cruises

1 Standard Pricing

When booking, every passenger (adult or child) is charged according to the:

• Chosen suite category

• Voyage length and itinerary

• Current promotional offer (if available)

For example, if a suite for two adults costs $8,000 per person, a child occupying a third berth in the same suite may be charged a slightly reduced fare, but the total will still be close to the full rate.

2 Taxes and Port Fees

Children, like all guests, are subject to taxes, port charges, and fees. These are not discounted and apply equally to every passenger on the manifest.

3 Shore Excursion Costs

Seabourn’s optional shore excursions are also priced per person, and children do not receive discounts unless specifically stated in the excursion details.

5. Family Suites and Accommodation

1 Suite Capacity

Most Seabourn suites are designed for two adults, but some categories — such as Owner’s Suites, Penthouse Suites, or Veranda Suites — can accommodate up to three or four guests.

Parents traveling with children will need to request:

• Sofa bed or rollaway bed (limited availability)

• Connecting suites for additional space

2 Booking Two Suites

If your family exceeds the suite capacity, you’ll need to book an additional suite at full fare, as Seabourn does not offer family or group fare reductions.

3 Cribs and Baby Equipment

Seabourn ships do not provide cribs, highchairs, or baby supplies. Parents must bring their own items, as the cruise line is not equipped for infant care.

6. Comparing Seabourn with Other Cruise Lines on Child Pricing

Cruise LineChild FaresChild ProgramsMinimum AgeFamily-Friendly?

SeabournFull adult fareNone6 months (12 for crossings)No

SilverseaFull fareNone6 monthsNo

Regent Seven SeasFull fareLimited on select sailings6 monthsSomewhat

OceaniaFull fareNone6 monthsLimited

Disney Cruise LineDiscounted fares for kidsExtensive6 monthsYes

Royal CaribbeanDiscounted fares for kidsFull kids & teen programs6 monthsYes

This comparison shows that Seabourn, like other ultra-luxury cruise lines, charges full fares for children because their brand identity centers around exclusivity, not mass family travel.

7. Onboard Policies Affecting Children

1 No Children’s Clubs or Babysitting

Seabourn offers no organized children’s or teen programs, daycare, or babysitting. Parents must supervise their children at all times.

2 Pool and Spa Rules

• Children must be fully toilet-trained to use swimming pools.

• Infants in diapers are not permitted in pools or whirlpools.

• Guests under 16 are not allowed in whirlpools or the spa area.

3 Alcohol and Casino Rules

• The legal drinking age is 21 for U.S. cruises and 18 for international voyages.

• Guests must be 18 years old to enter or gamble in the casino.

These restrictions reflect Seabourn’s adult-oriented environment.

8. Families on Seabourn: What to Expect

While Seabourn doesn’t market to families, some parents still choose to travel with older children or teenagers for milestone celebrations, family reunions, or cultural travel experiences.

1 Teenagers on Board

Teenagers aged 13 and above who are mature enough to appreciate quiet luxury and cultural excursions may enjoy Seabourn’s:

• Educational destination lectures

• Culinary demonstrations

• Fine dining experiences

• Personalized shore excursions

However, they should understand that entertainment is not youth-oriented — there are no arcades, game rooms, or teen discos.

2 Family Dining

Families can dine together at any of Seabourn’s restaurants. The staff can accommodate simplified meals or smaller portions for children upon request.

3 Excursion Recommendations

Some excursions may be suitable for older children, especially:

• Wildlife or nature tours

• Cultural sightseeing

• Historical site visits

Parents should verify age restrictions or difficulty levels before booking.

9. Cost Planning for Families

1 Example Cost Estimate

Suppose a 7-night Seabourn Mediterranean cruise costs $7,000 per person for two adults.

If a child shares the suite:

• Child fare may range between $4,000–$6,000, depending on suite and promotions.

• Port fees, excursions, and air travel add extra costs.

A family of three could expect to spend $18,000–$20,000 total for such a cruise — highlighting Seabourn’s exclusivity.

9.2 No Free or Reduced Rates

Unlike mainstream cruise lines offering “kids sail free” promotions, Seabourn’s pricing remains flat-rate, premium, and all-inclusive.

10. Why Families Still Choose Seabourn

Despite the full fare policy, some families choose Seabourn for the following reasons:

1. Private Family Time: With fewer passengers, families enjoy privacy and personal attention.

2. Exceptional Service: Seabourn’s staff caters to every request, including family-specific dining and scheduling needs.

3. Educational Travel: Seabourn’s destinations and shore excursions offer cultural enrichment ideal for well-traveled children or teens.

4. Safety and Exclusivity: Smaller ships and attentive service create a secure environment.

11. Booking Tips for Families on Seabourn

1. Book Early: Suites accommodating three or four guests are limited.

2. Choose Shorter Cruises: Voyages under 10 days are more manageable for families.

3. Select Accessible Destinations: Avoid long transoceanic voyages for younger children.

4. Bring Entertainment: Pack games, movies, and books to keep kids occupied during sea days.

5. Communicate Dietary Needs: Inform the staff ahead of time about children’s food preferences.

12. Age and Fare Exceptions

While rare, Seabourn may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for:

• Large family charters

• Private yacht-style bookings

• Special promotional voyages

In such cases, Seabourn may tailor arrangements, but fare adjustments remain unlikely.

13. Seabourn Expeditions and Child Policy

Seabourn’s expedition ships, such as the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, explore remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Amazon.

These voyages typically:

• Require guests to be at least 8 years old

• Charge full fares for children

• Have physical and environmental restrictions

Because expedition voyages are small-group, high-cost adventures, every guest pays the same rate to maintain the luxury service ratio.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Seabourn offer free cruises for infants or children?

No. All passengers, regardless of age, must pay the applicable fare.

Q2: Are there any family discounts or promotions?

Seabourn occasionally offers suite upgrade promotions or discounted third-guest fares, but not family-specific discounts.

Q3: Can I get a child meal onboard?

Yes. Chefs can customize simple dishes for children, such as pasta, grilled chicken, or fruit platters.

Q4: Can my child stay alone in a separate suite?

No. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (21+) in the same or adjoining suite.

Q5: Are there children on Seabourn cruises?

Occasionally, yes — usually older children or teens traveling with parents on shorter itineraries.

15.    Yes, Seabourn charges full fares for children. There are no child discounts.

• Infants and children must pay the standard per-guest fare, including port taxes.

• There are no babysitting services, youth clubs, or childcare amenities.

• Seabourn is best suited for adults, couples, and mature travelers.

• Families seeking quiet luxury and personalized service may still enjoy Seabourn, but must budget accordingly.

16  does charge for children at full far

Seabourn Cruises delivers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience designed for adults who value sophistication and serenity. As such, the cruise line does charge for children at full fare, with no discounts or family pricing structures.Families who understand this policy and seek a high-end, tranquil vacation may find Seabourn an exceptional choice — particularly if traveling with older, well-mannered children or teens who appreciate fine dining, cultural excursions, and world-class service.While Seabourn isn’t family-oriented in the traditional sense, its exclusivity, attention to detail, and intimate ambiance make it a unique luxury experience for multigenerational travelers who value refinement over recreation.