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How to pay for drinks on a Seabourn Cruise Line?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

Seabourn Cruise Line is known for its luxury, all-inclusive style, which often leads travelers to wonder exactly how drinks are paid for on board. Since many beverages are already included in the cruise fare, the payment process for drinks works differently than on mainstream cruise lines. Whether someone prefers wine with dinner, cocktails by the pool, fresh juices in the morning, or premium labels at the bar, knowing how payment works helps guests avoid confusion and enjoy their sailing more freely.

This detailed guide explains every way drinks are handled on Seabourn, covering included beverages, extra-charge drinks, how to pay for premium options, bartender procedures, suite service, gratuities, and tips to manage spending smoothly.

What Drinks Require Payment on Seabourn?

Even though Seabourn is widely known for offering many beverages at no extra cost, there are still certain drink categories that may carry charges. Guests often appreciate clarity on what is included and what requires payment.

What Is Already Included?

Seabourn provides a long list of beverages that come at no additional cost. These drinks are served throughout the ship and in suites, making the sailing feel effortless. The included list helps guests enjoy everyday beverages without handling a bill.

Included Alcoholic Drinks

Seabourn offers a broad range of complimentary beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines. Bartenders prepare standard drinks without requiring any card or charge. Many wines poured during meals are also included.

Included Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Soft drinks, juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, and hot beverages fall into the included category. This makes poolside relaxation or morning coffee routines simple and cost-free.

Drinks Served in Suites

Guests receive a complimentary minibar setup stocked with spirits, sodas, and water. Replenishment is provided without additional charges.

What Requires Payment?

While most beverages are part of the fare, Seabourn charges for select premium options. These are beverages that go beyond the standard complimentary selection.

Top-Shelf Spirits

Specialized labels, aged whisky, fine cognac, or rare tequilas often fall under the extra-charge category. Guests who enjoy exclusive liquor brands may encounter charges.

Premium Wines

Seabourn offers an expansive wine list. Wines poured with meals are included, but high-end bottles from the premium cellar menu carry separate charges.

Rare Champagnes

Although some sparkling wines are complimentary, certain luxury champagnes cost extra when ordered by the glass or bottle.

How to Pay for Premium Drinks on Seabourn

Guests rarely need to pull out a wallet or card on Seabourn. Instead, the cruise uses a cashless system that keeps the process smooth. Premium drink payments follow a simple structure that fits into the overall luxury approach.

Seabourn’s Sail & Sign System

Every guest is issued a keycard linked to their onboard account. This card acts as the central payment tool for premium drinks.

How This Card Works

When guests order a drink that carries an extra cost, the bartender scans the card and adds the charge to the onboard account. No receipts need to be carried around unless the guest requests them.

Charges Reflected on Final Statement

All premium drink purchases appear on the final invoice, which is settled at the voyage’s end.

Using a Credit Card for Settlement

Guests typically provide a credit card at check-in. This card is used to settle onboard charges, including premium drinks.

Automatic Billing

Seabourn automatically posts final charges to the guest’s card without requiring any manual payment action.

Optional Cash Payment

Guests who prefer cash can visit Guest Services before the trip ends and settle charges manually.

Using Onboard Credit for Drinks

Some guests receive onboard credit through promotions, travel agents, or loyalty perks. This credit can be applied toward premium drink purchases.

How Onboard Credit Applies

When the bartender scans the keycard, the drink charge is deducted from available credit before touching personal funds.

Tracking Remaining Credit

Guests can check their credit balance through the stateroom TV, the Seabourn app, or by visiting Guest Services.

Additional Details About Paying for Drinks on Seabourn

To help guests feel confident, several more aspects of drink payment should be explored. Seabourn’s system is designed for convenience, making premium drink ordering straightforward.

Bartender Procedures for Extra-Charge Drinks

When ordering a premium drink, bartenders follow specific steps to ensure the charge is processed correctly.

Card Scanning

The bartender scans the guest’s keycard before preparing the drink.

Verbal Confirmation

Although not required, bartenders may mention that the drink carries an extra cost, especially if it belongs to the premium menu.

Smooth Delivery

Once scanned, the drink is served like any other beverage. No physical bill is brought to the table.

Suite Service Drink Charges

Guests may ask for drinks delivered to their suite. Standard drinks are complimentary, but premium options incur charges.

Ordering Procedure

Guests request premium options through room service or their suite host. The keycard is scanned or the charge is manually added.

Delivery Timing

Drinks arrive promptly, and guests do not need to sign anything unless they request a copy of the charge.

Cocktail Classes and Tastings

Seabourn often hosts tasting events or mixology sessions. Some are complimentary, while others carry participation fees.

Spirit Tastings

Events featuring aged bourbon, rare scotch, or high-end rum typically carry separate charges.

Wine Tastings

Premium wine-focused events offer carefully selected bottles, often requiring a participation fee.

How Charges Work

Participation fees are added to the onboard account using the keycard, just like premium drink orders.

Gratuities on Premium Drinks

Seabourn includes gratuities in the cruise fare, so guests do not need to tip bartenders when ordering premium drinks.

No Extra Tipping

Even when purchasing premium beverages, additional tipping is not expected.

Exceptional Service

Guests who wish to provide extra tips may do so in cash, though it is entirely optional.

Tips for Managing Drink Payments on Seabourn

Even with an all-inclusive approach, managing premium drink payments can be effortless when guests know a few helpful strategies.

Review Premium Menus Early

Premium spirits and wines vary by ship. Reviewing menus early helps guests choose wisely and avoid surprises.

Accessing Menus

Guests can ask bartenders for premium lists or check specialty venue menus.

Track Onboard Charges

Although Seabourn’s pricing is transparent, reviewing charges during the voyage ensures accuracy and clarity.

Viewing Charges

Guests may check charges by:

  • Stateroom TV

  • Seabourn app

  • Guest Services counter

Use Onboard Credit Wisely

Guests with onboard credit can apply it toward premium drink charges before spending personal funds.

Avoiding Unused Credit

Checking credit balance mid-cruise helps ensure none goes to waste.

Ask Bartenders About Included Drinks

Since many drinks are complimentary, guests can ask which options fall under the included list.

Examples of Included Drinks

  • Standard cocktails

  • House wines

  • Beer selections

  • Classic spirits

Is Paying for Drinks Complicated on Seabourn?

Seabourn simplifies the drink payment process through its inclusive approach and cashless system. Guests rarely need to think about charges, but when premium drinks are selected, the process remains smooth and stress-free.

No Need for Wallets

The keycard system eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards.

Clear Premium Pricing

Guests always know which items fall under premium categories.

Seamless End-of-Cruise Billing

All charges accumulate and are settled automatically.

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