Does Seabourn Cruise Line Charge for Children?

Luxury cruising has always been synonymous with comfort, elegance, and personalized service — and when travelers think of top-tier cruise lines, Seabourn Cruise Line often ranks among the best. With its refined ambiance, intimate ships, and exceptional attention to detail, Seabourn caters primarily to adults seeking sophistication at sea. But what happens when families want to join the experience? More specifically, does Seabourn Cruise Line charge for children?

The answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. Seabourn does not have a standard “children’s fare” policy like some mainstream cruise lines do. While they do allow children onboard, the pricing and suitability of their cruises for younger guests differ significantly from those of family-oriented cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Seabourn’s approach to children, including pricing, accommodations, onboard experience, age restrictions, and how families can make the most of a Seabourn voyage.

Understanding Seabourn’s Market and Philosophy

Before diving into child pricing, it’s important to understand Seabourn’s overall brand philosophy. Seabourn is an ultra-luxury cruise line, designed for travelers seeking privacy, personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and immersive destinations.

The ships are smaller — typically carrying around 450 to 600 passengers — and the focus is on a refined, adult-oriented experience. You won’t find water slides, cartoon characters, or kids’ clubs onboard. Instead, you’ll experience fine dining, open bars, and suites with ocean views.

This focus on tranquility and sophistication naturally means that Seabourn is not heavily marketed toward families with young children. However, that doesn’t mean children are forbidden — it simply means they must fit within a certain environment that prioritizes quiet luxury.

Does Seabourn Cruise Line Charge for Children?

Now to the central question — does Seabourn charge for children?

Yes, Seabourn does charge for children. There are no discounted or free fares for kids, and every passenger — regardless of age — must pay a full fare based on the occupancy of the suite.

In other words, if a family of three books a suite, Seabourn calculates the price based on double occupancy for the first two guests, and a third-person supplement for the child. This supplement is typically a reduced rate compared to the full fare but can still be quite substantial, depending on the itinerary and suite category.

For instance:

• The first two adults in a suite pay the full published rate.

• The third guest, whether a child or adult, pays a percentage of the adult fare — often around 50% to 75% of the double occupancy rate.

There are no complimentary fares for infants or toddlers, unlike some mainstream cruise lines that allow very young children to sail free or at a minimal cost.

Essentially, children are charged as additional guests, and Seabourn does not make special pricing concessions for age.

Minimum Age Policy on Seabourn Cruises

Because Seabourn’s cruises are designed with adult guests in mind, they have specific minimum age requirements for children. Generally:

• Infants must be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing.

• On certain longer or more remote itineraries — such as transoceanic crossings or Antarctic voyages — the minimum age is 12 months.

These restrictions exist primarily for safety reasons, as Seabourn ships may visit destinations with limited medical access or involve tender boats that are unsuitable for infants.

It’s also important to note that Seabourn does not provide childcare, babysitting, or organized children’s programs. Parents are fully responsible for supervising their children throughout the voyage.

Why Seabourn Is Not a Typical Family Cruise Line

While Seabourn welcomes well-behaved children, it’s not a family-oriented brand. Here’s why families with younger children may find the experience less suitable:

1. No Kids’ Clubs or Entertainment Programs: Unlike mainstream cruise lines that offer kids’ clubs divided by age groups, Seabourn has no dedicated youth staff or activities for children. The entertainment onboard — from classical music performances to wine tastings — is tailored to adults.

2. Limited Child-Friendly Amenities: The ships do not feature water parks, play zones, or arcade rooms. Swimming pools are available, but they are not designed for child play, and children must be supervised at all times.

3. Gourmet Dining Experience: Seabourn offers world-class dining curated by Michelin-starred chefs such as Thomas Keller. While children are welcome in all dining venues, the menus and formal dining atmosphere may not always appeal to younger palates.

4. Sophisticated Passenger Demographic: Most Seabourn guests are experienced travelers, often couples or retirees, who value peace and relaxation. While many are understanding, the environment isn’t structured for large family groups or noisy children.

5. Luxury Price Point: Because Seabourn’s pricing is all-inclusive and premium, even children are considered part of the luxury experience — hence the absence of discounted child fares.

When Seabourn Cruises Can Work for Families

Despite these limitations, there are scenarios where a Seabourn cruise can be a memorable experience for families, particularly those with older children or teens.

1. Multigenerational Family Trips: Seabourn can be a fantastic choice for families traveling together — grandparents, parents, and teenage children — who appreciate fine dining, cultural excursions, and quiet elegance.

2. Educational and Expedition Cruises: Some Seabourn itineraries, especially on the Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit (the expedition-class vessels), visit extraordinary destinations like Antarctica, Greenland, or the Galápagos. These voyages can be deeply educational and awe-inspiring for mature, curious teenagers.

3. Custom Shore Excursions: Families can book private shore excursions designed for their interests — such as wildlife safaris, hiking, or historical tours — offering shared adventures that balance luxury with learning.

4. Spacious Suites for Families: Seabourn’s all-suite accommodations are spacious, often featuring separate living areas, walk-in closets, and private verandas. Some suites can comfortably host three guests, making them ideal for small families.

Seabourn’s Fare Structure Explained

Understanding how Seabourn prices its cruises helps clarify why children are charged similarly to adults.

Seabourn operates on an all-inclusive pricing model, which means your fare includes nearly everything onboard, such as:

• All meals (including specialty dining)

• Premium wines and spirits

• Gratuities

• Wi-Fi (on most ships)

• 24-hour room service

• Fitness classes and enrichment lectures

Because of this comprehensive inclusivity, the cost per guest remains high, even for children. The cruise line’s philosophy is that each guest — regardless of age — benefits from the same high-end service and amenities.

So while a child may not consume alcohol or participate in spa treatments, their presence still contributes to overall capacity, dining demand, and suite occupancy — all of which affect operational costs.

Comparing Seabourn with Other Cruise Lines for Kids

To better understand Seabourn’s child pricing, let’s compare it with how other cruise lines handle children:

Cruise LineChild Pricing PolicyKids’ ProgramsFocus Audience

Seabourn: Full fare or reduced third-person rate; no discounts for ageNoneAdults, luxury travelers

Disney Cruise Line: Discounted fares for children; infants often sail at reduced costExtensive kids’ clubs, themed entertainmentFamilies with children

Royal Caribbean: Discounted rates for kids, often free under certain promosLarge family programs, teen areasFamilies and groups

MSC Cruises: “Kids Sail Free” promotions for specific agesMini Club, Junior Club, teen zonesFamily-friendly

Cunard Line: No child discount, but offers children’s programsNurseries, kids’ clubsFamilies with older kids and adults

Regent Seven Seas: No child discount, but occasional family sailings with activitiesLimited kids’ programsAdults and older families

From this comparison, it’s clear that Seabourn stands apart — not in an unfriendly way, but in maintaining its identity as a refined, adult-oriented brand.

Onboard Life for Children on Seabourn Cruises

If you do choose to sail Seabourn with children, knowing what to expect onboard helps ensure a smoother experience.

Accommodation

Suites are spacious and luxurious, often featuring marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, and verandas. Families can book a Penthouse Suite or Owner’s Suite for added space. Seabourn provides rollaway beds or sleeper sofas upon request, but there are no connecting cabins on every ship, so early booking is recommended for families needing proximity.

Dining

Children are welcome at all dining venues, but parents should note that the atmosphere is elegant and the menus are sophisticated. Room service is always available and may be a good option for family meals. Seabourn’s staff are accommodating and can provide simpler dishes or custom orders for younger guests if requested.

Entertainment

Even though there are no kids’ activities, children can enjoy live music, pool time, and movie nights. Families can also bring board games or digital entertainment for in-suite use.

Safety

Parents must supervise children at all times, especially near pools or during shore excursions. Crew members are trained for safety, but Seabourn does not offer babysitting or nursery services.

Tips for Families Traveling on Seabourn

If you’re planning to sail with children, here are practical tips to make your Seabourn cruise more enjoyable and family-friendly:

1. Choose Shorter Itineraries: Opt for 7–10-day cruises rather than long expeditions to keep children engaged.

2. Select Culturally Rich Destinations: Mediterranean, Alaska, or Northern Europe itineraries can be both scenic and educational.

3. Plan Private Shore Excursions: Custom excursions provide flexibility and allow families to enjoy activities suitable for all ages.

4. Use Suite Amenities: Seabourn’s suites come with private verandas and large living areas — perfect for downtime or in-room dining with children.

5. Manage Expectations: Prepare children for the quiet and formal environment, teaching them to appreciate the elegance of the experience.

6. Bring Entertainment: Since there are no onboard play areas, pack games, books, and digital entertainment for your child.

7. Book Early: Suites that accommodate three guests are limited, so early reservations are crucial for families.

Are There Any Age-Based Discounts on Seabourn?

Seabourn does not offer age-based discounts. The pricing system remains consistent regardless of whether the third guest is a child or an adult.

However, promotional offers may occasionally apply, such as “third guest sails at 50% off” or suite upgrade deals, which can indirectly reduce the cost for families. Still, these offers are not specifically designed for children — they are general promotions available to all travelers.

Seabourn Expedition Cruises and Older Children

An exciting development in Seabourn’s offerings is the introduction of its expedition fleet — including the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. These ships are designed for exploration and adventure, traveling to destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote tropical islands.

For older children or teenagers with an interest in wildlife, geography, or photography, these cruises can be incredibly rewarding. Expedition team members, including scientists and naturalists, conduct lectures and Zodiac boat excursions, providing immersive learning experiences.

While Seabourn still charges the same fare structure for these expeditions, the value for educational and family bonding experiences can be exceptional.

Why Some Families Still Choose Seabourn

Even without kid-focused entertainment, Seabourn attracts certain families for several reasons:

1. Privacy and Personalized Service: Seabourn’s crew-to-passenger ratio ensures that every need is attended to — from dietary preferences to special arrangements for children.

2. Educational Travel: Destinations like the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Antarctica offer real-world lessons far beyond textbooks.

3. Safety and Cleanliness: Seabourn’s ships maintain impeccable hygiene and safety standards, reassuring parents traveling with kids.

4. Luxury Family Bonding: Families who value time together in serene settings often find Seabourn’s atmosphere perfect for deep connection without distractions.

Pros and Cons of Cruising Seabourn with Children

Here’s a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Seabourn for family travel:

Pros:

• Intimate, luxurious environment

• Personalized service

• Educational destinations

• Spacious suites suitable for small families

• World-class dining and amenities

Cons:

• No child discounts or free fares

• No kids’ clubs or babysitting

• Formal and quiet atmosphere may not suit all children

• Limited family-oriented entertainment options

The Bottom Line: Does Seabourn Charge for Children?

Yes — Seabourn Cruise Line charges for children, just as it does for adult guests. There are no complimentary or reduced child fares, and pricing is based on suite occupancy. Children typically pay as third or additional guests at a reduced but still significant rate.

That said, Seabourn does not discourage family travel. While it’s not a typical family cruise line, it welcomes well-behaved children and teens who can appreciate its elegant, serene style of travel. Families who seek sophistication, cultural depth, and impeccable service — and who don’t mind paying adult-level fares — can find Seabourn to be an exceptional way to explore the world together.

Conclusion

Seabourn Cruise Line’s philosophy is built around luxury, intimacy, and personalized experiences. Children are welcome onboard, but the cruise line maintains its consistent pricing structure without age-based discounts. If your family values calm elegance over energetic entertainment, a Seabourn cruise can be a unique and enriching experience.

While younger children may find the environment less engaging, older children and teens can gain immense value from the destinations, service, and cultural immersion. Ultimately, the decision depends on your family’s travel style — but one thing is certain: Seabourn Cruise Line charges for children, and the experience, though costly, offers unmatched sophistication on the seas.