When planning a luxury voyage, every detail counts—from the stateroom view to the fine dining and drinks on board. For those considering Seabourn, one of the most prestigious luxury cruise lines in the world, a common question arises: Is it worth buying a drink package on Seabourn Cruise Line?
At first glance, Seabourn presents itself as an all-inclusive luxury cruise brand, meaning guests enjoy complimentary beverages, wines, and premium spirits without needing to purchase a separate drink package. But as with any luxury experience, there are nuances worth understanding. Some drinks, vintages, and ultra-premium spirits are available for an additional cost, leading many travelers to wonder whether upgrading or buying a drink package would truly enhance their experience.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into Seabourn’s all-inclusive beverage offerings, the optional premium upgrades, and a detailed cost-benefit analysis to help you determine whether purchasing any drink package—or sticking with the inclusive plan—is right for you.
Seabourn’s brand promise revolves around effortless luxury. From the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted with Champagne, and nearly everything you might need during your voyage is included in your fare.
Seabourn’s all-inclusive pricing covers the following core elements:
All meals across multiple gourmet dining venues
Open bars throughout the ship with fine wines, Champagne, and premium spirits
In-suite mini-bar, stocked daily with your personal preferences
Gratuities already included, so there’s no tipping pressure
Specialty coffees, teas, and soft drinks available at all times
This makes Seabourn one of the most inclusive cruise experiences in the luxury category. Unlike mainstream cruise lines where guests must decide between various beverage packages, Seabourn already integrates a wide array of drinks into your fare.
So, why does the idea of a drink package even come up for discussion? The answer lies in the distinction between included beverages and ultra-premium beverages.
Seabourn’s inclusive drinks selection is generous and of high quality. Guests can enjoy:
Champagne and sparkling wine, typically from reputable but not ultra-premium labels
Red, white, and rosé wines, hand-selected by the onboard sommelier and rotated regularly
Spirits and liqueurs, such as Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose or Absolut vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, Bacardi rum, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, and similar brands
Classic cocktails, from martinis to mojitos and negronis
Beer, both international and regional varieties
Non-alcoholic beverages, including fresh juices, mocktails, sodas, and specialty coffees
The key advantage here is flexibility. Guests can order drinks virtually anywhere—lounges, restaurants, the pool deck, or even in their suite—without ever signing a check. For most passengers, this level of inclusivity eliminates the need for any extra beverage purchase.
However, Seabourn also caters to a discerning clientele who may desire ultra-premium brands, aged wines, or high-end champagnes beyond the standard list. That’s where the optional paid drinks come into play.
While most top-shelf brands are included, Seabourn does offer a menu of ultra-premium selections available at an additional cost. Examples include:
Prestige Champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon or Krug
Grand Cru wines from regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Burgundy
Aged whiskies and cognacs, such as Macallan 18, Louis XIII, or Hennessy XO
Rare or craft gins, rums, and tequilas
Specialty vintage ports or dessert wines
These beverages are not part of the all-inclusive fare because their retail prices are significantly higher. They are sold individually, either by the glass or bottle, rather than through a packaged plan.
Unlike mainstream cruise lines—such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Princess—Seabourn does not sell a standard “drink package.” Instead, it operates on a hybrid model: almost everything is already included, but guests can purchase premium wines or spirits à la carte.
This is where confusion often arises. Some travelers expect a “premium beverage upgrade package,” but Seabourn’s model doesn’t require one. Instead, you simply pay for what you order outside the inclusive range.
For instance:
A glass of Dom Pérignon might cost around $50–$60.
A rare single-malt scotch could range between $30–$100 per pour.
High-end wines from the reserve list are sold at restaurant-level prices.
So, the key question becomes: Is it worth paying for these additional drinks individually—or would an upgrade-style package (if it existed) make sense?
To decide whether it’s worth buying or paying extra for drinks on Seabourn, let’s analyze the experience from a value perspective.
If you’re accustomed to mid-tier cruise lines, you’ll immediately notice the difference. Seabourn’s included cocktails, wines, and spirits are far superior to the “basic” brands often served elsewhere.
For example:
Their house Champagne could be a respected French label.
The wines offered with meals are carefully paired by sommeliers.
Bartenders are skilled mixologists using quality ingredients.
Unless you’re a wine collector or whisky connoisseur, the standard offerings will feel luxurious enough.
The all-inclusive bar concept means you never have to sign a receipt or calculate tips. Everything feels seamless and spontaneous, which adds to the luxury vibe.
Imagine lounging by the pool, ordering an Aperol spritz or chilled rosé, without ever pulling out a card or thinking about costs. This psychological freedom enhances the experience—something Seabourn deliberately designs.
Given that most drinks are already included, purchasing an expensive Champagne or wine occasionally for a celebration (like an anniversary dinner or special evening) makes more sense than paying for an entire upgrade plan—especially since Seabourn doesn’t offer one.
If you enjoy a single bottle of vintage wine or a couple of premium whiskies over the course of a week, your total extra spending may only reach $200–$300, which is still modest compared to the value of your inclusive drinks.
Let’s estimate the daily beverage consumption for a typical Seabourn passenger:
Beverage TypeAverage Per DayIncluded CostPremium Equivalent
Wine (by the glass)3–5 glassesIncluded$0
Cocktails or spirits2–3 drinksIncluded$0
Specialty coffee/tea2 servingsIncluded$0
Premium Champagne or wineOptionalExtra ($50–$200 per bottle)
Over a 7-day voyage, even if you ordered multiple drinks each day, your beverage expenses would remain zero unless you chose rare vintages or aged spirits.
Now imagine if Seabourn offered a “premium upgrade” at, say, $100 per person per day (similar to what mainstream lines charge). You’d have to drink several glasses of ultra-premium Champagne daily just to break even—an unlikely scenario for most travelers.
Thus, financially, it rarely makes sense to pay for additional drink options unless you specifically desire a handful of high-end labels.
One of the understated benefits of Seabourn’s beverage service is personalization. Before your cruise, you can fill out a guest preferences form indicating your favorite wines, spirits, and mixers. The staff uses this information to stock your in-suite bar and tailor your dining experiences.
If you enjoy Bombay Sapphire gin with tonic or prefer Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay, your preferences are remembered and served automatically. This high level of attention to detail makes the included drink program feel bespoke, even without any paid upgrades.
Moreover, the ship’s sommeliers and bartenders are approachable and well-trained. If you mention that you enjoy a particular style of wine or cocktail, they often go out of their way to find something similar—even if it’s not officially on the list.
This flexibility adds intangible value that no fixed “drink package” could replicate.
To further evaluate whether it’s worth paying for drinks, let’s see how Seabourn stacks up against its luxury competitors.
Cruise LineDrink PolicyUnique Highlights
Seabourn: All-inclusive; premium options for extraPersonalized mini-bar, rotating wines
Silversea: Fully all-inclusiveIncludes premium wines and spirits
Regent Seven Seas: Ultra-inclusive, including many premium labelsSome of the most expensive fares
Oceania Cruises: Optional beverage packageWine and beer at lunch/dinner included
Viking Ocean Cruises: Wine and beer included with mealsPremium package available for upgrade
Compared to this group, Seabourn’s approach is balanced—luxurious yet not excessive. It offers abundant inclusions without charging for the majority of beverages, aligning closely with Silversea’s style but at slightly lower fares on many itineraries.
Hence, from an industry perspective, Seabourn’s included drink offering provides exceptional value for the luxury segment.
Although most guests find Seabourn’s inclusions sufficient, there are a few situations where spending on premium drinks might be justified:
You’re Celebrating a Milestone EventA wedding anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday cruise might call for a bottle of Dom Pérignon or a special vintage Bordeaux.
You’re a Wine AficionadoIf you have specific preferences for high-end wines (Grand Cru, Super Tuscans, or Napa Cabernet Sauvignons), you may find the inclusive selection limited.
You Want to Host or Gift a BottleOrdering an exceptional bottle for new friends at dinner or gifting premium Champagne to your suite steward can be a thoughtful gesture.
You’re Sailing Longer VoyagesOn extended itineraries (20+ days), the rotating wine list may eventually feel repetitive, so ordering a premium option occasionally can refresh your experience.
Still, these instances are exceptions rather than the rule.
Part of what makes Seabourn special is its exceptional service staff. Sommeliers curate daily wine selections that pair beautifully with the menu, while bartenders remember your preferences after the first day.
If you express interest in a certain region or grape variety, the sommelier often finds something that aligns with your taste—even if it’s not on the printed list. This personalized touch frequently leads guests to discover new favorite wines or cocktails without ever paying extra.
Additionally, Seabourn hosts wine tastings and mixology demonstrations on select voyages, allowing guests to sample premium selections at little or no cost. These experiences further reduce the need to buy a drink package.
Frequent Seabourn cruisers consistently report that the inclusive beverage program exceeds expectations. Many guests comment that they never felt the need to purchase any additional drinks, as the onboard selection was already luxurious.
Typical guest feedback includes remarks like:
“I never signed a single bill for drinks—it felt wonderfully indulgent.”
“The wines poured at dinner were all excellent and perfectly paired.”
“I’m a whisky lover, and I was surprised that so many premium brands were included.”
“We ordered Champagne daily, and it was always top-notch.”
The recurring theme is that Seabourn delivers a genuinely all-inclusive experience without nickel-and-diming guests—something luxury travelers deeply appreciate.
For those still curious about potential additional costs, here’s a rough guide to premium beverage prices aboard Seabourn ships:
BeverageTypical Price Range (USD)
Dom Pérignon (Bottle)$250–$350
Krug Champagne (Bottle)$300–$400
Aged Single Malt Whisky (Glass)$35–$120
Louis XIII Cognac (Glass)$250+
Grand Cru Bordeaux (Bottle)$200–$500
These prices are comparable to fine-dining restaurants or upscale hotels. Since these items cater to a niche audience, Seabourn keeps the inclusive bar selection comprehensive enough for the majority of guests.
On rare occasions, Seabourn may include complimentary premium wines or a bottle of Champagne as part of a promotional offer or loyalty benefit. However, they generally do not introduce a drink package as a separate purchasable add-on.
Past Seabourn Club members or suite-category upgrades may occasionally include welcome gifts like premium spirits, but these are part of loyalty recognition rather than paid packages.
Luxury travel is as much about perception as substance. On Seabourn, the absence of receipts, packages, or payment prompts creates a sense of liberation and indulgence.
Unlike mass-market lines, where passengers often calculate whether a package “pays off,” Seabourn removes that equation altogether. Guests simply enjoy what they like, and if they want something extra-special, they order it without hesitation.
That effortless experience is a hallmark of true luxury and arguably more valuable than any drink package.
After evaluating the inclusions, quality, and overall guest experience, the conclusion is clear:
No, it is not worth buying a drink package on Seabourn Cruise Line—because you don’t need one.
Here’s why:
Seabourn already includes premium wines, spirits, and cocktails in its fare.
There is no official beverage package to purchase, only optional à la carte upgrades.
The quality of included drinks is already luxurious, meeting or exceeding expectations for most guests.
Occasional premium purchases are more economical and practical than any hypothetical upgrade.
Personalized service ensures your favorite drinks are available without additional cost.
For travelers who enjoy fine beverages but don’t require rare vintages or ultra-aged spirits, Seabourn’s inclusive model provides the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
To make the most of Seabourn’s beverage inclusions, consider these insider tips:
Fill out your pre-cruise beverage preference form: This ensures your suite bar is stocked with your favorite drinks upon arrival.
Talk to the sommelier daily: They’ll suggest different wines that complement your meals.
Try the cocktail of the day: Seabourn’s bartenders craft creative options that rotate daily.
Attend tastings and culinary events: These often include premium wines and spirits at no extra charge.
Order in-suite drinks anytime: Whether it’s a morning mimosa or late-night whisky, your butler will arrange it promptly.
The value of a luxury cruise isn’t measured by how many extras you can buy—it’s defined by how seamlessly you can enjoy everything that’s already included. Seabourn understands this philosophy perfectly.
From Champagne welcomes to handcrafted cocktails, every sip feels curated, not commercialized. Guests are free to indulge without financial second-guessing, making Seabourn’s approach one of the truest expressions of luxury at sea.
So, the next time someone asks, “Is it worth buying a drink package on Seabourn Cruise Line?” the answer is simple:You already have it—all included, elegantly served, and worth every moment.
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