Seabourn Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Wondering how Seabourn handles gratuities and service charges? You're not alone - it's one of the questions our advisors field most often.
Gratuities are included in Seabourn's fare - there's no separate daily charge added to your onboard account. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Rules can vary by ship, region, and promotion, so speaking with an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 before booking is always the safer move. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on Seabourn?
Gratuities are included in Seabourn's fare - there's no separate daily charge added to your onboard account. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?
Most lines allow you to adjust the daily gratuity amount at Guest Services, though it's generally meant for exceptional circumstances rather than routine reduction, since it's how crew are compensated. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?
Prepaying gratuities before your cruise locks in the current rate and adds the charge to your total cruise cost upfront rather than as a daily charge during the sailing. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?
Yes, most drink packages and specialty dining charges include an additional service charge (often around 15-20%) that's separate from your daily stateroom gratuity. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are gratuities different for children?
Rules vary - a few lines reduce or skip gratuities for infants and toddlers, but the standard per-person daily rate typically applies beyond that age. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
How do gratuities on Seabourn compare to other lines?
Our advisors can break down the total cost, including gratuities, so there are no surprises on your final Seabourn bill - call +1-800-406-8495. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Can I prepay gratuities before my Seabourn cruise instead of paying onboard?
Seabourn typically allows prepaying gratuities at final payment, a popular choice for travelers who'd rather budget upfront. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?
It varies by restaurant, but many specialty venues add a distinct service charge beyond your daily cabin gratuity. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are gratuities included in Seabourn fares booked through a promotion?
Occasionally, yes - promotional Seabourn fares can fold gratuities into the price, but it's not universal, so check your specific booking. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Worth keeping in mind either way.
What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?
Multiply the per-day gratuity rate by your total nights and guest count for a baseline, then pad the number slightly to cover specialty dining or beverage service charges. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.