Luxury cruising on a budget doesn't have to be an oxymoron. The number of luxury ships at sea is set to grow, with 25 new vessels (66.6 percent growth) arriving between 2018 and 2024. As this number grows, consumers get more options, and pricing — hopefully — gets more competitive. With a fleet of five ultra-luxury ships, Seabourn Cruise Line's additions to the market are its newly-minted Odyssey-class ships, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore. Here are a few ways to save on a Seabourn cruise.
Consider the Value
Luxury cruisers focused on value — as opposed to a super-low fare — can feel confident that a Seabourn cruise provides a lot for the money. Expect to pay around $550 per person, per night — a significant investment, especially when compared to the pricing of larger, more mainstream cruise lines. Consider what’s included on a Seabourn cruise: the equivalent of a five-star hotel paired with impeccable meals designed by chef Thomas Keller. Now add in attentive, gratuity-free service, which can cost up to $40 per cabin, per night on less expensive ships. A top-shelf open bar is also included. This alone costs hundreds when purchased a la carte on mainstream ships. In light of all this, Seabourn makes a convincing case for cruisers in search of a high-end experience at sea.
Think Shorter and Older
Seabourn’s most affordable — and most commonly offered — cruises last seven nights. Naturally, these itineraries will be less expensive than its longer, 10-, 12-, or 14-night offerings. Seabourn’s single most affordable cruise starts at $328 per person, per night. That's the price for an oceanview suite on a 7-night Caribbean cruise in December on the Odyssey. Note that this is Seabourn’s oldest ship (dating to 2009), but you'll still enjoy all the usual high-end amenities, including unlimited access to The Grill by Thomas Keller.
Go in Shoulder Season
To enjoy the best value on Seabourn, aim for shoulder season — the time of year when you'll avoid high-season crowds, but you'll also steer clear of the year's most undesirable weather. In the Caribbean and the Bahamas, peak season starts with spring break (late March) and runs through July, with shoulder season from December through early April. In the Mediterranean, peak-season sailings run from late May through early October, with two shoulder seasons: May through early June, and late September through October. A more general rule of thumb: Seabourn's ships, like most cruise ships, each tend to follow a dedicated itinerary each season, in one region of the world. Look for cruises sailing at the beginning and end of these seasons and you'll unearth some savings.
Sign Up for Seabourn's Mailing List
Seabourn’s "Seamail" list is a great place to find special promotions and package deals. You'll currently find its annual "Extraordinary Opportunity Event" (book by June 12), which offers a variety of incentives and upgrades on select voyages departing in 2019. Among the benefits of booking now, Seabourn is offering suite upgrades, up to $500 in shipboard credit, up to $500 air credit per person, 15 percent savings when you book consecutive cruises on the same ship, and $1,000 shipboard credit for those booking penthouse or premium suites. Opt into their mailing list here.
Book While You're On the Ship
Bring your calendar and save by planning ahead for your next cruise while you’re at sea. Guests who make advance bookings onboard Seabourn ships for their next voyage receive 5 percent off their future cruise.