Seabourn Cruise Line tests more all-inclusive fares

ORLANDO — Tired of paying for extras while on a luxury cruise vacation? You might want to take a look at the latest offering from Seabourn Cruise Line.

The luxury operator is testing a more all-inclusive alternative to its current pricing formula that bundles the cost of a cruise with airfare, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and up to $2,000 in credits for shore excursions, a top executive told attendees this week at the CruiseOne/Cruises Inc. National Conference here.

Speaking during a panel discussion in front of more than 700 CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. travel agents, Seabourn's senior director for national accounts Charles Dunwoody said the line had been testing the program on select sailings for several weeks and could expand it if it's a success.

"It's been very well received so far," he noted.

Seabourn already includes gratuities and alcoholic drinks in its fares.

Several other luxury lines including Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises have been shifting to a more all-inclusive pricing model in recent years. Regent now includes pre-cruise hotel stays and shore excursions in its fares, and Crystal this year began including gratuities and alcoholic beverages in its fares.