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Navigating New Waters: Seabourn's Zero@Sea Program Rethinks Non-Alcoholic Luxury


Cruise ship "Seabourn Encore" sails the ocean at sunset. Text reads "Best New Ship." White ship, calm waters, award-winning ambiance.

At a time when wellness and self-care are at the forefront and preferences are diversifying, Seabourn Cruise Line stands at the forefront of innovation with its Zero@Sea program, a curated non-alcoholic beverage experience. Behind this progressive initiative is Michael F. Simon, Senior Manager of Restaurant and Bar Operations and Francisco Fernandes, Corporate Manager of Service Operation at Seabourn, who are instrumental in steering the luxury cruise line into new, uncharted waters of beverage offerings.


Crafting a Non-Alcoholic Haven at Sea


Zero@Sea emerges from a keen understanding of modern consumer preferences, acknowledging and addressing the growing demand for non-alcoholic drink options. Fernandes explains that “Seabourn guests no longer see non-alcoholic beverages as mere alternatives but as premium offerings that enhance their culinary experience at sea. The program was designed not only to meet but exceed these expectations, providing a sophisticated selection that rivals their alcoholic counterparts in complexity and enjoyment.”  Recognizing this trend, Seabourn set out to create an offering that mirrored the sophistication and enjoyment of its alcoholic beverages.  The program's foundation rests on inclusivity and enhancing Seabourn's beverage repertoire to cater to all guests


Collaborative Flair and Innovative Spirits


The process of integrating the Zero@Sea program was a collaborative venture at

An  NA cocktail with an orange garnish sits on a table in front of a vibrant, glowing fireplace, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Seabourn, involving extensive dialogs with industry experts and alignment with top-tier

suppliers to ensure the offerings were both diverse and of the highest quality. Simon and Fernandez, alongside their team, meticulously curated a line-up of artisanal drinks, including crafted mixers and distilled non-alcoholic spirits. The efforts were focused on capturing a gamut of flavors and textures to cater to every palate, ensuring every drink served is an embodiment of Seabourn's commitment to luxury and quality.


“The inspiration behind the Zero @ Sea program was to offer our guests a sophisticated and enjoyable non-alcoholic beverage experience. As more people are choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol from their diets, we saw an opportunity to enhance our beverage offerings,” says Simon.


A Seamless Alliance with Everleaf


Six mocktails on a table in a dimly lit bar. Drinks have garnishes like lemon and rosemary. Background features cozy seating and a lamp.

One of the spirits you’ll find on board is Everleaf.  Known for its meticulously crafted non-alcoholic spirits and made from sustainably sourced botanicals, they found a like-minded partner in Seabourn. The integration of Everleaf into the Zero@Sea program aligns with both entities' dedication to quality and luxury without compromise. This partnership involves carefully curated selections which include Everleaf's varieties such as Forest, Marine, and Mountain, each bringing a unique, complex flavor profile suited for the sophisticated palates of Seabourn's guests.


Driven by Authenticity and Sustainability


In an interview with Everleaf’s founder, Paul Mathew, he reinforces and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and sustainability in their production process, which includes using natural ingredients to create flavors that are both rich and complex. This commitment resonates with Seabourn’s sustainability efforts and its promise to offer guests environmentally conscious choices without sacrificing luxury.


Guest Reception and Educational Pursuits


Bartender pouring zero proof liquor into a jigger at a bar. He's wearing a vest and tie, with bottles and glasses in the background, creating a professional and focused mood.

Since its implementation, Zero@Sea has garnered considerable praise from guests, reflecting their appreciation for the variety and quality of the offerings. The positive reception is a testament to the program’s alignment with guest expectations and its contribution to a richer, more diverse dining and drinking experience on board. To further enhance guest engagement, Seabourn has integrated educational components into the program, including tastings and mixology sessions, helping passengers understand and enjoy the benefits and craftsmanship of non-alcoholic beverages.


Looking to the Future


The initial success of Zero@Sea is only the beginning. With plans to expand the selection and integrate more bespoke offerings, Seabourn is poised to continue leading the luxury cruise industry in innovative and inclusive beverage services. Fernandes hints at exciting developments in the pipeline, including limited edition releases and seasonal offerings that promise to enhance the culinary journey of every guest aboard.


A Toast to Forward-Thinking Luxury


Seabourn’s Zero@Sea program is more than a collection of non-alcoholic drinks; it's a

People on a yellow banana boat wave near a large cruise ship on blue water. A paddleboarder is nearby. Clear sky, lively mood.

bold step towards redefining what luxury at sea can encompass. It's about offering choice, sophistication, and an invitation to indulge in a lifestyle where enjoyment and well-being coexist harmoniously. As Seabourn continues to chart a course towards more mindful and inclusive offerings, its guests are assured not only a journey across the seas but also a transformative experience in luxury dining and drinking.

One of the pillars of Seabourn’s mission statements is Integrity, Honesty, and Ethics: “we not only do things right, we do right things.” Well they definitely got this right. Kudos to Seabourn for navigating new waters, and providing the inclusivity that a crafted non-alcoholic beverage menu presents to the non-alcoholic community.  While other cruise lines offer non-alcoholic beverage options, not all have an accomplished program where the libations are offered fleet wide. 


Through Zero@Sea, Seabourn is not just adapting to trends but is actively shaping the future of luxury travel, ensuring that every guest, regardless of their beverage preference, experiences the pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship. Cheers to a future where luxury is accessible, inclusive, and, most importantly, non-alcoholic!



Chrissy Gates, Author of this post and Owner of Where is Chrissy Today?

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