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Fuel Surcharges Tossed Overboard

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: December 9, 2008

Cruise line competitors Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which serve the Port of Tampa, have suspended fuel surcharges on passengers in separate moves.

Royal Caribbean is suspending its fuel surcharge effective Monday on trips that depart on or after Jan. 1 on its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises brands. Royal Caribbean will refund the fuel surcharge for guests who have booked cruises for 2009.

The company said it could reinstate the surcharge if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65 per barrel on certain milestone dates.

Royal Caribbean lifted its fuel surcharge in October for cruises in 2010 and later, with the provision that charges could be reassessed if fuel prices rebound. The latest announcement does not affect previous terms.

Carnival Corp. has suspended its fuel surcharge effective Dec. 17. Carnival had suspended its fuel surcharge for the six brands on cruises booked after Oct. 31 and departing in 2010.

Carnival also said it could reinstate the surcharges if oil prices rise for its Carnival, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland American Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.

Carnival's refund of surcharges that range from $9 to $15 per person per day will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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