Could fuel surcharges make a comeback?

mercedes · May 26, 2009

Last summer, when at the pump gas prices hovered around $4 per gallon, and crude oil hit $145, fuel surcharges were a way of life with taxis, pizza deliveries, and yes, cruise lines.

As we all know, oil prices soon plunged, and the cruise lines all dropped their surcharges late last fall.

But while those supplements may seem like a distant memory, with fuel prices creeping back up, could they be on their way back?

When Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.- parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara sailings - dropped their fuel fees for all 2009 cruises last December, both companies said that they reserved the right to reinstate the fuel supplement should the price of oil increase above $65 per barrel.

Just Wednesday, the price of oil rose to $62. Does that mean that NCL and RCCL are $3 away from reinstating those fuel fees?

Royal Caribbean said today that while it is monitoring global fuel prices, and does reserve the right to reinstate a fuel supplement, "we hope business conditions will not require such action. We are pleased by the sustained lower prices of fuel and do not want to speculate on actions that may or may not be needed in the future."

NCL said it has not had any discussions on reinstating the fuel surcharge.

Carnival Corp. parent company of Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Cunard, Costa, and Seabourn, said when it eliminated its surcharge last December that it reserved the right to reinstate the fee when oil reached $70.

Carnival Corp. spokesman Tim Gallagher also said that so far, the company has also not had any discussions on reinstating the surcharges.

JoeyandDavid · May 26, 2009

Could fuel surcharges make a comeback?

In their own words they all "reserved the right to reinstate the fuel supplement "

so, the answer to the question ...i guess is YES!

DebbieandJerry · May 26, 2009

If not in fuel surcharge, I'm sure somewhere else.

hazelson · May 29, 2009

If they makes it a small one no one will notice - or so they hope! Nickles and dimes!

DebbieandJerry · May 29, 2009

Cheapest gas went up 10 cents a gallon from last night (6pm) to this morning (7am). Last Friday I was debating whether I should fill up "before the holiday weekend". Chevron cheapest was $2.09/gallon and I talked myself out of it. Saturday at noon the same station had it for $2.22. (I filled up then). Today it's $2.32.

As consumers, we showed what we would pay. Just hope and pray it doesn't climb back there.

On a positive note, Jerry said that airport activity has picked up for the past two weeks (almost to where it was before this economic crisis hit.) He said he spots the cruisers and always wishes them Bon Voyage, where are you going? why can't I go with you?, etc., etc (and he says their luggage is always the heaviest!)

JoeyandDavid · May 29, 2009

(and he says their luggage is always the heaviest!)

thats funny.... :happy:

TheSkipper · May 29, 2009

I was placed on ALERT by my TA that the fuel surcharge may well appear again prior to the Group Cruise I have in the works for October with RCI. :ohmy:

JoeyandDavid · May 29, 2009

will you be able to impose it only on NEW bookings?

Gregswife · May 29, 2009

It is my understanding Joey, that it will be charged on ALL bookings, if it goes back into effect. Even those that are already booked. As we have 2 cruises booked, I certainly hope that it does not come back...the cruise line more than makes up for the higher cost of fuel with all the extras they charge you now....

JoeyandDavid · May 29, 2009

It is my understanding Joey, that it will be charged on ALL bookings, if it goes back into effect. Even those that are already booked. As we have 2 cruises booked, I certainly hope that it does not come back...the cruise line more than makes up for the higher cost of fuel with all the extras they charge you now....

I don't think they can retro charge..