Fuel Supplement Returning?

In June 2008, the price of crude oil hit an all-time high of $145 per barrel. Cruiselines were forced to charge a fuel supplement to all cruise fares. By December, the price of crude had fallen to a low of $30 per barrel, and cruiselines removed the fuel supplement charge with the provision that if the price of sweet crude oil should increase above $70 per barrel (according to the NYMEX), then they would reserve the right to reinstate the fuel supplement charge.

As prices hover around the $70 mark these days, cruisers are wondering if that extra charge will return anytime in the near future. How much was this charge you ask? For example, last year first and second guests in each stateroom were charged $5 per-guest, per-day, to a maximum of $70 per person per sailing.

For now, cruiselines such as Carnival are saying they have no plans to institute a fuel supplement; and so far, the other cruiselines are following suit. However, Carnival adds, "we will continue to monitor the situation in the markets and review our position as the situation warrants." Stay tuned.