Royal Caribbean imposes fuel surcharge for cruise passengers

MIAMI — Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Friday became the latest cruise company to impose a fuel surcharge on its passengers.

The $5 per guest per day fee will apply to sailings that depart on or after Feb. 1.

"I thank our guests for understanding our need to implement this fuel supplement," Royal Caribbean CFO Brian Rice said. "We have gone to great lengths to minimize the impact of rising fuel costs, for example, designing and building more fuel-efficient ships, installing energy-saving lighting, and using air conditioning more efficiently.

“Unfortunately, as fuel prices have reached record highs, we are forced to take this extraordinary step to offset those costs."

The surcharge will not apply to any bookings where the guest already has paid the full cost of the cruise. In addition, guests who were booked before Friday and who do not agree to pay the charge, may cancel their reservation before Dec. 7 without incurring regular cancellation charges.

The surcharge will apply only to the first and second guests in each stateroom and will not exceed $70 per person, per sailing.

Royal Caribbean said it will review the surcharge periodically, and may be adjusted as fuel prices fluctuate. It will also pay travel agents $12 per existing booking to contact guests with reservations and collect the
Surcharge.

The charge will involve three Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. Pullmantur Cruises, the Madrid-based, wholly owned subsidiary, has implemented a fuel charge of 50 euros for its tours and cruises that depart on or after Jan. 1.

"We know the rising cost of fuel has affected everyone, and, unfortunately, our company is no different," Rice said. "We hope the ptions we are providing, including additional time for guests to finalize
vacation plans, will underscore our commitment to our guests."

Miami-based Carnival Corp. recently implemented a similar fuel surcharge.