Fuel Surcharge

[Simon08]

My fiancee and I have two Carnival cruises booked for our honeymoon next September. We paid the deposit for one and the other is paid in full.

 

Today we were sent new invoices that said due to increased costs they were adding a fuel surcharge to cruises booked before a certain date for sailings between certain dates.

 

Is this common? We've only been on one cruise before, but I was surprised that they could change our price after we've already booked both and paid for one. The extra charge was $140 more, and I'm worried there will be more surprise charges. Any advice or insight? Thanks in advance..

[bubbles1209]

My fiancee and I have two Carnival cruises booked for our honeymoon next September. We paid the deposit for one and the other is paid in full.

 

Today we were sent new invoices that said due to increased costs they were adding a fuel surcharge to cruises booked before a certain date for sailings between certain dates.

 

Is this common? We've only been on one cruise before, but I was surprised that they could change our price after we've already booked both and paid for one. The extra charge was $140 more, and I'm worried there will be more surprise charges. Any advice or insight? Thanks in advance..

There were all kinds of threads on the fuel surcharges. The fuel surcharge is in effect for all cruises 2-1-08 and afterwards, although this is the first I've seen that it's for sailings between certain dates, I thought it was just there until they announced that it wouldn't be at whatever later date. I knew they were starting one of the 1st of Feb. 2008, and yes, they went back and tacked it on all bookings for 2-1-08 forward, even though many were paid in full. The fuel surcharge is $5.00 per person per day, not to exceed $70.00 per guest. Shouldn't be anymore charges added on though, that should be the end of it. I've included a link for the big discussion they had on the fuel surcharge a while back when they first added it on. Prop up your feet and grab some popcorn, it's a doosey:p . Personally, it doesn't bother me, we're going on an 8-day cruise in Feb., and you figure for one person, that's $40.00 ($80.00 for 2) well, $40.00 won't fill up my SO's jeep the way gas prices are now, we figure we would have spent it on fuel here at home, so what's the difference? We'd rather pay it and be on a ship than at work any day of the week. Do I agree with them tacking it on cruises that were already paid in full? No, I don't, but I'm not gonna cancel because of it. No matter what line you take you have to pay one, and some of the other lines are higher than Carnival, so we're still gonna enjoy our cruise.........we hope you guys do also!:)

Here's the link I mentioned earlier:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=657632&highlight=fuel+surcharge

[pmoniz]

Buy one less souvenir for yourself or someone else. That'll pay for your fuel charge fee. I really don't see it as that much of a big deal.

[aggieastrosfan]

I wouldn't say it'll never go up. Sometimes ports levy additional port charges or taxes (such as the $50 tax Alaska passed last year for cruise pax). If anything gets increased before you sail, those charges can and will be passed onto you - the cruise line has no control over these. Likewise, though, if they go down (I know, haha, right?), they should give you a credit for the amount.

[LHP]

 

Is this common? .

 

No. Have a wonderful honeymoon and a great cruise.

[racingraysswimmom]

If you are a family traveling together and are on a budget, it can be a pretty big deal. Most of us have 2 cabins ( double plus triple) and that adds another $140 to bill. After talking with the other families in our group, we have decided to limit our purchases onboard. That means definitely no ship sponsored shore excursions, pictures, bar drinks, and casino. We will still have a great time, we just will not give the cruise line any of our spending money. I think in the long run, the lines will make the extra money upfront, but onboard the spending will be alot less. It also creates alot of "ill feelings" towards Carnival Corp. especially for those who already paid in full. I believe they should of made this retroactive to NEW bookings only, not those paid in full or fully deposited. :mad:

 

For those who have alittle more finances it probably doesn't change a thing, but for families who have saved years to travel on the ship it makes quite a difference in our "fun money."

[firefly333]

Join the club. I have two booked cruises that I am sure I will get hit on. So far my TA has not bothered to contact me. (anyone else use Costco?)

 

I dont think its common, but either is the current price of oil.

[parrotthead]

Really??

They are charging a Fuel Surcharge?

When did this happen??

I am shocked.

;) :p

[firefly333]

If you are a family traveling together and are on a budget, it can be a pretty big deal. Most of us have 2 cabins ( double plus triple) and that adds another $140 to bill. After talking with the other families in our group, we have decided to limit our purchases onboard. That means definitely no ship sponsored shore excursions, pictures, bar drinks, and casino. We will still have a great time, we just will not give the cruise line any of our spending money. I think in the long run, the lines will make the extra money upfront, but onboard the spending will be alot less. It also creates alot of "ill feelings" towards Carnival Corp. especially for those who already paid in full. I believe they should of made this retroactive to NEW bookings only, not those paid in full or fully deposited. :mad:

 

For those who have alittle more finances it probably doesn't change a thing, but for families who have saved years to travel on the ship it makes quite a difference in our "fun money."

 

Sounds like you are just wanting to punish Carnival. How many excursions for 2 cabins worth of people can you take thru Carnival for $140. You said you are not taking any excursions thru carnival, or purchasing photos, buying bar drinks or going to the casino....all that you think you could have done for $140????

 

If thats all you budgeted, you were going to run into problems anyway.

 

Go and try and have fun....??!! Time to put it out of your mind.

 

Parrothead....you are so funny.

[parrotthead]

Sounds like you are just wanting to punish Carnival. How many excursions for 2 cabins worth of people can you take thru Carnival for $140. You said you are not taking any excursions thru carnival, or purchasing photos, buying bar drinks or going to the casino....all that you think you could have done for $140????

 

If thats all you budgeted, you were going to run into problems anyway.

 

yup, I agree

 

Parrothead....you are so funny.

;) :p

You know, actually, yesterday I got a letter (from my TA) fowarded from Carnival, 'explaining' the fuel charge. It was a nicely written letter, stating that their fuel cost has gone up 140% in the past 3 years with 50% of that being in the past (so many, many6?) months. And that the company is imposing the charge, which they feel is nominal and that covers a 'small portion' of the feul increase.

I am not thrilled about it either, but hey, it's still the most bang for the buck as far vacations go. So, Im paying the (measly) $10 a day.

[SheriNtexas]

Really??

They are charging a Fuel Surcharge?

When did this happen??

I am shocked.

;) :p

 

 

 

NEWS!! LOL! Funny post, parrotthead!!:D

[In2why]

My fiancee and I have two Carnival cruises booked for our honeymoon next September. We paid the deposit for one and the other is paid in full.

 

Today we were sent new invoices that said due to increased costs they were adding a fuel surcharge to cruises booked before a certain date for sailings between certain dates.

 

Is this common? We've only been on one cruise before, but I was surprised that they could change our price after we've already booked both and paid for one. The extra charge was $140 more, and I'm worried there will be more surprise charges. Any advice or insight? Thanks in advance..

 

There are quite a few threads debating the fuel surcharge. The Florida General attorney is looking into the matter and quite a few members including myself have been contacted by their office. I have no idea whether anything will happen, but my suggestion is not to pay the fuel surcharge until you get closer to your cruise. That way if it is reversed then you wont need to worry about a refund or OBC, and you still have time to pay it if it isn't.

[neverpar]

Oh boy......but yet another fuel surcharge post...

[AdrenalineRush]

There are quite a few threads debating the fuel surcharge. The Florida General attorney is looking into the matter and quite a few members including myself have been contacted by their office. I have no idea whether anything will happen, but my suggestion is not to pay the fuel surcharge until you get closer to your cruise. That way if it is reversed then you wont need to worry about a refund or OBC, and you still have time to pay it if it isn't.

 

I cant think of any good reason to pay a cruise in full before requested by the cruiseline. So the OP should wait for that reason alone.

 

Re: The FL AG, even if something positive happens on that front we are talking about 1-2+ years before there would be an settlements.

[parrotthead]

Oh boy......but yet another fuel surcharge post...

you mean there have been others??:eek:

;) :p :rolleyes:

[racingraysswimmom]

Yes, you all are right that $140 would not buy 5 shore excursions. However it would go towards the total amount. Yes we know fuel is terribly expensive. It is the WAY they implemented the increase. Yep we are not going to spend as much and Carnival will feel it that way. Do I feel sorry for Carnival Corp? No way. Every business is feeling the pinch. Their profit margin may be compromised right now as is everyone's. They should adjust the prices upfront on new bookings only. For those who paid in full already it is terrible to now go back to them and tell them they will be denied boarding if it is not paid. I really feel for those passengers.

[AdrenalineRush]

Yes, you all are right that $140 would not buy 5 shore excursions. However it would go towards the total amount. Yes we know fuel is terribly expensive. It is the WAY they implemented the increase. Yep we are not going to spend as much and Carnival will feel it that way. Do I feel sorry for Carnival Corp? No way. Every business is feeling the pinch. Their profit margin may be compromised right now as is everyone's. They should adjust the prices upfront on new bookings only. For those who paid in full already it is terrible to now go back to them and tell them they will be denied boarding if it is not paid. I really feel for those passengers.

 

Its your choice not to book excursions, but dont feel that this choice will really cause Carnival Corp to feel anything. I have never booked an excursion with the cruiselines and they havent been hurt all that much.

 

I think most people will pay the surcharge and spend about the same amount(or more) as they always have.

[racingraysswimmom]

I respectfully disagree that MOST people will spend the same, but as to not beat a dead horse, I will end my discussion with that.

 

Thanks for all who replied. Whether we agree or disagree, it is good to hear what others think.:cool:

[parrotthead]

I will spend just as much as always, and knowing me, probably more.

[CruzVinnieCruz]

Yes, you all are right that $140 would not buy 5 shore excursions. However it would go towards the total amount. Yes we know fuel is terribly expensive. It is the WAY they implemented the increase. Yep we are not going to spend as much and Carnival will feel it that way. Do I feel sorry for Carnival Corp? No way. Every business is feeling the pinch. Their profit margin may be compromised right now as is everyone's. They should adjust the prices upfront on new bookings only. For those who paid in full already it is terrible to now go back to them and tell them they will be denied boarding if it is not paid. I really feel for those passengers.

 

There is no argument that fuel costs have increased significantly. I really do not have a problem with Carnival charging a surcharge. The problem I see here is how they went about it. In my opinion they should have picked a date say January 1, 2008 and added it to new bookings. That way everything is up front and on the table at the time of the booking. Customers do not like the oh by the way you owe us $$ after the deal was done.

[SouthernCaribbean]

Its your choice not to book excursions, but dont feel that this choice will really cause Carnival Corp to feel anything. I have never booked an excursion with the cruiselines and they havent been hurt all that much.

 

I think most people will pay the surcharge and spend about the same amount(or more) as they always have.

Sadly, I think some will resort to taking out their FS frustrations on the staff and remove tips. I hope Im wrong.:o

[firefly333]

Yes, you all are right that $140 would not buy 5 shore excursions. However it would go towards the total amount. Yes we know fuel is terribly expensive. It is the WAY they implemented the increase. Yep we are not going to spend as much and Carnival will feel it that way. Do I feel sorry for Carnival Corp? No way. Every business is feeling the pinch. Their profit margin may be compromised right now as is everyone's. They should adjust the prices upfront on new bookings only. For those who paid in full already it is terrible to now go back to them and tell them they will be denied boarding if it is not paid. I really feel for those passengers.

 

I wasnt suggesting that you feel sorry for Carnival, I just dont want folks to get so caught up in this fuel surcharge that they enjoy their vacation less and deny themselves things they would find pleasure in.

 

It is fine to me to contact anyone you want ahead of time to have your voice heard, but once the cruise is started, its time to put it behind you, imo.

[SheriNtexas]

I wasnt suggesting that you feel sorry for Carnival, I just dont want folks to get so caught up in this fuel surcharge that they enjoy their vacation less and deny themselves things they would find pleasure in.

 

It is fine to me to contact anyone you want ahead of time to have your voice heard, but once the cruise is started, its time to put it behind you, imo.

 

 

Well said! :)

[Simon08]

Wow, thank you for all the replies. I guess part of the shock comes because we don't have a car (we bike or take the bus), so we've been relatively unaffected by rising fuel costs. It's very true that the surcharge is less than some spend on gas everyday, but when we currently spend nothing $10/day is a huge amount. We have a very tight budget for our wedding and honeymoon, so we'd prefer to go with someone who is more honest about their pricing. We shouldn't have to ration our drinks or shore tours on our honeymoon, but having to come up with the extra money will probably mean we'll spend less on the ship like pp said.

 

I just think it's shady that they are changing prices for cruises already booked, but I'm still a naiive new cruiser. We paid in full to get a special offer from Seamiles, not realizing you have to book through Seamiles to get the deal. If it wasn't for the offer we would have just put down the deposit. The way they handled this has just soured me toward Carnival, but if everyone else has gone through this we'll have to either suck it up and pay or cancel our cruises. Thanks everyone!

[AdrenalineRush]

 

 

I just think it's shady that they are changing prices for cruises already booked, but I'm still a naiive new cruiser. We paid in full to get a special offer from Seamiles, not realizing you have to book through Seamiles to get the deal. If it wasn't for the offer we would have just put down the deposit. The way they handled this has just soured me toward Carnival, but if everyone else has gone through this we'll have to either suck it up and pay or cancel our cruises. Thanks everyone!

 

Just to let you know Carnival wasnt the only line that did this.

 

Hope you have a great wedding, cruise and marriage.