With fuel prices dropping precipitously why haven't cruise lines and air lines started dropping their surcharges, particularly with the economy so bad?

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave Beers,

Because they're making money.

Sonny

Good answer Sonny and the truth.

Gas prices going up and down I am sure they don't and won't play that game so they just leave things as is....that's business.

Just to weigh in, I work for the airlines and fuel varies so much it would be impossible to adjust fast enough. If you book today at $80 per barrel, you may sail in 4 months and fuel could be $150 or $60 per barrel. How does one adjust? Also a cruise is a phenomenal bargain. I have been to Aruba recently and it costs $5.00 for a local 8 once beer. Meals run well over $20 per meal. If you get your room, food, entertainment, etc. for $100 per day ($700 per person per 7 night), it is amazing.
So let's keep the room prices down and the ships sailing. The cost is going up for them too. Keep in mind, my first cruise was in 1998 and we paid an airline rate of $750 per person for an inside cabin. Last year I paid $799 for a Junior Suite on the SAME ship!

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With fuel prices dropping precipitously why haven't cruise lines and air lines started dropping their surcharges, particularly with the economy so bad?

Carnival Corporation announced a couple of days ago that its 2010 cruises on all its brands will have no fuel surcharges, but the overall cost of the cruise is likely to be higher than in 2009.

They also announced a complicated formula by which they may refund fuel surcharges on 2008 and 2009 cruises. It has something to do with the price of oil being under $70 per barrel for the 25 days prior to the cruise departure. If passengers are eligible for a refund under those circumstances, it'll be in the form of an onboard credit to their account during their cruise.

Sandy

Ah Sandy, but don't forget it has to be by the 2:30PM close of the day. When I read this for the first time the other day I thought it was a joke. Like saying the 2nd blue moon of the month. Then I realized they were serious. So who they going to pay to sit there and track all this? What a nightmare, OBC for some and not for others. I can just see the barrage of phone calls to Carnival before and after the cruise.

Now maybe the rest of he cruise lines will do something. The airlines could at least allow you an extra suitcase when traveling as a couple. Paying an extra $100 is a bit pricey.

Sonny

I was reading on CNN website, that airlines are starting to drop the fuel surcharges. Hopefully, it will swing the other way now, and cut us a break. Lil' Lori

I wish RC would just not charge a fuel surcharge in the first place. Even though they say they'll refund it, they don't actually refund it. They give a ship credit so they still have the money.

A ship credit is like cash—all you have to do is walk up to the guest relations desk and ask for it.

Sonny

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A ship credit is like cash—all you have to do is walk up to the guest relations desk and ask for it.

Actually not for all cruise lines. It could be that way with RCI, so I won't say anything to the contrary. With CCL, since there has been plenty of mention of it, it is either cash refundable or non-refundable. OBC's for price reductions on the cruise rate for example are not cash refundable on CCL.

It is interesting to hear how it works with various cruise lines.

Dwayne

quote:

Originally posted by Sonny V:
A ship credit is like cash—all you have to do is walk up to the guest relations desk and ask for it.

Sonny

Really??? So if they gave me a credit and I went to the guest relations desk and said there is a credit on my account. I'd like the amount refunded to me right now in cash, they'll do that?

While ship credit is like cash in a way. It will not be refunded. You may use it for tips, drinks, excursions ect. Somethings ship credit can be used in the casino sometimes not.
Most of us spend a certain amount on the cruise so it works out find. You end bill will just be smaller.

Okay, yes, that's what I thought. I didn't think they'd had over the cash otherwise everyone would be asking for it. Even though they may refund a fuel surcharge in a ship credit, I'd prefer they don't charge it in the first place!

Once again Sonny is correct.Rccl likes to settle up at the end of the cruise. The last 2 sailings I was on I had left over OBC from TA rebate and shareholder benefits and Next cruise booking And we recieved several hundered in cash to leave the ship. I cannot speak for the other lines but on RCCL this holds true.

I should have mention getting the cash on the last day of the cruise. If there is no refund, how come we got cash back on the Mariner two weeks ago?

Sonny

Okay. That's something to keep in mind.

Well you (I) learnsomething everyday.

Sonny!
We are going on Mariner next month.How did you got cash back?