Just got this in my personal e-mail and thought I would share...

Dear ChucksOK,

As you are no doubt aware, the price of fuel has increased dramatically over the past few months. These increases have been particularly acute in remote areas of the world such as the South Pacific, and are having an obvious adverse effect on our operating costs. As we look to the future, we have decided that rather than implementing a fuel surcharge with periodic changes (as we have done in 2006), we have factored the additional fuel costs into our revised cruise fares for 2007.

Effective July 1, 2006, all 2007 cruise fares on Paul Gauguin will increase by $100 per person, and will not be subject to fuel surcharges throughout the year.

Of course, airlines have been seriously affected by the increase in the cost of fuel, a major portion of their overall cost structure, and have passed along these costs in the form of both fare increases and fuel surcharges.

Effective July 1, 2006, all 2007 air/sea programs on Paul Gauguin through Regent Seven Seas Cruises will increase by $200 per person. This takes into account all existing airfare increases and air fuel surcharges as of today. We are hopeful that there will be no further need for additional air fuel surcharges. However, should these be imposed by the airlines, it will be necessary to implement them at that time.

Any bookings for 2007 that are booked and deposited by June 30, 2006, will be protected at the current published rates. As noted above, as of July 1, 2006, the increased fares will take effect for all new bookings.

So, who's next? Any comments?

I'm sure they will all follow down the same path. I'm also sure the CEOs and Sheiks, are laughing all the way to the bank. 21st century and still no alternative fuels in mass production--amazing.