NCL, RCCL Join in Fuel Surcharge

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are the latest cruise companies to levy a fuel surcharge on their guests, following the lead of Carnival Corp., Oceania Cruises, Regent and Silversea. In the case of Norwegian, first and second passengers in a stateroom will be charged seven dollars per day, while additional passengers sharing the room will be charged three dollars per day, beginning December 1. Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL, said the decision to add a fuel surcharge was a "necessary step" in the face of escalating fuel prices. Veitch added that NCL spoke with travel partners in NCL's Presidents Club, taking their input on the matter into consideration.

Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, will charge five dollars per guest per day for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara sailings that depart on or after February 1. However, Royal Caribbean will not apply the supplement to bookings that already have been paid in full. Guests who booked before November 16 and do not agree to the surcharge may cancel their reservation by December 7 and receive a full refund, absent any cancellation penalties that would normally apply. Royal Caribbean also will provide travel agents with an administrative fee of 12 dollars per existing booking to help offset the costs of contacting guests. (DE)