Cruise Travel: Mutiny Over Fuel Supplement Fees?

When we hit the road to embark on a cruise last month we knew filling the tank of our super-size SUV was going to cost more than the last time we made the trip south to Florida. Sure, we could drive a more fuel efficient vehicle, but we like our comfy Ford Expedition and where would I put the luggage in a Prius?

Like other SUV, truck, RV, and van owners, we've made a lifestyle choice and the cost goes into our budget. If we couldn't afford it, we wouldn't drive it. Similarly, when going on a cruise, we factor in not only the fare, but all the add-ons into the bottom line when making decisions. Which is why I believe so many booked passengers were upset when fuel surcharges were levied a few months ago by the majority of cruise lines. I can't say that I blame fellow passengers on one level--the charges were retroactive for the most part and unexpected. On the other hand, anyone who hasn't noticed the soaring cost of fuel during the past year probably hasn't been paying attention to much of anything.

Cruise lines held out longer than other segments of the travel and hospitality industries, which have routinely added such surcharges for some time. Think airlines, automobile rentals, and even hotels and restaurants. Most consumers don't like it, but seldom do they 'mutiny' the way booked cruise passengers have. The Miami Herald and other media outlets report that the Florida Attorney General's Office is following up on over 150 consumer complaints to determine whether the fuel supplement fees imposed by cruise lines were "appropriate and properly disclosed to passengers."

It would be easy to say, "just cancel," to those who object to the fuel surcharges, but there's a lot of emotion involved in this situation. Although there have always been minor fluctuations in port charges and government taxes over the years, passengers have long considered their fare contracts with cruise lines to be a sacred assurance that they won't pay a dime more than agreed upon at booking. While they could have cancelled upcoming sailings without penalty and made other plans, some avid cruisers simply won't consider anything but a cruise vacation. Others have purchased non-refundable airline tickets or pre-paid for shore excursions. There's a huge hassle factor in turning travel plans upside down and starting from scratch.

The outcome of the Florida Attorney General's investigation won't be known for a while; however, no matter what happens on that front, don't expect cruise lines to give consumers a free ride in the face of rising costs to operate. If the fuel surcharges are deemed unfair, cruise lines aren't going to operate at a loss. While we wait to see how this plays out, following are a couple comments from Miami Herald readers for your enjoyment.

• "Look at the other companies that have had to add a fuel surcharge. Doesn't surprise me. I love all the whining that has been going on at the Cruise Critic board. Those Carnival people know how to yell about five dollars. Carnival had better be careful as it will on board lose sales on Pabst Blue Ribbon, Schiltz malt liquor and Winston cigarettes with that surcharge."
• "My favorite comments on the fuel surcharge come from the Cruise Critic people, who keep whining that 'it's about honoring the contract.' Funny, when the money or shipboard credit flows their way, you don't hear them screaming bloody murder about the cruiseline going outside the bounds of the sacred contract."