03 November 2008

NCL abolishes fuel surcharges

Norwegian Cruise Line has followed Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean in ending fuel surcharges.

Fuel supplements will no longer apply to NCL bookings made on or after November 10 for sailings departing on or after January 1, 2010.

Passengers booked on 2009 sailings departing in 2009 will receive a refund of fuel supplements on the form of an on-board credit.

The criteria for refunds will be determined on a quarterly basis. Should the closing price on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) of West Texas Intermediate fuel be below $65 per barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter, the company will refund fuel supplements.

by Phil Davies

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BA should pay refunds on fuel surcharge

I applaud the move by NCL to refund fuel surcharges. Others should follow, particularly those who should really be leading the pack, e.g. British Airways. All should take this opportunity to re-think their approach to surcharges: they have no raison d'Ãªtre. A price quoted to a consumer should be the final price, and all 'compulsory extras' should be included. All industries are affected by varying fuel costs and those arguing to the contrary should hope for fuel surcharges to be raised on eggs and milk at the cashier desk. Or should we call them 'fuel adjustments': because if fuel costs drop we should be due a refund. Stop the obfuscation: a price should be THE price!

By Michael Madison, Monday, November 3, 2008