Fuel surcharge can cancel booking.

[billroddy]

Just got off the phone with HAL Reservations Accounting and was able to cancel my booking for May 2008 with no penalty. The CPP of $618 was also erased.
Bill

[hammybee]

I have posted this extract many times on the numerous fuel surcharge threads:

New Fuel Supplement


Because of the continuing rapid escalation of fuel prices, the North American brands of Carnival Corporation, including Holland America Line, have announced a fuel supplement of $5.00USD per passenger, per day, for all voyages departing on or after February 1, 2008.
The supplement applies to the first and second passengers in a stateroom up to a maximum of $70.00USD per person per voyage, for both new bookings and those that are currently under deposit or fully paid. We are in the process of contacting all existing bookings, most of which are outside of the cancellation period. Those within the cancellation fee period will be given five days to cancel without charge, after receipt of notification.

This was the plan from the begining and nothing new is going on here.

[DAllenTCY]

Blame OPEC, not Carnival.
David

[Krazy Kruizers]

I wouldn't use the new fuel surcharge as a reason to cancel a cruise.

[bicker]

Is Venezula in OPEC? :confused:

[boscobeans]

Venezuela is an OPEC member.

[bicker]

Thanks.

[sail7seas]

Just got off the phone with HAL Reservations Accounting and was able to cancel my booking for May 2008 with no penalty. The CPP of $618 was also erased.
Bill


Was the fuel surcharge your reason for cancelling? You would have taken that cruise but for this fuel increase?

[billroddy]

I objected to HAL back charging me after I paid the deposit and CCP. I thought the IRS was the only agency able to do things like that.
HAL added the free cancel notice because I believe they got a lot of flack.
I also asked for flight upgrade and was dumbfounded when it turned out to be $2200 extra one way, plus original fare.

Was the fuel surcharge your reason for cancelling? You would have taken that cruise but for this fuel increase?

[Jade13]

I objected to HAL back charging me after I paid the deposit and CCP. I thought the IRS was the only agency able to do things like that.
HAL added the free cancel notice because I believe they got a lot of flack.
I also asked for flight upgrade and was dumbfounded when it turned out to be $2200 extra one way, plus original fare.

Where was the flight to (international?) and was this Coach to First Class?

Other cruise lines are also adding the fuel surcharge, not just HAL. I know Regent has added it and I would guess all Carnival including Princess. You can often times find cheaper airfare on your own.

[sail7seas]

I objected to HAL back charging me after I paid the deposit and CCP. I thought the IRS was the only agency able to do things like that.
HAL added the free cancel notice because I believe they got a lot of flack.
I also asked for flight upgrade and was dumbfounded when it turned out to be $2200 extra one way, plus original fare.

Thanks for responding. I'm happy HAL allowed the cancellation with no penalty to you.

[KAYEF]

We would never cancel a cruise due to this; have been wondering when it would happen.
They can't continue the low cruise prices when fuel has skyrocketed as it has.
Cruising is still one of the cheapest vacations around; just wish we lived closer to a port. Those Florida people are very fortunate with the last minute deals................love chatting with them when on cruises.
Love Cruising.........just leave it at that.:p

[dag144]

I agree with everyone. The lines are entitled to a fuel surcharge. I would rather pay the surcharge than have any service lessened instead. But I do have a question. I thought that I had a contract with HAL through my agent. I agreed to pay a certain price, gave a deposit and in return I am entitled to receive a service -- a cruise from a certain port to a destination allowing for weather and other changes which are out of HAL's control.

However, I believe that my contract with HAL does not provide for a one sided alteration in the price. We agreed on the charges when I paid my deposit. For HAL to institute a change in this arrangement would call for an agreement on both sides.

I know that ordinarily the law is rather one sided when it comes to cruising, but there must be a lawyer who reads the board who can enlighten me.

Again, I will go on my cruise and enjoy it. Just don't think this would go in the USA.

Thanks,

DAG144

[maxout]

dag144

Here is an 8 page thread :eek: on all aspects of this debate...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=657620

[donaldsc]

If I understand this correctly, you cancelled your cruise because you objected to paying a $70 fuel charge. Seems a little silly to me but if different strokes for different folks.

You could have saved the $70 by having one less drink a day or dropping one excursion and enjoyed the cruise.

DON

[hammybee]

However, I believe that my contract with HAL does not provide for a one sided alteration in the price. We agreed on the charges when I paid my deposit. For HAL to institute a change in this arrangement would call for an agreement on both sides.DAG144

I am not an attorney. I do however, tend to read most contracts and generally speaking all cruise line contracts give the carrier the ability to implement or increase a fuel sur charge at any time up to the date of sailing.

The reality is that cruise lines don't do this. Every passenger with a booking impacted by this new charge has/had the opportunity to cancel their cruise and receive a full refund of their deposit.

The devil is in the details.

Now go and enjoy your cruise and come back and tell us all about it.:)

[mrblack]

I was sad to have to pay the fuel charge however that's life and as someone said a cruise is still a heck of a deal for a holiday. On this 18 day cruise the added cost is about 3.85 per person per day. I have a starbucks every day for 3.39 so really I'll be saving 3.39 because I won't be having my daily starbucks because I'll be on the cruise. Therfore the fuel surcharge is really only costing me about 46 cents per day. Great rationalizing eh? :D

[dag144]

Thank you for your responses to my question regarding HAL's right to amend the cruise contract. I agree that the contract probably specifies that HAL may impose a surcharge. However, in the past I have never received a copy of my contract until the final HAL package arrives two to four weeks before the sailing date. This has been true of all my past 18 HAL cruises.

Therefore, if I have not received a contract (couldn't find a sample on the HAL website), it seems to me that the company does not have the right to amend anything.

As I have said I understand the need to address the increase in fuel prices, but I bet that HAL is not paying great attention to the law.

Lawyers cruise -- would love some feedback.

Thanks

DAG144

And yes, cruising is a great value. I don't have an objection to the surcharge, but to way it is being implemented.

[maxout]

You may have missed this page...

http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=money&topic=portCharges

[bicker]

Therefore, if I have not received a contract (couldn't find a sample on the HAL website), it seems to me that the company does not have the right to amend anything. That is not the case.

Customers are well-advised to obtain, read and understand the terms and conditions associated with anything they purchase prior to the purchase; otherwise, we have little choice but to accept the consequences of failing to do so.

[dag144]

Thanks for clarifying my concern and question. The HAL website does explain their policy. I trust that this page of the website has not been recently altered to coincide with the surcharge in question.

Regarding the contract, I will look for a copy of the contract on the website. Has anyone really asked their TA or HAL for a copy of the contract prior to booking a cruise? I doubt it, but it probably would be a good idea to do so in the period between booking the cruise and the date for final payment.

Regards,

DAG144

[hammybee]

I agree that the contract probably specifies that HAL may impose a surcharge. However, in the past I have never received a copy of my contract until the final HAL package arrives two to four weeks before the sailing date. This has been true of all my past 18 HAL cruises.

Therefore, if I have not received a contract (couldn't find a sample on the HAL website), it seems to me that the company does not have the right to amend anything.

As I have said I understand the need to address the increase in fuel prices, but I bet that HAL is not paying great attention to the law.

DAG144

Dag, there is no probably about it. The contract is what it is and is darn consistent, across cruise lines. It is indeed available online and it's in your booking documents. Here is a link to the contract and an excerpt regarding fuel surcharge:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/policies/cruise.do

B. THE CRUISE OR CRUISETOUR

1. Additions to Fare/Non-Discountable Amount, Taxes and Surcharges: (a) The fare that you paid was determined far in advance of Initial Departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event of an increase in fuel or other costs above amounts projected, we have the right to increase the fare at any time up to Initial Departure and to require payment of the additional fare prior to Initial Departure. We have the right to refuse to transport you unless the additional fare is paid. Within seven (7) days after you are notified of the additional fare (but no later than Initial Departure), you may elect to surrender this contract to us for cancellation, whereupon you will receive the Refund Amount. Cancellation fees do not apply to this type of refund.

[dag144]

You are all correct. The contract is posted on HAL's website. I found it under the search function. Thanks to the web, HAL can impose the surcharge. But thanks to the web, I can go shopping and save money. I would rather have things the way they are -- or else how could I learn for the Boards.

Thanks again,

DAG144

[terrydtx]

I can not believe how much discussion there has been on this thread over a maximum surcharge of $70 per person for a 10 day or longer cruise. When you consider the average price of a cabin on a 10 day cruise of around $2000 this is a very insignificant amount of increase and a totally idiotic reason to cancel a booked cruise. The cost of gas for my work vehicles has increased by over a $100 a month and I am not going to park them and close down my business. I think some people in this forum are not happy unless they have some issue to complain about.:p

[NancyIL]

I guess you won't be cruising anywhere any time soon, since all the mass market cruiselines have added a fuel surcharge.

[donaldsc]

I think some people in this forum are not happy unless they have some issue to complain about.:p

A better idea might be for him to go on the cruise so that he could find things to complain about on the ship. Then he would have the pleasure of multiple complaints instead of just one.

DON

[jascruise]

You could have saved the $70 by having one less drink a day

DON


WHAT! ARE YOU KIDDING?! This is an outrageous suggestion!

[donaldsc]

WHAT! ARE YOU KIDDING?! This is an outrageous suggestion!

OK - then buy the cheap booze instead of the good stuff. After 5 or 6, you can't tell the difference.

DON

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

To all those 'agast' and going through 'financial reality checks' over a $5/day/pp fuel charge please beware other unspecified charges / items 'linger' about. For instance, increases in port fees can be added to your invoice prior to final payment and also while cruising (in which case it will automatically be added to your onboard account).

Horrors upon horrors! "It's time to sell the Edsel, Ethel!"

It is what it is. No more. No less.

Have a GREAT CRUISE!

Bon Voyage and Good Health!
Bob:)

[DoctorFeelgood]

I agree with Bill. This was one* of the reasons that I canceled my Celebrity/Azamara Quest cruise. The idea of selling me a ticket (a binding contract) and then raising the price is... corrupt.

*The other reason I canceled it because Celebrity/Azamara has significantly redesigned the service and feel of Quest. So now I'm back to HAL for my next cruise.

[hammybee]

I agree with Bill. This was one* of the reasons that I canceled my Celebrity/Azamara Quest cruise. The idea of selling me a ticket (a binding contract) and then raising the price is... corrupt.

*The other reason I canceled it because Celebrity/Azamara has significantly redesigned the service and feel of Quest. So now I'm back to HAL for my next cruise.

And yet another passenger who has not become familiar with the cruise contract supporting his/her booking.........There must be millions just like you, out there :eek:

Sounds to me like you changed your mind and came home to HAL.

Welcome home.

[hammybee]

I agree with Bill. This was one* of the reasons that I canceled my Celebrity/Azamara Quest cruise. The idea of selling me a ticket (a binding contract) and then raising the price is... corrupt.

*The other reason I canceled it because Celebrity/Azamara has significantly redesigned the service and feel of Quest. So now I'm back to HAL for my next cruise.

And yet another passenger who has not become familiar with the cruise contract supporting his/her booking.........There must be millions just like you, out there :eek:

Sounds to me like you changed your mind and came home to HAL.

Welcome home.

[sagiv666]

Just got off the phone with HAL Reservations Accounting and was able to cancel my booking for May 2008 with no penalty. The CPP of $618 was also erased.
Bill

HAL is not the only cruise line to add the fuel surcharge. If you cancelled just because of this, you may have been too premature.:(

[korniemd]

I sent the following to Holland America but have received no response to date. What are the odds that I will get a response? I am on a cruise departing in late February 2008. I believe that we should not just go ahead and pay the increase. The more complaints they receive the more liklihood there will be that HAL gets the message. Don't wait, send it now. Their fax number for is (206)301-5327.

Tonight, I was informed that I must place a complaint directly with you, I firmly object to this increase. Holland America has been working with my money a long time now and will continue to earn from it. That should be more than sufficient. I have airline reservations and I am confident that United Airlines will not increase my fair for that travel. Had the price of oil gone down would you have decreased the cost of this cruise? I doubt it. I believe that there has been a serious violation of a contract and just wonder what your lawyers have to say about this action. Are you willing to jeopardize the good will of your passengers for one hundred and forty dollars or less per cabin? Should I now assume that the cost of drinks etc will also be more expensive?

Just what impact will a future reduction in fuel costs have on this and other cruises. I believe you have made a terrible blunder and will wait for your direct response explaining these actions.

Is this a breach of contract on their part?

[bicker]

Unfortunately, no, since the surcharge was provided for in the cruise contract.

The only surely effective way of getting your message across would be to cancel your cruise. If enough people do so, then that will communicate something to the cruise line. If, on the other hand, the vast majority of folks just go ahead and pay the surcharge, then that will communicate to the cruise line that this practice is generally acceptable.

I'm sorry, but I'm paying the surcharge and going ahead with enjoying our cruise.

[terrydtx]

HAL is not the only cruise line to add the fuel surcharge. If you cancelled just because of this, you may have been too premature.:(

The reality is that the OP used the convenient out provided by HAL in their announced fuel surcharge as a way to get out of a booked cruise the OP had decided he no longer wanted to take and couldn't otherwise cancel without some financial penalty. The $5 per day surcharge had nothing to do with it other than it provided the loophole for getting all of his money back including the normally non refundable CPP premium payment.:eek: :eek:

[terrydtx]

How could anyone forecast $100+per barrel oil costs. And no fuel supplier is going to give a 2 year contract for fuel oil purchases to a cruise line and guarantee prices either as some have suggested. Cruise prices are published and cruises are booked in many cases 18 - 24 months out and being able to forecast prices in fuel in this volatile market are almost impossible and not in control of the cruise companies. Surcharges are the only way to make up for shortfalls in revenue due to unforecastable cost increases. Our cruise this week on the Volendam has had 2 port fee increases of about $35 since we booked last year due to Panama Canal transit cost increases, I didn’t see anyone objecting to those. For receiving products I sell in my business freight companies have been charging fuel surcharges for several years do I refuse to pay them, well I could but then I would have no products to sell and be out of business. If you do not like the very little and insignificant $5 per day surcharge from HAL don’t go on a cruise go somewhere else by plane or car, but wait that plane trip will have a fuel surcharge too and you may be paying $4 a gallon for gas in your car. I still contend than some people in this forum are not happy unless they have some issue to complain about.

[George W. Bush]

Regardless of what it says in the contract, I don't think that its outrageous to expect that the price that we're quoted is the price that we'll pay. Certain costs, such as an increase in port fees are out of their control, however the cost of fuel is one of the costs of doing bussiness. It shouldn't be our problem that they failed to adequetly predict what fuel would cost when the cruise actually came around. I'm sure that there have been instances when the price of fuel was less than they expected, and I'm certain that they didn't remit a single dime back to their passengers.

It is getting to the point where the fare paid won't cover anything. Already they are not paying their staff a reasonable wage, and passing that expense along to their passengers in the form of very high tip requirements, now they expect us to pay a portion of the fuel expenses as well.

What does the fare buy? Just the food and a place to sleep I suppose.


edit:

There are also some on this board who will gladly, without question or debate, except whatever the company gives them. Sycophantic tendencies aside for a moment please, but if a customer finds the new fare that is above and beyond what was agreed to unacceptable, does the company have a moral obligation to not only refund the deposit but attach any interest that they may have earned from that money as well? I would expect 4% at a bare minimum.

[terrydtx]

Regardless of what it says in the contract, I don't think that its outrageous to expect that the price that we're quoted is the price that we'll pay. Certain costs, such as an increase in port fees are out of their control, however the cost of fuel is one of the costs of doing bussiness. It shouldn't be our problem that they failed to adequetly predict what fuel would cost when the cruise actually came around.

How is the inability to control increases in port charges and government taxes any different than predicting or controlling fuel cost increases? Both are well beyond the cruise lines control. If you agree it is OK to pass on one why not the other, are not both part of the cost of doing business? If any one here “truly” believes they can not afford to pay a maximum additional $70 for their cruise they probably have no business booking that cruise in the first place.

[billroddy]

It was round trip from LAX to Rome from coach to business.
Bill
Where was the flight to (international?) and was this Coach to First Class?

Other cruise lines are also adding the fuel surcharge, not just HAL. I know Regent has added it and I would guess all Carnival including Princess. You can often times find cheaper airfare on your own.

[jtl513]

What does the fare buy? Just the food and a place to sleep I suppose.
That would be true only if the ship never left its home port.

So what would you have HAL do in the face of rising fuel costs - cut back on services? We've heard enough complaints about that on this forum in recent months!