Thoughts re EU fuel shortage&/or Russian escalation

[3Shelaghs]

Does anyone know if cruise lines have issued any statements re potential EU fuel supply issues, or possible escalation of Russian/Ukraine conflict affecting river cruises or Baltic/Scandinavian waters?

[Fouremco]

This CC news item may be of some interest, although much of the information is dated:  https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6788/

 

While there were several statements made by cruise lines back in the Spring, I've not seen any related statements since.

[em-sk]

8 hours ago, 3Shelaghs said:

Does anyone know if cruise lines have issued any statements re potential EU fuel supply issues, or possible escalation of Russian/Ukraine conflict affecting river cruises or Baltic/Scandinavian waters?

 

It is going to be a non-issue for cruise lines.   Close to shore cruise ships use diesel and out at sea they under bunker fuel.   Both those are refined from crude oil.  Oil refineries will always be able to buy crude oil from Africa, the Middle East or North America. They may not like the price, being demanded.  Cruise lines may start playing with surcharges if it gets bad.

 

The real "fuel shortage" concern in Europe is natural gas.  Natural Gas is used for heating, cooking and electricity production on land.  

 

[3Shelaghs]

I wondered about ramifications for European river cruises. Hotels, trains etc etc. Then remembered way back when, there was a disclaimer on cruises, "if barrel of crude went above a certain price, that was tacked onto your cruise even after booking/paying etc". Wondered if they still do that?

Why the difference in fuel for close to shore vs out at sea?

 

[mom says]

AFAIK there has always been a clause in the cruise contract that provides for a possible fuel surcharge. 

 

As for different fuels- it's for environmental concerns.

[CalgaryMac]

Tensions are high in the Baltic nations, Poland, Eastern Europe as likely all over Europe. While rips to Europe might be great a potential war is not my idea of a fun vacation. The war is very serious. Slava Ukraini!