Oil down to $56

[Kineticoh20]

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

[jalpert]

I agree that their system for the surcharges is moronic. I sail in Feb, so if in the 30 days leading up to the cruise one day it goes to $71 I get charged $70 in surcharges. It should be some sort of sliding scale, $5pp charge for every $10 above $70, not to exceed the $70 they are flat out charing me. I think that is a lot more fair.

 

 

 

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

[hubofhockey]

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

 

I don't think you'll find much disagreement. At this point, Carnival's corporate finance function probably views this as a way to get back all of the refunds they had to pay after they retroactively charged the fee last year and the Florida AG put pressure on them to refund it. I am going in April and I'm not anticipating seeing it refunded.

[Garn]

I don't get how people get so frustrated when they realize that cruise lines are for-profit.

 

It was wrong for the lines to try to tack on a surcharge after the fact last year- and I'm glad that it wasn't allowed. But it meant that they lost some serious money due to soaring fuel prices. Most passengers didn't volunteer to chip in extra to cover the difference.

 

So, then they instituted surcharges. We paid our fares based on those prices, and considered them fair. Now, the fuel costs have (for the moment) declined, and the lines are offering refunds, but first making sure that they don't take a hit if prices go back up. Sure, they've rigged the conditions in their favor- but they didn't have to do it at all.

 

I'm not expecting a refund on my March cruise, but I'll be happy if it happens... I can't see wasting energy on feeling "used" when from all I can tell Princess acted in good faith, and will honor the fare we've agreed to even if their costs skyrocket from other expenses.

[newmexicoNita]

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

Everyone thinks that about all lines, but remember they purchase the oil on constract for X number of months. The price we are seeing isn't what they contracted to pay. It took them a couple of years of paying higher prices before they added the fuel charge, I think we can all sit back and wait to see what happens with the price. I do think they should start rebating soon. Most companies do have a plan in place...

 

NIta

[BalconyBumz]

It's not just the cruise lines that are doing this to us still. How about the groceries that sky rocketed and haven't really come down? Other things too that have went way up because of fuel have not come back down. I doubt they ever will. :mad: And, yes, I do feel it's completely unfair to be charging us this fuel charges when oil is back way down.

[Kineticoh20]

I don't get how people get so frustrated when they realize that cruise lines are for-profit.

 

It was wrong for the lines to try to tack on a surcharge after the fact last year- and I'm glad that it wasn't allowed. But it meant that they lost some serious money due to soaring fuel prices. Most passengers didn't volunteer to chip in extra to cover the difference.

 

So, then they instituted surcharges. We paid our fares based on those prices, and considered them fair. Now, the fuel costs have (for the moment) declined, and the lines are offering refunds, but first making sure that they don't take a hit if prices go back up. Sure, they've rigged the conditions in their favor- but they didn't have to do it at all.

 

I'm not expecting a refund on my March cruise, but I'll be happy if it happens... I can't see wasting energy on feeling "used" when from all I can tell Princess acted in good faith, and will honor the fare we've agreed to even if their costs skyrocket from other expenses.

 

YEP! I feel real sorry for them, and the following is from last year when oil was real high!

 

Carnival profit jumps on pricing power, new ships

 

 

 

 

By William Spain

Last update: 9:34 a.m. EDT Sept. 20, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Carnival Corp. reported record high profits for its fiscal third quarter Thursday, citing pricing power on late booking for its better-than-expected results. Carnival said it earned $1.38 billion, or $1.67 a share, on the period, up from $1.23 billion, or $1.49, a year ago. Revenue came in at $4.32 billion, up from $3.91 billion. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been for the cruise line operator to earn $1.62 a share on revenue of $4.33 billion. In the earnings report,

 

<IMG class=pixelTracking height=1 width=1 border=0>CCL 19.24, -1.68, -8.0%) Chief Executive Micky Arison said results were better than originally targeted primarily because of stronger pricing on bookings taken closer to departure, along with "the successful introduction of new ships for both our North American and European brands in time for our peak summer season

[Aussiemate]

We have been done in by the one day the price went up to $70.56; but for the rest so far has been in the lower $60's.

 

They know how to make rules for game so they can win them with the odds stacked in their favour given the day to day variance in the market.

[Thumper69]

Cruising is inexpensive anyway. I think they have stacked in their favour but I also think they have to cover their backs as well. Who know what is going to happen. I'll just be happy if they give back the surcharge as a credit if not, c'est la vie. I'm still going to absolutely love my cruise in Jan either way. I don't want any of them to go bankrupt. Do you?

 

Does anyone want to buy any slightly used cruise ships??:D:D

 

Anthony

[kirbyrox]

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

 

 

im with you!!! tell me where to sign. im going on a 2 weeker and gas is at an all time low.

[val23]

Hmm.. that's interesting. I set sail in december 08, if fuel does remain below 70$, how would i go about collecting the refund? Am i still eligible if i booked with an online website and not directly with princess? Would i have to get this refund from the online website TA?

[val23]

btw.. here's a link to the princess website stating the drop in fuel prices and their refund policy: http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com/AboutUs/FuelSupplementUpdate.aspx

[davemax]

hi this is my first post. could anyone tell how i would know if i paid any fuel surcharge. i sail on ruby in march 09 and have paid in full already. any info would be great . thank you.

dave

[nbsjcruiser]

Oil is way down and has been and I'am starting to feel a little used by Princess. I think they should repeal the surcharge altogether until oil gets over $90 again. We are on a April cruise and have $360 in surcharges. The corporate bean counters have written the refund in a way to win for them. So if oil stays real low but goes over $70 for 2 days we as paying customers get screwed while the cruise line rakes in a windfall in surcharges. I'am curious as to what the board thinks.

 

Agree completely. All the cruise lines are in bed together on this one. They all put the surcharges on at the same time and they're all playing the game now with the nickels and dimes. What they're doing is the same thing the banks did. "Lets see how close we can get to the line before people say enough" .

 

If the cruise lines think the economy is going well and things are going to carry on next year and the year after that the way it has been, they're living in a dream world. Once people feel they're being used, they will find other places for their money. I find their actions offensive. Either put the charge on or take it off but don't play games. Don't give me a document so obviously written by a lawyer and say "isn't this great? Look what we're doing for you.". Its a culture of greed and entitlement.

[ShortTimer]

I'm afraid it's a simple function of demand. Until demand for cruises subject to the surcharge decreases to the point that it makes the surcharge unprofitable, then the surcharge will remain in place.

 

Now, the rising food costs were only minimally attributable to the increase in fuel prices. However, since this is not an economics forum, I'll refrain from further explanation. :)

[hubofhockey]

hi this is my first post. could anyone tell how i would know if i paid any fuel surcharge. i sail on ruby in march 09 and have paid in full already. any info would be great . thank you.

dave

 

You have paid it. Your travel agency probably did not provide a detail billing for you of port charges and fuel surcharges. But you did pay it and, hopefully, your travel agent will let you know the amount.

 

On another note, the Energy Department has forecasted oil prices to remain stable for 2009 at $55 to $60. Let's hope that's the case. The surcharge is nothing compared with the "surcharge" we've all been paying at the pump this year.

[val23]

that's good news... im sailing this december.. haha... so hopefully it stays below 70$... i hear it has to be 25 consecutive days below 70$ too.

[Kineticoh20]

Cruising is inexpensive anyway. I think they have stacked in their favour but I also think they have to cover their backs as well. Who know what is going to happen. I'll just be happy if they give back the surcharge as a credit if not, c'est la vie. I'm still going to absolutely love my cruise in Jan either way. I don't want any of them to go bankrupt. Do you?

 

Does anyone want to buy any slightly used cruise ships??:D:D

 

Anthony

 

What! inexpensive:eek: It cost me over $10,000 to take a family cruise inexpensive is NOT the word to describe it!

[cruzzers]

I don't know why the cruise industry can't average the fuel cost for a 25 day period. If it ends up under the $70 cutoff amount, they the OBC should be issued. They certainly didn't have any problem charging us at the last minute on a previous cruise when it went up last year, after final payment even.

[Jeter02]

Okay so I am cruising in about 5 weeks. So this sounds of great interets to me. How much is princess going to give us in OBC if the prices keep low?

[caribill]

Okay so I am cruising in about 5 weeks. So this sounds of great interets to me. How much is princess going to give us in OBC if the prices keep low?

 

Whatever you paid in fuel surcharges, $9/day up to 14 days.

[cruzzers]

Looks like one day will interfer with our refund on the Ruby! This is what is posted on the Princess website:

 

For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 pm close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25 consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest's cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be automatically refunded in the form of a shipboard credit.

 

For clarification purposes, the use of oil prices on NYMEX as reported by Reuters is to establish solid rules for determining refunds. Also, in the time period prior to a cruise departure date, every business day is not necessarily a trading day. Lastly, the five days prior to sailing is to allow our brands the time required to process shipboard credits and to communicate them to the relevant vessels. A shipboard credit is the most efficient way we can return the fuel supplement to our guests. If guests do not use all of the shipboard credit, they can receive the balance after the cruise.

 

Each departure date will be evaluated independently and any applicable refunds will be automatic. Although guests and travel agents do not need to apply for the credit or track the price of oil per barrel, the websites of our individual cruise lines should indicate if a specific cruise is eligible for a fuel supplement refund.

 

Carnival is implementing this initiative due to the recent trends in declining fuel prices and in an effort to migrate away from charging a separate fuel supplement. If fuel prices stabilize below $70 per barrel, we will be able to effectively eliminate the fuel supplement; however, there is still a risk that fuel prices could move higher which would require us to maintain or reinstate a fuel supplement. We are hopeful that the goal of eliminating the fuel supplement can be achieved. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to our guests and travel agents to make Carnival Corporation brands the most attractive cruise vacations available.

 

The fuel supplement for five of the six Carnival Corporation brands is currently $9 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $126 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third, fourth and fifth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage). Seabourn’s supplement is $15 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $210 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third and fourth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage).

 

The closing price per barrel of oil as described above is provided for your convenience:

 

Nov. 2008

3rd: $63.91

4th: $70.53

5th: $65.30

6th: $60.77

7th: $61.04

Nov. 2008

10th: $62.41

11th: $59.33

12th: $56.16

13th: $58.24

14th:

Nov. 2008

[Thumper69]

What! inexpensive:eek: It cost me over $10,000 to take a family cruise inexpensive is NOT the word to describe it!

 

Oouch!

 

Thankfuly I only have to pay for two, $10,000 must hurt!

 

What you get for your money we feel that it is still a good deal. You should see how expensive cruising is in Australia. Here in the USA you can always find quite good deals. If I buy two plane tickets, four star hotel & meals it costs alot more for 7days.

 

I still would like to see a credit for return of the fuel surcharge, I'll be even happier.

 

 

Anthony

[GoFSU]

I agree that their system for the surcharges is moronic. I sail in Feb, so if in the 30 days leading up to the cruise one day it goes to $71 I get charged $70 in surcharges. It should be some sort of sliding scale, $5pp charge for every $10 above $70, not to exceed the $70 they are flat out charing me. I think that is a lot more fair.

 

Is it moronic or are the passengers morons? I pointed out that carnivals convoluted policy relied on known market volatility to screw clients out of money even though Carnival could lock in cheap fuel prices. I was assailed by other board members because I indicated I would reduce my automatic tips.

 

Carnival management is not made of morons, but they think their passengers are morons that will simply accept the stated policy. Unfortunately I suspect they are correct.

[hubofhockey]

Is it moronic or are the passengers morons? I pointed out that carnivals convoluted policy relied on known market volatility to screw clients out of money even though Carnival could lock in cheap fuel prices. I was assailed by other board members because I indicated I would reduce my automatic tips.

 

Carnival management is not made of morons, but they think their passengers are morons that will simply accept the stated policy. Unfortunately I suspect they are correct.

 

What is the point of not providing gratuties to stewards and wait staff? That doesn't get you even with Carnival. Just steal some towels (yeah, that's a joke),