Thu 18 Dec 2008, 09:33 GMT

Crystal Cruises suspends fuel surcharge


Decision follows similar moves made by rival cruise operators.



Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises has announced that it is eliminating its fuel surcharge for 2009 with immediate effect, as a result of the continuing drop in oil prices.

New bookings will not be charged a fuel surcharge. For bookings under deposit, Crystal will adjust each booking within the next two weeks, eliminating the fuel surcharge.

Meanwhile, guests who have paid in full will receive a shipboard credit in the amount of the assessed fuel surcharge. This revised policy applies to all cruises departing after January 1st 2009.

Crystal Cruises had recently announced that it would review oil prices quarterly and would credit fuel surcharges during 2009 if light sweet crude oil prices dipped below $65 per barrel.

"The decreased price of crude oil is significant enough to warrant the elimination of the fuel surcharge at the present time," said Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. "We will continue to monitor fuel costs. Fortunately, the price trend is currently positive for us and for the consumer."

The company's decision to suspend its fuel surcharge follows similar moves made by rival cruise operators Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Windstar Cruises, who have also decided to remove their existing fuel surcharge this month following the recent decline in crude and bunker prices.


American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) logo. ABS introduces nuclear-ready notation for marine and offshore assets  

The classification society has released what it describes as an industry-first notation to support future nuclear conversion of vessels and offshore assets.

AiP handover ceremony for NEXTGEN Energy Hub (NGEH) design. ABS grants approval in principle for Seatrium’s NEXTGEN Energy Hub design  

The hub concept integrates ammonia bunkering, power generation and electric vessel charging in a single unit.

Jumbo Maritime crew aboard vessel. Jumbo orders two methanol-ready L-Class heavy lift vessels from Dajin Heavy Industry  

Dutch heavy lift specialist Jumbo signs newbuilding contract for two 25,000-dwt vessels.

China flag. Zhoushan completes first bonded bunker operation at Majishan port area  

The operation marks full fuel supply coverage across all general cargo terminals in Zhoushan's port system.

US dollar banknotes. Port of Long Beach launches $1m methanol bunkering challenge for oceangoing vessels  

A $1m prize aims to kick-start commercial methanol bunkering at one of North America's busiest ports.

Core Power, Athlos Energy, Deon Policy Institute and ABS logos. Greece floating nuclear study finds no fundamental barriers to implementation  

A PESTLE assessment of floating nuclear power plants in Greece identifies framework gaps, not feasibility barriers.

Northern Pathliner alongside Bergen LNG vessel. Molgas completes LNG cool-down and bunkering for Northern Pathliner at Northern Lights terminal in Norway  

Operation carried out at Øygarden facility, with K Line and Integr8 Fuels in the supply chain.

Rendering of a G2 Ocean OHGC vessel. G2 Ocean expands fleet with six future-fuel ready gantry crane vessels  

Open hatch specialist adds vessels and jet sail technology as part of a broad fleet renewal programme.

CMA CGM Adventure vessel at Port of Mombasa. LNG-powered CMA CGM Adventure makes first call at the Port of Mombasa  

Kenya Ports Authority receives its first large LNG-fuelled container vessel.

Liam Blackmore, Lloyd's Register. Maritime trio shapes IMO safety guidelines for ammonia as marine fuel  

Real-world operational experience feeds directly into new IMO ammonia fuel safety framework.