Royal Caribbean suspends fuel surcharges

MIAMI - In response to the dropping price of fuel, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said Friday it is suspending its fuel surcharge on three of its cruise lines for trips that depart on or after Jan. 1.

The suspension takes effect on Monday for new bookings and applies to the company's Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises brands. Royal Caribbean will refund the fuel surcharge for guests who have already booked cruises next year.

The company reserved its right to reinstate the surcharge if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65 per barrel on certainly quarterly milestone dates.

In late October, Royal Caribbean lifted its fuel surcharge for cruises in 2010 and later, unless fuel prices rebound. The company said its latest announcement does not affect those terms.

On Thursday, Carnival Corp. suspended its fuel surcharge for all cruises on the Miami-based company's six North American brands, effective Dec. 17. Carnival had previously suspended its fuel surcharge for the six brands on cruises booked after Oct. 31 and departing in 2010.

Carnival also noted that it may reinstate the surcharges if oil prices rebound.

Royal Caribbean shares gained 29 cents, or 3.2 percent, to $9.25 on Friday.

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