Will Cunard succeed ?

Categories

Cunard announced this week they were implementing a fuel supplement surcharge.  It will take effect with booking made after May and they will charge $3-$4 per person per day, inlcuding 3rd and 4th guests in a room.

The almost universally hated fuel surcharge created a lot of animosity when first implemented in 2008.  So far other cruise lines have not followed suit, even though every contract or booking has the fuel surcharge terms and conditions.  And even though the prices of crude that is used for the clause to kick in has been regularly exceeded.

Is Cunard just raising a trial balloon to gauge reaction.  Did they pick a level less than they could charge as sort of a compromise?

Its my perspective that the other cruise lines will be better served to not follow Cunards lead.  There are enought economic challenges without a surprise upon boarding your cruise ship.

The price of fuel and its variability have been know for several years.  It should be factored into their price, not left as a potential charge to someone who has already booked their vacation.