Carnival Corporation has announced a fuel surcharge of $5 per person, per day for Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.  Effective for cruises beginning on or after Feb. 1, 2008, the surcharge applies only to first and second passengers sharing a cabin and will not exceed $70 per person, per voyage.  The fuel surcharge will be bundled with port charges and taxes in the basic price of the cruise and won’t be an extra charge that suddenly appears after the purchase of your seagoing vacation.

Last month Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced a $7.50 per person, per day fuel surcharge on all 2008 voyages.  On Tuesday, the airlines also announced that fare prices will increase.

We predict that growing economic problems and concerns coupled with growing capacity in the cruise industry will result in lower passenger numbers for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008.  When this happens, however, cruise lines cut their fares and offer steep discounts to entice cruisers, good news if you’re a bargain hunter.