This is a case of good news, bad news. 

Carnival Corporation, parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruises, will increase its fuel surcharge from $5 to $7 per person, per day.   In addition, third and fourth passengers in a stateroom will now pay $2 per person, per day.   The new $7 surcharge applies to new bookings effective April 21, 2008 and will be limited to $98 per person, per cruise.  

For bookings made from Nov. 7 to April 20, the $5 supplement will be levied.

Add to that you can expect the other cruise lines to follow suit very quickly.

Here’s the good news.  Last week Carnival Corp announced roughly $40 million would be refunded to passengers who booked cruises prior to Nov. 7, 2007 when the $5 per person, per day surcharge was announced.