While cruisers may be hesitant to book vacations because of economic uncertainty, cruise lines are sweetening the pot in an attempt to attract them.  Today Royal Caribbean followed Carnival Corp.’s announcement that fuel supplements will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008 for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

On October 10, Carnival Corp. made a similar announcement that Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn will also eliminate fuel surcharges on 2010 sailings effective Oct. 31, 2008. 

Regarding 2009 departures, Royal Caribbean says it ”will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded.  Refunds, in the form of an on-board credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter.”  (PHEW!)