Carnival Corporation Lines Raise Fuel Supplement

In a series of press releases today, Carnival Corporation brands have announced they will be increasing their fuel supplements. The increases will impact Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa, Cunard and Seabourn.

Carnival Corporation has stated that, starting with new bookings on or after April 21, 2008, they will increase the fuel supplement to $7/person per day for the first and second passengers, up to a maximum of $98/person per voyage, and for the first time implement a supplement of $2/person per day up to a maximum of $28/person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers as well.

Of course, for bookings made between November 7 and April 20, the originally-announced supplements of $5/person per day will apply.

What does this mean to you?

First off, if you're looking to book any of these lines, try to do so before April 21 for a bit of a savings. Secondly, expect to see the other lines (meaning Royal Caribbean, Azamara and Celebrity) following very soon.

When is it Good to Have a Porthole?

When it's Porthole Magazine's annual awards and you've won one!

Cunard today announced that they have received their 5th consecutive Porthole Award for "Best World Cruise Itineraries" from the readers of Porthole Magazine. In addition, they also won for "Best Onboard Educational Programs."

"Few awards are as gratifying as those that come from seasoned travellers," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "To be recognized as offering the best world cruise itineraries and most meaningful educational programmes confirms that we are delivering compelling experiences that exceed the expectations of our guests while upholding a cherished Cunard legacy."

"Cunard Line exudes elegance and style," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. "Our sophisticated readers have applauded the Line by voting it 'best' in two Readers' Choice Awards categories, and I couldn't agree more."

Definitely since this is a reader voted award, Cunard has the longest history of these voyages and the best exposure to Porthole readers. As more and more lines are beginning to do these sailings on a regular basis, Cunard may have some serious competition.