MSC Cruises has eliminated the fuel surcharge for all new bookings for 2009 voyages beginning today.

Last month, MSC took the lead and eliminated the fuel charge on all cruises departing on or after April 1, 2009. At that time, MSC Cruises’ management indicated that they were also considering eliminating the charge on all 2009 cruises should fuel prices remain stable or continue to drop into the new year.

“In light of the current downward trend in oil prices, I am proud to announce that MSC Cruises is eliminating the fuel surcharge for all 2009 sailings and beyond,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “When we implemented the fuel surcharge on our cruise fares a year ago, we did that with the belief that, when fuel charges stabilized at a level that allowed us to eliminate the supplement, we would. That was not just words or a hollow promise; that was a commitment that we are living up to.” 

All guests already booked on a 2009 voyage with a fuel supplement will receive a shipboard credit identical to that amount. 

Although MSC Cruises can not rule out the possibility that a future substantial increase in fuel costs might require re-implementing the fuel surcharge at a later date, the company reiterated its commitment that all reservations booked with a deposit prior to such a decision would be protected from any additional charge.

“That price protection policy makes this the ideal time for anyone planning a Caribbean or European vacation to book a cruise with MSC Cruises,” Sasso said. “They can take advantage of our best current promotions and know that the price they’re quoted is the price they will pay, no matter what happens with the cost of fuel in the months ahead.”