Profits are up, but North Americans will pay the gas bill

If you're a North American resident and plan to cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCC) after February 1, steel yourself for a $5US surcharge - per guest, per day. UK cruisers are exempt.

This news comes on the heels of RCC's announcement last month of record profits this year across the board (they also own Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur, Spain).

RCC isn't alone. Carnival, which operates Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Yachts of Seabourn, announced their $5US fuel levy last week.

Five bucks doesn't sound like a big deal, but it might be if you only paid $450US per person for a 7-day cruise. Add $70US per couple to that tab and your sweet deal has a bitter aftertaste, especially if the surcharge was slapped on after you've signed on the dotted line.

Oceania added a $7US surcharge for new and unpaid bookings beginning December 1, 2007. Sounds fair. Unlike resort-goers, cruisers can get a complete refund up until final payment is made - no questions and no processing fee.

Agree with the fuel levy? Tell us what you think.

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