Cruise Lines

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is changing the way it calculates its fuel supplement.

From Wednesday January 19, it will be charged as a percentage of the cruise fare instead of as a per person per day rate.

The cruise line says it brings them into line with the EU Package Directive and ABTA guidelines that require charges to be "proportionately rated to the cruise fare invoiced".

If that is the case, I say how unfair.

It means if you book a deluxe cabin or suite on a 14-night cruise, you'll pay a higher fuel supplement than someone in an inside cabin on the same voyage. Why? Is the person in the bigger cabin going to use more fuel?

The new fuel percentage will be 5%, the current per person per day rate is £4.

All I can add is, if you want a Fred Olsen cruise, and especially if you want to cruise with them in a decent cabin, book asap.

And certainly before Wednesday!