MSC Cruises has announced plans to drop the fuel surcharge on its 2009 voyages.
The cruise line had previously pledged to drop charged from April; however, in light of the declining price of oil, MSC has decided to cut the surcharge from today (December 16th).
Passengers who have already booked their cruises for 2009 will be refunded in the form of on-board credit.
Commenting on the plans, Richard Sasso, president and chief executive of the cruise line, said: "When we implemented the fuel surcharge on our cruise fares a year ago, we did that with the belief that, when fuel charges stabilised 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."
According to Mr Sasso, it is the ideal time to book a cruise holiday and passengers can be safe in the knowledge that regardless of the cost of fuel over the coming year, they will not be required to pay any more.
Vessels currently operated by MSC include the
MSC Poesia and
MSC Armonia.
Written by Fiona Mayers