MSC Cruises has vowed to explore all options, including adjusting sailing routes, before passing on higher fuel costs to passengers. The commitment comes as rising oil prices since the outbreak of the Iran war have sparked fears that fuel costs could drive up travel fares.
Commitment to Customers
Speaking to The Independent, Antonio Paradiso, managing director of UK, Ireland and Australia for MSC Cruises, acknowledged that the prospect of higher prices amid uncertainty about the Iran war is making passengers nervous about booking holidays. He said: “Higher fuel costs have had an impact on us, but we have shown our true colours by pledging that there will be no fuel surcharges or additional fees passed on to customers.” This commitment will last for the summer, and Mr Paradiso said the cruise line is “closely monitoring” the situation for what happens next.
Mr Paradiso added: “The last thing we want to do is make customers pay the higher prices.” He confirmed that there are no short-term plans to save fuel by altering itineraries or cutting port stops, noting this would be a “loss of enjoyment” for guests, but he added: “The big question is how long the conflict goes on for. If it is for five or six months, that’s fine. If it is beyond that, then we may need to make a few tweaks. Option one would be to adapt the itinerary; adding a fuel surcharge will be a last resort.”
Regulations and Industry Context
Under the Package Travel Regulations, cruise lines can add fuel surcharges up to 20 days before departure. There is no upper limit to the amount a travel company can demand, but if it is eight per cent or more, the passenger has the right to cancel the holiday and receive a full refund. Other cruise brands, such as P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Cunard, have also assured that they do not plan to add surcharges to their sailings.
Attractive Booking Offers
MSC Cruises is also trying to attract guests with £50 deposits per person. Additionally, passengers can change their cruise up to 30 days before departure with no fees. The cruise line has 23 ships to choose from, offering both no-fly and fly cruises. This includes MSC Virtuosa, which is sailing from Southampton this summer. Itinerary highlights include a 12-night Southampton to Canary Islands cruise in August with Rugby legends Ben Cohen, Neil Back, and Ben Kay. Alternatively, football fans can train with Chelsea veteran Gianfranco Zola on a Southampton to Netherlands cruise in October.
Impact of Middle East Tensions
MSC Cruises has cancelled its Arabian Gulf cruises for next winter as tensions remain in the Middle East. MSC Euribia was among the cruise ships stranded in the region when the Iran war broke out in February, eventually escaping when the Strait of Hormuz temporarily reopened in April. Mr Paradiso added: “The Middle East was one of our most popular cruises, especially among UK passengers. I have no idea when we will return as the situation has not improved. The idea is to go back as soon as it is safe. It has always been a great destination.”
He noted that other emerging destinations include Japan, while the Caribbean, the western Mediterranean, and northern Europe are particularly popular among guests. Mr Paradiso concluded: “We showed during the pandemic that we can be trusted by passengers when we were the first to restart operations. These are just different uncertainties that we are dealing with now.”
