Cruise passengers could soon face higher holiday costs as surging oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East begin to ripple through the industry, prompting some lines to introduce new fuel surcharges.
Since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran on 28th February 2026, global oil markets have reacted sharply. Brent crude prices have climbed by close to 40%, pushing past $100 per barrel amid disruption concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route bordering Iran.
While cruise operators have invested in alternative energy and cleaner technologies in recent years, the vast majority of ships still depend on conventional marine fuels. As a result, the rapid rise in fuel costs is now being passed on to passengers.
Two Cruise Lines Introduce New Charges
Two brands under Resorts World Cruises, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, have already moved to offset rising costs by implementing fuel surcharges for guests.
Passengers with new bookings made from 20th March 2026 onwards are now subject to additional daily fees. The cruise lines informed customers of the changes in a letter issued on 17th March 2026.
“Due to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, oil prices have increased significantly, leading to higher fuel and related costs,” the companies said.
“As a result, a fuel surcharge will be introduced for new bookings made on or after 20 March 2026.”
Dream Cruises has applied a charge of SGD15 per person, per day (around £9/$12) on sailings aboard Genting Dream. The 3,352-passenger ship operates itineraries from Singapore and ports in Malaysia, including Port Klang and Malacca.
StarCruises passengers are facing steeper increases. Guests sailing on Star Voyager will pay HKD 200 per person, per night (around £19/$24). The 1,944-guest vessel is currently based in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, those travelling on Star Navigator from Keelung in Taiwan will be charged NTD 600 per person, per night for their cruise (around £14/$18).
The cruise group has indicated that it will continue to monitor fuel prices and may adjust the surcharges depending on market conditions.
More Cruise Lines Could Follow
Although fuel surcharges are not commonly applied, most cruise contracts include provisions allowing operators to introduce them if fuel prices exceed certain thresholds.
With oil prices already well above many of these trigger points, other major cruise lines could soon follow suit.
Carnival Corporation, for example, retains the right to charge up to $9 per person, per day if oil prices exceed $70 per barrel on the NYMEX. With current prices hovering around $91, that threshold has already been surpassed.
For a family of four on a seven-night cruise, such a charge could add $252 to the total cost.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a similar clause, allowing for up to $10 per passenger, per day when fuel exceeds $65 per barrel. That would equate to an additional $280 for a week-long sailing for a family of four.
MSC Cruises has one of the highest potential surcharges in the sector, with a cap of $12 per person, per day under similar conditions. This could add up to $336 over a seven-night voyage.
Royal Caribbean Group’s policy is less clearly defined, with no publicly stated trigger price or maximum daily fee, though it also reserves the right to introduce surcharges if necessary.
While widespread implementation has been rare in the past, the current spike in fuel costs raises the likelihood that more cruise lines will begin passing on these expenses, potentially increasing the cost of cruising in the months ahead.
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