Cruise Co. Sued Over Fuel Surcharges
Attorney General Bill McCollum filed a lawsuit against a Broward County cruise ship company for failing to adequately disclose fuel surcharge fees. According to the lawsuit, Imperial Majesty Cruise Line LLC has collected approximately $4m in fuel surcharges from late 2006 to present. The company, which offers two-day cruises to the Bahamas, is also accused of falsely representing those fees as governmental taxes or fees. Consumer complaints indicated that when travelers arrived to board the ship they were charged the surcharge, even though it was not, in any way, mandated by any governmental entity. Many consumers first learned of the $20-$30 surcharge only when they arrived to embark on their cruise.
Port Everglades Beats Cruise Passenger Record
Broward County’s Port Everglades is experiencing record cruise passenger growth in 2004 and just nine months into the current fiscal year already surpassed 2003’s total number of passengers. Just one month later, the South Florida cruise port powered past its all-time annual high mark, which was set in 2002. By the end of this year, Port Everglades expects to top the four million annual passenger milestone for the first time. “Broward County has become the hub of the cruise industry and this year’s phenomenal passenger growth demonstrates that Port Everglades’ appeal continues to grow,” said Ken Krauter, Port Director. In June, just nine months into the current fiscal year, Port Everglades hosted 3,409,116 cruise passengers, surpassing last year’s 12-month total of 3,375,671 passengers.
Premier's S.S. OceanBreeze Sold To Imperial
Imperial Majesty Cruise Line purchased the S.S. OceanBreeze from Premier Cruise Lines, said President Arthur M. Pollack. The total value of the deal, including the purchase price and planned upgrades to the vessel, is in excess of $16 million. "The purchase of the OceanBreeze reaffirms our commitment to the short-term cruise concept and the South Florida market," said Pollack. The OceanBreeze began to sail under its new ownership on May 20. As soon as practical, Imperial Majesty plans to redesign the hotel, including all cabins and public areas, and will be upgrading all onboard services and activities to further enhance the guest experience. Upgrades will take place this fall, during the vessel's regularly scheduled annual maintenance.
