How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Cruise Ship With Fuel?

By Michael Ferguson

A cruise ship needs a lot of fuel to move from one port to another. The amount of fuel needed depends on the size of the ship and the distance it has to travel.

On average, a large cruise ship needs about 500 tonnes of fuel for a single voyage. This means that it would cost around $500,000 to fill a cruise ship with fuel.

The type of fuel used by a cruise ship is known as marine diesel oil (MDO). It is more expensive than regular diesel as it has been specially formulated for marine engines. MDO is composed mainly of light distillates such as kerosene and petroleum naphtha, which are blended together with additives that help reduce emissions and improve engine performance.

The cost of MDO varies depending on the market price and the location where it is purchased. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 per tonne in Europe, while in the US it can be up to 50% more expensive. In addition, some ports charge an additional fee for supplying fuel to cruise ships which can add up to several thousand dollars per voyage.

The amount of fuel used by a cruise ship also depends on how many passengers and crew members are onboard, as well as other factors such as weather conditions and speed at which the vessel is travelling. For example, if the weather is bad or if the vessel needs to travel at higher speeds then more fuel will be consumed.

In conclusion, it can cost up to $500,000 to fill a cruise ship with fuel depending on various factors such as type and quantity of fuel required, market prices and additional charges levied by ports. Cruises are still popular amongst holidaymakers despite rising fuel costs due to their all-inclusive nature and range of activities available onboard.