Spokesman Harrison Liu told us that the initiative was a trial to determine whether cruise passengers are interested in "paying a little more for the option of an organically raised cut of beef."

Now, Liu has contacted us to rescind information that we received from him and duly reported. The correction? The steak in question is actually not organic after all.

Liu says that the New York strip steak being offered in the main dining rooms on these two ships is "an all natural strip steak ... it is not organic." And here's another clarification. It turns out that the New York strip is a Black Angus steak after all. We were first told "yes" and then "no" (after which we promptly posted a correction); now, we're back to "yes." Oh, and a final newsflash: the steak is also being tested in [the alternate dining room] Chops, contrary to what we were originally told. There's no additional fee to try the all natural steak in the specialty restaurant, as it's included in the regular cover charge.

Cruises are attractive because they're all-inclusive, which once meant that all was included. Not anymore! Cruises are quickly devolving into luxury airlines, a slower, more expensive, way to get nickel and dimed as you try to get away from it all.

As always, the surcharges are entirely your fault. Cruise lines complain that you gluttonous cruisers are demanding more choices. Your steak needs to be natural, or organic, or whatever—you don't care as long as it's more expensive than the "variety meats" the rest of the floating swines are feasting on. Or, as we still can't believe a Celebrity Cruises VP once said: "When people go on vacation, they want to spend money."

Royal Mis-Steak: $14.95 Entree Not Organic After All [Cruise Critic via Tripso]
PREVIOUSLY: The Future Of Cruising: Botox And Data Mining

The snacks, which include "fresh sandwiches, salads, snack boxes or snacks, depending on the length of flight," will be complimentary for travelers in Business Class and cost coach fliers from $6 for "shelf stable items" to $9 for fresh items such as salads or sandwiches. This price increase will go into effect in October, about a month after United discontinues free snacks in coach. Previously, Business Class customers got free warm meals.

Are you going to pay $9 for a United Airlines sandwich?

United Airlines to Charge Up to $9 for Snacks [WSJ]
United Tests Food Choices in Business and Economy (Press Release) [MarketWatch]
(Photo: pwrplantgirl )

"I couldn't believe it," said Steven Dentali, who was charged the fee in October after renting a car from Dollar Rent A Car in Manchester, N.H. "I said to them, 'You're telling me I'm penalized no matter what? There's no way around me having to pay something?'"

That's precisely what the rental car agreement said. Here's the exact wording he received in his e-mail confirmation:

"Gasoline Policy: Vehicle must be returned with full tank or local refueling charge applies. If car is returned full a $2.00 top off fee will be applied."

When Dentali started asking questions, he said he was told that the fee was being test-marketed by Dollar at select locations in New England.

Dentali demanded a refund and was told he had to talk with a manager, who in turn told him to call Dollar's corporate offices. He did, and said he was promised a refund. But the $2 never arrived.

"I am unable to advise you as to whether or not this is a permanent policy or what the purpose is for it, but in an effort to regain your confidence in Dollar Rent A Car, I have requested a refund check in the amount of $2.16 to be forwarded to you from our accounting office. Please allow up to three weeks for processing and mailing."

At least it's cheaper than United's $50 fuel surcharge. Has anyone else seen and fought the top off fee? Send your experiences to tips at consumerist dot com.

Sneaky fee alert: rental car 'top off' [The Red Tape Chronicles]
(Photo: fabbio)

Yes, you too may have the privilege of paying $3 for the following snacks:

Week One:
Nov. 5 through Nov. 11 - 6.5 oz. Starbucks doubleshot Espresso & Cream

Week Two:
Nov. 12 through Nov. 18 - 16.9 oz. FUZE(R) Green Tea

Week Three:
Nov 19 through Nov. 25 - 20 oz. vitaminwater power-c and 2.4 oz. CLIF Bar Chocolate Brownie Energy Bars.

No offense, but according to internet grocer FreshDirect, we can have a Chocolate Brownie Energy CLIF Bar thing delivered to our house right now for $1.50. Just saying.

American Airlines is also testing a $10 fruit and cheese plate from Dec. 3 - Dec. 8. That had better be some psychotically good cheese for $10. Like, amazing restaurant-type cheese. We'd better be on our death bed talking about the time we had cheese on a flight to San Francisco. (Yes, perhaps we are cheap, but if we're going to pay $10 for cheese it won't be because we were extorted on an airplane.)

American Airlines to Test New Food For Sale Options (Press Release) [CNNMoney]