Symphony Specialty Dining Service Charge

I read the following in Cruise Critic for Symphony of the Seas: "

and

Where do you see this?

I read the following in Cruise Critic for Symphony of the Seas: "

Also be aware that the cover charge listed for each specialty restaurant is not the price you'll actually pay -- you have to factor in an additional 18 percent gratuity

and

10 percent service charge for each person."

OK. I expected the 18% gratuity and have paid it in the past. I was amazed by the 10% service charge. Where did that come from? Why not just bump the price up 10%. From a customer point of view, this sounds more like a 30% gratuity. I'm not liking this.

The extra 10% may be coming from the Spanish VAT. We received a letter on embarkation in our room that explained we would be charged VAT throughout our cruise on items not covered in our initial cruise fare.

 

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So, I hate paperwork. So what I've learned is I just won't buy anything while in the EU or onboard :) Besides, I'm Canadian, its all ridiculously expensive given the awful exchange rate.

 

I go on the Symphony in October (the 9 day)

 

I hardly bought anything the last time I was in the EU ... but that is because I was travelling for 3 weeks with just a carry-on, so there was no room.

The extra 10% may be coming from the Spanish VAT. We received a letter on embarkation in our room that explained we would be charged VAT throughout our cruise on items not covered in our initial cruise fare.

 

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Yes, it's the VAT.

What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra?

TIA

What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra?

TIA

I don’t know about the VAT but if you prepay for a package before the cruise then you are not charged the gratuity on board.

If you buy say a drinks package or a restaurant or dining package there is no additional Spanish tax when onboard when you redeem those purchases.

 

 

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What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra?

TIA

Anything prepaid was not subject to VAT or the service charge. Only applies to purchases made onboard

 

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