Drink tax

[tbarton]

We have the drink package as promo and have paid the gratuity charge. However I heard that we could be charged extra per drink bc we are in USA ports the entire time. Is this true and how much is the tax?

[triptolemus]

We have the drink package as promo and have paid the gratuity charge. However I heard that we could be charged extra per drink bc we are in USA ports the entire time. Is this true and how much is the tax?

 

It's true, and whatever the local sales tax is. Look it up.

[roger001]

When in the port, prior to sailing, yes, the community/state sales tax applicable for that particular port city will be charged. That will vary but probably averages 8% or so. When the tax is charged you will have to sign your drink slip. With no tax, you no longer have to sign when you get a drink.

[Jenjer]

Yes it is a state tax and NCL charges it to you. Its small under a $1.00 a drink.

 

If you don't want to pay it you just have to wait until after sail away.

[esm54687]

also very popular tax in a lot of European ports...

[First cruise lady]

Any ideas which European ports, as we also have the drinks package and are going on a Mediterranean cruise. Thanks

 

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[asubaru]

Yes, you can be charged according to local and/or state laws. Cost/percentage wise it varies greatly. Some don't incl. alcohol in their sales tax laws. Some states, like Alaska, don't have a sales tax, but some of their municipalities do. Seems like many cruise ports' cities have local taxes, but don't know if any apply to cruise ship drinks.

 

It really, really helps get better answers if you note your ship/ports in your title and questions. Then you can get "experience" answers.

 

As a side note, I still can't figure out why NCL doesn't pay local taxes on my drinks since they paid for my UBP. How am I charged taxes on nothing?

 

 

 

We have the drink package as promo and have paid the gratuity charge. However I heard that we could be charged extra per drink bc we are in USA ports the entire time. Is this true and how much is the tax?

[asubaru]

From what I have researched, Spain charges VAT on most purchases (drinks incl) on the ship and while in Spanish waters. It's costly, so I've read many warnings do not purchase anything on the ship until you're "out of range". I don't know about the other countries/ports.

 

I don't think it's likely I'll be waiting on the drink purchases. :-)

 

 

Any ideas which European ports, as we also have the drinks package and are going on a Mediterranean cruise. Thanks

 

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[First cruise lady]

Thanks for all those replies. We're sailing from Barcelona to Venice, calling at toulon, Livorno, civittaveccia, Naples, mykonos, Athens, Dubrovnik and Kotor. Anyone know if taxes are charged in any of those? Thanks

 

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[takeadip]

NCL charges these drink taxes...other lines choose to "eat" the cost so they dont make a valued passenger feel nickle and dimed. NCL is starting to lose its luster but passengers can make own decisions as to where and who to give their money to.

[zbagmakr]

NCL charges these drink taxes...other lines choose to "eat" the cost so they dont make a valued passenger feel nickle and dimed. NCL is starting to lose its luster but passengers can make own decisions as to where and who to give their money to.

 

Not true...check your receipt, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess have always charged me this "extra tax" while we are still in port (Tampa,Miami, Ft. Lauderdale).

[casofilia]

Ask first and, if necessary, drink later!! :D

 

There are funny rules all round the world as to what applies on ships.

 

That is why there is no casino on PoA and why the casino on the Sun was closed at some point when the Sun was in Chilean waters.

[mjaruse]

Is there a tax while docked in Bermuda?

[NCLfamily]

I sailed from Barcelona in April and never paid tax there or in Malaga.

 

 

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[NCLfamily]

NCL charges these drink taxes...other lines choose to "eat" the cost so they dont make a valued passenger feel nickle and dimed. NCL is starting to lose its luster but passengers can make own decisions as to where and who to give their money to.

 

 

zzzzzzzzz

 

 

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[phoenix1181]

Is there a tax while docked in Bermuda?

 

No taxes while docked in Bermuda.

[KeithJenner]

Thanks for all those replies. We're sailing from Barcelona to Venice, calling at toulon, Livorno, civittaveccia, Naples, mykonos, Athens, Dubrovnik and Kotor. Anyone know if taxes are charged in any of those? Thanks

 

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On that itinerary, port tax is payable in Barcelona. From memory is isn't at any other ports. Certainly not the French and Italian ones and I don't think it is in the others.

 

Anyway, it does seem that these days you don't pay any Spanish tax if you have the UBP. We didn't pay any on our last cruise out of Barcelona despite the tax being chargeable for the whole cruise if you pay per drink.

[GLYNAGP]

I have just had lunch with friends who had UBP on their Western Med cruise from Barcelono on Epic last Feburary and they don't recall any additional tax put on their bill for tax whilst in port.

[First cruise lady]

Thanks for all your replies. Sounds like we should be okay then.

 

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[KeithJenner]

I have just had lunch with friends who had UBP on their Western Med cruise from Barcelono on Epic last Feburary and they don't recall any additional tax put on their bill for tax whilst in port.

 

 

 

No, that's the itinerary I was on most recently and there was no tax payable with the UBP.

[AmR87]

Any ideas which European ports, as we also have the drinks package and are going on a Mediterranean cruise. Thanks

 

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I just got off the epic and I did not have any charges for any drinks.

[tbarton]

So the tax only applies while the ship is in port? Once it sails there is no tax regardless where it is? No big deal but just curious how that works

[jcann4444]

At port you pay taxes. The waiters in the Haven would wait til you left port to ring it in if you were close to departure

[KeithJenner]

So the tax only applies while the ship is in port? Once it sails there is no tax regardless where it is? No big deal but just curious how that works

 

 

 

That is usually the case, although on some European cruises like the Epic western med itinerary it is charged throughout the cruise (if you don't have the UBP).

[Demonyte]

That is usually the case, although on some European cruises like the Epic western med itinerary it is charged throughout the cruise (if you don't have the UBP).

 

 

And that is because some itineraries never call outside EU tax area.