Cheers in Europe & VAT

[les37b]

No More Cheers pkgs on the remaining Vista Europe cruises even if Pre Purchased 🙀🙀

 

This is per John Heald Today:

 

<< snip>>

 

 

Please let me know if I can help further, cheers

 

It's not the guests that need the help here.

[NOLALADY]

It's not the guests that need the help here.

 

This ^^^^^^^^^ :cool::mad:

[SwissDave]

Hi all

Let me start by saying I am not a Carnival cruiser, but I do cruise with Princess - so far exclusively in Europe.

 

It looks like you are being screwed.

 

If you purchased a drinks package prior to arriving in Spain then you do NOT pay any extra VAT on drinks you get at the bar. The 10% that would be added is ONLY for drinks & food purchased that are not part of the package. If you bought a package while you were out of Spain, i.e from the USA then there is no further VAT or tax to pay on those drinks or food that you can get from the package. This is because you bought the package while out of Spanish jurisdiction.

 

I buy my Princess all inclusive package from the UK (currently still part of the EU). When we get to Spain there is NO additional charge unless I buy something not covered by the package.

 

Do not let John Heald or anyone else at Carnival fool you. IF you bought the package from the USA then there is NO additional tax on 'what the price might have been' levied by the Spanish Government.

Edited September 2, 2016 by SwissDave
clarity.

[les37b]

Spot on Dave.

 

On the previous cruises, carnival have been charging pre purchasers with a fee of 10% tax on each drink taken under the package. It's a new tax invented by Carnival called the "what it would have cost you" tax.

 

I'm just about to disembark. I did pre buy and for the first time carnival have got it right and not charged. Those buying on board were charged 10% on the deal and no further charges. This is also correct.

 

Food bought on board has had 10% added.... However drinks being bought has had 21% added.... This of course is incorrect. I have no idea how carnival have managed to mess this up, but I do know guests are due a refund else this could be considered fraud.

 

This announcement basically will add a huge bill to those who have pre-booked or intending to buy on board.

 

The bar tenders told up the previous cruise to ours had lots of angry people and many going to seek refunds from their credit card companies.

 

For this cruise..... I predict a riot... And lots of customers who will never again book with carnival.... And all because carnival does not know EU tax laws and have misunderstood what is required. Given the parent company has managed to do it correctly on all its other CL it begs the question how is it that Carnival CL has got it so wrong.

 

Personally I think carnival will be in breach of contract if they refuse to honour cheers to those who've pre-bought and similarly to those who they are going to refuse the opportunity to do so.

 

Good luck to those embarking today. I'm so glad I'm getting off today and that they honoured what they were legally obliged to do on my cruise I depart from in a couple of hours.

[aksjs]

We wouldn't have booked this cruise without this as an option how come every other cruise line from America has got this sorted and it's not our fault they have pulled turkey when there have been no issues in this part if turkey at all! Due to board today not looking forward to this it's chaotic carnival never again!

[heatherbelle]

People just off this cruise are stating they are charging the 10% vat PER DRINK even if you have the Cheers pkg not on the Prepaid full package price

 

They are also charging the 10% tax on the value of the Free drinks in the casino per casino guests just off.....about .60-$1.00 per mixed drink depending on what kind you're drinking. Still better than Full Price

 

Carnival have now refunded the tax on my free drink after two emails to complain about. No refund for the rest of the VAT, but as a gesture of goodwill i can receive a Bon voyage gift if I sail with them again. I have replied back asking we had to pay VAT but subsequent sailings did not they are all EU ports, just like the 6 August sailing.

[cclarke12]

Carnival have just got this whole taxation issue so wrong. We've only ever been charged 10% in Spanish waters. Indeed P&O (party of Carnival Corporation) spell out the taxation on the website, confirming 10% on bar purchases will be charged

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/on-shore/iva_tax

[les37b]

Carnival have just got this whole taxation issue so wrong. We've only ever been charged 10% in Spanish waters. Indeed P&O (party of Carnival Corporation) spell out the taxation on the website, confirming 10% on bar purchases will be charged

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/on-shore/iva_tax

 

Interesting as that was my understanding that the tax was only applicable when in Spanish waters (for a Barcelona start) - however, I have also read that because it doesn't leave EU waters, then the Spanish tax persists throughout the cruise at the rates of 10% for food and drink and 21% other goods apart from when in port in Italy when 22% is charged or 24% when in a Greek port.

 

I believe this is the accurate tax that should be applied when buying onboard.

 

Obviously anyone who has pre-purchased should not be applicable to any tax since the goods obtained is zero and this "what it would have cost you" tax is a carnival invention. People should still be allowed to buy cheers on board - but that purchase price only will be hit with a 10% tax charge and nothing on drinks obtained.

 

This is how it SHOULD be on any cruise starting out of Spain.

 

People on the 26 August cruise were being charged 21% for Drinks which of course is complete BS.

[cclarke12]

Interesting as that was my understanding that the tax was only applicable when in Spanish waters (for a Barcelona start) - however, I have also read that because it doesn't leave EU waters, then the Spanish tax persists throughout the cruise at the rates of 10% for food and drink and 21% other goods apart from when in port in Italy when 22% is charged or 24% when in a Greek port.

 

I believe this is the accurate tax that should be applied when buying onboard.

 

Obviously anyone who has pre-purchased should not be applicable to any tax since the goods obtained is zero and this "what it would have cost you" tax is a carnival invention. People should still be allowed to buy cheers on board - but that purchase price only will be hit with a 10% tax charge and nothing on drinks obtained.

 

This is how it SHOULD be on any cruise starting out of Spain.

 

People on the 26 August cruise were being charged 21% for Drinks which of course is complete BS.

 

I have done a couple of P&O cruises and when we were docked in Barcelona for example, they did add on the IVA tax. As soon as ship departed there was no additional tax to pay - but this was on ex Southampton cruises. Ex Barcelona cruises I've always paid the 10%. I just can't believe how wrong Carnival have got this. It's not rocket science and other ships in the Carnival Corporation manage the taxation correctly in Europe. I'm sure this will come up on one of the consumer affairs programmes in the UK soon.

[les37b]

I have done a couple of P&O cruises and when we were docked in Barcelona for example, they did add on the IVA tax. As soon as ship departed there was no additional tax to pay - but this was on ex Southampton cruises. Ex Barcelona cruises I've always paid the 10%. I just can't believe how wrong Carnival have got this. It's not rocket science and other ships in the Carnival Corporation manage the taxation correctly in Europe. I'm sure this will come up on one of the consumer affairs programmes in the UK soon.

 

The reason you only paid the 10% tax in port was directly because you were in port in Spain so in their waters - but the ship started from the UK. I dont believe the UK applies this tax like the Spanish do. Happy to be proved wrong if thats the case. I know there are exceptions to this which I think is if the ship doesnt leave UK waters. Again - happy to be corrected.

[cclarke12]

The reason you only paid the 10% tax in port was directly because you were in port in Spain so in their waters - but the ship started from the UK. I dont believe the UK applies this tax like the Spanish do. Happy to be proved wrong if thats the case. I know there are exceptions to this which I think is if the ship doesnt leave UK waters. Again - happy to be corrected.

 

My understanding is the same as yours.

[LIMPIT]

Yes vat is 20% in the UK, and I have never heard of the vat being applied to purchases aboard ship on Med Sailings that depart from the UK that do not visit a Non EU Port !

So why is it being charged out of Spain, and how can the rate change when in Greek waters ?

Why is the rate not changing when in French or Italian waters [emoji848]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[les37b]

Yes vat is 20% in the UK, and I have never heard of the vat being applied to purchases aboard ship on Med Sailings that depart from the UK that do not visit a Non EU Port !

So why is it being charged out of Spain, and how can the rate change when in Greek waters ?

Why is the rate not changing when in French or Italian waters [emoji848]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Don't shout too loudly as they might start doing so. The UK is entitled to do so but doesn't. I guess the UK appreciates it earns a lot of revenue and doesn't want to upset the apple cart.

 

Look at it this way. I got fooled into believing the answer I was giving regarding prices on board were accurate and no extra charges. I would not have booked had I known the game that was being played. I suspect that in future, cruise companies will be hit in the pocket (numbers booking and purchases on board) unless they do something. I suspect they will ensure ships either visit non Euro ports (or Gibraltar with its tax free status... Not sure why Monaco isn't part of that scenario but it isn't.). Or they sell more drink packages to bypass this tax which carnival have got so wrong since the actual cost of the food and drink is zero as its pre paid.

 

I'm surprised there has been no big shouts yet from the 3rd sept Barcelona cruise to confirm if they did stop cheers as announced.

[PSRCPA]

Ok....here's my question. If we prepay a bottle of liquor from the fun shop to be delivered to our cabin - will we be charged VAT? We're on Oct 1st sailing........Thanks!

[crzndeb]

Ok....here's my question. If we prepay a bottle of liquor from the fun shop to be delivered to our cabin - will we be charged VAT? We're on Oct 1st sailing........Thanks![/quote

 

I'm not sure of the answer, but why wouldn't you just buy in Barcelona, and bring it on? Probably a lot cheaper than Fun Shop prices. That's what I plan on doing. Alcohol and beer...LOL

[LaCal]

Ok....here's my question. If we prepay a bottle of liquor from the fun shop to be delivered to our cabin - will we be charged VAT? We're on Oct 1st sailing........Thanks!

 

I'm on the same cruise....They aren't selling bottles of booze onboard from what I've read. Buy it in port.....Barcelona has a duty free store right after you go through security near the elevators

[aksjs]

No they are not selling the cheers and no one knew until on board at Barcelona we are now in Greek waters so the tax has gone up to 24% on everything including them opening the bottle of wine that we bought from them on the drinks package wine package ! So have bought a wine package only to be charged every time we have one! Two GT last night 27 dollars including the tax! We are drinking water in the day with the occasional drink at night would NOT have booked this cruise if we had known this have registered a complaint but heard nothing at all! The ship is beautiful but we are being effectively robbed on board!

[aksjs]

Yes we are on the 3rd September cruise in Rhodes today! Weathers good anyway! Would never have chosen carnival if we had known this! Cruise was for our wedding anniversary! :(

Edited September 10, 2016 by aksjs

[les37b]

Yes we are on the 3rd September cruise in Rhodes today! Weathers good anyway! Would never have chosen carnival if we had known this! Cruise was for our wedding anniversary! :(

 

No they are not selling the cheers and no one knew until on board at Barcelona we are now in Greek waters so the tax has gone up to 24% on everything including them opening the bottle of wine that we bought from them on the drinks package wine package ! So have bought a wine package only to be charged every time we have one! Two GT last night 27 dollars including the tax! We are drinking water in the day with the occasional drink at night would NOT have booked this cruise if we had known this have registered a complaint but heard nothing at all! The ship is beautiful but we are being effectively robbed on board!

 

You have my complete sympathy. When this first reared its head back in May, I said the same thing. I wouldn't have booked if had known either, though luckily, the previous cruise to yours they almost got it right... almost! (I actually asked ast the time of booking and they confirmed no extras on drink prices apart from gratuities as well.)

 

I pre-booked cheers (which I wasnt going to do, as I thought $919 for 2 cheers packages for 2 for 8 days was expensive. As it happened, at the prices they charge it worked ok for me. I didnt have to pay any VAT on the package I bought or this daft "what it would have cost" tax per drink they did on the two previous cruises to mine.

 

But ...... they charged 21% tax on all drinks outside of cheers, when it should have been 10%.

 

I'm not sure if thats theft or fraud or both. I don't buy into this "it was an error" BS since they have zero excuse for making such a hash on each and every cruise like they HAVE done. They have scores of lawyers and cruise directors and top bods who should be able to work it out. But they haven't.

 

I expect my bar bill would have ended up at between $1000 and $1200 for each of us. They still made a good profit on the $919 we paid - especially from the slush cocktails which I'd probably need to drink 100 to get any effect from alcohol! But thats another story..... I'd hate to think what any real boozers would be thinking on your trip on a bill they WILL get if they do drink like they had cheers! And I bet they wont stop them having more than 15 now either! lol

 

Anyway, I think they must be in breach of contract on this, since they advertise you can buy an AI drinks package which has been denied. Failing to let people know until they board is one thing, but their complete misunderstanding of EU tax laws and its implications are incredible.

 

Instead of encouraging people to pre-buy and avoid having to collect ANY tax for drinks on board, they have created a reason to collect a tax the Spanish would not otherwise be entitled to. It really is as simple as that. It's almost like they want you to not book again

 

As an individual, I actually did rather well on my cruise. Not only did I get my package applied as agreed, because of my continual contact and promised call backs (including about 4 or 5 hours from Spain, I ended up getting a rather nice credit applied to my account for all passengers in my group.) But thats another story.

 

But the fact is, Carnival have created mistrust and resentment. I actually thought my cruise was the turn around (albeit the incorrect TAX applied for drinks that were needing a tax applied) But the John Heald announcement, pretty much confirms my previous views that it's not an act.

 

So folks. Just bring on your own and dont buy any drinks from Carnival. And dont buy in the duty free in Barcelona - its expensive. Go into a local supermarket. Best tip you can have - outside of book a different cruise line that wont rip you off with taxes you dont need to pay by giving you an option to pre buy. That would probably be ALL cruise lines!

 

Oh. The other thing, since Carnival are keen to announce EU laws. Prices of goods in the EU must be displayed with their full cost - and that includes VAT. I wonder when that one is going to be obeyed?

 

 

I think les37b is right. Carnival will pay for this in the end.

 

Despite your comments, you have my sympathies. Luckily from what you said, you wont be too badly affected if you really will only drink 5 or 6 drinks throughout the cruise. But for the party animals!!! Doesn't bare thinking about!

 

You asked where all the taxes go. After my cruise, that really is now a good question. People were being charged 21% for their drinks. Will they be giving a refund for their mistake, passing it all to the Spanish, giving it to staff as gratuities, or keeping it as profit? You decide.

[bluwes]

Yes we are on the 3rd September cruise in Rhodes today! Weathers good anyway! Would never have chosen carnival if we had known this! Cruise was for our wedding anniversary! :(

 

Same here. Its our ruby wedding while we are on board, Steakhouse booked and champagne and wine to be enjoyed. Wont sail with them again and this is our 12th Carnival cruise. You can stick your Horizon 2018 Med cruises where the sun don't shine

 

Anyway time for bed, the cab is coming at 4 am for our 6.30 flight to Athens.

[les37b]

Same here. Its our ruby wedding while we are on board, Steakhouse booked and champagne and wine to be enjoyed. Wont sail with them again and this is our 12th Carnival cruise. You can stick your Horizon 2018 Med cruises where the sun don't shine

 

Anyway time for bed, the cab is coming at 4 am for our 6.30 flight to Athens.

 

Will you be contacting watchdog?

 

On a plus note... You won the Derby :-)

[Karnyval]

I think les37b is right. Carnival will pay for this in the end.

 

I doubt it. Many people are lined up waiting for Horizon bookings to open.

 

With the destruction of the GBP thanks to Brexit, perhaps there will even be a British Isles cruise.

[SweetCruiser39]

I'm not happy with how Carnival handled the VAT situation on our August 6th sailing, but it won't stop me, and plenty of others, from booking the Horizon.

[Harry3534]

I live in Wales and Wales voted overwhelmingly with England to leave, try again. I have seen niche cruises in and out of Cardiff bay mostly smaller vessels such as Azamara, Silversea etc, nearly all American passengers.

 

I loved my cruise but Carnival as a multinational are shocking. Woeful understanding/ignorance of the EU laws. They are a bunch of nickle and dime merchants. No remorse here mate:)

[Cully1953]

It would appear that Carnival have changed their minds again and are now selling cheers on European cruises. A member of my roll call for the 23rd Sep cruise out of Barcelona got this email today...

 

Greetings folks,

 

We know you must be excited about your upcoming Mediterranean cruise aboard the beautiful Carnival Vista.

 

We are sorry to inform you that your pre-purchase order of Bottomless Bubbles and/or CHEERS! beverage package was inadvertently cancelled. A full refund was posted to your original form of payment. We invite you to revisit http://www.carnival.com to repurchase.

 

While we have you, please be aware since your cruise departs from Spain (a member of the European Union) and calls only on countries within the European Union, we are required by law to charge a Value Added Tax (VAT). Food and drink purchases at bars and restaurants will be subject to a 10% VAT during your cruise. The tax on Bottomless Bubbles and CHEERS! beverage package for this cruise will be charged at the package price (not per drink).

 

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. Most importantly, we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard for a fun and memorable cruise.