Mediterranean Cruise question

[tgeonetta]

Going on our first Mediterranean cruise and I see that several itineraries overlap each other. For example we embark in Barcelona, but for some that is just a port day. My question is do the lifeboat drills still happen around 5pm? What is the currency or prices quoted in gift shops on the ship, Euros?

 

 

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[Stpatsirish]

All ship gift shops are in US dollars.

[take us away]

If it is a segment embarkation port, you should have a life boat drill about 5.

[kazu]

If it is a segment embarkation port, you should have a life boat drill about 5.

 

Just to add that life boat drill is usually around 45 minutes to an hour from sailing, so the timing of your drill depends upon when you are set to leave. If you are leaving at 6 it will be around 5 pm, if you are leaving at 5 pm it will be around 4 pm.

[Hlitner]

Before you go shopping, for anything of value, in a ship shop....you might want to ask if they are charging a VAT tax. Depending on your cruise itinerary, the ship may be required to charge Spanish VAT tax which can be up to 18%! This is required for most (if not all) cruises that are doing round trips from a Spanish Port...and can happen in some other European ports. Here is a link to an article which will introduce you to the issue:

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/On-Europe-cruises-getting-acquainted-with-VAT

 

We have been to Europe many times in the past 30+ years. Many years ago we would always look forward to shopping in Europe where we could find lots of excellent buys. But now, because of VAT taxes (that exceed 20% in many countries) many fine European goods are actually less expensive when purchased in the USA or online :). Now, when we go to Europe, we buy little to nothing. A few years ago a family member ask DW to bring her back something "good" from Ireland. When we were in Ireland, DW was appalled at the prices of Irish Wool Sweaters (which is what she wanted to buy the family member)...so she did not buy a thing. When we returned home, DW went to a local Irish Goods Shop and bought an Irish Wool Sweater for about 25% less...then it would have cost in Ireland. Lesson learned :). We have some good friends from England who come to the USA on a regular basis. If its near Christmas...they will bring an empty suitcase and fill it with European goods they buy in the States....because "everything is cheaper here."

 

Hank