Purchasing UBP in Port of Miami

[Coastalbreezes]

If you purchase the Beverage Package after boarding in Miami do you also pay port taxes in addition to the 18% gratuity?

 

Terms and conditions say taxes are added in "certain ports". FYI I've just added a third person to our cruise and the UBP is only included for the first two passengers so we'll need to purchase the additional UBP.

 

Thanks for any info,

Tracy

[hawkeyetlse]

I don't have recent, first hand experience of this, but purchases made in port are subject to Miami/FL sales tax. In the past if you purchased the UBP on board, they put a sticker on your card that was valid immediately, and they filled out a paper sales slip that was only entered into the computer a few hours later. I don't know if they did this specifically to avoid charging you tax or just because it took them that long to get around to it, and I don't know if they have updated to a more hi-tech system by now that allows them to charge you immediately (while still in port, thus requiring tax to be added). If so, you may still be able to request that they process the charge later, and hope that they will understand what you are asking and be willing to accommodate you.

[Coastalbreezes]

I don't have recent, first hand experience of this, but purchases made in port are subject to Miami/FL sales tax. In the past if you purchased the UBP on board, they put a sticker on your card that was valid immediately, and they filled out a paper sales slip that was only entered into the computer a few hours later. I don't know if they did this specifically to avoid charging you tax or just because it took them that long to get around to it, and I don't know if they have updated to a more hi-tech system by now that allows them to charge you immediately (while still in port, thus requiring tax to be added). If so, you may still be able to request that they process the charge later, and hope that they will understand what you are asking and be willing to accommodate you.

 

Good suggestion, thank you. I forgot about those paper sales slips.

Tracy

[khaide612]

If you purchase the Beverage Package after boarding in Miami do you also pay port taxes in addition to the 18% gratuity?

 

Terms and conditions say taxes are added in "certain ports". FYI I've just added a third person to our cruise and the UBP is only included for the first two passengers so we'll need to purchase the additional UBP.

 

Thanks for any info,

Tracy

 

The 3rd person does not have to buy the UBP if the first 2 got it as a perk.

[bradjc9]

speaking of taxes on drinks with the UBP- how far out of Miami do you have to go before there is no more tax on the drinks you're consuming? is it right out of Miami, or two hours in, etc? Any ideas? :cool:

 

long time reader- first time poster, Escape in October!!! :D

[zqvol]

If you purchase the Beverage Package after boarding in Miami do you also pay port taxes in addition to the 18% gratuity?

 

Terms and conditions say taxes are added in "certain ports". FYI I've just added a third person to our cruise and the UBP is only included for the first two passengers so we'll need to purchase the additional UBP.

 

Thanks for any info,

Tracy

 

You can always buy it before you sail without the tax, and it may be a little less expensive. I urge you to do some calculating before you make the purchase. The UBP is very expensive when purchased. You need to drink at least 6 or 7 drinks a day to make it worthwhile. It might be better put the 3rd person on a pay as you go status.

[POA1]

It should be 12 miles.