Vat added to dining on italian cruise?

[jmfdr]

That would be great if you could report back! Also any discount on dinner packages onboard? Thanks!!

 

Does this enforcement of VAT on cruise ship purchases in EU waters have anything to do with the tariffs the US is imposing on Eu countries?

[DYKWIA]

Does this enforcement of VAT on cruise ship purchases in EU waters have anything to do with the tariffs the US is imposing on Eu countries?

 

No.

 

VAT is a sales tax that is applied to goods at the point of sale within the EU. On land you don't really realise you're paying it as for personal purchases it is included within the advertised price, unlike the US where I believe where your sales tax is added at the till.

 

If a cruise ship commences its voyage within the EU and then sails outside the EU during a cruise (by calling in at a non EU port) then the cruise does not have to charge VAT on purchases made on board for the duration of the cruise whilst at sea. If it does not stop at a non EU port VAT is chargeable on certain on board purchases as the ship.

 

So for example -

A cruise from Venice to Athens does not leave the EU - VAT Payable throughout cruise on certain purchases

A cruise from Venice to Athens but calls in at Kotor, Montenegro (outside EU) - VAT is not payable after it leaves Venice for the duration of the cruise.

[steamboats]

Does this enforcement of VAT on cruise ship purchases in EU waters have anything to do with the tariffs the US is imposing on Eu countries?

 

No, this is not a new law. And it´s discussed at least ten times per year on these boards for each cruise line (mainly Celebrity, RCI and NCL).

 

steamboats

[jmfdr]

No, this is not a new law. And it´s discussed at least ten times per year on these boards for each cruise line (mainly Celebrity, RCI and NCL).

 

steamboats

 

Thanks everyone for clarifying. We have never been on a European cruise that did not include a non EU port so the VAT was never an issue. I have not read any of the other threads about this.

[FreestyleNovice]

That would be great if you could report back! Also any discount on dinner packages onboard? Thanks!!

 

Not that I have seen, only online a 1st night for 30 USD.

[FreestyleNovice]

No VAT added! :)

[S&DMOM]

No VAT added! :)

 

 

Thank you! So to clarify no VAT added to Dining packages or Drink packages bought on board?

[Denny01]

To be very clear, No. None added to the Dining, Drink packages, or to using the a specialty restaurant without a package, or ordering drinking without a package, or the internet packages, laundry, gelato, etc.

 

Only when using the shops as explained earlier.

 

II can be confusing when we post about similar issues, but not what directly responds to the OP’s question. Enjoy your cruise. Any Med itinerary is just great. We’ve bought many things with VAT attached and got our refunds. On Board purchase should be easy for the VAT refund with their refund company, and keep your receipts from inport buys.

 

Den

[FreestyleNovice]

Indeed S&DMOM, as posted above. :)