VAT Tax Confuses Some European Cruise Guests
Passengers on some Norwegian Cruise Line ships have been upset to discover that the line’s well-known “Free At Sea” package is subject to a 10% VAT tax whenever the ships sail in Spanish waters.
The VAT is added to drinks and meals in specialty restaurants despite the package — which in Europe is bought per person/per day basis — being marketed as all-inclusive.
The VAT would be difficult to include in the overall price of the package, given that it will vary depending on what each passenger orders.
It’s worth noting that the international version of Free At Seas differs substantially from the one offered to those sailing out of US ports.
Full story VAT Tax Confuses Some European Cruise Guests