No sales tax on the ship, right?

[vpalmer]

I can't imagine there could be sales tax on the ship because you are not technically in any municipality and I assume this is why they close down the shops while in port: to avoid paying local taxes. Am I right, is the ship tax free?

 

[staceymerrill]

correct, no sales tax.....

watch out for auto gratuities for drinks you order though.....

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

Yup, no sales tax. I learned that when waiting in line at Shutters and was eyeing the cameras for sale. The CM mentioned you get a good price because no sales tax is charged.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Keep in mind that purchases on the ship must be included in the total on your U.S. Customs Declaration Form.

If you go above the U.S. Customs allowance, then, on debarkation morning, a U.S. Customs officer will tell you how much duty (tax) you owe.

I imagine that most passengers stay below the U.S. Customs allowance, so this isn't an issue. But if you're planning to buy jewelry in foreign ports, you could exceed the U.S. Customs allowance, and thus your purchases on the ship won't really be tax free.

 

[vpalmer]

Keep in mind that purchases on the ship must be included in the total on your U.S. Customs Declaration Form.

If you go above the U.S. Customs allowance, then, on debarkation morning, a U.S. Customs officer will tell you how much duty (tax) you owe.

I imagine that most passengers stay below the U.S. Customs allowance, so this isn't an issue. But if you're planning to buy jewelry in foreign ports, you could exceed the U.S. Customs allowance, and thus your purchases on the ship won't really be tax free.

So what is the US customs allowance? Do things like pictures count against it? We are not planning on buying jewelry or art or anything so we should be fine.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

So what is the US customs allowance? Do things like pictures count against it? We are not planning on buying jewelry or art or anything so we should be fine.

See http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/help/overview?name=PortsOfCallFAQLandingPage#7

The short answer is $800 per passenger — but it gets more complicated if your itinerary includes St. Thomas.