Tax on beverage purchases?

[Expatriat]

Pre-order info for water states that gratuity and tax are not included in the price. I understand that gratuities are automatic for beverage purchases on the ship, but I didn't think there was tax. Is the price for a pack of water higher after you board? If not and if there is no tax, wouldn't it make more sense to order it from room service and only pay the base price plus gratuity? Of those here who do purchase the bottled water, do you pre-order or do it after boarding?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Pre-order info for water states that gratuity and tax are not included in the price. I understand that gratuities are automatic for beverage purchases on the ship, but I didn't think there was tax. Is the price for a pack of water higher after you board? If not and if there is no tax, wouldn't it make more sense to order it from room service and only pay the base price plus gratuity? Of those here who do purchase the bottled water, do you pre-order or do it after boarding?

I think the tax only applies if you purchase in port. As in pre-cruise, or while docked (especially in the Bahamas). If you purchase while the ship is underway, I don't think there are any "taxes", just the 15% gratuity.

 

[MunFam]

We paid tax on all of our beverage purchases aboard. I was really taken aback by it. They taxed the gratuity too, I think.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We paid tax on all of our beverage purchases aboard. I was really taken aback by it. They taxed the gratuity too, I think.

Only on closed loop Med cruises where VAT is added if you do not leave the EU.

OP I did purchase water and wine in advance they do add the tip and local USA tax as its processed on the land pre cruise.

It's nothing to do with purchasing it in port.

 

[Expatriat]

I think the tax only applies if you purchase in port. As in pre-cruise, or while docked (especially in the Bahamas). If you purchase while the ship is underway, I don't think there are any "taxes", just the 15% gratuity.

Thanks! That's what I thought I remembered, but is the price of the water more aboard? If it isn't, then there could be no incentive to pre-purchase.

We paid tax on all of our beverage purchases aboard. I was really taken aback by it. They taxed the gratuity too, I think.

Really? Did you ever order beverages via room service and have that taxed also?

 

[Expatriat]

Only on closed loop Med cruises where VAT is added if you do not leave the EU.

OP I did purchase water and wine in advance they do add the tip and local USA tax as its processed on the land pre cruise.

It's nothing to do with purchasing it in port.

Thanks! That makes more sense. I guess the root of my inquiry is to find out if it would be cheaper to order water through room service after we start sailing, or not? A 6-pack pre-ordered is $9 and I think a 24-pack is $30 (not sure as I'm not looking at it right now). Does anyone know the onboard price?

 

[MunFam]

Thanks! That's what I thought I remembered, but is the price of the water more aboard? If it isn't, then there could be no incentive to pre-purchase.


Really? Did you ever order beverages via room service and have that taxed also?

No, no room service beverages. But I know the corkage fees were taxed and gratuity added. I really feel like the tax was calculated on the amount including gratuity, but I could be wrong. I know every drink purchase had gratuity...bars, dining room, etc. We were on the WBPC when this happened.

 

[Expatriat]

Thanks for the replies everyone!