kontraxed Posted April 20, 2018 #1 Share Posted April 20, 2018 I read the following in Cruise Critic for Symphony of the Seas: " Also be aware that the cover charge listed for each specialty restaurant is not the price you'll actually pay -- you have to factor in an additional 18 percent gratuity and 10 percent service charge for each person." OK. I expected the 18% gratuity and have paid it in the past. I was amazed by the 10% service charge. Where did that come from? Why not just bump the price up 10%. From a customer point of view, this sounds more like a 30% gratuity. I'm not liking this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted April 20, 2018 #2 Share Posted April 20, 2018 Where do you see this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stp_mmh5 Posted April 20, 2018 #3 Share Posted April 20, 2018 I read the following in Cruise Critic for Symphony of the Seas: "Also be aware that the cover charge listed for each specialty restaurant is not the price you'll actually pay -- you have to factor in an additional 18 percent gratuity and 10 percent service charge for each person." OK. I expected the 18% gratuity and have paid it in the past. I was amazed by the 10% service charge. Where did that come from? Why not just bump the price up 10%. From a customer point of view, this sounds more like a 30% gratuity. I'm not liking this. The extra 10% may be coming from the Spanish VAT. We received a letter on embarkation in our room that explained we would be charged VAT throughout our cruise on items not covered in our initial cruise fare. Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meekomist Posted April 20, 2018 #4 Share Posted April 20, 2018 So, I hate paperwork. So what I've learned is I just won't buy anything while in the EU or onboard :) Besides, I'm Canadian, its all ridiculously expensive given the awful exchange rate. I go on the Symphony in October (the 9 day) I hardly bought anything the last time I was in the EU ... but that is because I was travelling for 3 weeks with just a carry-on, so there was no room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted April 20, 2018 #5 Share Posted April 20, 2018 The extra 10% may be coming from the Spanish VAT. We received a letter on embarkation in our room that explained we would be charged VAT throughout our cruise on items not covered in our initial cruise fare. Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk Yes, it's the VAT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoochy12 Posted April 21, 2018 #6 Share Posted April 21, 2018 What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra? TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ourusualbeach Posted April 21, 2018 #7 Share Posted April 21, 2018 What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra? TIA I don’t know about the VAT but if you prepay for a package before the cruise then you are not charged the gratuity on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinyork Posted April 21, 2018 #8 Share Posted April 21, 2018 If you buy say a drinks package or a restaurant or dining package there is no additional Spanish tax when onboard when you redeem those purchases. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stp_mmh5 Posted April 21, 2018 #9 Share Posted April 21, 2018 What if you prepay before boarding for a specialty dining plan? How does the gratuity work? And the VAT ? Are they already included? Or is it extra? TIA Anything prepaid was not subject to VAT or the service charge. Only applies to purchases made onboard Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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