Beer Prices on Carnival Magic

[Retired_to_Cruise]

Ships docked in most U.S. departure ports have to charge the state and city taxes on things sold on the ship while it is sitting in that port, including drinks. Puerto Rico also charges its sales tax when ship are sitting at a dock (about 11%). In Texas there is an additional requirement that the alcohol sold while the ship is docked must be purchased by Carnival in the state of Texas. That is why there is a smaller selection of alcohol brands while the ships are in port. Once the ship leaves the port, the bars can serves the complete portfolio of alcohol that Carnival normally sells. That is also why they do not sell Cheers for the first day in Texas ports. I believe there is also a possibility that you may be charged a state tax on "duty free" alcohol that you may be carrying off the ship, even if you may just be going to the airport and flying out of Texas.

Edited February 8, 2016 by Retired_to_Cruise

[MACUQUI58]

Do they charge you tax on the item?

When the ship is still docked at port they do charge the tax, but when it leaves port no tax...

[RC of NC]

So, that (additional taxes) would be a great reason to buy it online ahead of time instead of departure day.