European VAT in giftshop on transatlantic cruises?

[Sultan84]

Hi, we are going on a transatlantic crossing to Europe in April and I am planning to do quite a bit of shopping on board.

 

I just remembered that the giftshop prices were about 20% higher due to European VAT when we cruised in the Med last summer.

 

Now I am wondering - since our cruise is going to Europe, will we be paying European VAT on the transatlantic cruise? If yes, will this be from the beginning of the cruise or will this be starting after a certain point? Who has been shopping on a transatlantic cruise and can let me know?

[xpcdoojk]

I wouldn't think so.

 

jc

[Albert Ross]

European VAT is only charged on cruises where the ship does not leave EU countries (eg: Spain>France> Italy> Spain). If it goes to a non-EU country during the cruise such as Gibraltar or Turkey or Croatia then it is fine. As you are going to USA then it should not affect you.

[heatherb1958]

It is my experience that the cruise has to leave from and sail wholly within the EU for the cruiseline to charge EU tax on goods onboard. We are very careful now when choosing itineraries that there is at least one port of call outside the EU:).

[isdoo]

surely you are in international waters, so it will be tax free??

[Seatravelers]

surely you are in international waters, so it will be tax free??

 

Don't ever remember paying VAT onboard, is this new??