Spain is the first country to close that loophole I think.
I’m unsure about Italy and France – but our last cruise recently did not have any taxes while on the Free at Sea because officially we weren’t “buying” anything. In the past, it was only while docked, now it it seems that the VAT tax is charged even while in Spanish water. Spain has made some changes recently and random ports in other countries have different regulations.Įxpect you’ll be paying 10% VAT on the VALUE of the drink while in spanish waters (within 12 miles of the coast, I believe).
It’s understandable why there is a lot of confusion.
