Having sailed around the Mediterranean on numerous occasions this was the first time that an additional tax had been added to the onboard billing. As well as the usual gratuity which is automatically added to Bevarages and Food items an additional 10 % Spanish tax was also added whilst on retail purchases this was an additional 20%. What happened to duty free prices ? we are still unsure why this cruise attracted this tax was kit because it sailed Barcelona- Barcelona ?

On boarding we bought a wine package which we were informed was 165 US$ for 5 Bottles plus the usual gratity which was an additional 24.25 US$ There was no mention from the stewart who was selling us the package that there would be an additional 10% Spanish tax added and I only noticed this later when I was checking the reciept against the account system on the inroom TV. We choose the wine package as it usually represents good value for money and I had already preselected in my mind my favourite Red and White grapes. We were then disappointed to learn that the Red Robert Mondavi shown on the wine list was out of stock. This was not a good start...

My Husbands luggage arrived to the cabin but mine did not and after enquring with the room stewart he asked if I was carrying any wine. I said I was so he advised me that my luggage was probably with security on deck 1 and after the drill I would need to go and personally retrieve my luggage. I was only carrying one bottle which was allowed so I am unsure why my luggage was put aside. He informed me that in future to carry any wine on the ship in my carry on whilst embarking, This I will definately do in future as it was real hassle to go and get my own luggage and drag it to the ninth deck and along the busy corridor to our cabin. Read more