Norwegian Cruise Line is warning guests of value added tax (VAT) and sales tax that apply to onboard purchases on cruises in Europe and the United States.

In a prepared statement, the company also asked travel agents to ensure that passengers on the applicable sailings are aware of the charges.

“VAT and sales taxes are something that you might see applied to your cruise on retail, food and beverage purchases, depending on the itinerary,” Norwegian explained.

“If you’ve purchased a dining or beverage package, VAT or sales tax is not charged on the full package price. Instead, it’s added only to the items you enjoy onboard and only when required by local tax laws,” the company continued.

Norwegian added that it will advise guests of when the taxes are in effect via signage around the ships and also via reminders in its Freestyle Daily journals.

In a series of examples, the company said that taxes are applied for cruises that start in Spain and visit at least one port outside the European Union.

In this case, a ten percent VAT will be charged on food and beverage purchases while in Spanish ports and territorial waters.

During cruises starting in Spain that do not leave the European Union, guests will need to pay a 21 percent VAT on retail purchases onboard, as well as a ten percent VAT on food and beverage purchases.

In a similar situation, a 22 percent VAT will apply to retail purchases during cruises that start in Italy and do not leave the European Union.

Guests will also be charged a ten percent VAT on food and beverage purchases when a cruise starts outside Spain, visits at least one port outside the EU and includes Spain as a port of call.

When sailing in U.S. ports or territorial waters, applicable sales taxes will be added to food and beverage purchases made onboard, the company added.