I was on a family cruise and had to work for most of it. Can I claim the cost of the cruise?

[spuello]

Cruise was 14 days and 10 of those days I had to work full days.

[VolvoGirl]

What?  Please explain more.  What work did you do while on a cruise?   For who?  Was this your family's boat?

[spuello]

Good questions. I'm an independent consultant (IT) and the cruise was from Miami to Europe. One of my clients experienced an emergency and needed assistance resolving it. I feel somewhat deprived of my personal time, but satisfied I helped.

Thank you

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Don't think you can expense any of it.  You didn't go on the cruise FOR business. It wasn't a business trip.  You can expense any supplies you used or phone calls, maybe some internet fees.   

[spuello]

Thank you very much.

Regards

[Hal_Al]

You may deduct all business expenses that are  ordinary and necessary.

For the Meaning of Ordinary and Necessary Expenses, see: http://www.cpa-connecticut.com/ordinary-and-necessary.html