This week, a popular Caribbean cruise destination’s ports and private islands will be subject to a severe statewide ban on alcohol.
The temporary restriction will go into effect during the Bahamas’ general election on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
In order to preserve public order, it is illegal for any company to sell “intoxicating spirits” during polling hours in the Bahamas.
All land-based establishments and private islands operated by cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise, will be subject to the 10-hour ban, which runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone “selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor” during these hours may be subject to repercussions for “not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act,” according to a warning released by Bahamian authorities.
On election day, three of Royal Caribbean’s ships—Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas—will land in the Bahamas.
On May 12, MSC Seaside and Princess’ Caribbean Princess are scheduled to arrive in Nassau, the nation’s capital.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, several cruise lines that were supposed to visit the popular holiday destination have changed their plans to avoid docking at locations while the alcohol prohibition is in force.
The Bahamas will have a 10-hour statewide alcohol prohibition on May 12 in conjunction with the country’s general election.
Although alcohol sales will be prohibited, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that CocoCay and its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will continue to operate.
A 50% refund in the form of onboard credit will be given to guests who bought passes for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12. Passengers can also use Royal Caribbean’s website or the ship’s shore excursions department to reserve other activities.
The Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas has issued a public notice that forbids the distribution of alcohol during national elections, according to a letter sent to guests by the big cruise company.
“This restriction applies nationwide throughout the Bahamas; however, we have investigated whether any exceptions could be made.”
Additionally, a Royal Caribbean representative told PEOPLE that the cruise line is “respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations.”
Even though they might not be allowed to purchase alcohol on shore, cruise passengers can still take advantage of everything the private island has to offer and have a drink while their ships are parked.
With two private beaches, three pools, three beach grills and a number of waterfront bars, including the biggest swim-up bar in the world, Royal Beach Paradise Island welcomed visitors in December 2025.
CocoCay is well-known for its water park, which has its famous 135-foot, seven-slide tower, Daredevil’s Tower, and opened to tourists just in 2019.
Pictured: A Royal Caribbean ship in CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas
In addition, the water park features the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, the Oasis Lagoon, an obstacle course, an adventure pool, and a wave pool.
Despite this, some seasoned cruise passengers—including some who were supposed to arrive in the Bahamas on the day of the ban—complained on social media, while others were in favour of enjoying an alcohol-free day at port.
One, who will dock in the Bahamas on May 12, was furious in an X post, saying, “We planned a trip with stops in the Bahamas for our 40th anniversary.” Twenty-six of our pals will accompany us.Activities at CocoCay and Nassau are scheduled. All alcohol is prohibited for the two days we are there due to the general election. And we only learn about it two days before we depart? Customers who take cruises four times a year should not be treated this way.
Another countered, saying, “Imagine adults having temper tantrums at not being able to drink for a day.” Your anniversary does not take precedence over the election they are holding. The next time, remain in your own nation and indulge in excessive alcohol consumption.
One Facebook user commented, “Sounds like a cruise I would love!” while another noted, “It’s no different when you can’t drink on beaches in Florida. Enjoy the weather and relax!” On the ship, have a drink.
