SouthernWorldwide.com – A temporary ban on alcohol sales at a popular Caribbean destination has left cruise passengers feeling disappointed and frustrated as it coincides with major voyages.
The Bahamas will be suspending alcohol sales next week, a measure implemented to ensure a smooth electoral process. The country is scheduled to hold its general elections on Tuesday, May 12.
According to a government notice obtained by Fox News Digital, the alcohol ban will be in effect on May 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This timeframe is crucial as it covers the period when polling stations will be open.
The Parliamentary Commissioner is taking the step to suspend the sale of “intoxicating liquor” during these hours. This decision is aimed at maintaining order and preventing any potential disturbances during the election.
The notice explicitly warns that any individual selling, offering, or exposing for sale any intoxicating liquor during these restricted hours will be considered to be doing so without a valid license under the provisions of the Business License Act. This underscores the seriousness of the regulation.
This restriction is not limited to the main islands but extends to all Bahamian islands. Importantly, it also encompasses private islands that are operated by various cruise companies, meaning the ban will be enforced even on these exclusive locations.
Cruise giant Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the ban will indeed apply to its private island, CocoCay. This is a significant detail for passengers booked on cruises that include this popular destination.
Two of Royal Caribbean’s ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas, are scheduled to visit CocoCay during the period when the alcohol ban is in effect. This means passengers on these specific sailings will be directly impacted.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean clarified that alcohol sales will continue to be available aboard the ships themselves. However, guests disembarking to visit Bahamian ports on May 12 will be unable to purchase any alcoholic beverages ashore.
“Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,” the company stated, emphasizing their commitment to adhering to local ordinances.
The announcement has sparked an outcry among some cruise passengers. One passenger expressed her disappointment on X, formerly Twitter, detailing how her special 40th anniversary trip with her husband and 26 friends was affected.
She explained that their planned activities included stops at CocoCay and Nassau. The timing of the general election, which has led to the alcohol ban for the entire two days they are scheduled to be in the Bahamas, has caused significant upset.
The passenger further lamented that they only found out about the restrictions two days before their departure. She felt this was an unacceptable way to treat loyal customers who cruise multiple times a year, suggesting they would have chosen a different itinerary had they known sooner.
Another traveler shared a similar experience in the Facebook group “Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips & Updates 2026.” They recounted that the ban had already impacted their visit to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on April 30, describing the experience as “sucking the life out of our day visit.”
The traveler also noted the visible disappointment among the bartenders and waitstaff at the venue, describing the situation as “painful all around” for everyone involved.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Royal Caribbean for further comment on the situation and the passenger feedback.
