A temporary alcohol ban will be enforced at a Caribbean destination next week, leaving cruise passengers without access to drinks while ashore.
The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales on Tuesday, May 12, as the country holds national elections.
According to a government notice obtained by Fox News Digital, the ban will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day.
The Parliamentary Commissioner has ordered the suspension of sales of “intoxicating liquor” for the duration that polling stations remain open.
The notice warns that anyone selling, displaying, or offering alcohol for sale during the restricted hours will be considered in violation of licensing rules under the Business License Act.
The restriction applies across all Bahamian islands, including private destinations operated by cruise lines.
Cruise operator Royal Caribbean confirmed to People magazine that the ban also extends to its private island, CocoCay.
Temporary Alcohol Ban Set for Caribbean Destination Next Week, Leaving Cruise Passengers Without Drinks Ashore
The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales on Tuesday, May 12, as the country holds its national elections.
Two Royal Caribbean ships, Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, are scheduled to visit CocoCay during the restriction period.
While alcohol will still be available onboard cruise ships, passengers will not be able to purchase alcoholic drinks ashore while visiting Bahamian ports on election day.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.”
The company confirmed that the ban also applies to its private island, CocoCay.
However, the restriction does not affect onboard service, meaning guests can continue to purchase alcohol while at sea.
Some passengers expressed frustration over the timing of the announcement. One traveler posted on X that she would be visiting the Bahamas on a special anniversary trip with her husband and felt the notice came too late.
“We scheduled a trip with stops in the Bahamas for our 40th anniversary,” she wrote. “We are going with 26 of our friends. Planned activities at CocoCay and Nassau.”
She added, “The general election has banned all alcohol for the two days we are there. And we find out only two days before we leave? Not a way to treat customers who cruise four times a year.”
One frustrated passenger took to X to say she would be in the Bahamas for a special trip with her husband and only learned about the restrictions shortly before departure.
She added that she “would have picked a different itinerary to celebrate with our friends” if the alcohol ban had been announced earlier.
In a similar account shared in the Facebook group Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips & Updates 2026, a traveler described experiencing the same restriction during an April 30 visit to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
“This just happened to us on April 30th, and it really sucked the life out of our day visit to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island,” the post read.
The traveler also noted that staff appeared affected by the situation, adding, “The bartenders and waitstaff were standing around bummed also, and it was painful all around.”
