Bahamas Election Alcohol Ban Disrupts Cruise Lines' Private Islands
Cruise lines are rerouting or refunding guests as the one-day ban blocks alcohol sales at private islands and shore stops, affecting major operators.
- On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Bahamas will enforce a nationwide alcohol sales ban during the general election, prohibiting distribution at private islands including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- The Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security issued a notice under the Parliamentary Elections Act, suspending all liquor licenses during general election hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Royal Caribbean confirmed compliance, offering affected guests a 50% refund or onboard credit for pre-purchased day passes; Disney Cruise Line has not issued a statement regarding the policy.
- Norwegian Cruise Line delayed its Great Stirrup Cay visit to May 13 to avoid the restriction, while Carnival Cruise Line rerouted the Carnival Vista to Grand Turk, contrasting with Royal Caribbean's maintained schedule.
- Despite the onshore suspension, cruise lines confirmed that onboard alcohol service will continue uninterrupted, and guests retain full access to island amenities including waterparks, beaches, and food services.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Cruise ship passengers face booze ban in Caribbean tourist hotspot
Passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean and other Bahamas-bound cruises next week can’t drink alcohol on Tuesday due to a one-day ban on “intoxicating liquor.”The prohibition coincides with national election day in the Bahamas, meaning that Royal Caribbean’s land-based destinations including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island can’t serve alcohol on May 12.
Tourists blindsided as Bahamas bans alcohol for Tuesday’s elections
The Bahamian government will implement a nationwide suspension of alcohol sales on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to coincide with the country’s general elections. The restriction impacts all islands, including private destinations operated by major cruise lines, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. while polling stations remain open. According to a government notice obtained by Fox...
Bahamas alcohol ban May 12: Why is liquor banned at Royal Caribbean's CocoCay on Election Day?
The Bahamas has banned all alcohol sales on May 12 during its general election, affecting Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and other cruise line private islands. Here is what passengers need to know.
NEW: Alcohol Banned for Disney Cruise Line Passengers
Upcoming passengers aboard Disney Cruise Line should prepare for a drier experience than usual. For decades, Disney treated alcohol as something fundamentally at odds with its family-friendly image. Walt Disney famously opposed serving liquor at Disneyland, believing it attracted what he called a “rowdy element,” and Magic Kingdom remained completely dry for more than 40 years after opening in 1971. Credit: Disney That attitude gradually shifted…
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