The Bahamas is set to impose a stringent nationwide prohibition on alcohol sales at its ports and private islands during the upcoming general election. The temporary ban will take effect on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, and will last for 10 hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as stipulated by Bahamian law to maintain public order while polls are open.
Scope of the Ban
According to official notices, all land-based businesses, including cruise-owned private islands such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and the recently opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, are prohibited from selling 'intoxicating liquor' during this period. Authorities have warned that anyone found 'selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor' during these hours could face penalties for operating without a valid license under the Business License Act.
Impact on Cruise Operations
On election day, several major cruise ships are scheduled to dock in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean will have three vessels in port: Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. Additionally, MSC Seaside and Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess are set to arrive in Nassau, the capital. Some other cruise lines have adjusted their itineraries to avoid docking at Bahamian destinations while the alcohol ban is in effect.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will remain open, but no alcohol sales will be permitted. Guests who purchased passes for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12 will receive a 50 percent refund in the form of onboard credit. Passengers can also visit the shore excursions desk or use the cruise line's website to book alternative activities.
In a letter to guests, Royal Caribbean stated: 'There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We've explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout the Bahamas.' A company spokesperson told PEOPLE that the cruise line is 'respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations.'
Onboard Alternatives
While cruise passengers cannot purchase alcohol on land during the ban, they can still enjoy drinks onboard their ships while docked, as well as take advantage of the amenities offered at the private islands. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which opened in December 2025, features two private beaches, three pools, three beach grills, and numerous waterfront bars, including the world's largest swim-up bar. CocoCay, which opened exclusively to tourists in 2019, boasts a water park with Daredevil's Tower—a 135-foot, seven-slide tower—along with an adventure pool, obstacle course, the Caribbean's largest wave pool, and the Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the region.
Passenger Reactions
The ban has sparked mixed reactions among cruise passengers. Some expressed frustration on social media, with one traveler scheduled to arrive on May 12 posting: 'We scheduled a trip with stops in the Bahamas for our 40th anniversary. We are going with 26 of our friends. Planned activities at CocoCay and Nassau. 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.'
However, others defended the measure. One commenter wrote: 'Imagine adults having temper tantrums at not being able to drink for a day. They are having an election, and your anniversary doesn't trump that. Next time stay in your own country and drink to your heart's content.' A Facebook user added, 'Sounds like a cruise I would love!' while another said, 'It's no different when you can't drink on beaches in Florida.. enjoy the weather and relax!! Drink on the ship...'
