Cruise ship passengers bound for the Bahamas on May 12, 2025 face a temporary ban on alcohol sales on land, including at private island destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, as the island nation holds a general election.
What is the alcohol ban in the Bahamas on election day?
Bahamian law mandates the suspension of all alcohol sales and distribution during national elections. This year’s general election, scheduled for May 12, will trigger a ban that runs from 8am to 6pm local time, halting the purchase and service of alcoholic beverages across the country. The restriction is a long-standing feature of the country’s election legislation, which aims to maintain public order during election hours.
The ban is nationwide and applies not only to commercial establishments in Nassau and Grand Bahama, but also to privately run island resorts used by major cruise lines.
Which Royal Caribbean ships are affected by the Bahamas alcohol ban?
Three Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, are scheduled to dock in the Bahamas on Election Day. Passengers aboard these ships will not be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at shoreside locations during the restricted hours, although alcohol will remain available for purchase on the ships themselves while in port.
Royal Caribbean confirmed its position in a statement: “Royal Caribbean respects and complies with all local laws and regulations, as we do for every destination we visit.”
A letter issued to guests clarified the situation: “There is a public order issued by the Department of Homeland Security in the Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We have looked into whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationally throughout the Bahamas.”
Why is CocoCay included in the Bahamas Alcohol Prohibition?
CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean private island destination, is subject to the same Bahamian law as any other location within the country. The island, which reopened in 2019 after a $250 million renovation, is described by Royal Caribbean as “the #1 top-rated destination” in the 250 ports its ships visit. Despite this status, no statutory exemptions apply.
Guests visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12 will still have access to the water park, beach and dining options. Royal Caribbean has confirmed that those who purchased an all-day ticket including an unlimited beverage package for the day will receive a 50% refund in the form of on-board credit. Passengers can also visit the ship’s shore excursion desk or the cruise line’s website to arrange alternative activities.
Which other cruise lines are affected by the Bahamas alcohol ban?
Royal Caribbean is not the only operator with a private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line operates Great Stirrup Cay, Carnival Cruise Line has Celebration Key and MSC Cruises operates Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Disney Cruise Line maintains two destinations in the country, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. All are subject to the same national legislation.
In addition, MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess are both scheduled to call at Nassau on May 12. Some cruise lines are reportedly adjusting their itineraries to avoid Bahamian ports altogether on Election Day.
What can passengers still do on land?
Although the absence of alcoholic beverages may disappoint some travelers, most shore facilities remain available throughout the day. Beach access, refreshments, water park facilities and soft drinks will continue to operate as normal on private islands. The alcohol ban is time-limited and is lifted at 6 p.m., after which normal operations are expected to resume.
