{"id":264492,"date":"2026-05-09T06:33:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T06:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/264492\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T06:33:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T06:33:55","slug":"cruise-passengers-in-bahamas-face-alcohol-ban-next-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/264492\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruise passengers in Bahamas face alcohol ban next week"},"content":{"rendered":"

Passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean<\/a> and other Bahamas-bound cruises next week can\u2019t drink alcohol on Tuesday due to a one-day ban on \u201cintoxicating liquor.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

The prohibition coincides with national election day in the Bahamas, meaning that Royal Caribbean\u2019s land-based destinations including Perfect Day at CocoCay<\/a> and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island<\/a> can\u2019t serve alcohol on May 12. The ban will affect passengers sailing on Utopia of the Seas<\/a>, which visits Nassau on Tuesday, plus Oasis of the Seas<\/a> and Wonder of the Seas<\/a> in port at CocoCay.<\/p>\n

Guests on affected cruises received a notice from Royal Caribbean about the impacts of the ban.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections,\u201d the letter reads. \u201cWe\u2019ve explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guests who pre-purchased Royal Beach Club passes for May 12 were informed they would receive a 50% refund for their day pass in the form on onboard credit during their sailing. Passengers can also visit the shore excursions desk on board to find alternative excursions or use the Royal Caribbean website. Alcohol will still be available on the ships during the ban.<\/p>\n

\"RoyalRoyal Caribbean guests won\u2019t be able to drink alcohol while visiting Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12. (Royal Caribbean)<\/p>\n

\u201cRoyal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,\u201d said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson in an email statement.<\/p>\n

MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess are both scheduled to visit Nassau on Tuesday, according to CruiseMapper<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Other cruise lines are altering itineraries to route around places affected by the temporary prohibition.<\/p>\n

\"CarnivalCarnival Cruise Line\u2019s Celebration Key will be affected by the one-day alcohol ban across the Bahamas on May 12. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

The ban affects private destinations in the Bahamas managed by Carnival Cruise Line, including Celebration Key<\/a> and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay<\/a>. Disney Cruise Line\u2019s Castaway Cay<\/a> and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point<\/a> also fall under the affected areas of the Bahamas.<\/p>\n

According to Cruise Hive<\/a>, the Norwegian Getaway was supposed to call at the cruise line\u2019s Great Stirrup Cay<\/a> on May 12 but instead pushed the visit back to May 13 to avoid the ban.<\/p>\n

In light of the news, cruise passengers will have to find ways to enjoy mocktails or have sober fun on Tuesday. Otherwise, the drinks will still be flowing once they make it back onboard.<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t