Cruise passengers in Bahamas face alcohol ban this week

Cruise passengers in Bahamas face alcohol ban this week


Passengers crusing on Royal Caribbean and different Bahamas-bound cruises this week cannot drink alcohol on Tuesday on account of a one-day ban on “intoxicating liquor.”

The prohibition coincides with nationwide election day in the Bahamas, that means that Royal Caribbean’s land-based locations together with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island cannot serve alcohol on May 12. The ban will have an effect on passengers crusing on Utopia of the Seaswhich visits Nassau on Tuesday, plus Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas in port at CocoCay.

Guests on affected cruises acquired a discover from Royal Caribbean in regards to the impacts of the ban.

“There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections,” the letter reads. “We’ve explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas.”

Guests who pre-purchased Royal Beach Club passes for May 12 had been knowledgeable they might obtain a 50% refund for his or her day move in the shape on onboard credit score throughout their crusing. Passengers may also go to the shore excursions desk on board to seek out various excursions or use the Royal Caribbean web site. Alcohol will nonetheless be accessible on the ships throughout the ban.

Royal Caribbean company will not have the ability to drink alcohol whereas visiting Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12. (Royal Caribbean)

“Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,” he instructed Royal Caribbean spokesperson in an e-mail assertion.

MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess are each scheduled to go to Nassau on Tuesday, in response to CruiseMapper.

Other cruise traces are altering itineraries to route round locations affected by the short-term prohibition.

Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key opens to guests for the first time on July 19, 2025 on Grand Bahama Island. The 68-acre destination features large freshwater lagoons, a 10-story sandcastle with water slides, Bahamian vendors, swim-up bars and more. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key will likely be affected by the one-day alcohol ban throughout the Bahamas on May 12. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The ban impacts personal locations in the Bahamas managed by Carnival Cruise Line, together with Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point additionally fall below the affected areas of the Bahamas.

According to Cruise Hivethe Norwegian Getaway was speculated to name on the cruise line’s Great Stirrup Cay on May 12 however as an alternative pushed the go to again to May 13 to keep away from the ban.

In gentle of the information, cruise passengers should discover methods to get pleasure from mocktails or have very good enjoyable on Tuesday. Otherwise, the drinks will nonetheless be flowing as soon as they make it again onboard.

discover me @PConnPie on Instagram or ship me an e-mail: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay updated with our newest journey, arts and occasions protection by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

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