Tourists planning Caribbean vacations this week may run into an unexpected restriction after the Bahamas announced a temporary nationwide alcohol ban connected to the country’s general election. The ban will take place on May 12 and will apply across all Bahamian islands, including popular cruise destinations and private islands operated by major cruise companies. The restriction is part of local election laws designed to maintain order during voting hours.
According to government notices, alcohol sales will be suspended from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. while polling stations remain open throughout the country.
Cruise Passengers Unexpectedly Impacted
The announcement has created frustration among some cruise travelers who were unaware the rule would affect their vacations. Royal Caribbean confirmed that the alcohol restriction will apply at its private island destination, CocoCay, one of the cruise industry’s most popular Caribbean stops. Two of the company’s ships, Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, are scheduled to visit the island during the ban. The company stated that while alcohol sales on land will stop temporarily, passengers will still be able to purchase alcoholic drinks aboard the cruise ships themselves. Attractions, beaches, and entertainment areas on the islands are expected to remain open despite the restriction. Royal Caribbean said it is complying fully with local laws and regulations, as cruise companies typically must follow the rules of every destination they visit.
Why the Bahamas Is Enforcing the Ban
The Bahamas has long enforced temporary alcohol restrictions during national elections. Officials say the measure is intended to encourage a peaceful and orderly voting process. The law applies not only to local residents but also to tourists and private businesses operating within Bahamian territory. That includes cruise-line-owned islands and beach clubs that normally serve large amounts of alcohol to vacationers. Popular tourist destinations expected to be affected include Nassau, Grand Bahama, and cruise resorts such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Several other cruise companies also operate private islands in the Bahamas, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
Travelers React Online
News of the temporary ban quickly sparked reactions online, especially among cruise passengers with celebrations planned during their trips. One traveler reportedly complained on social media that she and 26 friends had booked a Bahamas cruise to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary and would have chosen another itinerary if they had known about the alcohol restrictions earlier. Other cruise guests shared stories about previous election-day bans, saying the atmosphere at beach clubs and resorts felt noticeably quieter without alcohol service. Some travelers described bartenders and entertainment staff appearing disappointed as well. Despite the backlash, many travelers acknowledged that the restriction only lasts for part of a single day and does not affect alcohol sales onboard cruise ships.
Cruise Industry Continues Growing
The temporary disruption comes during a major boom for the cruise industry. Cruise Lines International Association recently reported that global cruise passenger numbers reached more than 37 million in 2025, with most travelers saying they plan to cruise again in the future. Royal Caribbean in particular has expanded aggressively in recent years with its giant Icon-class ships and new private island experiences across the Caribbean. Although the Bahamas alcohol ban may briefly inconvenience tourists, cruise companies expect normal vacation activities to resume immediately once polling hours end.
