Bahamas-bound cruise passengers face alcohol ban next week, including Royal destinations

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean and other Bahamas-bound cruises next week can’t drink alcohol on Tuesday due to a one-day ban on “intoxicating liquor.”

The prohibition coincides with national election day in the Bahamas, meaning that Royal Caribbean’s land-based destinations including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island can’t serve alcohol on May 12. The ban will affect passengers sailing on Utopia of the Seas, which visits Nassau on Tuesday, plus Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas in port at CocoCay.

Guests on affected cruises received a notice from Royal Caribbean about 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 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.

“Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson in an email statement.

MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess are both scheduled to visit Nassau on Tuesday, according to CruiseMapper.

Other cruise lines are altering itineraries to route around places affected by the temporary prohibition.

The ban affects private destinations in the Bahamas managed by Carnival Cruise Line, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point also fall under the affected areas of the Bahamas.

According to Cruise Hive, the Norwegian Getaway was supposed to call at the cruise line’s Great Stirrup Cay on May 12 but instead pushed the visit back to May 13 to avoid the ban.

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.