May 7, 2026 Team Contributor
Travellers aboard cruise ships hitting the Bahamas on May 12, 2026, will have a tough time. And it’s no longer a surprise but surely a spoil-sport. The Bahamas is imposing a nationwide alcohol ban on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, due to the country’s general election. And these apply to cruise ships visiting the private islands there.
It’s a long list including major cruise lines such as the Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The suspension is active from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Impact on Cruise travellers
Definitely, it’s a dampener for the tourists with plans for the islands aboard Bahama-bound cruise lines. The beverage package would just not be fulfilled.
This is how the different cruise lines are responding to the recent development. And they are taking different approaches. Here are some details for our readers.
Royal Caribbean
Will proceed with its scheduled stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club, but will not serve alcohol during the restricted hours. It’s complying with local restrictions.
The cruise line is issuing 100% refunds in the form of onboard credit to guests who pre-purchased beverage package passes on April 30. The two ships on the given day are Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.
There are mixed reactions about the decision, which was conveyed to the travellers via an email which said, “There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We’ve explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas.”
The island is an absolute favourite among cruise travellers, with all the amenities from a massive water park to over-the-water cabanas.
There’s some solace for the travellers, though. The ban surprisingly doesn’t apply if you remain on the cruise ship. They can enjoy their alcoholic beverage packages and Diamond drink vouchers.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
The cruise line is taking a different route. It has opted to change itineraries for some ships, such as the Norwegian Getaway, to avoid the ban by moving private island visits to the following day (May 13).
Disney Cruise Line
It follows in Royal Caribbean’s footsteps. Scheduled stops at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay will also be subject to the nationwide ban.
Carnival Cruise Line
Some sailings have replaced scheduled stops at private islands in the Bahamas with alternative destinations, such as Grand Turk, to bypass the restriction.
Related Post:
About the Author
