The Bahamas is banning alcohol on May 12, and the major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are reacting differently. The alcohol ban has been met with complaints, particularly among those who weren’t aware of the rule on Election Day in the Bahamas.
Some major cruise lines have adjusted their itineraries. Following Carnival’s lead, Norwegian Cruise Line also diverged from Royal Caribbean’s strategy by redirecting one of its major ships on May 12.
The same adjustments have been made by other major cruise lines, while Royal Caribbean is still visiting its private destinations in the Bahamas, despite the alcohol ban in place.
The Bahamas Is Banning All Alcohol Sales On May 12 Due To The Elections
On May 12, 2026, the Bahamas will ban alcohol sales due to its general election. The rules will also be enforced on private islands, including those visited by mega cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, Disney Cruise Line, and others.
The ruling states, “Any person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed to be so doing while not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act.”
Despite the announcement, cruise lines are still allowed to serve alcohol on ships. However, for many, it does take away from the experience that they cannot drink on the private island while on the beach. In response, cruise lines have taken different approaches. While Carnival adjusted one of its ships’ itineraries, Royal Caribbean has kept its schedule and visits to the Bahamas the same, despite the alcohol ban.
Royal Caribbean Confirmed Alcohol Won’t Be Served At Perfect Day at CocoCay During Ban In Bahamas
Both the Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay on Election Day, May 12, in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean confirmed to passengers in a letter that alcohol sales will be prohibited.
“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. As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit,” Royal Caribbean wrote.
Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island, will also face the temporary ban on alcohol sales. This was already the case on the island during polling on April 30. The decision caused a stir as passengers weren’t warned in advance. This time, Royal Caribbean has taken the proper precautions and told passengers in advance.
The other major cruise lines have reacted differently. Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, decided to redirect one of its sailings.
Carnival Cruise Line Is Avoiding Half Moon Cay And Will Visit Grand Turk Instead
Carnival Cruise Line has adjusted its itinerary for the Vista ship during a 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, starting on May 10 from Port Canaveral. A Carnival cruiser on the upcoming sailing noted on Facebook that Half Moon Cay will be replaced with Grand Turk on May 12.
“Due to Election Day in the Bahamas, we are losing our stop at Half Moon Cay and it is being replaced on our itinerary with Grand Turk.”
Regarding Carnival’s other private destinations, including Celebration Key, also located in the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Line has not announced any changes for the Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom at this time. Currently, both ships will visit the private island with the alcohol ban in place.
How The Other Major Cruise Lines Are Adjusting To The Alcohol Ban
The Norwegian Getaway was supposed to visit Great Stirrup Cay, an island in the Bahamas, on May 12. However, according to Cruise Hive, the stop has now been pushed back to May 13. NCL did not confirm the reason for the change. No other alternative itinerary changes have been made for the affected 4-night Bahamas sailing, set to depart from Miami on May 11.
|
Norwegian Getaway Quick Facts: |
|---|
|
Capacity: 3,903 to 3,963 guests at double occupancy |
|
Decks: 18 |
|
Build: 2014 |
|
Last Refurbishment: 2024 |
|
Itineraries: Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Bermuda |
As for Disney Cruise Line, the company hasn’t announced any changes due to the alcohol ban. Both the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will be in the Bahamas on May 12, visiting Castaway Cay and the Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
May 12 will be a stressful day for thousands of cruise passengers and the cruise lines affected by the alcohol ban. Carnival Cruise Line has made an adjustment, avoiding the alcohol ban in Grand Turk.
Recent Comments