The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales on Tuesday, May 12, while the country holds elections, cutting off shore-side purchases from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for visitors on land and at sea. The restriction will cover all Bahamian islands, including private islands operated by cruise companies.
That means cruise passengers visiting Bahamian ports on May 12 cannot buy alcohol ashore during the polling window, even if their itinerary includes a private island stop. Royal Caribbean confirmed the ban applies to its private island, CocoCay, where two ships — Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas — are scheduled to visit that day.
The government notice said the Parliamentary Commissioner is suspending sales of intoxicating liquor while polls remain open, tying the move directly to election-day rules. Royal Caribbean said, “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,” and added that alcohol will continue to be sold aboard ships while the shore-side ban is in place.
The sharpest edge of the ban is timing. Passengers may still drink on the ships, but they cannot make land purchases during the hours the polls are open, a distinction that could catch travelers off guard if they are expecting a normal port stop. One customer wrote on X that she would be in the Bahamas on a special trip with her husband and felt she learned about the restrictions too late.
For cruise guests, the answer is now clear: the Bahamas will block alcohol sales ashore for the full election window on May 12, and the restriction reaches every island under Bahamian control, including CocoCay. Anyone sailing in that period will need to buy onboard or wait until the ban lifts at 6 p.m. ET.
