Cruise ships heading to the Bahamas next week will face a temporary alcohol ban onshore during the country's general election, according to local laws. The sale and distribution of alcohol throughout the Bahamas will be prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in accordance with longstanding election rules designed to maintain order during voting hours.
Royal Caribbean Guests Affected
Royal Caribbean has notified guests that the restriction applies nationwide, including popular cruise destinations and private island resorts such as Perfect Day at CocoCay. The cruise line's Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas are scheduled to dock in the Bahamas on election day. While alcohol sales will be banned onshore, passengers can still purchase and consume alcohol onboard their ships.
Guests who purchased passes for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on May 12 will receive a 50 percent refund in the form of onboard credit. Passengers can also visit the shore excursions desk or use Royal Caribbean's website to book alternative activities, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Other Cruise Lines Adjusting Itineraries
MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess are both scheduled to visit Nassau on Tuesday, according to CruiseMapper. Some cruise lines are adjusting itineraries to avoid destinations affected by the temporary alcohol ban. Major cruise lines operating private island destinations in the Bahamas include Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key, MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
"Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit," a cruise line spokesperson told USA Today in a statement.
