The temporary measure is not unusual, as a standard election day rule aimed at ensuring electoral procedures are respected and taken seriously, but it may come as a surprise to holidaymakers who may be under the impression that Royal Caribbean benefits from exemptions due to the private nature of some of its facilities.

As is customary, the Commonwealth Observer Group paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas ahead of the forthcoming elections. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Group to formally convey its mandate, reaffirm its commitment to supporting… pic.twitter.com/e7Mpitdmsq

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) May 10, 2026

There will, however, be no exceptions, a message from the cruise line to passengers confirms. “There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections,” Royal Caribbean stated in a letter to guests. “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.”

This means visitors are not allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages anywhere across the Bahamian territory on affected dates, including private islands such as Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay. Cruise lines, however, are permitted to continue selling and serving alcohol on board.

The Group also met with representatives of political parties contesting the General Election to learn more about the political environment and preparations for the vote, and hear their perspectives ahead of the 12 May poll.#CommonwealthElections pic.twitter.com/LxbL5IadiR

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) May 9, 2026

Royal Caribbean, which is due to have two ships Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas at Coco Cay on 12 May, as well as the Utopia of the Seas at Nassau as part of a 4-night sailing, has confirmed it will comply with the ban, telling PEOPLE that “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.” Perfect Day at CocoCay and the firm’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will still be open, and alcohol will continue to be served aboard its ships.

The Wonder of the Seas has a 5,734-guest capacity, and the Oasis of the Seas is similar, with room for 5,606 cruisers. The Utopia can welcome 5,668. That totals a potential 11,340 Royal Caribbean passengers who could be impacted by the expectation for election-day sobriety.

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Публикация от Royal Caribbean Italia (@royalcaribbeanitalia)

Passenger forums are filled with commentary on the issue, with some would-be party animals expressing disappointment that they will not be able to enjoy an on-shore drink, and others more focused on the monetary implications of the ban, wondering if charges such as the cruise line’s RCBC credit card holding fees would be waived on that day, or whether drinks packages would be adjusted, or on-board charges would be waived to take the port side restrictions into account. The cruise line’s letter to guests, seen by Travel Tomorrow, did not mention any such compensation.

L’article No alcohol for cruise passengers and holidaymakers in Bahamas during 12 May elections est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

MSC Group, the company behind MSC Cruises and Explore Journeys, has unveiled its plans for a new luxury private island in the Bahamas. MSC first hinted at the project in January 2026, but has now added more details in a press release. Sandy Cay, as the new destination will be called, should open its doors to the public in 2028.

“The success of Ocean Cay helped validate our long-term vision for private destinations, and ultimately led to the development of Sandy Cay. So, as MSC Cruises continues to grow … in North America, and we continue to increase capacity from U.S. homeports, adding Sandy Cay allows us to expand capacity while offering guests more variety and more tailored experiences in line with the brand,” Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said in an interview with USA TODAY.

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Публикация от MSC Cruises Official (@msccruisesofficial)

Although it is located next to the already existing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the new island will act as its “intimate complement”. The island will be more secluded and will invite guests to immerse themselves in the natural rhythms of the ocean and the spirit of The Bahamas.

“It’ll have sort of its own soul and DNA, where elegance is fused with the authentic spirit of the Bahamas, preserving that very relaxed, genuine atmosphere that our guests love about Ocean Cay, but really an extension of that,” Torrent continues.

According to a first rendering shared by the MSC Group, guests should expect an island with pristine aragonite sand, surrounded by turquoise waters, and a collection of buildings and pools for cruise travellers to enjoy during their stopover. More details should follow soon.

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Публикация от MSC Cruises Official (@msccruisesofficial)

MSC Cruises and private islands

The news of the opening comes in a busy year for MSC Cruises, and soon after the company’s announcement to enhance the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Plans include new facilities and experiences designed to further enhance the guest offering on the island, such as additional dining venues, new beach concepts for families and adults, expanded relaxation areas, and new ways for guests to engage with marine conservation through immersive experiences. Moreover, construction work has begun on extending the pier to accommodate two ships simultaneously. The novelties should be ready for guests to enjoy by late 2027.

The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been open since 2019. What was once a sand excavation site was cleared by MSC and “dedicated to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of marine life”. For example, some 7,500 tons of scrap metal were removed from the site, while the company relocated coral to the area in an effort to encourage its growth and repopulation. During their stopover, MSC travellers can enjoy a drink, grab a bite, or participate in one of the many shore excursions.

L’article MSC Cruises unveils new luxury private island Sandy Cay in the Bahamas est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Engineered to withstand intense UV exposure, extreme weather, and salt spray, the helipad features perimeter solar lighting to facilitate safe night landings. Its mobility allows it to be repositioned as needed, offering flexible deployment across multiple locations.

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Публикация от Felipe MacLean (@felipe_maclean)

The helipad is part of a range of innovative amenities planned for Rosewood Exuma, which is set to open in late 2028 on East Sampson Cay. The resort will feature an on-site farm and 33 private bungalows spread across a 124-acre island, framed by stretches of pink and white sand beaches, with 20,000 square feet of the land preserved as a natural sanctuary. Sustainability initiatives include native landscaping, renewable energy sources, and plans for LEED certification, underscoring Yntegra Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additional features include a floating padel court made from recycled steel and powered by wind and solar energy, as well as a 13-meter superyacht-inspired Limousine Tender designed by British builder Cockwells. 

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Публикация от Felipe MacLean (@felipe_maclean)

Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group, commented: “We are unwavering in our pursuit to craft experiences that are as visionary as they are memorable. Our Floating Helipad ensures that the arrival experience is as unforgettable as the destination itself, inviting guests to immerse in a horizon-to-horizon escape of unrivaled adventure and pristine natural beauty of East Sampson Cay”.

Renowned for their stunning landscapes, the Exumas are a group of over 300 cays in the Bahamas, southeast of Nassau. The area is known for its crystal-clear waters and unique marine attractions, including Thunderball Grotto, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, tidal whirlpools near Staniel Cay, and mesmerising sandbars that appear at low tide.

The introduction of the floating helipad and other innovative features at Rosewood Exuma underscores a broader trend in luxury hospitality, where infrastructure and mobility are leveraged to enhance guest experience and exclusivity. 

L’article Bahamas’ Rosewood Exuma resort debuts world’s first floating helipad est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the international cruise operators – including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean – to have its own private island. And despite the company’s name, that island is located in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, as it is called, is a regular stop for the cruise line during Caribbean itineraries.

The cruise company has now announced a range of new additions that are scheduled for the island. Not only will there be an aquatics racecourse with jet karts, a new heated pool, a multi-ship pier, and an island-wide tram service – a six-acre waterpark is also scheduled to open its doors in 2026.

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations. At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us,” stated David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

New additions to relax and to play

The Great Tides Waterpark, as it will be called, will offer a wide array of activities to cruise passengers. A 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower will feature no less than eight waterslides, while Cliffside Cove will have racing slides and two cliff jumps. Moreover, the park will feature the Caribbean’s sole family slide, designed to allow four guests to slide down at the same time, and a 9,000 square foot kids zone, as well as an 800-foot-long water experience with accelerated current. And for those less interested in activities, there will be The Grotto Bar, an ideal place to calm down with a cocktail.

“This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut. With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL. Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool – complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship. I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean,” said David J. Herrera.

Water park aside, Great Stirrup Cay will also accommodate a new pool area (including the Great Life Lagoon with private cabanas and day villas), the so-called Splash Harbour, and a recreational area named Horizon Park. Adults without children will meanwhile be able to relax at the kid-free Vibe Shore Club, where a private bar, hanging day beds, and premium lounge seating offer all the comfort one may dream of.

L’article Norwegian Cruise Line announces new upgrades to private Caribbean island est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The revisions come in the wake of a travel security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nassau in December 2024, warning of crime waves and a February 2025 State Department advisory that followed up on its embassy’s notice. The Bahamas responded at the time by pointing out that tourists were not targets for violent crime, but the US State Department has now doubled down, effectively issuing its third warning within four months for the Lucayan Archipelago nation.

Violent crime

The overview for the Bahamas, according to the US is that “Violent crime — like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults — can occur anywhere.” However, it goes on to note that “Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”

The advisory also advises visitors to “Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.”

Risks associated with beaches and watersports

Water-based activities get their own sections within the US warning, focusing on the lack of regulation for boating, jet skis and other watercraft. Operators are alleged to have committed sexual assaults and to have ignored weather warnings. Beach safety is also an issue, due to the operation of various watercraft, the risk of sexual assaults again, the physical fitness required for activities such as snorkeling, and shark attacks.

As well as issues around crime and water and beach safety, the US advice warns its citizens that “Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.” Possession of firearms or ammunitions can result in arrest, detention and financial penalties, the advisory notes.

As usual with US State Department travel advisories, would-be holidaymakers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which will automatically send messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate citizens in an emergency.

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While Bahamian authorities are yet to respond to the latest US warnings, the US itself has been the subject of multiple travel warnings from a suite of European and other nations, as a result of apparently stricter immigration policies that have resulted in the detention of several visitors despite them holding the required documentation.

L’article New US advisory for Bahamas notes violent crime, watersport risks and laws on firearms est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The incident occured in an engineering space on the Holland America Lines liner, the Nieuw Amsterdam, where the pair had been working while the ship was docked in Half Moon Cay. Identified as Joseph Terrado, from the Phillipines, and Wawan Gusnawan, from Indonesia, they had been “installing filters when a steam compensator unrelated to their duties exploded,” according to maritime lawyer, Jim Walker.

Trapped, suffocated and scalded

A “thermal expansion joint” inside the compensator malfunctioned, resulting in a “catastrophic explosion”. Other staff reportedly evacuated, sealing the doors and ventilation on their way out, but the two fellow workers remained inside. Their bodies were found close to the hydraulic doors, which they could not use to escape as they could not open them manually from the inside. With no breathing devices supplied, the workers died from suffocation due to the lack of oxygen, as well as scalds from the jets of 180-degree-Celsius steam.

“They were trapped in the space,” Walker said. “They apparently suffocated due to the lack of oxygen and hot steam (180 degrees Celsius) which overwhelmed them. Their bodies were located near the closed doors.”

Captain in tears

The captain was “audibly crying” when he informed passengers in a sombre message over loudspeakers, cruise passenger Laine Doss told ABC News. “It was shocking,” she said. “He asked for a moment of silence.”

In a statement issued on Facebook, the Holland America Line said, “appropriate authorities” had been notified and “the cause of the incident is currently being investigated.” Offering thoughts and prayers to all those affected, the cruise line said its priority remained the “safety, security and welfare” of all passengers and crew, and that “counselling services” would be made available to anyone requiring them.

Another cruise ship fire

In a separate incident, a fire broke out on board the Bahamas-bound Carnival Freedom cruise ship on Saturday, as it sailed near Eleuthera Island, Bahamas en route to freeport, with some initial reports blaming lightning.

The fire occured on the ship’s port side exhaust funnel around 3:15 pm local time, according to a Carnival Cruise Line statement, and part of the funnel actually fell off during the blaze, causing worse damage than initially thought. The fire was brought under control within a couple of hours, and passengers, who had been told to remain in the cabins while the incident was dealt with, were able to have dinner as planned in Freeport.

L’article Two workers killed in cruise ship explosion in Bahamas est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

But what if you are in a place where there are no signs? What if you’re in the middle of nature, enjoying the wildlife around you, and you want to pamper one of the many wild animals which seem to be eager to come and eat a treat out of your hand? The answer is simple. Sign or no sign, you shouldn’t do it.

Grapes as snacks

It’s a lesson many ecotourists on the Bahamas have yet to learn, with all its consequences. According to a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Biology by Susannah French of the Utah State University and her colleagues, local rock iguanas on Exuma Island are suffering from high blood sugar and possibly pre-diabetic phenomena. This may seem a bit strange for a reptile yet it is far from surprising given all the sugar-rich snacks they are being fed by strangers, aka ecotourists. A lot of them are feeding the reptiles sugar-high grapes on wooden skewers, in order to “make the animals happy” and to be able to get closer to them.

Yet, that practice comes with a risk. Naturally, rock iguanas rely on a relatively varied diet, consisting mainly of plants and insects. Sugars are fairly unusual for them, let alone grapes, a fruit loaded with sugar and not at all indigenous to their habitat. And, contrary to us humans who’ve adopted an omnivore way of eating for thousands of years, their bodies aren’t able to adapt to such a change.

And even when it comes to our own bodies, a high sugar diet can actually exhaust our ability to regulate our blood glucose in the long run, resulting in diabetes. According to the new research, this same phenomenon can happen in rock iguanas, too. And their access to doctors and drugs is, let’s say, not as evident as is the case for humans. So as an ecotourist or a tourist in general, use your common sense. Admire those wonderful animals from afar, take your pictures and just leave them alone.

L’article Why ecotourists in the Bahamas are spoiling the local iguanas’ health est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

These findings are considered “historic” and are, the company says, the culmination of MSC’s successful project of returning the island and the waters around it to their former status as a thriving environment for native flora and fauna. More than six turtle nests and hundreds of baby sea turtles have been identified on the island, and are being monitored.

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In 2018, MSC Cruises decided to transform a former industrial sand mining site in the Bahamas into a thriving marine reserve and private island destination, exclusive to MSC Cruise’s guests: the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. By 2019, the site gave way to something completely different: white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, snorkeling sites, but in an exclusive version for ship passengers and with a strong environmental redevelopment component.

The company has stated that the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve was founded on a strong commitment to marine life conservation, with 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding the island. Since its conception, a major goal has been to restore the former industrial sand excavation site to its pristine beauty and to attract species of local flora and fauna, both on land and in the ocean.

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Since it opened in late 2019, the island has been transformed into a tropical paradise with a rich marine ecosystem. Proof of the conservation program’s progress can now be confirmed by the fact that sea turtle hatchlings have been spotted making their way around the island from their nests to the sea.

Procedures are in place under the island-wide Biodiversity Management Plan to encourage turtles and ensure their protection, especially during the gestation season.

L’article Island created for cruise ship tourists sees birth of first turtles est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.