Visitors to The Bahamas hoping to enjoy cocktails at beach bars on 12 May 2026 may be disappointed, as alcohol sales across the islands will be suspended during the country’s general election. Under Bahamian law, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on election day.
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.
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.
