**Alcohol Sales to be Suspended in the Bahamas Amid General Election**
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general elections, the Bahamian government has announced a nationwide ban on alcohol sales set to commence on Tuesday, 12 May. This restriction will affect all islands within the archipelago, including private islands owned by various cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that it will adhere to this temporary ban, which extends to its private destination, Coco Cay. The cruise line is keen to respect local laws and regulations as part of its operational practice in destinations worldwide.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson stated, “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.” This compliance means that alcohol sales will not be permitted at Coco Cay on the day of the election, despite the ongoing availability of drinks aboard their vessels.
On that day, the cruise line’s ships, including Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, will continue to operate as usual. However, while the shore facilities on Coco Cay will not offer alcohol, guests can still enjoy beverages during their time aboard the ships. Crucially, areas like Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will remain open and accessible to visitors.
Coco Cay is among the cruise line’s most popular destinations, having been recently enhanced with new amenities. The Royal Beach Club opened to the public in December 2025 and features multiple attractions such as two beaches, three swimming pools, the world’s largest swim-up bar, as well as numerous dining options across three beach grills and ten waterfront bars.
In addition to its operational notifications, Royal Caribbean revealed plans for an expansion of its Icon Class fleet. Earlier in April, the cruise company announced the addition of two new vessels to its lineup, set to join the ranks of the already launched Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. These ships will maintain identical dimensions to the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, which took to the seas in 2024.
The third ship, Legend of the Seas, is currently undergoing sea trials in Finland and is expected to make its maiden voyage in July 2026. Plans are also underway for a fourth vessel, Hero of the Seas, with a projected delivery in 2027. Furthermore, a fifth ship was unveiled last September, slated to enhance the fleet by 2028.
The cruise industry, as a whole, has been experiencing resurgence since the pandemic, with a recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association indicating that approximately 37.2 million passengers embarked on cruises globally in 2024. This figure represents a 7.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the report highlighted that nearly 90 per cent of surveyed cruisers expressed a desire to embark on another cruise.
As the election date approaches, the suspension of alcohol sales stands as a reminder of the local customs and regulations that can impact tourism operations. Stakeholders in the travel sector are working to ensure that visitors to the Bahamas remain informed, while also supporting the democratic processes of the islands.
Travelers planning to visit the Bahamas during this period should prepare for the temporary changes in service and consider the implications of the alcohol sales ban while enjoying their holidays. With its unique mix of natural beauty and man-made attractions, the Bahamas continues to be a prime destination for tourists, and compliance with local laws is essential for maintaining its appeal in the global tourism market.