Bahamas-bound cruise ships to face temporary alcohol ban

Key Points:

• The Bahamas will enforce a temporary alcohol ban from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day Tuesday, prohibiting the sale and distribution of alcohol nationwide to maintain order during voting.
• This restriction affects not only mainland locations like Nassau and Grand Bahama but also popular cruise destinations and private island resorts used by major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Carnival are complying with the ban; passengers can still consume alcohol onboard ships but cannot purchase it onshore during the ban hours.
• Royal Caribbean is offering a 50% refund in onboard credit to guests who purchased passes for affected shore activities and is providing alternative excursion options.
• Some cruise lines are adjusting their itineraries to avoid affected destinations during the ban, impacting several private island resorts operated by Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line.