Nassau, May 9, 2026, 15:02 (EDT)
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. guests headed to CocoCay on Tuesday, May 12, won’t be able to purchase alcohol onshore, with the Bahamas imposing an election-day liquor ban that also applies to private cruise islands. According to the company, both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will still be open that day. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the cruise line is “respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations.” People.com
Timing is critical here: Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are both scheduled to dock at CocoCay that day, pushing a national voting rule to the forefront as a customer-service challenge for one of Royal Caribbean’s prime Bahamian spots.
This also touches an area where Royal Caribbean has been ramping up efforts. According to a May 5 release, the company currently runs 69 ships and aims to grow its private-destination lineup from three to eight locations by 2028.
Alcohol sales in The Bahamas will be off-limits from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as polls open, the government said in a notice picked up by Fox News Digital. The ban stretches across all Bahamian islands—including those private cruise line enclaves—and covers anything classified as “intoxicating liquor.” Fox News
Guests face a straightforward rule: drinks are available for purchase on Royal Caribbean ships, but shore bars in Bahamian ports won’t be serving during the polling hours.
The bigger problem for Royal Caribbean goes beyond just losing a few hours’ worth of bar revenue. It’s guest frustration. Royal Caribbean Blog noted that after an April 30 advanced-polling restriction at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the company ended up refunding some customers who had pre-purchased alcoholic day passes.
This isn’t just a Royal Caribbean issue. MSC Cruises, for its part, notified passengers it plans to halt alcohol service at Ocean Cay in the Bahamas on May 12. Some shore excursions involving drinks may also see changes, the company said.
Demand’s holding up for the company heading into this stretch. Royal Caribbean turned in first-quarter revenue of $4.5 billion, with adjusted earnings per share landing at $3.60—this strips out certain items. But the group cut its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook, now guiding for $17.10 to $17.50, pointing to pricier fuel and geopolitical snags on some routes.
On the April 30 earnings call, Chief Executive Jason Liberty pointed out that “travel remains a top priority” for consumers. Alex Fasciano, an analyst at CFRA Research, flagged higher fuel costs as a likely drag on profits, though noted Royal Caribbean has room to tweak itineraries to help limit the impact. Reuters
U.S. markets were shut Saturday, so Royal Caribbean shares last changed hands at $275.24 on Friday. Carnival Corp. closed at $26.38, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ended the session at $17.08.
The Bahamas situation remains limited—just a single day on land, and ships continue to operate. For Royal Caribbean, the challenge comes down to maintaining a busy beach day while making it clear to guests that bar hours are set by local law, not company policy.
