Royal Caribbean guests will face a surprising ban at its private island for one day this month.
Guests on two upcoming Royal Caribbean sailings learned that alcohol sales are banned from Perfect Day at CocoCay on the day of their scheduled visit.
Although CocoCay is not the cruise line's newest addition to its private destination portfolio, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite, winning numerous accolades from major news outlets.
It has everything from resort-style pools and over-the-water cabanas to an adult-only retreat, beautiful beaches, a massive water park, and more, ensuring that everyone has their "perfect day" ashore.
Admission to the island is included in your cruise fare, meaning that it won't cost you anything extra to debark from the ship and enjoy a day frolicking in the Bahamian waters.
However, cruise passengers on two upcoming sailings received a sudden email informing them that their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay will come with an unexpected restriction: no alcohol sales anywhere on the island.
"There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We've explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas," the email reads.
It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit. Please note, Perfect Day at CocoCay will remain fully open, and nonalcoholic beverages will continue to be available throughout the island. You'll still be able to enjoy the beach, amenities, food, entertainment, and other offerings available during your visit."
The ban only applies to alcoholic beverages served on the island. This means that those who remain on the cruise ship can continue to take full advantage of their alcoholic beverage packages and Diamond drink vouchers.
Two ships will be in CocoCay on Election Day — Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas — which is scheduled for May 12, 2026.
The 226,838-gross-ton Oasis of the Seas will be on a seven-night Bahamas cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, according to Cruise Mapper. CocoCay is the last stop on the weeklong itinerary before the 5,602-passenger ship makes her way back up north.
On the flip side, Wonder of the Seas will have just departed from Miami, Florida, on a four-night cruise. CocoCay is the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on the 13th.
Alcohol sales were also banned from Royal Caribbean's new beach club last month
(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is one of the cruise line's newest endeavors, offering guests an all-inclusive beach experience with upgraded dining, private beaches, and sweeping ocean views just minutes from the Nassau cruise port.
Unlike CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare, and you can pay a pretty penny for the exclusive escape. For example, the open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining costs around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner.
However, on Thursday, April 30, the open bar day pass was essentially useless since alcohol service was banned at the private destination due to the ongoing early voting for the national elections.
"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads the public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security.
The dates and hours on the public notice include Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues.
As Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic day passes on April 30.
"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins.
It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay."
According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean cannot distribute alcohol on May 12, either, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. As such, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club should expect similar restrictions at the beach club.
The only Royal Caribbean ship docking in Nassau on May 12 is Utopia of the Seas, according to Cruise Mapper.
Cruisers took to social media to express their confusion about the ban at CocoCay
Alcohol sales at CocoCay were still permitted on April 30 during The Bahamas' early voting, so many cruisers are confused as to why the stricter enforcement now appears to apply to the private island.
"I'm going down rabbit holes to figure out why this suddenly would apply to Coco Cay when it hasn't in the past (assuming that email is authentic). The Berry Islands were part of a voting district realignment new for this election but that doesn't seem to be relevant since it's not like they were unrepresented before," smokeybandit wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.
They added, "I really hope RC clarifies why this is suddenly an issue. And I wonder if they'll avoid Coco Cay stops in future election years."
Why wasn't the island closed for maintenance during the national election?
This year, Royal Caribbean closed Perfect Day at CocoCay the week before the election. This is due to its annual maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues down the road.
According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay's next ship arrivals are not until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their Bahamian voyages from Florida.
As such, CocoCay is open and on the schedule during the national election, leaving some passengers wondering whether the cruise line underestimated the impact of The Bahamas’ nationwide alcohol restrictions when planning itineraries to CocoCay.
"They usually do maintenance in May and close the island with no stops. I guess they didn't foresee this enough to coordinate it for this week," AshleyDillo remarked.
