Cruise Booze Ban in Bahamas – Gulf Coast Ships Included

(KMDL-FM) If you have plans to be on a cruise ship on May 12th, I will need your undivided attention. Although a change in cruise ship policy is expected to last only one day, it could make May 12th the longest day of your cruise vacation.

READ MORE: Major Cruise Changes for 2026 - What to Know

As you know, many of the cruise lines that serve Gulf Coast Ports such as New Orleans, Galveston, and Mobile, Alabama, offer itineraries that include visits to the island nations of the Caribbean. Those island nations have certainly had their share of "issues" since COVID.

Get our free mobile app

Why is May 12th Singled Out As a Difficult Day for Caribbean Cruises?

But for several years now, other than the occasional mass brawl on Carnival Ships, the sailing has been smooth. But May 12th could be a day that rocks the boat. That day, it is anticipated that guests aboard Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian will be affected.

Just to be clear, we are only talking about one day. But if you have a four-day cruise, that is one-fourth of your vacation, so it should matter to you. And if the changes the cruise lines are having to make affect you in such a way that you get angry, you might want to seek counseling.

READ MORE: Cruise Lines Are No Longer Serving This Food Item at Sea

Cruise ships that serve ports in the Bahamas on May 12th will not be allowed to serve alcohol. Yeah, no booze on a cruise ship doesn't seem believable, but it will happen unless your cruise carrier adjusts.

Why Is the Bahamas Banning Booze on Cruise Ships on May 12th?

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, is election day in the Bahamas. They don't want drunks casting votes, so the sale of alcohol is banned on that day. This ban also includes any vessels in port in the Bahamas.

According to Cruisetimetables.com a cruise tracking website, Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess, the MSC Seaside, the Utopia of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Spirit are all expected to be in port or near a Bahamian Port on that day.

Remember, this booze ban includes the Port of Nassau and many of those "Private Island" ports. From what we understand, Norwegian is rerouting guests to be in port on a different day, but Disney and Royal Caribbean will proceed as planned.

Is Booze Still Banned If You Purchased a Drink Package on Your Cruise?

Our suggestion is to check with your cruise consultant and then recheck with your cruise crew when onboard. Trust me, the ships will do everything they can to honor your requests and your drink package purchase.

And if going without booze for a day on a cruise bothers you, I can tell you from personal experience, they do have AA meetings on board. Check your daily cruise guide for "Friends of Bill W"; it could change your life.