Tourists are venting their frustration after a well-known holiday spot brought in a temporary alcohol ban, leaving some visitors feeling short-changed.
The move means cruise passengers stopping off on the islands won’t be able to purchase alcoholic drinks once they step ashore.
The restrictions have been introduced by the government of The Bahamas — the Caribbean archipelago that features on the itineraries of numerous major cruise operators.
The ban is set to apply broadly across the country, covering not only public areas but also private islands and resorts run by cruise and travel companies.
Unsurprisingly, some travellers have reacted angrily to the short-notice change, with one person saying she ‘would have picked a different itinerary to celebrate with our friends’ if she had known beforehand.
So what’s behind The Bahamas’ decision to pause alcohol sales?
The country is heading into a general election, and in the run-up to polling day on May 12, alcohol sales are restricted as part of election-related rules.
A letter that Royal Caribbean sent to guests read: “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 notice issued by the government said: “Any person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed to be so doing while not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act.”
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean, which has multiple ships due to dock in The Bahamas on election day, said the company would be ‘respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations’.
The Bahamas isn’t alone in imposing limits on alcohol around election periods — similar rules are also seen in places such as parts of India and Chile.
One furious passenger took to social media, writing: “We scheduled a trip with stops in the Bahamas for our 40th anniversary. We are going with 26 of our friends. Planned activities at CocoCay and Nassau.
“The general election has banned all alcohol for the two days we are there. And we find out only two days before we leave? Not a way to treat customers who cruise four times a year.”
Still, the restriction doesn’t mean cruise-goers will be completely cut off.
The ban applies to alcohol sales on land, but passengers who want a drink will still be able to purchase alcohol on board their cruise ship.