MSC Cruises warned guests of a temporary alcohol ban that will be in effect in the Bahamas on May 12, 2026.
According to a statement sent to travel agents, the ban is related to Bahamian General Election regulations.
As a result, the company will be forced to temporarily suspend alcohol service at its private island destination of Ocean Cay.
MSC said that the ban affects guests who are set to board the MSC Seashore in Port Canaveral on May 10, 2026.
Sailing from its homeport in Central Florida, the 4,560-passenger ship is scheduled to offer a short cruise to the Bahamas.
In addition to a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the four-night itinerary also includes a stop in Nassau.
According to MSC’s statement, certain shore excursions that typically include alcoholic beverages may also be affected by the ban.
“Please note that alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and consumption onboard as usual,” the company added.
Set to visit Nassau on May 12, 2026, the MSC Seaside is also expected to be affected by the alcohol suspension.
Sailing from PortMiami, the ship will visit the Bahamas’ capital city as part of a four-night cruise that also features a visit to Ocean Cay.
In addition to the Seaside, Nassau is welcoming two other cruise ships during the country’s general elections, including Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess.
Cruise vessels are also scheduled to dock at other private islands, including Carnival’s Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
In related news, the Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, with cruise tourism serving as the primary driver of growth.
As reported by Cruise Industry News, over 85 percent of the tourists arriving in the country were cruise passengers.
