If you booked a Disney Cruise sailing in the Caribbean sometime in the coming days, we have some sobering news for you—alcohol sales will be prohibited at both Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point for one day soon.
Alcohol Sales Prohibited
Cruise passengers visiting The Bahamas next week will run into an unusual restriction during their day ashore: a temporary ban on alcohol sales while the country holds its general election. This restriction brings a new definition to the words “dry dock.”
This ban will impact both of Disney’s private port destinations, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, both of which fall within Bahamian borders and governance.
The restriction will be in effect on Tuesday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, while polls are open.
The ban applies to the sale of “intoxicating liquor” across The Bahamas, which includes cruise line-operated private destinations such as Disney’s two ports.
Disney is not the only major cruise line affected by the election day ban. Other private cruise destinations in the Bahamas include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay.
Though Disney has not shared an official comment or announcement regarding the ban, Royal Caribbean has acknowledged the temporary restriction, commenting: “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.” They also confirmed that alcohol will still be available as usual aboard the affected Royal Caribbean ships – the restriction applies only to alcohol sales ashore.
Impact on Disney Cruises
Based on current port schedules, two Disney Cruise Line ships appear to be in The Bahamas on May 12, both of which will be docked at Disney’s private ports:
- Disney Wish – Docked at Castaway Cay
- Disney Fantasy – Docked at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Once again, only the onshore sale of alcohol may be affected by this ban. Services onboard the Wish and the Fantasy are expected to operate as usual.
Will you or someone you know be affected by this ban in the coming week? Tell us what you think on social media.
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