The Bahamas to temporarily ban the sale of alcohol this week

The Bahamas is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, with the Caribbean country welcoming 12.5 million visitors in 2025 (an 11.4% increase from 2024).

There are around 16 flights per week from the UK to the Bahamas, mostly departing from London, and hundreds of cruise packages available in 2026.

The Bahamas to temporarily ban the sale of alcohol

The Bahamas is set to temporarily ban the sale of alcohol on Tuesday while the country holds its general election, according to the Washington Times.

The ban, which will include private resort destinations owned and run by cruise companies, will be in place from 8am until 6pm.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that alcohol will be banned at its private island, Coco Cay, on Tuesday.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson, talking to PEOPLE, said: “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.”

Two of its ships, Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, will be visiting Coco Cay on Tuesday.

PEOPLE added: “The cruise line said Perfect Day at CocoCay and its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will remain open, and alcohol will continue to be available aboard its ships.”

Major Spanish Airport closed until the end of May

Elsewhere, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport has been closed for the month, resulting in the cancellation of all flights, affecting thousands of British travellers.

Around 3.6 million people travel through Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport each year.

However, the airport has been closed until the end of May so resurfacing works can take place on the runway.

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro closed on April 23 and won’t reopen until May 27.

Its website continues: “During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.

“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.”

How does this closure affect British travellers?

Around 30 flights run each week between the UK and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport.

Most of the flights operate out of London-based airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, while there are also non-direct flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro from Manchester.

The major Airlines that operate flights between the UK and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro include:

• British Airways
• Ryanair
• Aer Lingus
• Vueling
• KLM

All these flights will be cancelled while the airport is closed, affecting thousands of Brits travelling to southwest Spain.

Will you be in the Bahamas on Tuesday (May 12)? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.