Discover Atlantis vs Ardastra Gardens

[katiefried]

DH and I are looking at the best excursion for DS who is 2 now but will be 3 shortly before we cruise. DH would feel more comfortable doing a tour than exploring on our own. He thinks Discover Atlantis would be best b/c DS loves aquariums. I don't disagree but think DS would also like the flamingos, and he loves trees/nature so I think he would like the gardens too.

What I'm nervous about is the guided tour at Atlantis. DS has some communication and developmental delays that make following directions difficult at times, not to mention that goes with the territory of being a toddler anyways! Once we get to the aquarium do we have to stick with the guide or are we free to explore the aquarium at our own pace? We could keep him in the stroller during the tour but I think that would get boring.

I feel like Ardastra would be more conducive to DS's exploring/wandering tendencies? If he didn't want to sit for the flamingo show could we just walk around on our own?

Any feedback from those of you who've done these is appreciated! I'm open to other ideas as well, but would probably like to stay in the same price range.

 

[Twin45]

I just returned from a cruise on the Dream a month ago.

I took the Discover Atlantis tour.

After checking in for this excursion, you are given a wraistband. This must be worn at all times while you are on Atlantis.

You and the tour group are escorted off the ship.

Upon exiting the ship, you and your tour group are led to an airconditioned van.

As you drive to Atlantis, your driver will point out various sites in Nassau. Sites mentioned included the state courthouse, the hospital. Our driver also pointed out that the price of gas was $5.00 a gal.

Once you get to Atlantis, you and the tour group are given headphones and a radio tuned to a selected station that the the tour guide broadcast thru. You then walk thru various parts of the property including the beach, the casino and the aquarium. The tour guide stops for photo ops and bathroom breaks.

After the tour concludes( and you have turned in your audio equipment) you are free to walk around the property.

Depending on your tour guide and tour group participation, the tour can last up to 5 hours. Mine was close to 3 (from Arrival at Atlantis to end of tour).

Hope this helps. Happy planning

 

[katiefried]

I just returned from a cruise on the Dream a month ago. I took the Discover Atlantis tour. After checking in for this excursion, you are given a wraistband. This must be worn at all times while you are on Atlantis. You and the tour group are escorted off the ship. Upon exiting the ship, you and your tour group are led to an airconditioned van. As you drive to Atlantis, your driver will point out various sites in Nassau. Sites mentioned included the state courthouse, the hospital. Our driver also pointed out that the price of gas was $5.00 a gal. Once you get to Atlantis, you and the tour group are given headphones and a radio tuned to a selected station that the the tour guide broadcast thru. You then walk thru various parts of the property including the beach, the casino and the aquarium. The tour guide stops for photo ops and bathroom breaks. After the tour concludes( and you have turned in your audio equipment) you are free to walk around the property. Depending on your tour guide and tour group participation, the tour can last up to 5 hours. Mine was close to 3 (from Arrival at Atlantis to end of tour). Hope this helps. Happy planning

Thank you for sharing your experience! That is really helpful... a bit longer than I was anticipating!

 

[shrpgrl]

We just did the garden tour. You are on your own . It is rather small and easy to explore. The flamingo show lasted about 10 minutes. They have a parrot feeding where you hold a piece of apple and the birds sit on your arm. There were mostly birds in cages with flamingos and peacocks walking free.

 

[katiefried]

We just did the garden tour. You are on your own . It is rather small and easy to explore. The flamingo show lasted about 10 minutes. They have a parrot feeding where you hold a piece of apple and the birds sit on your arm. There were mostly birds in cages with flamingos and peacocks walking free.

Thank you!!