Nassau - worth getting off the boat?

[Mr. Disney 1986]

I think it is nice to see once, just to say you seen it. I visited Atlantis, which was beautiful to see. Like I said it is a one time thing, I am going again in Oct. and don’t plan on getting off the ship this time.

 

[sandiegosusie]

We've sailed several times, and we find Nassau to be gross for lack of a better word. The people we encountered were pushy (literally) and rude. I had my hair pulled by a shop keeper. We all hated it the first time so we never get off the ship there. Just stay on the ship and enjoy the pools early, before everyone else comes back.

 

[dvc deernut]

I wonder where the hate for Nassau came from on these boards. Atlantis is pretty nice to go to.

For us its not a hate for the island. I was thinking about the 2 and 6 year old. There might be far more to interest them on the ship. They arent going to be as interested in the history or shopping. We have been to all the Eastern Caribbean islands and enjoyed them all. Nassau doesnt offer as much for very young kids as the ship would. If you do an excursion from the ship, go to Atlantis. If you walk along the main street where all the shops are the traffic can be at a stand still there and the exhaust from the cars is awful.

 

[dawne98]

I have two DD's and one is going to be 14 years old and one is going to be 4 years old. MY mom and dad are also going with us so they are going to stay on the ship with the 4 year old and my 14 year old and I are going to just walk about and go to the market maybe up to the top of th island I forgot the name of it...omg lol anyway for like 2 or 3 hours is all I am doing. I have been to Nassau b4 10 years ago....we live in Miami so Nassau is to ME a lot like the FL keys....when I went 10 years ago I had the best time...each and every person was so nice and yes at the market they try to get you to get from them and not the person next to them lol but that had nothign to do with me lol the art work is one of a kind and I still have a few things I got the last time I went.

 

[dunnhorn]

Two years ago we did the Atlantis Beach day. No way would I ever recommend that to anyone - the beach was so very dangerous with the waves, and we were solicited again and again to buy things by the locals. It really turned us off.

We just got off the 4 day from last week... we did the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter and the swim. I would not hesitate recommending the Blue Lagoon Beach Day. Although the dolphin encounter was really fun - considering you have a 2 year old, I'd say either do the beach day for the entire family or let the older child do the encounter or the swim while you take the younger ones to the beach. We loved the blue lagoon beach day - the water was crystal clear blue, the waves were very small and the area was just perfect. It was like a very small version of castaway cay - with plenty of beach chairs, hammocks and everything right at your fingertips. Seriously look at that - you take a 20 minute boat ride from the ship to the Blue Lagoon place and like I said the beach was really fantastic. They had inflatables in the water and allowed you to use the inner tubes for free. Our kids had a blast and I think our 7 year old actually liked Blue Lagoon more than Castaway (gasp!!!) My only advice is that if you do this, be sure to order room service that morning and get some sandwiches to take off the boat because the food is VERY EXPENSIVE (we're talking $10 hot dog, $15 hamburger, $2.50 for a bag of chips.) You can grab some PBJs and take some water and be on your way. Our family didn't eat anything and we got back to the ship very hungry.

HTH!

Leslie Ann

 

[myxdvz]

I think it really depends on what cruise you're on. We were on the 3 night and we opted to stay on the ship (kids were 2, 4, 6, 8). There will be future opportunities for Nassau or other ports for that matter - but our trip was specifically to enjoy the boat, the first time "cruise" experience and Castaway Cay.

I am also pregnant, and looking from the ship to the port, it seemed like a loooong walk to me My brother and SIL went off the ship to do some shopping while the kids stayed with us.

Next time, when we have enough time to enjoy the ship AND the ports, maybe we'll do it. After all, the first rule for first time cruisers is... don't do everything!

 

[squirk]

After all, the first rule for first time cruisers is... don't do everything!

I heard that. I'm really bad about overextending myself on vacations, so I constantly need to keep myself in check.

 

[Qtips4Mick]

Just back yesterday from NCL trip. I have been to the Pirate museum, thumbs up, took pictures in the old Christ Church and walked around. My daughters love the straw market which we stopped at this trip. When I first cruised on Disney we did the Atlantis excursion and not worth it! Beautiful place if you are staying I guess, but we walked about a mile for the beach set aside for us.
This past week we hopped the number 10 bus (1.25) to Cable Beach. Someone started talking to a local about where to get off the bus and I joined the conversation. She actually escorted us to the back of the Wyndham hotel, and through the lobby to use the beach. The water was turquoise, dozens of lounge chairs etc. What a treat! Yes, let your kids experience another country!

 

[shelbecat]

We are cruising for the first time in August and I want to do everything (but know I can't!). We will definitely be getting off the ship in Nassau to experience another country and culture. Our daughter is 6, and we always get her to keep a sort of journal (sometimes with just stickers and a few words in it) of her trips. She will come back in time for school with a page just for Nassau

 

[ecatesby]

We're just back from a 4-day cruise on the Dream...got to admit, I kind of wish we'd stayed on the boat - but that was partly because of the age of our kids (7, 5, and 2), and partly because this was our first-ever cruise and there was just so much to do on the ship...We did the Discover Atlantis excursion and we were a bit disappointed. I didn't think that the aquarium compared with some of the ones we've visited (including the one in Gatlinburg, of all places!) The theming was neat, but it was crowded and chaotic and the tour guide wasn't very good. The best part was the best was the bus ride to Atlantis and hearing the commentary on the sites. Next time, we'll either try something a bit more authentic (would love to hear more about local beaches and good local restaurants!) or stay put on the ship.

 

[iloverags2]

I just responded to someone else's thread on Nassau, and will respond here also. I have been to Nassau on eight different cruises (3 DCL, 4 RCI, and 1 CCL), and have visited Nassau each and every time. We love walking around port...all ports should be enjoyed! Never have had a bad time, and just a few instances with pushy folks but a quick and polite no thanks will suffice. (Keep in mind, these folks are trying to make a living and have to watch people coming off these big, beautiful ships day in and day out.)

The only excursion we have done is snorkeling. Other than that on our own we have visited Cabbage Beach, Fort Fincastle and Queen's Staircase (my favorite site!), and the Pirate Museum.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[fly4247]

Just got back from a 5 night Bahamian cruise on the Dream. Disney should reconsider parking one of their gleaming jewels at a toilet such as Nassau. The town is a tourist trap with the same cheap crap on every street corner and in every shop. There are no bargains unless you haggle like Rick Harrison on Pawn Stars. The Dolphin Encounter is a ripoff unless you feel being rushed through your experience and only spending about five actual minutes with a dolphin in a dirty little pool a good value. Stay aboard the ship and enjoy the time available to you where the crowds are actually tolerable. Now I'm off to fire my travel agent as she told me you needed passports for this cruise - you don't.

 

[TXDCLfan]

Just got back from a 5 night Bahamian cruise on the Dream. Disney should reconsider parking one of their gleaming jewels at a toilet such as Nassau. The town is a tourist trap with the same cheap crap on every street corner and in every shop. There are no bargains unless you haggle like Rick Harrison on Pawn Stars. The Dolphin Encounter is a ripoff unless you feel being rushed through your experience and only spending about five actual minutes with a dolphin in a dirty little pool a good value. Stay aboard the ship and enjoy the time available to you where the crowds are actually tolerable. Now I'm off to fire my travel agent as she told me you needed passports for this cruise - you don't.

Ditto...been there will not be back!

 

[Nikki Mouse]

Even though we didn't have an excursion booked, I'm actually glad we got off the ship because we were able to wander over to Parliament Square and run into the Nassau Public Library & Museum. We talked (softly, of course) to the librarians and walked around the place, which was once a jail in the 1800s. Sometimes you can find cool, free stuff to do, not get lost, and get cultured all the same time.

 

[Shell54]

We got off last summer and just walked around..it was pretty boring..we should have booked an excursion. We're getting off in June...mostly because our son really wants to do the semi-submarine cruise excursion.We booked it and I hope it's not lame.

 

[Ziggette]

My husband and I with DD5 and DD2 got off and took a carriage ride around the city. It was just enough exposure and culture to be fun. On the way back to the ship we walked through a couple of the shops and it was just enough to get a straw trinket and still be fun.

However, until the girls are older, I think we will stay and enjoy the ship next time.

 

[m&m123]

I hope you go with the majority of posters and get off the ship and experience the culture/food.

I have been there twice and going again in August on the Dream. We are doing the Blue Lagooon Sea Lion encounter this time and will use the beach there afterwards. With the young children I would recommend the Blue lagoon beach day-if you do an excursion. The ride over is gorgeous and the beach area is very pretty.

As far as the main area near the ship, yes there are some pushy people but politely decline and keep walking. I wouldn't worry about safety within the main blocks near the port. The people in the Bahamas depend on the money from tourism and aren't going to jeopardize that. There are bad apples everywhere you go, just practice smart traveling. Keep your money close and bring a limited amount off the ship. Walk purposefully, use a stroller for the 2 year old and hold hands with other children so they don't wander.

 

[scrapbookmomma74]

We went in Sept 2010 (On NCL) and had no real plans. We got off the boat and found a flyer that had some stuff.

We took a taxi over to the Sheraton past Cable Beach and you can rent a room for the day for $99 bucks.

It was great. Beautiful room, ground level, next to the pool and ocean. It would be perfect for a family. Kids can swim and then nap. You can shower everyone. They have food onsite and a wonderful beach.

Best money we spent in a port.

Um, couldn't you swim and nap on the boat for FREE?

 

[Capt Stitch]

My husband and I with DD5 and DD2 got off and took a carriage ride around the city. It was just enough exposure and culture to be fun. On the way back to the ship we walked through a couple of the shops and it was just enough to get a straw trinket and still be fun.

However, until the girls are older, I think we will stay and enjoy the ship next time.

Was thinking of doing the horse and buggy ride until I read that the horses are treated badly (realistically what horse wants to pull tourists around) but did the horses look in bad shape? Don't want to condone mistreatment of animals but if they are being fed and taken care of I don't want to prevent someone from making a living either.

 

[NJBILL]

I hope you go with the majority of posters and get off the ship and experience the culture/food.

QUOTE]

I agree 100%..We walk over to the free beach, take a dip, and then a short stroll through town..Been there 5 times..Kids enjoy each time.. Stop in the bank and get your kids a few Bahamian dollars or coins.