2 Qs: (1) Checking in Together; (2) Atlantis Beach Excursion

[MomOTwins]

We'll be traveling with my in-laws for the first time and I had a two totally unrelated questions I'd welcome all input on.

(1) They are first-time cruisers and we are silver, and we'll be in different rooms but I booked both rooms on my DCL account, and I'd like all the excursions, room charges etc. to be billed to me (I've already prepaid tips). Assuming I've done the online check in for both rooms, do we need to physically check in separately, or can we check in together? We will both be arriving together on DCL resort buses so won't have different PATs. If together, I assume I should go with them in the first time cruiser line, but if we do that, will we still get our lanyards (we were hoping to give them ours since we have ours already from a prior cruise)? I recognize this is a kind of silly thing to worry about but I just hate not knowing where to go/what to do.

(2) My MIL really wants to go to a beach in Nassau and I've always stayed on the ship before. I was all set to book Blue Lagoon, but then read some reviews that said it took over 90 minutes each way despite the website statement that it's just a 35 minute ferry ride, because there were long waits and full ferries, that there were no available loungers on arrival, and the drop off was very far from the ship, which isn't good for my MIL who can't walk too far and needs to have a lounger to rest on (she is going through chemo). Now I'm looking at the Atlantis Beach excursion (not the waterpark, just the beach access one) but has anyone done that and can tell me (1) are there shaded loungers? and (2) is it like Blue Lagoon and a really long transit time with lots of walking? I've never considered a non-DCL excursion before because I am paranoid about missing the ship, but if Atlantis is just as bad as Blue Lagoon in terms of transport time and shade, I might consider it if there is a nice beach with resort-type facilities near the ship.

 

[Rob1872]

For #1: My MIL (first time cruiser) was with us (we are also silver) with linked reservations. The DCL agent at the port said that we could all check in together in the repeat cruiser line. (However, they only gave us lanyards; my MIL as a first time was not given one.)
Never done Atlantis so can't comment on it.

 

[Marc D]

(1) You can all check-in together in either the new cruisers line or the repeat cruisers line. They do not really check and will actually send you to the other line if there is too much wait in your designated line. All counters have lanyards available in all possible colours.

 

[Dug720]

Regarding billing, when you complete online check-in for both cabins (I assume you are planning to do that), you would simply put in your credit card information.

Just be aware that the card will cover EVERYTHING they charge - drinks, souvenirs, etc.

 

[aliciamakino]

My family and I did the Atlantis Beach day in 2017, assuming it's the same, I can comment on it. There was a ton of walking! You have to walk through the majority of the resort to get to where they drop you off for the beach. In addition there are stairs. We had a stroller and it was quite cumbersome to lift it down the stairs. As far as the beach, I don't recall seeing many available chairs and definitely no shade! I looked back at pics and we were sitting in the sand and no shade to be had. IMO, I didn't think this excursion was worth it. We did enjoy touring the Resort and the Digs/Aquarium was super cool. But wasn't impressed by the beach area or amenities they offered. That said, it was 3 years ago, so maybe so of it has changed. But if your main concern is walking, a lot was required.