A few questions before I sail

[I Intrigue You]

We will be departing for our cruise in a few weeks and I was wondering about a few things....

I want to try to pack light. My big question is Hairdryers....Should I bring my own? I've heard that the ship hairdryers are not very paowerful.

My husband and I have decided to stay on board during our port visit to Nassau, Are we really missing out on anything great by not getting off?

We are not planing on making any spa ressies and we are not going to Palo. Since, this is a short 3 day cruise we really just want to relax and enjoy the ship. Does this sound like a big mistake? I know 3 days will go by rather quickly

I'm hoping we can do the 7 day cruise next summer then we can take advantage of all the things we missed on this cruise

Thanks for any advice you can lend.


Jenn

 

[ADisneygirl]

Last summer DH, DD18, DS12 and I went on the Wonder three night, our first ever cruise, and we just returned last week from our second cruise aboard the Wonder four night.

Yes, the hair dryers in the bathroom seemed to be low power, but they did work for my daughter. As far as getting off in Nassau, I do not recommend it unless you are going to the Atlantis resort for an excursion. Last summer we excitedly got off to "explore" on our own, but found Nassau to be a slum. I had women in clusters approach me and touch my hair, while asking if I wanted it braided -- all the while shouting prices out at me while I was saying no thank you. We took a horse carriage ride through town, and felt lucky to get off it alive. The cars do not respect the fact that horses pulling carriages do not go as fast as cars. DS and DD were shocked to see children begging in the streets, and I was more than a little nervous about our personal safety.

This time we stayed aboard and explored the beautiful ship. Plenty to do there.

Enjoy your cruise! you will love it!

 

[musicgirl]

If this is your first trip, you might want to venture into Nassau. We skipped it our first time because we were on an excursion most of the day. This past year we did go in for just a little while. The ship is only a short distance from the shops. There is one right beside the port that is air-conditioned with little shops in it. I picked up one of my favorite souveniers here. It was from a shop that makes ornaments and jewelery cut from conch shells.

Also, the straw market is interesting. You have to see it to believe it. There are rows of merchandise. However, I think its pretty safe to say that once you've been down one aisle you've seen them all. There are some differences though.

There are people who will bother you. But remember, you don't have to stay very long and its free to go there.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

once you've been down one aisle you've seen them all.

I agree, musicgirl, for weddings too...

 

[jackdis]

We were on the 6/29 Wonder. I agree that if you haven't been to Nassau you should at least take a look. We walked around a bit and went to the Straw Market. I would say we were off the ship for 2 hours tops, if that. Next time I would consider doing a beach thing there.

As for relaxing, definitely do that! We were on the 4 day, first time, and really took advantage of our verandah and the fact the our daughter loved the Kids Club! We sat together and relaxed, exactly what we never have time to do at home.

I feel the same way.....we are planning a 7 day for the not too distant future, and then we will do a little more. Maybe!!! This was the best vacation we have ever been on!

Anymore questions, feel free to ask me! Enjoy!

 

[aprilgail2]

I agree that Nassau was a slum! We also were glad to be alive after that horse and carriage ride, it was certainly and experience...but one I would never do again LOL....
In my opinion the hair dryers were just fine, I would never bother taking up packing room by bringing one. I didn't do Palo on our 4 day cruise, it was just to short to do a lot of things....I did manage to get in one nice massage though, I did it right when the sail away party was going on.

 

[dclwdwlover]

I concur with EVERYTHING ADisneygirl said.

 

[raisin64]

My advice would be to bring a blowdryer, my hair is thin and its a pain to dry my hair with the bathroom dryer.

A far as Nassau: Yes its pretty slummy - Atlantis is a beautiful resort to check out. The stores are right near the dock. I would at least spend an hour or 2 doing that, so at least you can say
you were there and did not just view it from the ship. I have traveled extensively ( some nice areas and some bad) , if I just
stayed in my hotel, ship or car I would not have had half the stories to tell when I got home. You learn to appreciate your own life alot better and also realize what a great country we live in.

 

[kalama]

We went ashore for less than 2 hours and saw enough. Did a little shopping but it was really hot and streets were crowded. Getting back on the ship was great! Since you haven't been there, I'd take a look but there's not much around the port.

 

[floridaminnie]

On our 4 day cruise in March, I didn't get off at Nassau at all. Enjoyed my time at the adult pool. On the 3 day cruise we just got off on, DF and I went on a snorkling excursion which is the ONLY DCL excursion that I would reccomend so far and that's after taking excursions on the WEstern 7 day. I don't think you'll miss anything if you stay on the ship. THe 3 days go by way to fast!