Advice on Nassau, Palo's Brunch, etc.

[janet89]

Hi Everyone!! I am new to these boards. I belong to another discussion forum, but that one doesn't have very much DCL info.
I need some advice on a couple of things. First, myself, DH and DS age 4 are all new to cruising. We are leaving in 16 DAYS for a 4 day cruise on the Wonder :jumping4: I'm so excited!!
We can't decide about what we should do on Nassau day. Stay on the boat, do the Stingray excursion at Blackbeard's Cay, or get a day room at Atlantis. Could some of you experts give me some pros and cons of each? I am leaning a little toward staying on the ship and enjoying what is offered.
Also, has anyone done Palo's for brunch? Is the dress code the same as for dinner?
Any other tips will be appreciated. I am thankful to have found these boards!

 

[webray]

Dress code for brunch is more casual..a jacket is not required. Just nice shirt/pants for man and a cute little dress or pants/capri outfit for woman.

The brunch is excellent..you will have to put the child in the kids club though..as children are not welcome at palo.

As far as Nassau..you don't necessarily have to do an excursion...why not just get off the ship and go for a nice walk. It is a lot of fun, pick up a few souveniers..maybe grab a nice lunch. We can highly recommend Conch Fritters restaurant..kitty corner from the straw market. The food is delicious, view is wonderful. Then head back to the ship and have some fun.

 

[LissafromSJ]

Our first cruise is next November, but we just returned from a week in Nassau. With a four year old, if you do decide to go to town, I'd visit Ardastra Gardens and Zoo. It's a nice, unique way to spend two hours, and for a wonderful cause. I believe it's $12 adult, much less for kids. It is unlike most of our zoos, in that you get very close to the animals. Their Macaw exhibit lets you and the kids get in there with the birds, and you hold apple slices as the birds sit on your hand and eat them! The flamingo parade is also pretty neat. They really explain a lot to the kids and take their time. My children (10, 10, and 8) loved it, and it was a highlight for our trip. Have fun! Melissa

 

[pigget74]

Question--is there a brunch on the 4 day? I thought it was only offered on the 7 day. If it is on e the 4 day I may need to re think what I am doing

 

[alexandrew]

you can walk to straw market , then go back to ship for lunch and then take a cab to Atlantis all on the same day...without spending all the $ in reserving a day room at Atlantis, you can still have a great time exploring the grounds and some of "Dig"....for $25 pp, you can purchase a wristband giving you full access to the Dig...very impressive

 

[disneyohdisney]

What is the "dig" ??

 

[alexandrew]

The Dig is the name that Atlantis gave to their world famous aquarium....it is sort of an archaeological theme, with different rooms....well worth checking out...

 

[TroyWDW]

Question--is there a brunch on the 4 day? I thought it was only offered on the 7 day. If it is on e the 4 day I may need to re think what I am doing

I know last month on the Dec5 and Dec26 4-Night Wonder cruises there was a Palo Brunch on Wednesday (sea day ) from 10:00am - 12:00am.

Troy

 

[Erik]

We were on the 12/19 4 day wonder and had brunch at Palo on our Sea Day, at Nassau my DW and I checked out DS5 into the club and went ashore and did some shopping, then we returned to the boat about the time our DD16 and DS14 were getting up. The whole family went to the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo doing the tour. the tour was around $35 so one could do it less expensive, but it was a nice tour.

 

[ivanova]

Question--is there a brunch on the 4 day? I thought it was only offered on the 7 day. If it is on e the 4 day I may need to re think what I am doing

Yes, now that they've dropped Freeport and have a "day at sea" there is a Palo's brunch on the day at sea on the 4 night Wonder (slurp).

 

[hmneal]

We just returned from a 4 day on the Wonder yesterday! This was our 2nd time so we were tempted to just stay on the ship for Nassau but our oldest DD hadn't been so we just shopped a little, went to the straw market, etc. The first time, we also went to the Pirate Museum.

Our DD's are 20, 16, 13 & 11. The youngest chose to stay in the kids program because she didn't enjoy Nassau the first time!

We really enjoy the ship while most people are in port! Having had beautiful weather, we lounged at the pool most of the day!

and the Palo Brunch is on Wed (the day at sea)

 

[janet89]

Thanks so much for all the awesome advice!!! We are so totally clueless since this is our first cruise and first Disney experience!!! I hadn't really given much thought to the zoo, until last night when I was looking over the excursions. Since it was mentioned here we will add it to our list of possibilities. Spending the day at Atlantis looks so tempting, but I would hate to drop that much $$$ and the weather not be quite warm enough or something. We may just opt to take the tour!!! Thanks again!!!
We are leaving January 21st for Florida!! :jumping4:

 

[wdwoldtimer]

The Dig is worth visiting at least once. It's a very nice aquarium. Just grab a cab when you get off the ship to Atlantis. When you get into the main lobby, just ask someone in guest services where to get your wristbands. Beware of locals masquerading as Atlantis staff or trying to sell you (stolen)wristbands (even in the Atlantis lobby). They do this.

Cab fare is a standard rate...I forget how much though.