After EXTENSIVE reading...one thing I can't find the answer to...

[Lollipop's Mom]

Wow I have read so much on here and also found that one amazing 89 page PDF file that someone wrote....WOW - that is a lot of work!
Anyway....
The one thing I cant find info on....if you choose to not do an excursion - but still want to get off the ship - are there usually beaches to go to? Or ??? Anywhere you can walk to, or better to take a cab?
I would be interested in just getting off ship and maybe looking at the little markets and buying a couple of little souviniers, and also relaxing on a beach somewhere for a while. How does this work?

Oh another question I just thought of....does anyone know why the 7 day cruises do not stop at Nassau? I would love more than anything to go to Atlantis for the day, but wouldn't want to only do a 3-4 day cruise! I know there isn't much I can do about that, but just wondered why they dont stop there!
Thanks!

 

[getoutthere]

Yes, there are plenty of things to do on your own. I don't know which ports you are referring to or I would give you some suggestions. Cruisecritic.com has a great ports of call board that has tons of information. I'm sure you could find the answers you are looking for there.
Not sure why the 7 day cruises don't stop at Nassau.

 

[dbond]

The one thing I cant find info on....if you choose to not do an excursion - but still want to get off the ship - are there usually beaches to go to? Or ??? Anywhere you can walk to, or better to take a cab?
I would be interested in just getting off ship and maybe looking at the little markets and buying a couple of little souviniers, and also relaxing on a beach somewhere for a while. How does this work?

There are always cabs available at the ports to take you anywhere you want to go. You can find out lots of information about the ports of call online before you go. Lots of people on these boards talk about their favorite beaches. Just keep reading posts and asking specific questions and you'll get quite a bit of information. There is plenty to do in each port without having to book an excursion.

Oh another question I just thought of....does anyone know why the 7 day cruises do not stop at Nassau? I would love more than anything to go to Atlantis for the day, but wouldn't want to only do a 3-4 day cruise! I know there isn't much I can do about that, but just wondered why they dont stop there!

Nassau and the other Bahamian islands are very close to the Eastern Florida coast and favorite stops for the short haul cruises. The long haul cruises from Florida need the days at sea to get down and back to the Eastern & Western Caribbean ports. Most people that opt for the longer cruises expect the nicer beaches and clearer water that you see when you get further south into the Caribbean. DCL's private island, Castaway Cay, is part of the Bahamian Island chain. The 7-day cruises make sure they allow the time to stop at that island which is a preferable choice for most over Nassau.

 

[jkovick]

Nassau is not that great of a port IMO. I am glad that the 7 days don't go there. The ports of St Thomas and St Maarten are much,much more pleasant islands to visit. Honestly, Atlantis is nice, but if you have been to any large aquarium it is not a lot different. To walk around and see the dig was nice but for $29.00 each plus taxi fare, I doubt we would go again. If we do another short cruise we will stay on the ship ans skip Nassau.

 

[jrabbit]

I know there isn't much I can do about that, but just wondered why they dont stop there!

Because there are more interesting and beautiful places to go other than Nassau! The question comes down to: Nassau or Castaway Cay - which would you choose !!!

 

[eye R.N.]

It was not a problem. Done the tour of Key West without benefit of Disney. Grand Cayman was Sting Ray City with Captain Marvin. Also played mini golf in Cozumal even found a grocery store that sold the famous vanilla extract for about $2 for a big bottle. Read up on folks trip reports for ideas.

 

[allears]

The Passport Guide book is also a really great source of information about the islands. They even include ideas for going it on your own in sections for each island stop.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

Lollipop's Mom..........We'll be sailing on our 5th DCL sailing in 5 years.....We did the western last November and Eastern the year before. We will NEVER do another "day by ourselves". Spend the 20 or 30 bucks a person.....By the time you pay for a taxi, buy lunch you are WAY ahead.....plus the peace of mind! Which sailing are you on?