Best use of time in Nassau?

[ElleBelle88]

I'm after some advice about what to do during our day stop in Nassau please. I'm traveling with my DH(27)' mum(50), my grandparents(70s), my sister and BIL(30s) and my niece(2). It'll be our first cruise ever and we depart April 2nd on the Wonder for four nights. We're not really bothered about 'doing stuff' while in Nassau as have been lucky to have visited before - although a long time ago- but visited the straw market etc back then. We do however want to get off the ship for a while. I'm leaning towards the Atlantis as we've been to the Atlantis in Dubai before and really liked it but wonder if we'd be paying a fair bit for pools and beaches when there may be a more reasonably priced alternative? Thanks in advance, I'm so excited for my first Disney Cruise and love reading the DIS boards!

 

[dcassetta]

You might look into a day pass at either the colonial Hilton, or the Melia. Both of those offer access to their beach and pool areas, and can include meals depending on the day pass that you choose. It would make for a relaxing beach day, and less expensive than Atlantis. I would also recommend Blue Lagoon, although that's a beach only as they don't offer a pool. The ferry trip over to Blue Lagoon is nice.

 

[nearlyfallinstar]

Stay on the ship, it is a lot more fun! lol. We went to the Straw Market, Senor Frogs, and the public beach (Junkanoo). I do not recommend what we did. There were very pushy people outside of the Straw Market that grabbed my girls arms and tried to put bracelets on them without permission. The whole time they were saying over and over that they were not trying to rob or cheat us. Persistent is one thing and physical touch is another. Senor Frogs service was awful. We barely received our drinks and we had to chase them down to pay our bill. Junkanoo had large glass shards and trash everywhere. Plus a few unmentionables littering the sand.

If I was to do anything in Nassau again, it would have to be an excursion that takes you further out from the port area.

 

[mevelandry]

Before thinking of going to Atlantis, look at how many cruiseships are in town. I was told that when there is 3 ships or more, Atlantis is a hot mess...

 

[mocodis]

we were there last week, there were 5 cruise ships there, we stayed onboard and enjoyed the pool and activitites onboard. Not so crowded, as many left the ship.

 

[traveln4fun]

I will be traveling alone with my daughter. Is it safe to venture out of the secured area and shop around for a while?

 

[Naterfan]

DCL puts a warning in their Navigators regarding crime/safety on Nassau days, that's got to tell you something...stay on the boat. Why deal with the stress of pushy merchants and obvious charlatans? Besides, half of the trinkets are made in Asia.

 

[dcassetta]

I will be traveling alone with my daughter. Is it safe to venture out of the secured area and shop around for a while?

Yes, stay in the main tourist area around Bay Street. A "No, thank you" should suffice for vendors.

 

[annej]

I will be traveling alone with my daughter. Is it safe to venture out of the secured area and shop around for a while?

We shopped in Nassau in the shops on the main street by the port - it is outside of the secured area - and felt as safe as we do in an American city. I don't think we would have ventured beyond that on our own. And we went as soon as the ship docked and then got back on our ship. We DID NOT like the Straw Market - not for safety but so pushy and "in your face".

 

[darkpixie08]

Our family really likes getting a day pass for Colonial Hilton. It's an easy 10 minute walk, though you could take a cab as well. It has sand, umbrellas, loungers, a calm beach, and waiters who bring you little umbrella drinks .

 

[darkpixie08]

I will be traveling alone with my daughter. Is it safe to venture out of the secured area and shop around for a while?

Use regular city rules and you'll be just fine, just like in the U.S. Stay in the public areas and don't wander down any unpopulated streets. A firm "No thank you" to street vendors (while you keep walking) is all that is needed, the same way you would handle a persistent sales person at a mall kiosk.