"Discover Atlantis" worth it?

[Beth]

I know you guys get tired of answering questions about excursions...

But can you tell me if this excursion is worth the $33? We're not interested in doing the beach excursion - but we "would" like to check out the resort.

What exactly do you get with this package that we "wouldn't get" if we just grabbed a taxi and went over there on our own? Obviously - we'd miss the ferry ride. But could we see the same things without booking the tour? At a cost?

We did the city tour on our last cruise (Magic, 9/98) - and we've decided "once was enough.."

Thanks for your help!!

 

[MarkRG]

Hi Beth! You ready to go yet??

You've went and asked my favorite question! Now, in Cruise Chat last nite, some of us going were talking around about going over. Mary and I have been over there before - all I've read here on the subject is that the excursion tends to be very rushed. The resort and the aquariums are definitely worth the trip over! But you really need more time than the tour gives to really see it.

Here's a bit of a teaser, pictures from our last visit there! Last May cruise to Nassau pictures link Pics are about halfway down the page.

And you can do it yourself (I'll print this out for handouts for the group ), if you want to, it's easy! I'll now paste a nice brief instructional on how to get the most out of going over there:

• Leave the ship and go to the end of the dock.
• Take one of the numerous taxis for (right now, price partially depends on a bridge toll) $5 per person to Atlantis, much more pleasant than the overcrowded water taxi. Or, you can find limos for hire there as well for comparable prices.
• Walk to the center of the casino upon arrival, to the kiosk with the blue globe(Temple of the Moon).
• Buy a wristband for $25 each for access to all the resort except the water recreation(you can still walk out to the beach, just not on it).
• Walk the Dig at your own pace. It's long, at least a mile or more, but it is exceptional. And you basically walk about 2/3 of the property in doing so, they give you a map. You can go where you wish, at your own pace.
• Whenever you're done, just go back to where you were dropped off for another taxi ride back to the ship.

 

[Beth]

Thanks, Mark!

And thanks for all your help getting us all organized. I think we're all going to have a BLAST!!

I appreciate your input - sounds like we'll just skip the excursion and "go it alone."

See you Saturday!!!

 

[curtessey]

Quick question - someone told my husband that when you book the excursion, they give you $20 for the casino? I'm thinking not so, but has anyone else heard this?

We currently have the excursion booked.

Thanks for your help!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We went on the excursion. They did not give us $20 for the casino, though.

Your $33 includes transportation from Nassau to the Paradise Island terminal, and then you walk to Atlantis from there. It really isn't that far of a walk, it's nice. Then you get a guided tour from the Royal Tower, through the casino, out into the Dig, then end up in the Coral Tower. You then have all the time you want to eat or walk around and visit the resort.

We enjoyed the excursion, but next time we'd proably try to get a room at Atlantis' Beach Tower or at the Comfort Suites so we can use the beach and pools.

 

[curtessey]

Thanks California Dreaming, guess that's what the friend who told my husband was doing, dreaming! LOL

We'll try the excursion this time and then head back to the ship early. Found that the last time, the ship is pretty empty while in port and it's like having it to yourself!