Excursion to Atlantis in Nassau?

[disneyfanzz]

In 1999, me, my DH and DS enjoyed our first Disney Cruise. However we didn't think Nassau was too exciting. We went on a carriage ride and checked out the straw market. I really didn't like being pressured to buy stuff. I felt like I was going to get ripped off.

Anyway, we are planning on a 3 day at the end of the year and I am wondering if anyone has done an excursion to Atlantis and how they liked it. We were thinking of just checking out the straw market again but I saw a special on the travel channel about the digs at Atlantis and I thought that might be interesting for my kids. This time I'll be traveling with DH, DS6, DD2,DS2,DD2 (yes we've been busy since our last cruise) and my mom and dad. I am thinking of taking a taxi over to paradise island and taking a tour of the digs. I have heard of people not being able to get back to the ship without having to pay the taxi drivers a lot of money and I don't want to be ripped off. What do you think? Is it safe to venture out there? Will we get ripped off?

Thanks for any help.
Kerianne

 

[cynjam]

We traveled on RCI last year and did a shore exc. to Atlantis. It was great. It started with a harbour tour, explaining points of interest, then we walked to the Hotel with a guide where Hotel guides were waiting. After the tour, we had time on our own before the last ferry back to the ship. (We were given ferry tickets on the tour boat and was told they run every 30 min or so) We could have ate at the resort, but decided to walk to the public beach instead. (The resort beach was off limits) The point is, there are regular ferry boats that even locals use to get back and forth between Paradise Island and the port.( with a set ticket price) I hope this helps.

 

[Worldtraveler777]

We took a cab from the cruise ship dock to Atlantis last weekend and the fare was $4 pp each way. The water taxi was running about $6 pp each way. The biggest problem with the water taxi was the wait between arrivals. Also, the there was a short walk from the ferry dock to Atlantis, whereas, the taxi dropped us off at the entrance. We had absolutely no wait on taxis at all.

 

[disneyfanzz]

CJ,
The Ferry boats sound great to me. Is there a lot of walking? I just wonder if my three 2 1/2 year olds would have a lot of walking.

Kerianne

 

[bigsky]

You could book a room at Comfort Suites and have access to everything there. That's what we're doing in November.

Have a great time!
Laura

 

[MarkRG]

The taxi driver have set rates both ways. Just confirm that before getting in the cab and you're fine.

Well, if all you want to do is see the place, here is little prewritten something I put together on the subject:

This note is for people who want to just go visit Atlantis and tour the Dig, a huge grouping of aquariums. If you want to use the water amenities(ANY water recreation on property), you need to get a room at Atlantis or Comfort Suites at Atlantis.

To just visit is very easy to do on your own. All you have to do is walk to the end of the dock, where there are numerous cabs(minivans) with a current rate of $4 per person to shuttle you over. There are also private limos if you prefer with competitve rates.

Where they drop you off at Atlantis is where they will pick you up to return to the dock. At this point you have access to the casino, the shops, the main building of the resort.

To get access to the Dig and all the resort, simply go to the center of the Casino to a kiosk with a blue globe over it.

Wristbands for access to the rest are $25 for adults, $19 for kids 4-12, Under 4 free. This is not for access to the water amenities, as I said above you have to get a room for that.

They will give you maps of the Dig/resort and such at that point. You're now on your own to explore the resort at your own pace. The Dig is in sections spread over the resort and it is a great deal of walking. But definitely worth it. Enjoy!
(end of cut 'n' paste)

The place is even better in person than what you see on the Travel Channel. The only thing I can really tell you is to not take the tour, especially with your parents and kids. The official tour is at quite a fast pace, you'll be much happier moving along at your own pace.

 

[disneyfanzz]

Mark,
I enjoyed your web site. That looks so much more interesting than the straw market. I worry about not having my kids in car seat, but it doesn't sound like it's a long drive. I'm going to show your web site to my husband and see what he thinks.

Thanks,
Kerianne

 

[cynjam]

Kerianne,
Yes, it is a rather long walk (for a 2 yr old). Sounds to me if taxi fare is be set, that would be your best bet. We road the water taxi as part of the tour and I had no idea how much it would be on your own.