First Cruise 5/4/03. ?'s about excursions, etc

[Amymomof3]

We are taking our first Disney cruise in May (4 day). We have 3 children (ages 5, 2 1/2, and 1 year). I am excited and a bit nervous because we don't really know what to expect. Anyway, I have been looking over the shore excursions and can't decide on which would be the best place to snorkel. Any suggestions? We don't want to leave the kids in babysitting for too long, so we want to make the most of our "couple time". Any suggestions on what, and what not, to do? My husband definately wants to snorkel, but has heard some of the reefs in Nassau are too deep to see. Is this true? We have been debating for a long time about doing this. We weren't sure if the $3100 (sound too expensive for Cat. 4?) was worth it. We have decided to definately go though. We also wondered how much fun it will be with children so young. Is it hard to get in Flounder's Nursery?
Thanks!!

 

[sara]

Hi! Welcome to the DIS!
We've done the 4-day two years ago. The kids were 3 and 5 at the time. Sorry, I can't answer the excursion questions. The only time we got off the boat was Castaway Cay!!! There is also snorkeling on Castaway, if that works out better for you. Traveling with children that young is fun. My 3yo was not thrilled with the kids club. We did manage to do dinner at Palos, but there was some bribing involved.
As for the price, that is about what we paid two years ago, so it sounds great to me!!! Have a great time!!!!

Sara

 

[Amymomof3]

Thanks for your reply!
I've been reading that alot of people don't even get off at Nassau because it is dirty. I would at least like to check out the straw market there though. Have you been to Freeport or heard anything about it?
Thanks!

 

[mldnhr5]

Just got back from 3 day.

We check our kids in to the clubs and got off in Nassau for 2 hours. walked throught eshops did the straw market and headed back to the pool.. Shoul dhave stayed on the ship all day. My wife and I did have some fun a lone time and we saw Nassau.

With young kids, do the snorkeling at Cast Away Key. There is a large area to snrkel. I saw a stingray which was pretty cool. It is right next to the family beach so your dad can be close to you.

If you do it in the bahamas, plan for a big excursion.

Bring lots of sunscreen.

Have fun

Andy

 

[Amymomof3]

Thanks for your reply!
I do definately want to at least look around at Nassau a little bit. Do you get some pretty good deals at the Straw market? Anything we should be cautious about, beside hair braiding (lice)?
Thanks again!

 

[GMS]

Probably the best snorkeling opportunity in Nassua is the snorkeling boat trip excursion. They take you out to the reef and even though it's deep they feed the fish so they come right up to you. It's not real long (check the time) so you have time to do other things too. Del Sol with the colorchanging t-shirts and nailpolish sounds great, and if you've never done the straw market- take a look- if you don't want to stay-just leave. My kids loved dickering for prices on wood carvings (they bought walking sticks) and beach towels and some beaded and shell jewelry.

 

[Amymomof3]

I think we'll look around Nassau a bit just to see it. I'd love to get some souveniers from the Straw Market. We'll probably just snorkel at Castaway Cay.

Thanks!