HELP! 11/03 1st timer NEEDS Nassau Excursion Advice!

[shoe]

We are two families of 1st time cruisers. Kids ages 6.7 and two 8 year olds. I have read where people book a room at the the Comfort Suites and use the Atlantis property. This would definitely be a hit with the kids. Since there are two families, do we need to book two rooms or can we do one to get the bands we need. Is it worth it or we were also considering going to Cabbage Beach (just down from the Atlantis) and hanging out there for the day. Lastly, how's Blue Lagoon? Our fear with Blue Lagoon is that we would committ ourselves to a full day there and wouldn't be able to be as flexible to head back to the ship early or do the straw market too.

One more thing, I read these boards and am totally overwhelmed! Palo reservations, shows, kids clubs etc, etc, I am stressed about planning all I need to plan! Any one source for a good summary?

 

[Dreamer04]

Ok

1) I dont know about your Comfort Suites question.

2) I would not be too concerned about the straw market. The less time you spend walking around Nassau, the better.
3) My daughter, 5 and I loved Blue Lagoon-we did the dolphin encounter. Spending the day there was wonderful.
4) an excellent site is www.castawayclub.com
5) do a search on this board for a thread call "All the best tips in one place" , it is long, but very helpful


Good luck

 

[aprilgail2]

It is really no big deal if you miss the straw market.....every aisle has the same things just different pushy people trying to get you to buy them! Unless you are planning on going to Atlantis I would recommend staying on the ship, Nassau is a real dump.

 

[denise5374]

I have to agree with the other posters...Nassau is not that big a deal. Alot of pushy people, "braid you hair, pretty lady" "need a cab?" Repeat after me No No No.

We did a snorkel excursion which was beautiful, the water that is....but all we did is walk to the boat for the excursion and stop at a few stores on the walk back....It was a neat experience for my kids but not something I would be anxious to do again.

We didn't get off the ship in Freeport.

The water in the Bahamas is beautiful so I would absolutely try to get in it at some point. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

 

[jenschaef1]

Shoe:
Welcome to the DIS. I'll try to answer the Comfort Suites question. It is my understanding that 1 room at the comfort Suites will get you 4 wristbands. I have heard they are fairly strict with this. A few months ago, we were able to snag a good deal at the Comfort suites Paradise Island using the LGOLD rate...call Choice Hotels direct number 1-800-4-choice and just tell operator the code. LGold rates were about 135. per room for October but I did some checking for another DISer the other day and I think rates are a little higher for Nov. ,around 175. per room.
I think this is still a bargain considering you get full use of the facilities at Atlantis all day. We are on the 10/5 wonder so we will be at Atlantis next Monday. We have 4 children/ 2 adults so I went ahead and booked two rooms, we will take room service (from the ship) snacks over to Atlantis in a cooler as the food is supposed to be very expensive.

Hope this helps,
Jennifer