How does this sound - never cruised before - UPDATE

[Regina]

I wouldn't do the Straw Market. It's very crowded, dirty and it can be quite intimidating.

If the kids want a little taste of the island, just go to the plaza that you need to pass through getting on and off the ship. There are a few vendors there and they are quite pleasant. Not pushy at all. Or, go to a few of the Disney recommended shops. You'll probably get some coupons for a few freebies as an incentive to visit them.

Be prepared to be inundated with offers to braid your hair and take you to Atlantis the moment you step onto Nassau.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

I agree with dvcreg. AVOID the Straw Market!!! YUCK!!!!

There are several shops in the "down town" area that are much nicer and cleaner!!! If you have never been to Nassau, you should by all means check it out. You can always reboard the ship whenever you want! We have been to Nassau once, enjoyed the Atlantis resort, hated the Straw Market and hair braiders and have decided to stay on board and enjoy the ship.

Have a great trip no matter what you decide to do!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

DH and I have been to Nassau before, so we're pretty familiar with the scene there. I think I read something about the cruise line offering a shopping presentation. Is that where I would find out about their recommended stores and obtain any coupons? Our thoughts were to spend only a short amount of time off the ship to just give the kids a taste of the Bahama's and they can purchase a few souveniers. We can always send my husband back with the younger kids to take advantage of the quiet pool time and DD(18), myself and my cousin can do a little more shopping.

As for the rental car, we are using National and have gotten a great rate from them. The reason we're hanging onto the car is that we're heading to the Grand Floridian for one night after we get off the boat. It's just a matter of convenience to have the car right there and we can get on the road as soon as we're ready. We decided not to do a shore excursion at Nassau, so I've just moved the money I budgeted for that over to the car rental instead.

I am convinced that purchasing a length of stay pass for the rainforest is a must do. I'll set that all up for DH, oldest DD and myself. Normally, I like to partake of a spa treatment, but that's only one hour of enjoyment. This rainforest thing sounds like 3 days of pure bliss to me.

I'm torn right now about telling the kids about it. I would love to be able to keep it all a surprise until we drive up to the Port, but then again, I'd like them to be able to go over the Navigators that are shown on the castawayclub site and have some time to decide what they'd like to do. Plus my DD(18) would probably prefer it if she knew what type of clothes to pack. I think I'm convincing myself that we should let them in on it, but we'll keep it a secret that their cousins will be on board with us. How's this for an idea? Our daughter won't be home again from college until Easter, so what if I can find plastic boats to use as Easter baskets? Then I could fill them with sunglasses, suntan lotion, etc... and a print out of the navigator. Better yet, if anyone is going on the 3-night Wonder and could get me actual Navigators by April 11th, that would be terrific.

Thanks for all the help ~ Tammi

 

[SeaSpray]

Tammi, since your cousin and her family are cruising with you and you'd like to dine together, call your TA (or DCL if you booked directly through them) and have them link both of your reservations together, and I believe that will ensure that you'll be at the same dining time and even the same table.