Is a quick trip into Nassau worth it?

[marley]

I was looking at the Navigators and figured my husband and I would take about 2 hours to explore Nassau while our little ones are in the kids club. I don't think I would feel comfortable leaving the ship for much longer since they are both still fairly young and I would rather go to meals with them myself.

If you only had two hours, would you "waste" your time in Nassau or spend it on the ship?

If you chose Nassau, what are the "must sees" you could actually do in 2 hours?

thanks!

 

[newarknut]

To be honest, I wasn't too impressed with Nassau. Our family, wife and two kids (17 & 10) went off the ship for around an hour and then went back. Lots of little shops, people in your face trying to sell you a ride somewhere and an overall uncomfortable feel.

We are going on a 4 day cruise in August and I think we'll take one of the beach excursions at Nassau. There are two, one at Atlantis and the other is at a Lagoon. I don't know much about either, however, they would have to be more enjoyable than just walking around the area for a couple hours.

Hope this helps,

Newarknut

 

[ruvidu]

While I do not care for Nassau at all, I would get off and wander around the Straw Market if this were my first time there. Get you a souvinier wood carving or T-shirt and then head back to the ship. Two hours is a good time limit to be in town. You will only be two or three blocks from the ship at any time.

 

[Hopkins]

I'd take a carriage ride tour of the downtown area. They are located to the right after you go through the security gate/pier area. You can't miss it and also they approach you. We did this in January of 2002. The guides are very friendly, well manored, knowledgeable. For the three of us it was $25 total for a 20-30 minute tour of the city. We learned lots of interesting facts about Nassau and the Bahamas.

Tina
Magic Western 1/18/03

 

[taswira]

I'd go for the carriage ride. Be selective about which horse and driver though. You don't have to take the first one in line. They are very competitive with each other. I spent ten minutes looking through the line of horses until I found one in excellent condition, clear-eyed, with hoof conditioner on, and a pleasant driver/handler. Turns out the horse was from Pennsylvania. The driver is very proud of that horse and takes good care of it. He was also knowledgeable and a fine tour guide. I only mention this because some have said their experience was a horror story (horse running wildly through the streets, no real "tour").

Nassau in general? Spend a couple hours just to say you were there. After the first time, it's more fun to stay on the ship and enjoy the uncrowded atmosphere!

 

[Hopkins]

Our horse was from Pennsylvania, too (I can't remember it's name) and our drivers name was Desmond.

After the horse ride, you might want to take a taxi to Atlantis Resort and Casino and see that beautiful resort. Walk around and see the casino, shops, aquarium and pool.

Tina

 

[taswira]

Hopkins, this is just a thumbnail picture, but was <a href="http://www.primateprojections.com/travel/DSC00015a.jpg">THIS</A> your horse and driver?

 

[atigeg]

We did the horseback riding in Nassau quite a while back, and I remember that I was shocked at the price of hay there. I don't remember how much it was, but we have horses so we know how much it was in Illinois, and by comparison it was ASTRONOMICAL in Nassau! I think they said there is a very high tax on it, so horse ownership is very costly there. The horses at the riding stable were mostly Thoroughbreds from tracks in Florida. We've taken the carriage rides a couple of times, and happily, the horses have appeared to be in good condition. As a horse owner, I also check out their condition, and even the type of bit the driver is using. I used to write horse training articles for Horse Illustrated and some other magazines, so I am very picky! My "steeds," Cochise and Figment, are my spoiled babies, and I can't stand to see horses abused.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[taswira]

Hey Barb - You are SO right! And it isn't just hay that's expensive in Nassau. I hear even a loaf of bread is outrageous. Like you, I am so picky about the horses that many of the drivers thought I was crazy - going up and down the long line of them, checking out condition and feet and tack, etc. I taught riding and trained horses for 12 years in my younger days. I just can't <I>stand</I> to see horses (especially "working" horses) that are not fit and cared for. Many of the Nassau carriage horses are in good shape, but I also saw several with long, cracked hooves, one with a missing shoe, and another with a badly bowed tendon. Even if someone doesn't "know" horses, if they take a serious look, instinct can usually give one a sense of the horse's general health and temperament.

 

[howardk613]

We have been on 2 cruises both of which were 4 day cruises so they both stopped in Nassau. On the 1st cruise we went to the straw market and to Paradise Island to the beach. The straw market was a waste of time (no real bargins) and the trip to Paradise Island was a hassle although the beach was nice (but not even close to Castaway Cay ). On our 2nd cruise we stayed onboard on the Nassau day and had the ship to ourselves and had a great time. I would recommend that you skip the Nassau visit and enjoy that amazing ship with your kids.