Is the aquarium at Atlantis nice? Or should we just enjoy the ship?

[Mousemommy1]

First cruise next month!

I have an Atlantis excursion booked for our family of five (me and DH, and kids, 11, 9 and 1). I thought it would be nice to stroll through the aquarium there.

Is that generally a good excursion or should we just stay on the ship and explore?

Thanks!

 

[Sytrace]

We really enjoyed the Aquarium, my kids were 9 and 10 the first time we went. We went back a couple of years later and combined the beach with the Aquarium tour.
As this is your first cruise, I would definitely try this excursion out...you will still have time to explore the ship and play on the Aquaduck.

 

[Jess_S]

Another vote for Atlantis. Really the only downside was price. Otherwise, the grounds are amazing and the aquarium was very enjoyable.

 

[macfinn]

it is a very nice aquarium - that said - make sure you do it on the ship excursion NOT on your own! We made that mistake once!! I wouldn't waste going into town tho -- it can be quite overwhelming -- especially with kids -- go back to the ship and enjoy it!!! (just my opinion)

 

[FindMeAFishingSpot]

We did it a number of years ago and enjoyed it. Went in February and didn't. We felt rushed through the whole thing (the tour guide kept saying, 'the next group is catching up, we need to keep moving, you can come back again on your own to spend time when we finished). Also seemed way more like an Atlantis sales pitch than an tour this time. We won't be doing this again.

 

[Mousemommy1]

it is a very nice aquarium - that said - make sure you do it on the ship excursion NOT on your own! We made that mistake once!! I wouldn't waste going into town tho -- it can be quite overwhelming -- especially with kids -- go back to the ship and enjoy it!!! (just my opinion)

I booked the excursion through Disney...is that what you mean?

 

[Amanda129]

I went on it in Jan 2005 on my first cruise and really enjoyed it. We spent a little time shopping in town afterwards, then still had time to enjoy the ship before most came back aboard to get ready for dinner.

 

[My2litteprincesses]

We went last May. To be honest, Atlantis was one of the highlights of our trip! Not sure why (besides the $$$) it gets a bad rap. Gorgeous aquarium!! We loved the lagoon to swim in afterwards. Beach chairs available for use for freez Very calm water (as opposed to the rough ocean water). We brought our own snorkel gear & used the resort's life jacket (required). AWESOME DAY!! In my opinion, Atlantis is a do not miss stop!

 

[Reddaisy]

it is a very nice aquarium - that said - make sure you do it on the ship excursion NOT on your own! We made that mistake once!! I wouldn't waste going into town tho -- it can be quite overwhelming -- especially with kids -- go back to the ship and enjoy it!!! (just my opinion)

If you don't mind me asking, what happened? I have never been brave enough to book an excursion without going through DCL.

 

[Plaid Princess]

We enjoyed it on our first cruise. We didn't do the excursion, just got a taxi at the port, it was much cheaper. The aquarium is great, and definitely worth a visit if you've not been before. I think it gets a bad rap with repeat cruisers (along with all of Nassau) because everyone is tired of the port after the first few visits.

 

[Otimon]

We've been to Atlantis several times over the years and most of those were by taxi or van found at the end of the dock. Never had a problem with that and
found the drivers to be most courteous and helpful. We took one trip to Atlantis via the Disney excursion as well. Whether on our own to Atlantis, or with Disney, we all
enjoyed the Aquarium and felt it was worth the visit. Bon voyage.

 

[KHRfromNY]

When in Nassau, do most people tend to stay on board or get off and do excursions? We are tossing around what to do and we are having a difficult time deciding. Thanks!