January 3, 2011 - 5 night Bahamas Sailing

[mazz1]

my son is hoping to visit atlantis this next trip, not the waterpark just the aquarium and to explore the hotel in general so we will prob do this, think disney offer the dig at atlantis for around $50 each so we'll probably be doing

we did get off the ship last time in nassau and went walkabout on our own, we noticed a heavy police presence which was reassuring but we asked ourself why so many? and we noticed the odd assortement of shops with some really nice upmarket designer names sandwiched in between some rather tacky tourist shops which we thought really strange, we basically ended up buying some ice creams because it was ever so hot and some rum cake for gifts and then we made our way back to the ship, on the whole the first brief impressions was that we were not overly impressed with nassau, this next time we hope to explore further and have a much better visit

 

[PrincessMer]

I'm not real excited about any of the options at Nassau either. I've never been there though, so I'm thinking I should at least get off the ship and walk around a bit. Then maybe just get back on and enjoy the ship!

 

[mazz1]

don't know if this helps in anyway but my friend paid for a beach/ pool day pass at the british colonial hilton at nassau which i believe is just a short walk from the ship

i seem to remember her saying it was $10 which inc towels and use of showers restrooms etc and obv all this it would depend on the weather and if you want to spend another day on the beach? but from their feedback they thought it was well worth it, she gave it a big thumbs up for a little bit of paradise in nassau

details here for this hotel and it's amenities http://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/content/NASHIHH/media/pdf/en_NASHIHH_HotelBrochure.pdf

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Our first and only time in Nassau last March, we spent our day at Blackbeards. Well, that was our intentions anyway. It was raining on our boat ride over so they made an announcement that they were going to give us 25% of our money back. When we arrived, we spent a few minutes with the stingrays but then it really started to rain so we got out. At this point, the wind was blowing and it was chilly.

A guest spoke up to the crowd and asked if anyone wants to stay or do you just want to skip lunch and go back early. EVERYONE said go back. After about 30, maybe 45 minutes on the island, we all headed back to the ship.

On the way back, they announced they called Disney and told them to just refund the whole excursion back!!! We were impressed and said we would be back!!! We didn't even have to ask for a credit. Great customer service!

The island, the stingray set up, the beach, everything about it.....liked it. I would recommend them! We are not going this time because the kids will not be with us but will give them a try again on our next family cruise.

Here's the info from the website:

Blackbeard's Cay Stingray and Beach Adventure
Location: Nassau At a Glance
Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages3-9)
Ages: 3 And Up

On this tour you will:
Take a scenic 20-minute journey, drop anchor and take in a brief introduction to the island. Soak up some rays on the warm sands of the beach and explore a colorful wonderland of curious fish below the surface of the sea during a refreshing swim. Then, embark on a short walk to a large protected lagoon and, while under the supervision of park managers, don a snorkel mask and immerse yourself in an up-close interaction with live Southern Atlantic Stingrays. Learn about the physiology and behavioral traits common to all stingrays and then watch in wonder as these curious creatures gracefully float by and gently nudge you as if to say "hello." Hand feed these gentle creatures of the deep. as you Hold in your hand a piece of fish only to have it disappear from a snacking ray moments later. After your 30-minute exchange, return to the beach and compete in a fun-filled game of beach volleyball, and then enjoy a tropical beverage and a delicious lunch (included in the price of this tour). Finally, after your approximate 3.5 hour visit, embark on a 20-minute boat ride and 15-minute stroll back to the ship.



By the way, I think we will be going to Senior Frogs, straw market and Hard Rock Cafe. We might even do a little walking tour. So nothing scheduled...just get off the ship and go at a relaxed, non-scheduled pace (which is so NOT like me!)

 

[mazz1]

ooh that sounds lovely Christina if my son didn't have his heart set on atlantis i would def consider this as a alternative

 

[mazz1]

oops duplicate post

 

[aanderson5]

DH has said he is not really interested in any excursions and would like to just hang out on the ship. This being our first cruise I'm OK with that.

I'm not all that interested in Nassau myself, but if there's any interest in a photowalk I might make an exception.

I'd be interested in a photowalk. Maybe even get a few hints from someone whose beautiful pictures I have been admiring on the board.

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[Silverfox97]

Hello

We're booked!!

Finally found a Cat 11C GTY after some slight OCD web checking...

There will be me - Sarah, 27 and my sister - Heather, 23

We would like to join your FE group please, if you still have space

Of course we still have room in the FE! The list is open unitl Dec 1st.

I can't WAIT for this cruise!! It hasn't even been 2 months since I got off the Wonder and I feel like it has been FOREVER!!! C'mon January

 

[mazz1]

Hello

We're booked!!

Finally found a Cat 11C GTY after some slight OCD web checking...

There will be me - Sarah, 27 and my sister - Heather, 23

We would like to join your FE group please, if you still have space

that's great news Sarah, welcome aboard

 

[wonkadeb]

We are planning on staying on the ship in Nassau, too. Doesn't sound like it is the safest, and I don;t want to leave the kids on the ship without us. Sounds like there will be a lot to do on the ship, anyway. Since it is our first cruise, I would like to experience as much as the ship has to offer as possible.
Hey Georgia3: are you first or second seating? We are doing 1st, because we want to see the shows before dinner. Planning on taking advantage of Dine and Play.

 

[ladyniles]

Just checked and there's another 11C GTY open... so if anyone is trying to talk someone into joining the cruise (about as inexpensive as they possibly come!) it's available!

(I keep checking my 11C GTY to see if we've been assigned yet, and we haven't. I'm OK with being in that category, though.)

 

[ssanders79]

Of course we still have room in the FE! The list is open unitl Dec 1st.

I can't WAIT for this cruise!! It hasn't even been 2 months since I got off the Wonder and I feel like it has been FOREVER!!! C'mon January

Welcome. I updated the FE list with your info.

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[mistyandbenjamin]

A couple of questions and comments:
Will they assign room numbers before the trip is paid in full? We have an 11c gty but are not paid in full.

Also, someone said they had recieved their gty room #. Curious as to what you booked? Received? Were you paid in full?

Last but not least, Can I be a party pooper and request we close the FE list maybe November 1st? My reasoning is that it will become quite expensive the more people sign up and it will be easier to find bargains with more time (Nicer items and more flexibility). Also, I am so busy around the holidays it would be nice to have the FE done before the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, school holidays and packing. Let me know what you guys think.

A great thread on homemade FE gifts. Why I need time to plan!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639

 

[mazz1]

We are doing 1st, because we want to see the shows before dinner. Planning on taking advantage of Dine and Play.

i was of the understanding that the first show is shown during the early meal sitting for dinner and the 2nd during the late? so you may have a problem with these plans

A couple of questions and comments:
Will they assign room numbers before the trip is paid in full? We have an 11c gty but are not paid in full.

Last but not least, Can I be a party pooper and request we close the FE list maybe November 1st? My reasoning is that it will become quite expensive the more people sign up and it will be easier to find bargains with more time (Nicer items and more flexibility). Also, I am so busy around the holidays it would be nice to have the FE done before the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, school holidays and packing. Let me know what you guys think.

on our last cruise we were assigned our gty rooms at around 50 days out and we had booked cat 12's, i doubt they would asssign any rooms at a gty rate if they were not paid in full

just my opinion but i have no problems with it closing on the 1st

 

[wonkadeb]

Oh, thanks. I typed that wrong. I meant we are on second seating, not first. I guess I should not have been up so late at the computer, again!

 

[Silverfox97]

Can I be a party pooper and request we close the FE list maybe November 1st? My reasoning is that it will become quite expensive the more people sign up and it will be easier to find bargains with more time (Nicer items and more flexibility). Also, I am so busy around the holidays it would be nice to have the FE done before the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, school holidays and packing. Let me know what you guys think.

A great thread on homemade FE gifts. Why I need time to plan!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639

They usually do not assign GTY rooms until ~45 days out, so about a month after the paid in full date.

I am going to vote no for the early close to the FE date and vote to keep Dec 1. I think closing it 2 months before the cruise is just too early and may block out cruisers. The earliest I would vote for would be Thanksgiving. That is just one opinion

 

[mistyandbenjamin]

Okay, we can stick with the December deadline. I will make it work. Can you please add my parents to the FE list? They are in gty cabin, will update later. Their names are Sam and Donna. They are celebrating an anniversary onboard. Also, can you update my DS's name, it is Benjamin.

Also, I am doing custom FE gifts so if you anyone wants them to be personalized please update the list with your first names. Otherwise, they will be generic, which is fine, too.

 

[aanderson5]

I have a suggestion for the FE. Why don't we count on 20 people being in the exchange (we are at 16 or 17 now). If we go over the 20 we split into 2 groups. That way people can prepare early, keep expenses under control and keep the exchange open longer. Just a thought.