Many Nassau questions

[bjkj]

We are planning on going on one of the excursions in the morning. I would like my family (DH, DD9, DS6) to see and experience a little bit of a different culture. However, it is very important that we are (and feel) safe. I have read many negatives about Nassau and have mixed feelings about what to do.

What is the port like? I have never cruised before and have no idea of what to expect. When you get off the ship, are you in a city? What's it like?

Do you have any suggestions on something specific we could do to get a feel for the country and culture while feeling comfortable and safe?

How long are we in port for? What time do we have to be back on the ship. Is it easy to get on and off of the ship? Do you come and go as you please?

Thanks for any input! We are all getting very excited!

 

[rjh8115]

Nassau does take its fair share of knocks. We've been there twice now (and the third time this weekend ). The city area is usually very crowded when there are multiple cruise ships in port. Plus you may find some locals who are a bit pushy to sell their products or services.

But isn't that part of learning about different cultures ? I have never felt unsafe while there. In fact, I thought the town center area of Nassau to be a bit nicer than Ocho Rios Jamacia.

What excursion are you on? Some of them give you a history lesson during transport from the dock area. Also, some of the walking tours can be very informative.

You might want to use the day to hang out at a beach. Cable beach is just a bus or cab ride away from the dock.

If you are on the 3-night Wonder then you are in Nassau from around 9:30am to 6:30pm. The 4-night stays in Nassau until 10:30pm.

I hope this helps . . .

Rick

 

[zeldacruiser]

I don't have any insight into where you can experience the Nassau culture, but I can answer some of the logistical questions. The ship arrives in port around nine in the morning, and you'll have a lovely view from of the harbor, town and Atlantis resort areas. It is very easy to get on and off the ship. You walk down a long dock, and then you are in town. Because cruise ships are such big business here, this area is filled with tourist-oriented shops, so I don't think it has much to do with local culture. You will be approached by many people who want to sell you a taxi ride or hair braiding. This can be very annoying, but it also makes it easy to get a taxi if you want one. It is interesting to see that driving is on the "other" side of the street here.

Because getting on and off the ship is so easy, on our first trip we walked to the straw market and shopped, went back on board for lunch, and then took a taxi to the beach. We felt very safe, although we did see a lot of poorer areas on the ride to the beach. My parents took the historical tour, and they said they were also struck by the poverty they saw, in addition to the historic sights.

 

[fkfad]

The first time we visited Nassau I did not do any research regarding what to expect, therefore, I had no reason to be concerned about its "safeness." We enjoyed ourselves walking around the straw market and interacting with the locals. Yes, they may be pushy at times, however, that is how they make their living. A simply "No thank you" sent them on their way. We never felt unsafe. We are always excited about the thought of Experiencing other cultures! We have seen poverty around the world that is beyond comprehension...Nassau seems mild in comparison! Just hold on to your children's hands and enjoy the experience. It will give you something to talk about at dinner!

 

[bjkj]

Thanks everyone!

 

[inkkognito]

I too have never felt "unsafe," but there are some scams to look out for. The locals will try to put a "free" bracelet on you as a gift and then get money from you once you let them put it on. If they take a photo for you, even using your camera, they will expect money. It's not unusual to be offered illegal items such as drugs and pirated DVDs for sale. And the locals can get VERY pushy.

But if you're on an excursion, it won't be so bad. I'm sure you'll find it interesting to experience a new place and culture. We used to disembark in Nassau when we first started cruising, but now we're on number 42 so we stay on the ship and pretend it's a day at sea.
Barb

 

[spotdog]

I have traveled alone the 2 times I was in Nassau but would not hesitate to take my young school aged neice and nephew on my next trip.

Most of the people do not seem unsafe or criminal, just overly aggressive and persistant in their strive to make a living. In the straw market you have to be prepared to say "No, thank you" over and over again. Be prepared to have a "discussion" back and forth about the price of items you wish to buy.

I would explain to the children that these people are not mean or pushy, it is just the way they try to get the most money they can when they sell their items, to support their own family.

 

[bjkj]

Thanks for all of the replies. Has anyone ever done anything really cool - out of the normal beach day, straw market ect.?

 

[LissafromSJ]

bjkj - Having just spent a full week there with our three kids and really exploring the ins and outs of the island, I can say that it (in my opinion), is no more dangerous than taking your kids to any large city - during the day. I wouldn't go out at night, but I doubt that's an option anyway if you're a cruiser.
My kids (10, 10, 8), loved the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, which you can get to by taking the #10 bus for a buck apiece from the port and traveling a mile or so down the main strip to the turnoff, then you walk for about ten minutes up a residential street. Afterwards we explored the Fort (one of two) that is to your left as you walk up towards the Zoo. It's $12 for adults, $6 for kids, and a wonderful experience run by natives (blonde hair blue eyed girls who really know their stuff) who really want to preserve the islands habitats. The Pirate Museum is okay, and we had a fun hour or two there (that is also right off the main street by the Straw Market). We're not shoppers, so the straw market was just a brief visit, and you could easily skip it. The Cable Beach area is easy to get to - #10 bus again, just tell them which resort to stop at.
Basically, we went there thinking we knew something about the place, and found we did not. Most of the natives (who, in our ignorance we would never have thought were natives because they look more American than I did), welcome the chance to educate visitors and are really proud to share their island with us. Even the beach hawkers won't bother you if you politely answer no. I never once felt the least bit afraid or turned off by anything, honestly. They drive like maniacs though, so watch out! Also, the Dolphin Excursion is not to be missed if you're into that sort of thing - we loved it! That's pretty much a whole day in itself. Do Atlantis if you want to drop tons of money and be in a Vegas style Americanized chunk of island, the kids will love the slides but I found it not worth the money for a day room to do so.
That's my two cents - hope it helps you! Have a great time...Melissa (Just wanted to note that it is the Zoo that I was referring to that costs $12 for adults and $6 for kids - I think the Fort is just a donation for the guide when he's done the tour)

 

[webray]

We never felt unsafe in Nassau, we loved it. We can't wait to go back.

You do come and go as you please, very easy to get on off the ship with your kttw card and photo id.

Our first time, we took the two hour historical city tour, it was excellent. We did this right after the ship docked so we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We had a great lunch in a local restaurant, checked out all the places we wanted to see, did shopping, visited with the locals, and had a snack at another wonderful restuarant. Again..never once did we feel unsafe.

 

[bjkj]

I guess that I'm not worried about the safety issue anymore! Thanks! Now we just have to figure out the best way to experience the island. Thanks for all the replied! You've put my worries to rest.

 

[oneeyedguy]

I have a couple of questions. We (me, dw, ds age 5 and dd age 4) will be there in April after 4 exhausting days at Disney. We don't want to do and all day affair and just want to relax. However I would like a back up plan and perhaps take the kids away from my wife for a couple hours.
1. Has anyone taken in the pirate musuem and is it worth it?
2. Going to AK on Sat before cruise, is Andastra different or more of the same?
3. Does everyone need photo ID and kttw card? kids too?
4. How are the beaches? ok or spectacular
5. I read above about a fort, any more info?

 

[webray]

oneeyeguy..there were two forts on our city tour..they were both very interesting, great photo spots. If you don't take the tour, you could probably grab a cab to get to them.