May 2, 2009~~~Magical MAYniacs!~~~ 7 day Western....Updated, April 3,2009!!

[AdventureLover67]

DaveH-I know your about 60-80 miles from us, but the pollen is the same down here. Yesterday while I was driving across a small bridge, I saw what I thought was a dust storm. Then I realized, OMG, that's pollen! No wonder I feel like someone has stuffed tissues in my lungs
Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water so that sinus gunk doesn't go bad...
Feel better!

 

[AdventureLover67]

Has anyone from the board ever been to Nassau?

 

[my4bratz]

Has anyone from the board ever been to Nassau?

We did....We stayed on the ship. Would love to go to the Water Park at Atlantis but it is very expensive!! I am torn because we are going to Florida at the end of June and could use the $ for this trip.....

Zerog.....thinking of you!

 

[Ashlotte]

I know not everyone thinks the switch is necessary, but I am feeling some relief. If nothing else, it is good to finally know! Zerog, this will just give us an excuse to go to Cozumel a different time, right?

I have my brand spankin' new PassPorter here (just arrived yesterday), and here are the ratings for the Nassau excursions:

Ardastra Gardens and City Tour- 7
Atlantis Beach Day- 6
Blackbeard's Cay Beach & Stingray Adventure- 9
Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour- 9
catamaran Sail & Reef Snorkeling- 8
Discover Atlantis- 6
Nassau Harbor Cruise- n/a
Blue Island Dolphin Enounter- 9
Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim- n/a
Blue Lagoon Dolphin Observer- 8
Scubaa Dive at Stuart Cove-3
Atlantis Aquaenture- n/a
Atlantis Dolphin Cay & Aquaventure- n/a
Dolphin Trainer for a Day- n/a
Sunshine Glass Bottom Boat-3
Sea Lion Encounter- n/a
Nassau Forts and Junkanoo Discovery- n/a
Climbers Rush & Aquaventure-n/a
Segway "Off Road" Back to Nature- n/a
Graycliff Escape Nassau- n/a
Graycliff Hotel Wine and Cheese Pairing- n/a
Graycliff Hotel Cigar and Rum Experience- n/a

 

[zerog]

Thank you everyone for thinking of me.

As I promised, we will make the best of the situation. I trust DCL completely analyzed the situation and made an informed decision. As usual nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Some things I am disappointed about are:

• Missing the dolphin excursion
• Paying for the REAS package to get first dibs on Palo time/day, plus excursion choices. I purposely chose Palo brunch and dinners on sea days, but now our 6pm Palo dinner is on the day we dock at Nassau.
• Excursions in Nassau will have to be booked on the ship - not available online. Last minute scrambling to figure out what to do; as if I don't have enough to do already. LOL
• I've been to Nassau 3x - quite frankly, I find the place to be dirty. I think the chances of getting some disease or getting robbed in Nassau are greater than the threat of the Swine Flu from Cozumel.

On the other hand, overall I am still looking forward to getting away.

• I can't wait to see the kid's and inlaws faces when the Limo pulls up to our house.
• My in-laws have never been on a cruise before and I am really excited for them.

 

[AdventureLover67]

Okay everyone, sorry for the excessive posting, but I remembered the DCL port of call shore excursion book I bought, and thought I'd share a few of Disney's shore excursions: (I tried to give a brief description, please let me know if you have questions and I'll elaborate)

Discover Atlantis (2-5 hours, all ages) Tour Atlantis resort which is a fantastic re-make of the legendary lost city$39 adults, $26 3-9

Atlantis Beach Day-All ages, all day-Basically hang out at Atlantis resort all day at their beach and all parts of the resort. $65 adults $47 9 and under

Sunshine Glass Bottom Boat-1.5-2hours-All ages $25 adults 3-9 $17

Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkeling 3.5-4hours ages 5 and up adults $45 5-9 $31

Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour- 2-3 hours 6 and up adults $37 6-9 $27

Nassau Dolphin Observer-4-4.5 hours all ages- Please note OBSERVE only all ages $35

NASSAU DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER- 4-4.5 hours ages 10 and above-$99
ages 3-9 $84 You can purchase photos and videos!!

Nassau City Tour-2hours all ages adults $23 3-9 $18

Scuba Dive Adventure at Stuart Cove 4.5-5 hours ages 12 and up- MUST be certified in SCUBA 12 and up $99

Atlantis Aquaaventure-5-8 hours all ages- 25 min. bus ride to a 63 acre water park at the Atlantis resort. Guided tour of underwater aquarium then waterslides, river rapids, pools and more. Adults $155(ages 10 and up) Children 5-9 $105 and kids under 3 are free. The book states even though it's pricey, it's well worth it.

Atlantis Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure-Adults $285 kids $245-

Blackbeards Cay Stingray and Beach Adventure-swim with rays, boat ride, beach time with box lunch-Adults $47 and kids 3-9 $35

Ardastra Gardens and City Tour- $38 adults $29 3-9

Please forgive spelling errors, grammar, etc. I was trying to type fast and didn't proof. If you have any questions, either PM me or just post, I'll keep the trusty "Birnbaum Guides DCL guide and review book" by the computer.

 

[DaveH]

OK, I just talked to DCL. Here are the days for where:

Sat Port Canaveral
Sun Key West
Mon At sea
Tues Grand Cayman
Wed At sea
Thurs Nassau
Fri Castaway Cay
Sat do we have to leave?!!!

zerog is right we will have to make the excursions on board. I was told the normal excursions will be available. This was checked with a supervisor.

Do not know if Palo brunch ressies will be moved to new sea day. My guess is yes. I would call and ask if you have a Palo brunch for Thurs.

The CM was relieved they could say something for our cruise. I hope this helps all.

 

[AdventureLover67]

Zerog-Here is pixie dust for you and the others who wanted the Dolphin excursion I sure hope it works out!
I have to admit, I did not want to go to Nassau, but thankfully Don called and is excited so that makes me happy

Just a goofy note-Even is some of our MAYniacs show up and cruise in bio-hazard suits, we end up docking places we have no idea about, and no one gets Palo ressies, we are going to have a rocking good time!!!:

 

[zerog]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_989.html

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The water sports and scooter rental industries in The Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Visitors should rent equipment only from reputable operators, and should insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Every year people are killed or injured due to improper, careless or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft. Visitors should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical and liability insurance.

CRIME: Although The Bahamas has a high crime rate, areas frequented by tourists during the day are not generally prone to violent crime. Visitors should exercise caution and good judgment at all times. Criminals tend to target restaurants and nightclubs frequented by tourists. One common approach is for criminals to entice victims into accepting a ride, either as a “personal favor” or by claiming to offer taxi service, and then robbing and/or assaulting the passenger once they are in the car. Visitors should use only clearly marked taxis with yellow license plates and make a note of the license plate number for their records.

Travelers should avoid walking alone after dark or in isolated areas, and avoid placing themselves in situations where they are alone with strangers. Be cautious on deserted areas of beaches at all hours. Hotel guests should never leave valuables unattended, especially on beaches. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available; however, visitors should try not to use them, especially after dark. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, particularly expensive watches, which criminals have specifically targeted. Visitors should take care to ride only in taxis with seatbelts.

The U.S. Embassy has received numerous reports of sexual assaults, including assaults against teen-age girls. Most assaults have been perpetrated against intoxicated young women, some of whom had reportedly been drugged. To minimize the potential for sexual assault, the Embassy recommends that young women stay in groups, consume alcohol in moderation or not at all, ride only in licensed taxis, and not accept rides or drinks from strangers.

The legal age in The Bahamas for consumption of alcoholic beverages is 18. Parents should be aware, however, that minimum age requirements are not strongly enforced. It is easy for teenagers to obtain alcoholic beverages and underage drinking is prevalent. Many of the arrests, accidents and violent crimes suffered by U.S. citizens in The Bahamas involve alcohol. Engaging in high-risk behavior such as excessive consumption of alcohol can ultimately be dangerous because it greatly increases the vulnerability of an individual to opportunistic crime.

In many countries around the world, including The Bahamas, counterfeit and pirated goods are available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, attempting to bring such goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: High-quality medical care is generally available, but expensive, in Nassau. Medical care is limited outside of Nassau. Bahamian doctors and hospitals do not usually accept U.S. medical insurance policies and typically expect immediate cash payment for professional services. It is the patient's responsibility to seek reimbursement later from their insurance companies. Serious health problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Persons with serious or life-threatening conditions who wish to return to U.S. medical facilities for treatment normally must be airlifted.

 

[mjlewis23]

I have allergies to tree and grass pollen. The pollen count for trees here is over 3000!!!! I am sneezing from time to time and coughing some. I do not have a cold or flu right now. I hope this is what you are hearing. My red car right now is yellow from pollen. We are so looking forward to meeting everyone on Sat and having a great time.

Oh no....I have the dry cough and sneeze too, because I have horrible allergies to trees and gras as well. This is a "coughing up a lung" sort of cough....the kind where they shouldn't be here at all! LOL

 

[jfahome]

Ok my ignorance and having never been to Nassau. I would love to go walk around the Atlantis resort. Do you have to purchase an excursion to do this or can you just go on your own. If you can go on your own, how do you get there. Sorry if this seems silly, but I do not know anything about Nassau and am quickly trying to learn. TIA

 

[Ashlotte]

Just a goofy note-Even is some of our MAYniacs show up and cruise in bio-hazard suits, we end up docking places we have no idea about, and no one gets Palo ressies, we are going to have a rocking good time!!!:

We'll make sure to wear the green wrist bands on top of the suits, right? Just so show our MAYniac unity.

I have to say, I picked to cruise this time of year because I figured it would be low key: no hurricanes, nice weather, not a school vacation period. This is definitely more drama (at the very last minute!) than I was expecting.

 

[Adventurelover'sDH]

OK...so we're not stopping in Cozumel. With that being said...we're still going on a cruise!

TOP TEN REASONS I REFUSE TO BE DISAPPOINTED:
10. I will be away from work for 10 days
9. I will still be with family and new friends
8. I will be away from work for 10 days
7. Never been to Cozumel, so I won't know what I am missing anyway
6. For the most part, I am in control of my schedule
5. Frosty adult beverages are available regardless of geographic location
4. I will be away from work for 10 days
3. The pollen count should be minimal on the water
2. No one will ask me to take out the trash or mow the lawn

And the number 1 reason I will not be disappointed:

I will be away from work for 10 days

 

[AdventureLover67]

Ashlotte-But of course we will wear the bracelets over the suits!

As far as drama goes, I have an 18 year old daughter who is coming with us-'nuff said.. For those of you with younger daughters, there is no escape! It will happen to you, to so take lots of pictures of those sweet little princesses so you can refer to them until about age 24-26 when all of sudden as a parent, you actually know something again.

Break out the disenfectant, here come the MAYniacs!!

 

[AdventureLover67]

OK...so we're not stopping in Cozumel. With that being said...we're still going on a cruise!

TOP TEN REASONS I REFUSE TO BE DISAPPOINTED:
10. I will be away from work for 10 days
9. I will still be with family and new friends
8. I will be away from work for 10 days
7. Never been to Cozumel, so I won't know what I am missing anyway
6. For the most part, I am in control of my schedule
5. Frosty adult beverages are available regardless of geographic location
4. I will be away from work for 10 days
3. The pollen count should be minimal on the water
2. No one will ask me to take out the trash or mow the lawn

And the number 1 reason I will not be disappointed:

I will be away from work for 10 days

As far as #6 goes, keep telling yourself that little fella!!

 

[4everluvDisney]

As long as the sea is smooth and the drinks are flowing freely, though, it will all be good in the end, no matter where we go. [/QUOTE]

I'm with you. As long as we are all on the ship...it's good!!

 

[my4bratz]

As long as the sea is smooth and the drinks are flowing freely, though, it will all be good in the end, no matter where we go.

I'm with you. As long as we are all on the ship...it's good!![/QUOTE]


Bring on the beverages and the KIDS club!!

 

[AdventureLover67]

Ok my ignorance and having never been to Nassau. I would love to go walk around the Atlantis resort. Do you have to purchase an excursion to do this or can you just go on your own. If you can go on your own, how do you get there. Sorry if this seems silly, but I do not know anything about Nassau and am quickly trying to learn. TIA

I tried to see if I could find anything regarding your question, but it appears you would have to pay some sort of admission. I did find a phone number that you can try (it also tells you availability of DOLPHIN EXCURSIONS). 1-800-ATLANTIS.
Hopefully someone else will have more info for you.

 

[FLUFFYCAT]

Ashlotte-But of course we will wear the bracelets over the suits!

As far as drama goes, I have an 18 year old daughter who is coming with us-'nuff said.. For those of you with younger daughters, there is no escape! It will happen to you, to so take lots of pictures of those sweet little princesses so you can refer to them until about age 24-26 when all of sudden as a parent, you actually know something again.

Break out the disenfectant, here come the MAYniacs!!

That is so funny!!!! Thanks for sharing.
The last few cruises I have been to Nassau and when we went to look at Atlantis we just took a cab ride. It was very cheap. After 5 pm the Aquarium at Atlantis is free. There are wonderful restaurants there. The beaches are awesome. You will have a great time.
~Darlene~

 

[mjlewis23]

Anyone thinking of booking a room at the comfort suites? It's approximately $317 with tax, and you get all of the privledges of Atlantis guests, which costs approx. $490 through Disney for our family of 3...now, the Disney one does include lunch, but between you and me, I don't plan on eating $173 worth of food!