Nassau, do you like it or don't like it?

[*Fantasia*]

What do you like about it? What is there not to miss? Would you go back there again?

What don't you like about it? Would you try going back there again?

How do you compare Nassau from other islands? Thank you for any infos you share and experiences.

 

[gshoemate]

We went last year and spent about 2 hours there. Not sure if we will be going this time, we might just because it is our only stop.

I am glad we experienced just to see how they live on an island. But we didn't really plan on buying anything but it was interesting to walk around the stores. We didn't get pressured to bad. At one store the lady kept following us around, waiting to see if we were going to buy anything, but we didn't. And when you first get off and walk through the straw market (i think thats what it is called) there are alot of people that offer you a taxi, or carriage ride not to terrible. The only thing we found annoying was that every step we took we had someone asking us if we wanted our hair braided. Then there were some that wouldn't even get up to walk over to you, they would scream it from across the road.

It was interesting but I'm not looking forward to stopping again. And just a side note, we didn't do any excursions, maybe we would of had a differant experience if we would of.

 

[FrenchRyourfriends]

went to Nassau many times. Apart from the Atlantis ... (that you should see at least see once), there is nothing to see / buy or look for. Unless you like to play ...
Public beaches are "Ok", but you will need to take a cab & make sure somebody is "watching" your personal belongings.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I've been to Nassau 2 different times...and the first time I enjoyed the straw market, the 2nd time I went was in 2001 and it had just burned down... but the 2nd time, I got to make the taxi ride to Paradise Island and played at the beach near Atlantis...now that place was beautiful.

 

[kaykels]

I have a feeling the vast majority of people are going to post negative feeback about Nassau because you have to "know what to do and what not to do there". Is downtown Nassau gross... yes..... BUT ...... the beaches are beautiful. Try Cable Beach if you want to get away from the crowds. We had so much fun there and can't wait to go back. How can you complain about sun sand and beautiful water????? The Crystal Palace is a resort on Cable Beach with a big pool, waterslides, watersports, casino, restaurants, etc. and it's free. Try it. If you stay on the boat you might miss a beautiful day at the beach.

 

[ladytampa]

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I just joined the boards today. I agree with Kaykels. My first time going was a high school graduation present. I had no idea of what to do or where to go so it wasn't much fun. We only shopped (didn't buy anything) and went to a local night club(which wasn't very different from the nightclub I'd been to as a teen - even same music).

The last time I went - this past June - I went as a grownup with my two children, along with my cousin and her two children (left the husband at home). We all had a wonderful time in Nassau. We did the Dolphin Encounter (complete with hugs, kisses, dancing, feeding, and rubbing the dolphins). We got great pix of all of us and my cousin and I both bought the video.

The next time I go - 06/05/05 - I plan to rent a room at the Comfort Suites and go to Atlantis and explore "the dig", the slides, the aquarium and whatever else the Atlantis has to offer. Oh yeah and I'll take the husband this time.

I think everyone should try a different excursion everytime you go, or ask the CM's for something to do. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I plan to rent a room at the Comfort Suites and go to Atlantis and explore "the dig", the slides, the aquarium and whatever else the Atlantis has to offer.

You rent a room to use their ammenities? What is Atlantis about? How far is this from the dock and how much is it to stay at Comfort Suites? How much is the transportation to get there? Thank you for your help. Thank you everyone.

 

[CamColt]

Ive been there 3 times.
1st time we got off the ship to explore and were very disappointed.
2nd time we stayed on the ship and enjoyed that while most people were on the island.
3rd time since we had left our kids at home we got off the ship to try to call home. We couldnt get through any of the phones we tried so we kept walking trying to find one that worked. We then came across the Del Sol store which my nieces had talked about so I went in to buy them a souvenier. We then gave up on the phone and went back to the ship to enjoy that. So we were only on the isalnd for an hour or so.
I would go back, but not for a vacation just there, only if it were part of a cruise and Id stay on the ship.

 

[antmaril]

We are on the 2/13/05 Wonder and we plan to stay on the ship on the day we are in Nassau.

We were there once many years ago. I have no desire to see it again. I don't even remember much about it, except that I didn't like it. We will "pretend" we are at sea!

 

[ladytampa]

Here is a thread that sheds some light on the what Atlantis is and why to use Comfort Suites:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=630088&highlight="comfort+suites"

 

[cruisin05]

ladytampa--Hey I am going on the 6/5/05 cruise. how old are your kids? I am going with my son who will be celebrating his 4th birthday the day before and my mom. I can't wait. Im not sure if we will get off the ship at nassau or not, probably since it will be my first cruise and first time going there.

 

[ladytampa]

cruisin05 - My son is 8 and my daughter is 11. This will be our first Disney cruise. We cruised on Carnival this past June.

 

[webray]

We (me, hubby and daughter/22) had a great time in Nassau..and yes we would definately go back again.

We loved the people..just talking with them. This is one of our favorite things on any of the islands we visit.

We love..trying the restaurants and the local cuisine. In Nassau we ate at Conch Fritters. It was very good..wide menu, all different prices for every budget. They also serve the local island beer kalik. It is located just a couple blocks from the straw market..across from a large hotel/resort.

We also tried the filipino restaurant right next to the straw market. It was outstanding..will definately go back there again also.

The straw market was a blast..we had a great time negotiating for our items. We of course made all the regular stops for t's and to check the places out..Senor Frogs and Hard Rock Cafe.

We did the two hour historical city tour..very nice. Climbed the queen's staircase and visited the forts and lighthouse. Great views..good for pics.

We had fun just walking around..doing some shopping..testing the locally brewed alcohol..yummy.
We didn't even have time to get to Atlantis..will have to do that next time.

 

[tecdavidt]

We have been to Nassau three times. The first time we didn't get to do much because of a snow storm in the midwest--we didn't board until Nassau and it was only a three day cruise. We did get to see the airport, and some of the island when we were in our wild taxi drive to the port. No wonder they hand out free Bahama Mamas when you arrive in the airport terminal.

The second time we had a great time. We took a tour of the island that was offered as an excursion. Then we walked around the downtown area close to the port. No beach time because the temp was only in the lower 70's (Jan. cruise)

The third time we took a taxi over to see the Atlantis hotel. That was well worth the time. Again no beach time because it was Jan. cruise. Just to cool for us to be in the water.

If we go again I really want to go when we can go to the beach. I also know another DIS member, Nyloc, lives on the island and his family cruised with us last March or maybe it was two years ago. He had lots of information on what to do in Nassua. We really would like to take our daughter their so she can see the Atlantis dig and we even have talked about staying at the Comfort suites for a short weekend instead of a cruise. This would be when the weather is a bit warmer.

The main thing to remember, all the islands are not what we have here in the states. Even in St. Thomas you will see poverty. Some islands are worse than others. We have learned that we get an idea of what the island is like during the first visit and if we are lucky to go back, whe know what to do and what not to do to enjoy the island. Take St. Marteen, hated it round one but have been back 3 times since that stop and we love the island. We just learned what to do so that we enjoyed the stop.

Kathy

 

[Tonyspad]

IMO- Do NOT waste your time on Nassua. Your time and money would be better spent on the ship.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Nassau is not an island. It is a city on New Providence Island.

Atlantis is on Paradise Island, which is next to New Providence, connected by a bridge. YOu can get there via water taxi, car, bus, or walk (a looooooong walk from the dock)

The Dolphin Encounter is located on "Blue Lagoon" Island, reported to be where some of the Gilligan Islands exteriors were shot.

That that our Bahamas geography lesson is over (LOL), I have been to Nassau 11 times, via cruise ship and air. If you have never been and want to see it, there is a nice horse drawn carraige ride through part of the city. The straw market is a large place with many natives selling tee shirts (3 for $5, 4 for $5, or even 5 for $5!), decorated straw purses, bags, coasters, hats the usual tourist stuff.

I don't get off the ship anymore unless it is to buy a couple of bottles of liquor. IF you are only buying liquor to bring home and only want your allowed limit, check the duty free liquor shop on the ship, the prices were about $1.00 cheaper.

I went to Atlantis many years ago when it was the Merv Griffin Hotel and Casino.

If you don't want to spend the $$$ for the Dolphin Encounter, and you don't want to rent a day room for the private beach at Atlantis, and you don't need or want a bunch of straw suveniers, then I say stay on the ship. Castaway Cay is a billion times better beach experience.

 

[kaykels]

Tony, c'mon, you can't say something like that and not back it up with info. What was so bad? If you went to the straw market or downtown I'm sure it was awful. You're entitled to your opinion, just wondering what you experienced.
Personally, I wouldn't trade the awsome day at the beach with Pina Colada in hand from the swim up pool after a wild ride on the banana boat for anything!

 

[dizprincess27]

Me and my dd are cruising for the first time ever in May 2005 and I've never ever been to any Island so I think because of that fact, she and I will get off and probably go to Cable Beach or Atlantis at the comfort suites (if I can afford it anyway) I'd like to say I've been to an Island and actually walked around a bit ya know

 

[mickeyfan1]

Julie, Castaway Cay is an Island. A private island, with wait service and no shady vendors.

When you get off the ship in Nassau, and walk into town, there are people who will stop you and ask if you want your hair braided. I have been approached on Cable Beach to buy T Shirts, coconuts, drinks (not feom the hotel staff), and marijuana. I have had beeds put around my neck and then yanked off because I wouldn't buy them.

A lot of people like getting a day room and using the beach at Atlantis. If you go to the Cable BEach Hotel, they do not charge you to get to the beach and they encourage cruise ship passengers to do so.

 

[dizprincess27]

Hi Mickeyfan1,

I never thought about it like that LOL!! Yes CC is an island too. Did you say Cable Beach Hotel b/c I thought the Wyndham was the place to go for free pool and beach usage? If this is another hotel to go to that's great and I might consider it. What I really wanted to do is the Atlantis day at Comfort Suites and I even started a thread asking if anyone wanted to split the cost of a day room there but no one seemed interested. I was hoping that someone would want to do that considering it will only be used for a couple of hours and $80 is much better than $160.00. If I weren't spending 3 additional nights in WDW it would be more of a consideration to do on my own but I of course had to add the additional nights

Thanks!