Nassau - Worth leaving the ship?

[han1211]

Originally posted by mermaid593
We have been to Nassau twice. I recommend taking either a horse drawn carriage ride or a shore excursion where you have a guide. There really is a lot more to the island than bad experiences at the Straw Market. The island is rich in history and has some excellent sites to see (Queens Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, Pirates Museum). The natives know that tourists are their bread and butter but understand a firm "no".

This would be my advice as well. Nassau, although not up to most of our standards of living is a very friendly city. My DW and I got lost trying to find the Pirates Museum and had many people offer us advice and directions. One man even chased us down because he gave us incorrect information. Go to the city with an open mind, but have your hands on your closed wallet
The forts offer spectacular views of the harbor and the cruise ships. And remember you can always head back to the ship once you've had your fill.

 

[mermaid593]

I second the pirates museum. It was chock full of interesting facts. Hubby and I had an idea of where it is at but ending up asking people for accurate directions.

$10 for adults and the museum took us about 30 minutes. It's great recreation, nothing scary or distasteful. I really liked the exhibit at the end that talked about Pirates in literature and movies (i.e. Captain Hook).

 

[Cleopatra9702]

My DH and I took a Cruise on the Wonder in 2002 for our honeymoon and I would recommend 2 things. If you have the $$ look into a shore excusion or stay on the ship. We opted not to take a shore excursion because of the prices and decided to venture into Nassau on our own. As soon as we got past the security guards posted at the gate I started to feel really uncomfortable. We were bombarded with people trying to sell us things, braid my hair, take us places. Both my DH and I do not do well in crowds so it was a little un-nerving. We ended up just walking around until we found a little patch of beach and went swimming. It was nice to get a way from all the kids and adults and have some time to ourselves, but the beach wasn't the best area (broken glass, etc). I guess you could say it was in a bad neighborhood.

Given what I know now, I would have definately stayed on the ship and enjoyed the shows, food, and the pools or scheduled a shore excursion.

I would definatly say get off the ship at Castaway Cay and (if you can) go to the adult only section. It's kinda a hike from the port unless you catch the tram, but it is worth it.

~Sara

 

[1971visitor]

We've been to Nassau twice on two four days. It's really not worth getting off he ship for anything other than to say you've been in the Bahamas. We get off, stroll through the port area and get back on the ship.

 

[Princess49]

jlp651 what are the coupons that you talked about? You couldn't have said free jewelry... my bf & I are shoppers & especially designer stuff, is it worth it for us to hit the gucci & fendi stores? He also is interested in a Breitling watch- should we bother? Thanks!

 

[happyrebster]

We are planning to get off the boat just to do the snorkeling excursion. Boat takes you out to pretty reef, etc. I hate to miss a chance to snorkel in such beautiful water. Has anyone had a bad experience with that excursion? We aren't currently planning to go into town.

 

[tawasdave]

We did the 04/04/04 4 day Wonder cruise and did the Dolphin encounter on Blue Lagoon..I went with 15 DS and 12DD..both loved the dolphins. We got back to Nassau about three pm, and kids and I wanted to do some shopping and had little time since most of the stores close at 5-6. First, straw market..all you have to do is a couple rows of the market...the rest is just duplicates..so do a couple rows then move on. In the hour or hour and a half we were walking around downtown we saw two seperate incidents of people being arrested..not sure why..but made my 12DD very nervous....as for being hounded by people...I did not think it was to bad...we just kept saying no thank you and they left us alone...I have been there twice now on DCL and missed Atlantis both times...I do regret that...I hear great things about that place..maybe next time...Have a great trip

 

[mrsltg]

I would stay on the ship. We went on a three day with our then 2 year old DD. We went on the Nassau Pirate Excursion. The area where you get off the ship was fine - pushy sales people, but nothing terrible. Coming back from the Pirate Museum was different though. I was into the leisurely stroll, but my DH, pushing my DD in her stroller, looked at me and said, "WALK FASTER". This scared the heck out of me! DH is a cop in Southeast DC, and has been for 14 years. He's well over 6', and he was nervous about the area that we were in. If he gets nervous, I get downright terrified. Anyway, that was enough for me. DH swears that any other cruise to Nassau we are staying on-board. The best advice is, if you do get off the ship, don't wander off the beaten path and try to stay within a large group of people.

Erin

 

[becky23]

In my personal opion it's better to stay on the ship, however Atlantis is nice to see at least once!

 

[#1 Mickey Fan]

We are signed up to do the Blue Lagoon/Stingray City combination tour in Nassau. Has anyone ever done this and what was your experience? Should we reconsider and stay on the ship? Thanks!

 

[LindaBabe]

I wandered off to the right along the water until the street ended then went up the hill and got on a public bus #10, $1, again going toward the right, which means you have to be on the "wrong" side of the street. The bus goes to Cable Beach and costs a dollar. I got off before Cable beach and walked up the hill to Ardestra gardens. It was fun, the shop had cute stuff at reasonable prices and likewise the snack bar. Cost $12.

Walked back down the hill and took another #10 bus in the opposite direction to get back to town. Where I shopped along the main drag and through the straw market. My big regret is that i did not venture to buy a plate of the native food from one of the vendors selling same from the trunks of their cars to the vendors in the market. It smelled lucious.

I never felt uncomfortable but I don't generally freak around lots of people, unless I have to carry on a conversation with them.

 

[epjenk]

We go to Nassau frequently on business, and I would say it depends on your interests whether it is worth getting off the ship. Atlantis is impressive to see if you have never been there (and has a nice casino). But, food is very expensive there and on the day excursion you don't get full use of the beach facilities. Snorkling trips off the island are really nice (I've not done the one associated w/Disney- we went with Stuart Coves). As for the shopping, the straw market is a bunch of people shouting at you to buy cheap tshirts and souveniers, and the "higher end" type stores have decent deals on things like Lenox and Waterford, not really impressed by the jewelry. In general, if you go into the big John Bull and Solomon's Mines stores near the end of Bay St. you will get the gist of Nassau shopping.

If you like Belgian food, the Brussels Cafe off Bay St. is YUMMY. Almost worth getting off the ship for, but I'm too lazy and pregnant this go round.