Nassau

[Believe2017]

Hi there, rookie here. We're doing a 4 day cruise on the Wonder in February and stopping in Nassau. We have an almost 3 year old. Would appreciate any ideas on what to do. Thank you so much!

 

[starvenger]

To help us out, do you have a general idea of what you want to do? beach, tour the city, other?

 

[PAGA2003]

Our son was four when we visited Nassau and we purchased a day pass to the Melia Resort for a beach day. It was ok but I would suggest giving the Colonial Hilton a try if you want a resort day. We were originally booked there but their pool was closed for renovation so we changed to the Melia. This time our son is five and we will be heading to the Pirate Museum and then back to the ship since we are just on a 3 night cruise.

 

[Believe2017]

Thank you for your responses! I should have included more information in my original post. Our daughter is very much a mover and doesn't like to sit in a stroller so walking and taking in sights isn't really an option. So I'm thinking perhaps a beach day like the previous poster suggested may be a great option.

 

[starvenger]

Cool.

I did do a day at the Colonial Hilton when I went there. It's about a 15 minute walk or a quick taxi ride there. You should be able to find a day pass online for a reasonable price, and it should include a food/drink credit. The beach area is not huge, but if your little one likes moving around this may be a good thing. Food service is slow, so you will want to order early.

If you go a little further past the Hilton there is a public beach. My brother went there and he said it was fine. YMMV though.

 

[kiapepito]

We just spent the day at the British Colonial Hotel last week and it was perfect for our family of four. We have two young kids. It was wonderful laying on the beach chairs while the kids played in the water. Very safe as it is private area for only hotel goers and it was a perfect day to spend the day in Nassau. We spent the credits on alcohol while we went to pick up lunch for all of us at the McDonalds across the street.

 

[Believe2017]

This is great! We're going to spend the day at the Colonial Hotel as you guys suggested - thank you for the advice!

 

[ElenaRN]

We walked to Junkanoo Beach. Its about a 15 min walk from port. I've read mixed reviews about cleanliness, but we had no issues. Clean sand, clean & calm water with no real waves. That is a plus with little ones. Not sure how much the day passes at the hotels run but this was a free public beach.

 

[MillauFr]

Next time we stop there I am just staying on the ship.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

We walked to Junkanoo Beach. Its about a 15 min walk from port. I've read mixed reviews about cleanliness, but we had no issues. Clean sand, clean & calm water with no real waves. That is a plus with little ones. Not sure how much the day passes at the hotels run but this was a free public beach.

What month did you go? Do you recall how many other cruise ships were in port? Thinking of doing the same in August but guessing it will be very crowded. Hilton day passes are $65 and with 5 of us, I can't justify that since we're already paying so much for our cruises.

 

[ElenaRN]

What month did you go? Do you recall how many other cruise ships were in port? Thinking of doing the same in August but guessing it will be very crowded. Hilton day passes are $65 and with 5 of us, I can't justify that since we're already paying so much for our cruises.

We were there Nov 1st this past year. Pretty sure there were 4 ships including us on the Dream.

Are the day passes something you have to buy in advance or can you just walk in?

There might be some way to find out how many ships will be in port that day and use that info to help you decide.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

@ElenaRN if you go on their website, under things to do, you can buy them in advance for $5 off i believe. Or you can buy them there and then for $65. It includes a food/beverage credit of $40 which is great, but honestly, we are so over budget, i honestly don't want to pay for any extra food if i don't have to!

I know there's a way people find out how many /which ships will be in a given port on what day, but I didn't research that yet.

 

[starvenger]

I know there's a way people find out how many /which ships will be in a given port on what day, but I didn't research that yet.

Try cruisemapper.com

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Try cruisemapper.com

Thank you!

 

[crossfitmama]

Is this where you booked it? https://bahamascruiseexcursions.com/excursions/nassau-hilton-day-pass-nassau/

 

[Cackyschmackers]

No, I went on the Hilton's website itself.

 

[hanscarlet]

Our son was four when we visited Nassau and we purchased a day pass to the Melia Resort for a beach day. It was ok but I would suggest giving the Colonial Hilton a try if you want a resort day. We were originally booked there but their pool was closed for renovation so we changed to the Melia. This time our son is five and we will be heading to the Pirate Museum and then back to the ship since we are just on a 3 night cruise.

can I ask why it was just OK? Trying to decide between the two... leaning towards Hilton for the convenience factor but melia looks prettier... if it's not worht the trip then I'll be happy with hilton

 

[PAGA2003]

can I ask why it was just OK? Trying to decide between the two... leaning towards Hilton for the convenience factor but melia looks prettier... if it's not worht the trip then I'll be happy with hilton

Well, our main issue with the property was the overall upkeep and maintenance around the pool area. The cement areas were cracked and broken. There is also lots of foliage around the pools so there were a lot of leaves and things in them and it took until late morning for them to be cleaned. Also, there are two areas on the beach, one for all guests and those with day passes and another reserved area for guest of a certain level at the hotel. It was difficult to find seats on the main section of the beach though I have to admit we actually ended up sitting on the reserved side without realizing it until we left and saw the small sign. When we arrived we didn't notice it and no one said anything to us so we had no idea. It is also further from the port so you have to take transportation there. We took a taxi there and the public bus back as it stops right in front of the resort. I think for the cost the Hilton is a better deal since they include a food/beverage credit. The Melia only includes access to the property and you have to pay for transportation as well.

 

[disneyholic family]

blue lagoon island dolphin encounter - assuming they allow 3 year olds..

 

[Alicatt]

Can anyone tell me if the pirates muesum is scary? I have younger kids and I know that I wouldn't want them to hear a lot of the real stories.