Naussa? Atlantis? Either?

[Haley Whippet]

I have read many posts saying Nassau is a dirty town, That is isn't a place to really hang out in and feel 100% safe.
Is it better to just stay onboard?
What about Atlantis? Is it worth the trip? We have thought about seeing the Aquariums and stores..
Thanks,
Haley

 

[LibertyBelle]

I have read that too, but I have never felt uncomfortable in Nassau (well maybe in the taxi cause they drive like they are in NY City )... My husband laughs and says I have been there so many times that it is like coming home and I am the tour guide. The city is a little run down and some of the people are kinda pushy, but it is not a bad place. If you go to the main road to shop you just have to get through 1 block of people trying to sell you stuff (or braid your hair) and you are fine...they don't bother you on the main strip (unless you go into the straw market which we never do). If you walk like you know where you are going (even if you don't) and just say no and keep walking they will leave you alone.

For a first timer that is a little intimidated I would suggest Atlantis. It is very Posh over there and no one bothers you. You can go to the casino (which by the way it is illegal for the locals to gamble so the casino will be all yours...and the other cruise passengers) or you can go through the aquarium. The hotel itself is a very nice place. You can take a water taxi over there for like $7 per person and not have to worry about the crazy taxi drivers Obviously you can stay onboard the ship if you want to, but Atalantis is nice even if you go over just for a little bit (and the city is not as bad as some make it out to be).

 

[alexandrew]

Atlantis is definitely worth a visit...."The Dig" is pretty amazing, as are the Chihuly sculptures ....great photo ops...

While not everyone's cup of tea, we really enjoyed the straw market...just steps from the ship, it offers a wide variety of souvenier type goods at excellent prices...one of our favorites is the car/bi-plane/motorcycle made from coca cola cans...

 

[WDWLVR]

First time we went to Nassau we walked around town - took all of about an hour.

Next two times we went over to Atlantis on our own and got wristbands so we could walk around the DIG (aquarium) and the resort. We love it there. It is expensive though so we alway get back to the ship in time for lunch.

We opt for the taxi's and have never had a problem. They let you right off at the door (instead of a block or two walk from the water taxi). Also the water taxi always looks way over crowded.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

just remember that most of the people at the dock will beg and keep asking and asking. its the only reason we will not get of the wonder at nassau. they just don't take no for an answer. atlantis on the other hand was worth the trip. we took a water taxi over and a cab back. it was the first time DW had ever been in a casino and she actually tripled her slot machine money.

 

[OJulie67]

We took a $12.00 ferry ride over to Atlantis! It was BEAUTIFUL...a must see! We walked through the hotel, gambled a bit, and then walked over to the public beach and hung out in the sand and sun for awhile. We then took the ferry back and walked through downtown Nassau and the straw market...went to Senor` frogs and had a really enjoyable day!! I felt completely safe...but I also have a 230 lb 6 foot 2 husband to protect me! LOL
I have been to Nassau before, so I knew what to expect. It's a bit like Mexico.

 

[bridegirl]

We took the advice from some DIS'ers who had cruised before us - and booked the cheapest room we could find for the day at Atlantis. It was AWESOME!

The aquariums, the exhibits, the waterslides, the pools - and since we have little kids, it was great to have the room to go back and shower and change - grandma hung out there with the baby while he was napping.

Excellent!

 

[epjenk]

We go to Nassau a couple of times a year on business and I have never felt unsafe. You do have some aggressive sales people in the straw market, and you will occasionally get someone who wanders by and mutters weed or ganja at you to try and sell you pot. For the most part you can just ignore them all and not talk back, or give a polite no thanks if you just have to respond. They live off tourism there, so they keep it in check pretty well.

Atlantis is really something to see if you have never been there. I would recommend eating before you go if you are at all budget minded, because the restaurants are all pretty high. There is some yummy sushi at the restaurant in the casino (I think its called five twins).

 

[webray]

We, (me, hubby and daughter 21), loved Nassau.

We didn't find it dirty at all. We also had no problem with people in the straw market...stopping us to buy stuff, etc.

We had a great time in Nassau, so much fun, we didn't have time to make it over to Atlantis..something for next trip.

We didn't feel unsafe at all, the people are very nice, and a lot of fun to talk with. When we visit a new port/town, whatever, we like to talk with the local people and learn about them. We also shopped, made sure to visit, Hard Rock, Senor Frogs, and have lunch at a local restaurant. We did do the 2 hour taxi tour that takes you to all the famous places..lets you out to look around..it was excellent.

What is the point of the ship docking in these ports..if you don't get off and enjoy the people and what they have to offer. I just don't get it myself.

 

[Haley Whippet]

Thank you all for some "wonder"ful info..
I think we will take the water taxi over and spend some time
at Atlantis. We will eat on the ship first,
Then come back in time for dinner..
You have all been so helpful

 

[jtjcwise]

Does anyone know, if you take a taxi over to Atlantis, how much it cost to go through the aquarium, and how do you get the pass for this?

 

[clh2]

Without checking our reciepts from our October cruise, I seem to recall that this was just under $30 to tour the Dig. Once you get to Atlantis, it didn't take long to find the place to get the Dig wristbands.

 

[Tluvs2talk]

If you take the water taxi it is a much longer walk than a taxi ride which lets you off at the front of Atlantis.

Teri

 

[LibertyBelle]

The water taxi lets you off about a block or 2 from the hotel (don't worry you won't get lost, it is a straight shot to the resort). The taxi lets you off right at the front door. We always take a taxi which is usually about $7.00 one way (and you have to pay the $1.00 toll for the bridge). We have found though that with the taxi there are some drivers that will try and get more... make a deal before you get in and you will have no problems. As was stated the people of Nassau live off tourism (for the most part) they seem pushy sometimes, but it is their life, just be firm but polite when they try and sell you something you don't want and you will have no problems. Also they had a really bad hurricane that went through a few years ago as well as a fire that devestated the straw market, so people that have reported it being dirty or run down may have been there while they were still rebuilding from one or the other. Nassau is not your tropical paradise, but it is nice and the people are very friendly and we have always felt safe there, never had any issues (also there are many celebrities that have homes on Paradise Island...as well as many more that visit Atalantis frequently...can't be that bad a place if the rich and famous are coming to it...Right? )

 

[Haley Whippet]

This is the one I was thinking of doing, It includes transportation and tour, I called and they said you are free to go to the casino and shops too.
Have any of you done this tour?
Haley

Discover Atlantis (2-5 hours)

Immerse yourself in the legend of Atlantis during this exciting excursion. After a 35-minute historical harbor cruise to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal across from Atlantis, you'll be escorted to the resort to begin a guided journey through the attraction, Discover Atlantis. Home to more than 120,000 fish representing 150 species, this attraction re-creates the lost city of Atlantis while providing a fascinating look at life in the ocean's depths. Return ferry transportation is included and available until 5:30pm. After this time, you will need to take a taxi (additional cost) back to the ship before departure.
NOTE: This excursion involves extensive walking. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Adult Price: $33 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $23 (ages 3-9)
Departure Times: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm

 

[sters]

Originally posted by bridegirl
We took the advice from some DIS'ers who had cruised before us - and booked the cheapest room we could find for the day at Atlantis. It was AWESOME!

The aquariums, the exhibits, the waterslides, the pools - and since we have little kids, it was great to have the room to go back and shower and change - grandma hung out there with the baby while he was napping.

Excellent!

What are the advantages of booking a room, besides getting to use the waterslides? How much was your room, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[EmmasGrammy]

HaleyWhippet,

The tour in your description is the exact tour we did this past October. We thought it was great. We toured the "Dig", did the tour of the resort, gambled a little, and had a light lunch at the resort. We were not permitted to use the beach and swimming pool areas with the tour that we booked. The place is amazing!! We knew we would probably never be able to afford a trip to the Atlantis, so we were anxious to see it "in person". I am so glad we did!!!

The folks that book a room there or at the nearby Comfort suites do so in order to take advantage of the pools and beaches. These areas are absolutely beautiful, and we sorta wished we could have used the facilities.

Just let me say that there were TONS of tour groups going through the resort. I think if I were a paying guest of the Atlantis, I would have been a little upset over the "gawking" hordes of tourers. I really felt like I was infringing on their "space". But again, I am very happy we got the opportunity to see this fabulous resort!! I think you should really go!!