Not booking an excursion

[kris10399]

It has been several years since DH and I have been on a Disney cruise. We are deciding not to do a shore excursion at Nassau. I'm sure there is someone out there that can tell me what types of programming/activities they have on the ship while it is docked.
Also...if we don't exit the ship would our children still need passports?

 

[Makayna]

It has been several years since DH and I have been on a Disney cruise. We are deciding not to do a shore excursion at Nassau. I'm sure there is someone out there that can tell me what types of programming/activities they have on the ship while it is docked.
Also...if we don't exit the ship would our children still need passports?

Technically, if you're starting AND ending in Port Canaveral, then you don't NEED a passport to begin with (but it's a good idea). Since you're not getting off the ship, I think you'll be fine without getting them for the kids. However, if there was some sort of emergency, and you needed to get back to the States ASAP, you could not fly with just Birth Certificates. But, if you decide not to get passports, just make sure you DO have original birth certificates for each person in your party. Enjoy your trip!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

It's been a few years since we cruised, but we also chose to stay on the ship in Nassau. We'd just gotten on the ship the day before and weren't ready to leave it! That was the best pool day! The kids played in the pool for a long time. My husband and son also had free reign of the ping pong table. The kids' clubs were open. The kids went there for awhile while DH & I soaked up the sun on the 10th deck. I don't recall if the movie theater was open, but the shops and Shutters were not open. When our sea day came around, we were really glad that we'd had so much time to use the pool and such on Nassau day. It was sooooo crowded on sea day that it was unpleasant to even be around the pool area.

 

[mpetersen]

i stayed onboard during our Jan cruise and it appeared that everything was open as usual except shutters and shops. It was actually one of my favorite days- I went to the rainforest room which wasn't crowded and sat by the pool for a bit. I dont recall them being crowded, but it was january so that could make for a difference
DH got off in Nassau and was far from impressed, in fact he had quite the shady encounter in a store in the area.. i was happier with my Nook and a drink

 

[Alexander]

We are doing B2B cruises in August. On the 3 night we are heading over to Atlantis but when we return on the 4 night, we are going to stay on board and enjoy the pool and sports deck which hopefully will be less crowded than on our sea day!

 

[IlliniAmy]

For what it's worth: next time I do a Bahamian cruise, I'm not getting off in Nassau. The city is dirty and run down and, quite frankly, has a shady vibe to it (IMHO). Atlantis is beautiful, but I don't part with my money easily and thus don't spend much time in the casino. But because everyone gets off the ship ("Land ho! We must disembark and see it!") it's pretty quiet onboard if you stay. I say take advantage of that...but that's just my 2c.

Shops are definitely closed, though - they are never open in any port. But they'll have Port Day Spa Specials!

 

[mmouse37]

FYI..the shops are never open when the ship is in port....they must be at sea to be open.

MJ

 

[tessa67]

I always stay on board in the ports. Saves me money and it feels like you have the ship to yourself.

 

[kimistry6]

We did get off the ship in Nassau but our excursion didn't leave until 11:30 am. Until we had to leave for our excursion we had the basketball courts, ping pong, goofy golf all to ourselves. We were back onboard by 2 and there was a different feel to the ship then. The pool and aquaduck were busy and the nice relaxed feel of the ship was gone, but nowhere near as bad as a sea day.

We will stay onboard for Nassau in the future and enjoy the ship.

 

[Alexander]

For what it's worth: next time I do a Bahamian cruise, I'm not getting off in Nassau. The city is dirty and run down and, quite frankly, has a shady vibe to it (IMHO). Atlantis is beautiful, but I don't part with my money easily and thus don't spend much time in the casino. But because everyone gets off the ship ("Land ho! We must disembark and see it!") it's pretty quiet onboard if you stay. I say take advantage of that...but that's just my 2c.

Shops are definitely closed, though - they are never open in any port. But they'll have Port Day Spa Specials!

We don't go to the casino. We go to the Aqua Adventure water park at the resort and tour the aquarium and all of the sealife pools. It is really, really beautiful. If you have any kids or swimmers in your group, and can find a good deal, it is definately worth it. We just booked the Comfort Suites (2 rooms--4A and 2C) for $463 for everything (taxes, fees, etc.) which gives us access to Aqua Adventure. Definately worth it! The DCL excursion was $955. I think for $500 we can get a taxi and buy lunch!

 

[kris10399]

Great, thanks for the great replies. I think that seals it...we'll stay aboard for sure. The kids might need a little "downtime" with several days at the parks beforehand as well.

Thanks all!