November 19, 2009 3-day Wonder Cruise

Maybe we could try for 4:30pm in the atrium before the sail away party? I think the muster drill is at 4. Otherwise maybe on day 2 we could meet in the AM after breakfast and before we all go on our separate ways? What does everyone think?

Hello!!!
I am getting SO ANXIOUS!!!!!:dance3: IMHO....I think mabey it might be better to try to meet in the morning after breakfast??? The reason being, I just looked at a Navigator from 8-27-09 and the sail away party, "Adventures Away" is scheduled for 4:15pm. As excited as I am to meet everyone, it may be a bit rushed???:confused3 I just found out last night at work I got the night off for this coming Thursday and have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off ....Valerie and Thomas have no school on Friday, so I think we will go to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival!!!! :woohoo: I havent been in a couple of years anf have been wanting to go back.....I JUST LOVE the "DISNEY ATMOSPHERE"!!!! I KNOW it will only increase my anxiousness to get on that ship!!! I NEED THIS MINI VACATION!!!
Ellen
 
Hello!!!
I am getting SO ANXIOUS!!!!!:dance3: IMHO....I think mabey it might be better to try to meet in the morning after breakfast??? The reason being, I just looked at a Navigator from 8-27-09 and the sail away party, "Adventures Away" is scheduled for 4:15pm. As excited as I am to meet everyone, it may be a bit rushed???:confused3 I just found out last night at work I got the night off for this coming Thursday and have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off ....Valerie and Thomas have no school on Friday, so I think we will go to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival!!!! :woohoo: I havent been in a couple of years anf have been wanting to go back.....I JUST LOVE the "DISNEY ATMOSPHERE"!!!! I KNOW it will only increase my anxiousness to get on that ship!!! I NEED THIS MINI VACATION!!!
Ellen
That sounds like the best plan to me too Ellen. I don't know about y'all, but I don't plan on doing a lot of stuff while in Nassau (day 2.) The only thing we were really interested in was Aquaventure at Atlantis, but's it's WAY over-priced. So, we'll probably be on the ship the majority of the day anyway; with the exception of the time my wife drags me to the straw market!

See y'all in 32 days! Woo Hoo!
 
Hi Mike!!!
That is what we are planning on doing too. We arent planning to rush off the ship, but at our leisure we will walk along the pier, go to the straw market, Senor Frogs, a couple of stores near by and then Festival Place. I took Valerie and Thomas on a cruise to Nassau last year, just the 3 of us and did the Aquaventure.....I must say IT WAS AWESOME....but VERY EXPENSIVE... I havent gone to Sea Worlds Aquatica, but imagine it may be comprable, for a lot less??? I have read before though you can take a water taxi to Atlantis for a few dollars per person and might consider doing that, since my neice has never been there.
Ellen
 
On our last cruise to Nassau, 5 of us took a very nice horse drawn carriage ride tour through Nassau. It was $30 (I think) plus tip. I thought that was very reasonable....mabey we will do that again?!?!?
 

Hi Mike!!!
That is what we are planning on doing too. We arent planning to rush off the ship, but at our leisure we will walk along the pier, go to the straw market, Senor Frogs, a couple of stores near by and then Festival Place. I took Valerie and Thomas on a cruise to Nassau last year, just the 3 of us and did the Aquaventure.....I must say IT WAS AWESOME....but VERY EXPENSIVE... I havent gone to Sea Worlds Aquatica, but imagine it may be comprable, for a lot less??? I have read before though you can take a water taxi to Atlantis for a few dollars per person and might consider doing that, since my neice has never been there.
Ellen
Would love to do Aquaventure and I know we'd all have a blast, but it would be almost $400.00 for all 5 of us. I think we'll use that money and spend a day at the Magic Kingdom on the drive back through. I'd much rather spend a day with The Mouse!
 
Not sure if anyone found this yet...we may give it a try...

Historic Nassau

Start: Rawson Square.
Finish: Prince George Wharf.

Time: 2 hours.


1. Rawson Square

The center of Nassau, Rawson Square lies directly inland from Prince George Wharf, where many of the big cruise ships dock. Everyone seems to pass through this crossroads, from the prime minister, to bankers and local attorneys, to cruise-ship passengers, to shoppers from Paradise Island, to Junkanoo bands. On the square is the Churchill Building, used by the prime minister and some government ministries. Look for the statue of Sir Milo Butler, a former shopkeeper who became the first governor of The Bahamas after Britain granted its independence in 1973.

Across Rawson Square is:

2. Parliament Square

A statue of a youthful Queen Victoria dominates the square. To the right of it stand more Bahamian government office buildings, and to the left is the House of Assembly, the New World's oldest governing body in continuous session. In the building behind the statue, the Senate meets; this is a less influential body than the House of Assembly. Some of these Georgian-style buildings date from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Immediately south of Parliament Square, in a Georgian-inspired building between Parliament Street and Bank Lane, is the Supreme Court. The bewigged and begowned judges here, looking very British, interpret Bahamian law and dispense high-authority justice.

Take a Break -- If you'd like to relax, try Café Matisse, Bank Lane and Bay Street, behind Parliament Square (tel. 242/356-7012). The house specialty is pizza topped with fresh local seafood. Lunch is served Tuesday to Sunday noon to 3pm.

The Supreme Court building stands next to the:

3. Nassau Public Library and Museum

This 1797 building was once the Nassau Gaol (jail) and became the public library in 1873. Chances are, you will have seen greater libraries. But what's amusing here is that the small prison cells are now lined with books. Another item of interest is the library's collection of historic prints and old documents dating from colonial days. It's open to visitors Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Across from the library on Shirley Street is the:

4. Former site of the Royal Victoria Hotel

The hotel that once occupied this site was the haunt of Confederate spies, royalty, smugglers of all sorts, and ladies and gentlemen. The American journalist Horace Greeley pronounced it "the largest and most commodious hotel ever built in the Tropics," and many agreed with him. The hotel experienced its heyday during the American Civil War. At the Blockade Runners' Ball, some 300 guests reportedly consumed 350 magnums of champagne. Former guests have included two British prime ministers, Neville Chamberlain and his successor, Winston Churchill. Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, also stayed here once. The hotel closed in 1971. After it was destroyed by fire, it was demolished and razed to the ground. Today, the site accommodates one of Nassau's showcase parking lots. Incidentally, the parking lot seems to be such a source of pride to the city that it is unlikely the Royal Victoria will ever be rebuilt, at least in that spot.

After imagining the former splendor of the Royal Victoria, head south along Parliament Street. At the end of it stands:

5. Nassau General Post Office

If you're a collector, you may want to purchase colorful Bahamian stamps, which might be valuable in future years. You can also mail letters and packages here.

Walk east (right) on East Hill Street. Turn left onto East Street, then right onto Shirley Street, and head straight on Elizabeth Avenue. This will take you to the landmark:

6. Queen's Staircase

This stairway, built in 1793 by slaves who cut the 66 steps out of sandstone cliffs, leads to Bennet's Hill.

These stairs provide access from Old Nassau's center to:

7. Fort Fincastle

Lord Dunmore built this fort in 1793. Designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer, it was a place from which to look out for marauders who never came. It was eventually converted into a lighthouse because it occupied the highest point on the island. The tower rises more than 60m (197 ft.) above the sea, providing a panoramic view of Nassau and its harbor.

A small footpath leads down from the fort to Sands Road. Once you reach it, head west (left) until you approach East Street again, and then bear right. When you come to East Hill Street (again), go left because you will have returned to the post office.

Continue your westward trek along East Hill Street, which is the foothill of:

8. Prospect Ridge

This was the old dividing line between Nassau's rich and poor. The rich (usually white) people lived along the waterfront, often in beautiful mansions. Bahamians of African descent went over the hill to work in these rich homes during the day but returned to Prospect Ridge to their own homes (most often shanties) at night.

Near the end of East Hill Street, you come to:

9. Gregory Arch

This tunnel was cut through the hill in 1850. After it opened, working-class black Bahamians were happy to not have to go over the steep hill anymore; they could instead go through this arch to return home.

At the intersection with Market Street, turn right. On your right, you'll see:

10. St. Andrew's Kirk (Presbyterian)

Called simply "the Kirk," the church dates from 1810 but has seen many changes over the years. In 1864, it was enlarged, and a bell tower was added along with other architectural features. This church had the first non-Anglican parishioners in The Bahamas.

On a steep hill, rising to the west of Market Street, you see on your left:

11. Government House

This house is the official residence of the archipelago's governor-general, the queen's representative to The Bahamas. (The post today is largely ceremonial, as an elected prime minister does the actual governing.) This pink-and-white neoclassical mansion dates from the early 19th century. Poised on its front steps is a rather jaunty statue of Christopher Columbus.

Opposite the road from Government House on West Hill Street is:

12. Graycliff

A Georgian-style hotel and restaurant, this stomping ground of the rich and famous was constructed by Capt. John Howard Graysmith in the 1720s. In the 1920s, it achieved notoriety when it was run by Polly Leach, a pal of gangster Al Capone. Later, under royal ownership, it attracted such famous guests as Winston Churchill and the duke and duchess of Windsor.

Upon leaving Graycliff, you'll see, embedded in a hill, a plaque that commemorates the spot where Nassau's oldest church once stood.

On the corner of West Hill and West streets is Villa Doyle, the former home of William Henry Doyle, chief justice of the Bahamian Supreme Court in the late 1800s.

Opposite it stands:

13. St. Francis Roman Catholic Church

Constructed between 1885 and 1886, it was the country's first Catholic church. New York's archdiocese raised the funds to construct it.

Continue along West Street until you reach Marlborough. Walk the short block that leads to Queen Street and turn right, passing the American embassy. At the corner of Queen Street and Marlborough rises the:

14. British Colonial Hilton

Built in 1923, the nation's most famous hotel was once run by Sir Harry Oakes, who was at the time the most powerful man on the islands and a friend of the duke of Windsor. Oakes's murder in 1943, still unsolved, was called "the crime of the century." This historic location was the site of Fort Nassau, as well as the set for several James Bond thrillers. In 1999, it became a Hilton hotel.

One part of the hotel fronts George Street, where you'll find:

15. Vendue House

One of Nassau's oldest buildings, Vendue House was once called the Bourse (Stock Exchange) and was the site of many slave auctions. It is now a museum.

Not far from Vendue House on George Street is:

16. Christ Church Cathedral

Dating from 1837, this Gothic Episcopal cathedral is the venue of many important state ceremonies, including the opening of the Supreme Court, during which a procession of bewigged, robed judges emerges, followed by barristers, and accompanied by music from the police band.

Continue north on George Street to the Bay Street intersection.

17. Straw Market

The market -- largely destroyed by a fire in fall 2001, and still not rebuilt -- is now housed within a tentlike temporary structure that opens onto Bay Street (at George St., about 2 blocks from its original premises). It has long been a favorite of cruise-ship passengers. You'll find not only straw products, but all sorts of souvenirs and gifts as well. Bahamian women at the market weave traditional baskets and braid visitors' hair with beads. Hours are daily from 7am to around 8pm, though each individual vendor (there are around 200 of them) sets his or her own hours.

Continue north toward the water until you reach:

18. Woodes Rogers Walk

The walk was named for a former governor of the colony who was thrown into debtors' prison in London before coming back to Nassau as the royal governor. Head east on it for a panoramic view of the harbor, with its colorful mail and sponge boats. Markets sell vegetables, fish, and lots of conch.

The walk leads to:

19. Prince George Wharf

The wharf was constructed in the 1920s, the heyday of American Prohibition, to provide harbor space for hundreds of bootlegging craft defying the American blockade against liquor. Queen Elizabeth II's yacht, the HMS Britannia, has been a frequent visitor. Cruise ships also dock here.
 
How 'bout the "November Nauticals" or the "Week-Before Wonders" for the fact we're going the week before Thanksgiving. Or, Pre-Turkey Day Getaway. Just some ideas. LOL

Have we decided on a name yet? I like the November Nauticals or Week-Before Wonders. Anybody else got an opinion or idea??
 
Me and my 2 boys (14 & 13) will be parasailing too! Can't wait!

Hi. What time is your parasailing reservation? We picked the last boat of the day because the crew told us the last boat sometimes stays out a little longer, knowing they don't have to rush back to pick up more passengers.

Also, Scootch, who started this thread, won't be on the cruise with us. She mentioned in one of her posts that her schedule had changed (several times) and she had to pick a different cruise date.

Looking forward to seeing everyone if we can get a group thing going.

Who's taking names for the list for the magnet exchange??
 
How about Week Before Turkey Wonders for a name lol? I am up to meeting after breakfast how does 8 or 8:30 sound on Nassau day? I think you can get off the ship at 9.
What does everyone think?
 
Hi. What time is your parasailing reservation? We picked the last boat of the day because the crew told us the last boat sometimes stays out a little longer, knowing they don't have to rush back to pick up more passengers.

Also, Scootch, who started this thread, won't be on the cruise with us. She mentioned in one of her posts that her schedule had changed (several times) and she had to pick a different cruise date.

Looking forward to seeing everyone if we can get a group thing going.

Who's taking names for the list for the magnet exchange??
We are parasailing from 11am-12noon. We chose that time, so that we could have lunch afterwards; That is, if I'm not queasy from all the bobbing up and down of that little boat!

My wife and I also have a Palo dinner reservation for Castaway Cay night, and we don't wanna be rushed getting all of the kids rounded up to get back to the boat.

And, I think tinkmom is taking names for the fish extender, but not sure about the magnets. I guess I could do that if, nobody else wants to. I actually have a question about door magnet exchanges. Most people have theirs personalized. It wouldn't make a lot of sense putting a magnet personalized for "The Miller's" on "The Smith's" door. Can anybody tell me exactly what kind you exchange?
 
How about Week Before Turkey Wonders for a name lol? I am up to meeting after breakfast how does 8 or 8:30 sound on Nassau day? I think you can get off the ship at 9.
What does everyone think?
I am up for a meeting between 8 and 8:30. Maybe 8:15??? ;-) Not too be difficult, but I think that would be a (no pun intended,) "happy medium." Perhaps we all meet in the atrium?
 
We will likely not be available to meet around 8 - 8:30 on the Nassau day (we are finally planning to have a day to sleep in a bit) but please go about arranging what is best for the group as a whole. I would vote for November Nauticals also as not all of us are Americans with Thanksgiving the following week.
 
We will likely not be available to meet around 8 - 8:30 on the Nassau day (we are finally planning to have a day to sleep in a bit) but please go about arranging what is best for the group as a whole. I would vote for November Nauticals also as not all of us are Americans with Thanksgiving the following week.
Good point sueandkent. I didn't even think about you guys (and some others in our group,) not being American, and therefore not celebrating Thanksgiving Holidays. I hate you will not be able to join us if we indeed stick with the 8-8:30am time frame.

It looks like "November Nautical's" is the current leader.
 
November Nauticals sounds good to us too! I know it will be hard to get everyone together for the meet! We also were planning on sleeping on Nassau morning:) We will be at WDW starting on the 14th and plan on a bit of commando-style touring. We aren't planning on doing much of anything on Nassau day except R & R. Granted we were just there last October so don't feel much of a need to get off the boat. For those interested in Aquaventure, we did it last year by booking our own room at Comfort Suites and LOVED it...especially at the cheaper price:) Can't wait to see everyone soon!!!!!

Amy
 
November Nauticals sounds good to us too! I know it will be hard to get everyone together for the meet! We also were planning on sleeping on Nassau morning:) We will be at WDW starting on the 14th and plan on a bit of commando-style touring. We aren't planning on doing much of anything on Nassau day except R & R. Granted we were just there last October so don't feel much of a need to get off the boat. For those interested in Aquaventure, we did it last year by booking our own room at Comfort Suites and LOVED it...especially at the cheaper price:) Can't wait to see everyone soon!!!!!

Amy
Amy!!! So good to hear from you! I hope that your son made it through his surgery with no complications. I look forward to meeting you and your family and our teens hanging out together.

Another vote for "November Nautical's!" When I thought of the name, it just kinda had a ring to it. Ya know?

I don't blame you guys who want to sleep in for doing so; but as a first-timer, I'll be wanting to be on-the-go and exploring as much as I can. Maybe we can play an early morning and evening meet. Maybe we can all plan to go to one of the shows together, and all sit together one night. What are your thoughts?

What are your thoughts on getting a few T-shirts printed up for us to be able to identify each other as a group...once we finally decide on a group name?

Can't wait! 32 days and counting!!!
 
November Nauticals sounds good to us too! I know it will be hard to get everyone together for the meet! We also were planning on sleeping on Nassau morning:) We will be at WDW starting on the 14th and plan on a bit of commando-style touring. We aren't planning on doing much of anything on Nassau day except R & R. Granted we were just there last October so don't feel much of a need to get off the boat. For those interested in Aquaventure, we did it last year by booking our own room at Comfort Suites and LOVED it...especially at the cheaper price:) Can't wait to see everyone soon!!!!!

Amy


We too arrive at the parks the 14th for "commando-style" touring. That's why our only sleep in day will likely be the Nassau day. We plan, if the weather is good, to head over to the Breezes resort for a few hours then a little touring around Nassau if we still feel like walking anywhere (which may be doubtful after the parks).
 
Thanks for the concern Mike:) Robert SAILED thru surgery and is pretty much back to his normal self already!

Sueandkent...where are you staying? We are at BWV and it will be me, DH, DD16, DS14 and 2 friends both 14. We go to Disney at least once or twice a year and go thru the parks like we are on a mission:) Once the cruise arrives, we are definitely looking to relax.......

We have booked a Cat 2, 8516 for the 6 of us. We usually stay in Cat 3's and are looking forward to trying the 2. We're also at late seating for dinner, works out better for us with older kids!

Can't wait to see you all!!!!!

Amy

P.S. Guys make the meet when it works out for most and we will certainly try to have at least part of our group there. If not, feel free to recognize us by our signature pic and say hi!
 
Sueandkent...where are you staying? We are at BWV and it will be me, DH, DD16, DS14 and 2 friends both 14. We go to Disney at least once or twice a year and go thru the parks like we are on a mission:) Once the cruise arrives, we are definitely looking to relax.......

We are at the Swan/Dolphin. Only Kent and I, no kids.
 

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