Paranoid Cruiser--Are the buses scary in Nassau?

[hayesktrm]

We want to go to Cable Beach (Crystal Palace). A taxi is $5 pp each way and the bus is $1 pp each way. We have a family of 4 so it would save us $32 total (that would last a long time in the casino at the slots for me). I just wanted to know if the buses are safe and not scary there. I guess we catch the number 10 bus at the Straw Market and tell the bus driver which hotel we want to go to? Then when we want to go back, we wait until one stops by--I guess they come fairly frequently? It will take us back to the Straw Market and from there it is an easy walk back to the ship. Is that right. Thanks for any insight.

Karen

 

[jkovick]

We were in Nassau two weeks ago, while I did not actually ride the buses, I did see a few----- I would spend the extra $$ for the taxi.

 

[inkkognito]

It could be a new life experience if you have a sense of adventure!
We've never tried them in Nassau, but in St. Maarten (Dutch side) we took a cab to a riding stable quite a distance from the ship and then took a bus back on the recommendation of the stable owner. We waited at the designated spot but didn't see any bus come along. We asked someone and she flagged down a van! Apparently, in St. Maarten a "bus" is anyone with a large vehicle who wants to make some extra money. It was only a dollar, and the driver was really nice. His normal route is to the downtown area, but when we told him we were going to the ship, he took us as close to the dock as possible. We were the only non-native people on board, but I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. It was a unique experience!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[jrabbit]

My first (and only) impression of Nassau is that it is Scarry. It's probably not a fair description of Nassau, but it was our experience. Don't know about the buses specifically.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I just wanted to say I too, thought Nassau was scarry - My DH and I both agreed that we would not get off the boat next time - We walked around town for a bit - but if you went too far, it got kind of scarry - I would spend the extra $$$$

 

[hayesktrm]

When we went to Ensenada, we thought that was scary--I wonder if it is comparable? I really watched out what was going on around us, and it was fine. We'll check it out and see what it's like. I read on cruisecritic.com that a couple took the bus and they didn't say anything negative. We'll play it by ear. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for all the comments.

 

[inkkognito]

Nassau is a little less scary than Ensanada. We did have any problems in Ensanada, other than being depressed by all the little children trying to sell us drugs, but our tablemates were in a cab and saw a person in a car next to them with a gun in plain view! I've never seen anything like that in Nassau. If you stay in populated areas, the chance of hustling (aggressive vendors, people trying to give you a "free" bracelet and then begging for money) is greater than the chance of actual crime.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

When we were in Ensenada we had a wonderful time. I wouldn't have considered it scary at all. We had the best time shopping, returning to the ship for more cash, and shopping some more. I guess it's all about one's perspective. We had been stuck onboard for 4 days due to bad weather and had missed two of the ports we were suppose to see. So it might have just been that we were glad to get shore for awhile and be in the sun.

Ocho Rios, however, is another story. How does Nassau compare to Jamaica?

 

[scottie]

We took a van tour thru Nassau in 02’ with a very friendly driver. We did not find it “scary”...kids and all. Of course as in any place, there are those “bad” areas. However, nothing out of the ordinary in my opinion and I was happy we paid the small fee for the tour to some interesting landmarks and get the chance to talk with many friendly people!