Please I need some help with Atlantis Aquaventure Excursion.... questions... Thanks

[LovesTimone]

So I am trying to get as much real info on Atlantis Aquaventure... what's it really like, tips, reviews, and overall thoughts...

We are celebrating DH's 50th birthday with a cruise...so an Adult's only trip.... and everyone want to do Atlantis Aquaventure for our excursion... So I am looking into it... and reading the reviews, and talking to some other people that we know that went... I am getting such a mixed bag of answers... So the excursion includes, the water park, chairs, and towels... we can add on lunch if we want to the excursion cost...i really would prefer not to, I would rather just play it by ear...

A few of our friends were like getting a chair or a lounger is tough... as well the towel that they give you is just a bit bigger than a standard hand towel.... So anyone any thoughts on this.... which I want a towel to really dry off with...

Make sure to rent a locker which we plan to do... anyone have any idea on what the cost is to rent a locker... ? and about how big are they? - basically will they hold a couple of towels, sunscreen and a small day bag?

As well are there showers available? we are wanting to check out the casino, so at least be able to sorta clean up a little bit, just rinse the chlorine off of us, and put on some dry clothes ... as well we want as hit the straw market up, for T-shirts and whatever else we can find...

Adult beverage cost?, as well as lunch something simple cost ? as well as suggestions which restaurants would be helpful?

My cousin and his wife are wanting to stock up their bar... I can not seem to find the rules on what they can bring back?

As well everyone has said they will not accept any cash..... in the water park, or restaurants, or bars... So you must use a credit card... Which is strange....at least to me..the thought of leaving a credit card in a locker just seems really unsafe.... Normally at the water parks, DH just keeps cash in his pocket... wet cash spends... Anyone any thought on this...?

Overall thoughts, reviews or suggestion on Aquaventure?

Thanks as always...

 

[ironz]

I can give you some limited information, based on our first cruise in Nov. 2014 when we did a combo of the dolphin swim and Aquaventure at Atlantis. (limited because: it was 4.5 years ago; and we didn't spend all day at the water park part of Aquaventure-- after our dolphin swim and then it rained that afternoon)

For us:
a) it was super fun. We were 2 adults on our honeymoon (ages 51 and 46 at the time). We did the dolphin thing first, so that took up a few hours of the morning (we were transported to Atlantis with the cruise excursion groups). But we really enjoyed the water slides that we did, and the lazy river. There was a super cool slide where you finish out in a tube that goes through a shark habitat-- super cool! (you're separated from the sharks by the structure of the slide)

b) We found a chair/lounger to put our stuff on, but we didn't go to the water park part until maybe 11 am or so? Also, it was November-- not sure how much that plays a part in crowds.

c) I have zero recollection of the towel situation.

d) We were going to rent a locker, but did not know that it was a cashless process. We didn't want to take credit cards into Nassau, so we only brought cash. We were able to purchase our dolphin encounter photos, but could not rent a locker. So we stashed our dolphin photos with our towels ( we may have brought a towel from the ship? I can't recall) and no one took them. I think we must have just held onto our leftover cash somehow, but may have just hidden it with our stuff (would NOT recommend that).
The lockers were maybe 12 x 14 x ?? deep? Enough for a smallish daybag and a towel or two.

e) Don't recall about showers, but I would imagine there are some.

f) Can't answer about food. We had vouchers included in our excursion for lunch, but when we were ready to stop playing on the water slides and get food, it started pouring down rain, so we ran for cover and ended up going back to the ship.

g) rules for bringing alcohol from the port: 2 bottles of wine or 2 sixpacks of beer can go back to your cabin (per passenger, I believe). Any hard liquor will be held by DCL and you can claim it at the end of the cruise. (don't know limits)

h) as above, we could only use cash when we bought our dolphin photos and could not use cash for anything else.

Still, overall, I think it was super fun!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

For reference, I am a Mom and wife in my mid-50’s. I soooo wanted to visit Atlantis on our cruise. Our family of four had a fun time there but I did not love it at all and am not sure I would go back. I thought it was very outdated and run down. Atlantis on TV does not at all look like Atlantis in real life I am sorry to say.

Anyway, regarding your credit card and ID, I recommend an AquaPac to keep on your person at all times. I have used them for years, swam with our passports and credit cards in them for two weeks in Hawaii, etc and have never had a leak yet.

Our cruise was in October and I think the Wonder was the only ship in port that day, so there were plenty of loungers and chairs available. Depending on when you sail and how many ships are there that day may depend on how busy it is. You can Google the port schedule to determine how many ships are scheduled on your day.

Good luck with it all. I think you could have a fun day there but I wanted to share that I just was not very impressed overall.

 

[LovesTimone]

I can give you some limited information, based on our first cruise in Nov. 2014 when we did a combo of the dolphin swim and Aquaventure at Atlantis. (limited because: it was 4.5 years ago; and we didn't spend all day at the water park part of Aquaventure-- after our dolphin swim and then it rained that afternoon)

For us:
a) it was super fun. We were 2 adults on our honeymoon (ages 51 and 46 at the time). We did the dolphin thing first, so that took up a few hours of the morning (we were transported to Atlantis with the cruise excursion groups). But we really enjoyed the water slides that we did, and the lazy river. There was a super cool slide where you finish out in a tube that goes through a shark habitat-- super cool! (you're separated from the sharks by the structure of the slide)

b) We found a chair/lounger to put our stuff on, but we didn't go to the water park part until maybe 11 am or so? Also, it was November-- not sure how much that plays a part in crowds.

c) I have zero recollection of the towel situation.

d) We were going to rent a locker, but did not know that it was a cashless process. We didn't want to take credit cards into Nassau, so we only brought cash. We were able to purchase our dolphin encounter photos, but could not rent a locker. So we stashed our dolphin photos with our towels ( we may have brought a towel from the ship? I can't recall) and no one took them. I think we must have just held onto our leftover cash somehow, but may have just hidden it with our stuff (would NOT recommend that).
The lockers were maybe 12 x 14 x ?? deep? Enough for a smallish daybag and a towel or two.

e) Don't recall about showers, but I would imagine there are some.

f) Can't answer about food. We had vouchers included in our excursion for lunch, but when we were ready to stop playing on the water slides and get food, it started pouring down rain, so we ran for cover and ended up going back to the ship.

g) rules for bringing alcohol from the port: 2 bottles of wine or 2 sixpacks of beer can go back to your cabin (per passenger, I believe). Any hard liquor will be held by DCL and you can claim it at the end of the cruise. (don't know limits)

h) as above, we could only use cash when we bought our dolphin photos and could not use cash for anything else.

Still, overall, I think it was super fun!

Thanks for the info... I am going to spend a bit more time trying to find out on the alcohol rules... they change frequently.... I know DH would like to bring back some red stripe... we don't really drink liquor, I might drink a few umbrella drinks when on vacation... but that's about it... They want to stock their bar at their house... with something more that the basic's and this would be a fun way to do it...

I know the cashless thing is really not discussed... so I just wanted to figure it out ahead of time... and see what the real deal was for it...

 

[LovesTimone]

For reference, I am a Mom and wife in my mid-50’s. I soooo wanted to visit Atlantis on our cruise. Our family of four had a fun time there but I did not love it at all and am not sure I would go back. I thought it was very outdated and run down. Atlantis on TV does not at all look like Atlantis in real life I am sorry to say.

Anyway, regarding your credit card and ID, I recommend an AquaPac to keep on your person at all times. I have used them for years, swam with our passports and credit cards in them for two weeks in Hawaii, etc and have never had a leak yet.

Our cruise was in October and I think the Wonder was the only ship in port that day, so there were plenty of loungers and chairs available. Depending on when you sail and how many ships are there that day may depend on how busy it is. You can Google the port schedule to determine how many ships are scheduled on your day.

Good luck with it all. I think you could have a fun day there but I wanted to share that I just was not very impressed overall.

I'm a Mom, and Mimi in my mid 50's as well... It will be all adults, and we want to check out the slides and lazy rivers, and then have nice lunch and maybe spend a little bit in the casino... We are so spoiled with Disney's water parks, and how nice they are... When you say outdated, and run down what made you feel like this... like is it dirty? filthy restrooms, trash everywhere, broken chairs,....

I haven't seen an Aquapac... I will most diffidently check this out... How does that work on a slide.?.. I am wondering if we could put it DH's cargo pocket of his board shorts, and we would be okay while on the slides... I could figure out a way to secure it inside so it would not fly out if the pocket was to accidentally open up or could I put in my swimsuit top... I wear a Tankini so it would not be flying around on the slides or tubes...

The tip on the port schedule is a great tips... Thanks for that one...

 

[SamFaniam]

My cousin and his wife are wanting to stock up their bar... I can not seem to find the rules on what they can bring back?

There are two separate elements here, how much can you bring onto the ship, how much can you bring back into the United States. The ship allows each adult to bring back one six pack of beer or two bottles of wine, and you may do this at each port stop. The ship will store all distilled spirits until the end of the cruise.

CBP permits each adult to import 1 Liter of distilled spirits into the country duty-free. After that, duties could be enforced. Depending on the state you’re sailing from, there could also be additional taxes there. For instance, Texas does charge taxes on every liter over the one brought into Texas.

 

[LovesTimone]

There are two separate elements here, how much can you bring onto the ship, how much can you bring back into the United States. The ship allows each adult to bring back one six pack of beer or two bottles of wine, and you may do this at each port stop.

CBP permits each adult to import 1 Liter of distilled spirits into the country duty-free. After that, duties could be enforced. Depending on the state you’re sailing from, there could also be additional taxes there. For instance, Texas does charge taxes on every liter over the one brought into Texas.

We live in Florida... so thinking back.... we have brought back alcohol and wine for gifts for some of our friends for like Christmas gift, or Hostess gifts at parties and such... but that was so long ago... I don't remember paying and tax fees when we brought it back into the port.... I'm going to have to really research it... so that I understand the rules... I don't want anyone to get hit with extra fees or taxes, when we are leaving the ship...

Thanks so much...

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I've been visiting Atlantis annually for nearly 20 years

A few of our friends were like getting a chair or a lounger is tough... as well the towel that they give you is just a bit bigger than a standard hand towel.... So anyone any thoughts on this.... which I want a towel to really dry off with...

There are plenty of loungers around Aquaventure, they just might not be in the exact spot you want. You just have to be flexible.

The pool towels are perfectly normal beach towels. You can get as many as you like and swap them for dry ones whenever you like. I have no idea where the person was that got a small hand-sized towel, but it wasn't Atlantis. They might have been thinking of WDW's or DCL's pool towels....those are small.

As well are there showers available? we are wanting to check out the casino, so at least be able to sorta clean up a little bit, just rinse the chlorine off of us, and put on some dry clothes ... as well we want as hit the straw market up, for T-shirts and whatever else we can find...

yes there's a nice locker room called the Transit Lounge with showers and towels.

Adult beverage cost?, as well as lunch something simple cost ? as well as suggestions which restaurants would be helpful?

Drinks are expensive...a frozen drink is $10-$15. Beers probably end up being $10.

There are many counter service venues out in Aquaventure...they're all pretty similar menu and quality wide. They have value meals that include a burger, fries, and a drink for ~$13. Think Disney theme park prices.

As well everyone has said they will not accept any cash..... in the water park, or restaurants, or bars... So you must use a credit card... Which is strange....at least to me..the thought of leaving a credit card in a locker just seems really unsafe.... Normally at the water parks, DH just keeps cash in his pocket... wet cash spends... Anyone any thought on this...?

This is correct: Atlantis' poolside/aquaventure venues are all cashless.

And I don't get the 'outdated' and 'rundown' comment.....Aquaventure is beautiful in the morning before all the guests get there, but once the cruisers arrive, the cleanliness of the place can get pretty low, depending on the crowd that day.

 

[LovesTimone]

I've been visiting Atlantis annually for nearly 20 years
There are plenty of loungers around Aquaventure, they just might not be in the exact spot you want. You just have to be flexible.

The pool towels are perfectly normal beach towels. You can get as many as you like and swap them for dry ones whenever you like. I have no idea where the person was that got a small hand-sized towel, but it wasn't Atlantis. They might have been thinking of WDW's of DCL pool towels....those are small.
yes there's a nice locker room called the Transit Lounge with showers and towels.
Drinks are expensive...a frozen drink is $10-$15. Beers probably end up being $10.

There are many counter service venues out in Aquaventure...they're all pretty similar menu and quality wide. They have value meals that include a burger, fries, and a drink for ~$13. Think Disney theme park prices.
This is correct: Atlantis' poolside/aquaventure venues are all cashless.

And I don't get the 'outdated' and 'rundown' comment.....Aquaventure is beautiful in the morning before all the guests get there, but once the cruisers arrive, the cleanliness of the place can get pretty low, depending on the crowd that day.

The pool towels are perfectly normal beach towels. You can get as many as you like and swap them for dry ones whenever you like. - I am good with whatever as long as we can find a spot, sit down at when we want to... That's great I don't want to have to bring towels with us... So yay....

Yes there's a nice locker room called the Transit Lounge with showers and towels. - It there a charge to use it? or is it part of Aquaventure..

Drinks are expensive...a frozen drink is $10-$15. Beers probably end up being $10. So drinks are about the same as at any touristy place... which is about what I expected them to be at... So that's great to know...

As long as the bathrooms are clean, and they keep up with them, and empty the trash, I'm good ... We have found that the reason it looks a mess is alot of times some folks think that just because they are on vacation they can act like pigs...and not clean up after themselves...

Thanks for you info... it really is so helpful...

 

[blabadie]

I've been visiting Atlantis annually for nearly 20 years
There are plenty of loungers around Aquaventure, they just might not be in the exact spot you want. You just have to be flexible.

The pool towels are perfectly normal beach towels. You can get as many as you like and swap them for dry ones whenever you like. I have no idea where the person was that got a small hand-sized towel, but it wasn't Atlantis. They might have been thinking of WDW's or DCL's pool towels....those are small.
yes there's a nice locker room called the Transit Lounge with showers and towels.
Drinks are expensive...a frozen drink is $10-$15. Beers probably end up being $10.

There are many counter service venues out in Aquaventure...they're all pretty similar menu and quality wide. They have value meals that include a burger, fries, and a drink for ~$13. Think Disney theme park prices.
This is correct: Atlantis' poolside/aquaventure venues are all cashless.

And I don't get the 'outdated' and 'rundown' comment.....Aquaventure is beautiful in the morning before all the guests get there, but once the cruisers arrive, the cleanliness of the place can get pretty low, depending on the crowd that day.

Just wanted to say that our family did the Atlantis Aquaventure on our cruise last December and I completely agree with this review. We had a great time and would return.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

It there a charge to use it? or is it part of Aquaventure..

No charge for the transit lounge.

 

[LovesTimone]

No charge for the transit lounge.

Thanks again... this really helps me out...

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I'm a Mom, and Mimi in my mid 50's as well... It will be all adults, and we want to check out the slides and lazy rivers, and then have nice lunch and maybe spend a little bit in the casino... We are so spoiled with Disney's water parks, and how nice they are... When you say outdated, and run down what made you feel like this... like is it dirty? filthy restrooms, trash everywhere, broken chairs,....

I haven't seen an Aquapac... I will most diffidently check this out... How does that work on a slide.?.. I am wondering if we could put it DH's cargo pocket of his board shorts, and we would be okay while on the slides... I could figure out a way to secure it inside so it would not fly out if the pocket was to accidentally open up or could I put in my swimsuit top... I wear a Tankini so it would not be flying around on the slides or tubes...

The tip on the port schedule is a great tips... Thanks for that one...

Outdated as in not modern. Feels old. Picture a nice new modern kitchen with granite countertops vs Formica and vinyl flooring vs those new tiles that look like wood. That is what I mean. Maybe there are YouTube videos where people have showed stuff up close.

I LOVE lazy rivers and have been to TL and BB many times. And love them both!

I wear my AquaPac on a cord like a lanyRd, that is the style I have. They come in different styles. I encourage you to test yours out like they recommend before using it to make sure it is leak-proof. I write on a napkin with washable marker and do the test with that. If it had gotten wet, you could see the smeared ink. I def think your hubby could put his in a cargo short pocket. I wear mine around my neck but under my Lands End Swim Shirt and sometimes tucked into my tankini. It works well!

 

[buzzrelly]

We did the Atlantis excursion through DCL in April 2016. I was traveling with my mom and two teens and we all really enjoyed it. The lazy river was super fun.

I don't know specific answers to your other questions, but we had no trouble getting loungers and towels...


And the towels are a pretty good size...


As I recall, the food wasn't great but we had the vouchers so we used them. We didn't buy any adult beverages, so I can't help wth that.

All in all, a fun day.

 

[LovesTimone]

We did the Atlantis excursion through DCL in April 2016. I was traveling with my mom and two teens and we all really enjoyed it. The lazy river was super fun.

I don't know specific answers to your other questions, but we had no trouble getting loungers and towels...
View attachment 410131

And the towels are a pretty good size...
View attachment 410132

As I recall, the food wasn't great but we had the vouchers so we used them. We didn't buy any adult beverages, so I can't help wth that.

All in all, a fun day.

Oh my gosh... Thanks so much for the pictures, it really makes such a difference, when you can see it... I really appreciate your thoughts!!!

 

[LovesTimone]

Outdated as in not modern. Feels old. Picture a nice new modern kitchen with granite countertops vs Formica and vinyl flooring vs those new tiles that look like wood. That is what I mean. Maybe there are YouTube videos where people have showed stuff up close.

I LOVE lazy rivers and have been to TL and BB many times. And love them both!

I wear my AquaPac on a cord like a lanyRd, that is the style I have. They come in different styles. I encourage you to test yours out like they recommend before using it to make sure it is leak-proof. I write on a napkin with washable marker and do the test with that. If it had gotten wet, you could see the smeared ink. I def think your hubby could put his in a cargo short pocket. I wear mine around my neck but under my Lands End Swim Shirt and sometimes tucked into my tankini. It works well!

I think that I am going to order on and see how it works... we have a boat so it will come in handy... Great tip on the napkin... Thanks so much..

How do you like your Lands End Swim Shirt??? I have been thinking about get us each something like this... We travel and I think that this would come in handy?

 

[buzzrelly]

Not to self promote, but if you click the link in my signature for my April 2016 TR, I have a video and some footage from the lazy river at Atlantis.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I think that I am going to order on and see how it works... we have a boat so it will come in handy... Great tip on the napkin... Thanks so much..

How do you like your Lands End Swim Shirt??? I have been thinking about get us each something like this... We travel and I think that this would come in handy?

Absolutely LOVE Lands End swim shirts!! I own several. I love them because they are not tight fitting like rash guards. I own a few different styles. LE often has sales and you can buy one for a reasonable price. They are comfortable, offer amazing sun protection and are high quality. I am overweight so wearing one covers me up a bit more. The fit is pretty true to size. Good luck!

 

[LovesTimone]

Absolutely LOVE Lands End swim shirts!! I own several. I love them because they are not tight fitting like rash guards. I own a few different styles. LE often has sales and you can buy one for a reasonable price. They are comfortable, offer amazing sun protection and are high quality. I am overweight so wearing one covers me up a bit more. The fit is pretty true to size. Good luck!

Thanks for the info on the fit... I was wondering, about the fit... Thanks again

 

[Starwind]

Note that the "lazy river" at Atlantis Aquaventure is NOT "lazy" like Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach's are. Some parts are pretty calm, but it has some stretches that are rough rapids. We watched more than one person lose sunglasses, eyeglasses, sunhats, etc, and some people get tossed off their floats or into other people or walls. I nearly lost my sunglasses (only didn't because they had a good tether/keeper strap) and got slammed into the wall thanks to the rough waves. I highly recommend if you are considering doing the river to learn about it in advance so you are prepared and know what to expect.

SW