Ports of call.. Freeport any suggestions

[AVENNER571]

We just made our reservations for the 4 day cruise October 20th with ports of call to Nassau and Freeport. We have been to Nassau last year for our honeymoon cruise and we did the Glass Bottom Boat. It rained while we were at Nassau and we just didnt enjoy ourselves.

I was wondering what is there to do in Freeport. Is it alot like Nassau?

We need suggestions. Please HELP!!

 

[aprilgail2]

I hated Nassua...I was thee several times on cruises and never liked it but in Freeport I did the Lucayan Beach day an we had a very nice time doing that one.

 

[Familyof6]

We did the Dolphin Close Encounter in Freeport. It's offered through DCL, but we booked on our own through UNEXSO. We just took a cab to Sanctuary Bay and UNEXSO took us by boat to the dolphins. I think the price is now $59 per person...under 6 is free. The cab costs $5 per person each way, but you can offer a flat rate round trip and save a bit here. DCL charges something like $75 for adults and around $60 for kids. Under 3 I don't think is allowed on the DCL excursion. We took our 2 yr old with us since we booked on our own and she loved it! (except when the dolphin splashed salt water in her eye ) All 6 of us really enjoyed learning about the dolphins and getting to touch them. It was one of the highlights of our trip. We had overcast skies for most of our day in Freeport.
Oh, and there is a market right by UNEXSO. We hadn't allowed enough time to really look around but it looked nice. (Gucci, Cartier, among other shops)
Also, two couples in our cab were dropped off at a hotel to go to the casino. If you're into gambling, then that's an option too. I can't remember the name of the hotel, but I'm sure someone could tell you. (I think the cabbie said it used to be called The Princess, or something like that) There was also another casino being built right near UNEXSO. It may be done by Oct. I didn't ask.
We didn't get off the ship in Nassau. I took the advice of several people on this board and just enjoyed a semi-quiet ship that day! It was rainy anyway, so we were glad we did!
Good luck

Lisa

 

[bigd332]

Familyof6 could you send me info on the Dolphin encounter in Freeport. We just found out that we our going there in October. We priced the one in Nassau, but this sounds cheaper Thanks alot.
Dan

 

[Familyof6]

There is information available at www.unexso.com Click on Dolphins...and it'll give you a description of what they have to offer.
I did notice that the prices have changed somewhat. They are now charging $29.50 for ages 4-7. It's $59 for 8 and up. 3 and under are still free. (very much worth it!)
From what I've heard, the Nassau Dolphin Encounter is not as good as the one in Freeport. I have not experienced the one in Nassau so you'll have to get opinions from others on this board. It's just what I had heard...more of a circus atmosphere in Nassau...lots of posing for pix. In Freeport they have one photographer who takes one picture of the Dolphin kissing you. You are welcome to take as many of your own pix as you would like. (I recommend a waterproof camera!!!)
Let me know if I can help you with other information.
Good luck!

Lisa

 

[WLDDCD]

when I called UNEXSO, they said it would be about $50 for the cab because it's far from the port! And also that the times would not work since Disney books all the morning slots, and then the afternoon ones are all that's left, and they would not end in time to get us back to the boat for a 5 pm departure.

??????????


What's the deal? We leave next Tuesday and we really want to do this, but it's sold out through DCL and I sure don't want to miss the boat!!!

 

[bigd332]

Thanks for the info Lisa, It is over 15 bucks cheaper than the one in Nassau. Thanks for the quick response.
Dan

 

[Familyof6]

You're welcome. If you'd like to read more from someone who has experienced both the Nassau Dolphins and the Freeport Dolphins, do a search on the cruise trip reports board for Girl Scout Troop 37. Pam, the leader, is where I got all my info prior to our experience. Keep in mind, they went last June and prices have increased. (but you are already aware of that)
From what I've heard, I think you will be happier in Freeport...and I hope you will be pleased with your experience. PM me when you return and let me know how it goes.
Oh, one more thing. I had asked about cancellations if the ship doesn't make it to Freeport. They had told me it was no problem. Just call them a couple hours in advance so they can have a chance to fill the slots. I'd ask again if I were you. Policies may have changed. (with the prices )

Lisa

 

[Familyof6]

You are right about the morning slots being filled by DCL. We were booked for the 1:30pm encounter. The boat out to the location was late getting back with the previous group so we got a late start. I did worry a little. It took a long time out with the Dolphins...and I worried a bit more. There were two other families from the cruise with us on the encounter so I felt better knowing that if we had to higher a tender to get us out to the ship, there would be others there too. We left the Dolphins around 3:30. (about the time I expected to be back at UNEXSO) We were back to UNEXSO around 3:50. Our cab driver was there waiting for us. We offered one family a ride in our cab...the other family wasn't around. We waiting only about 5 or so mins before we left for the ship. We were back by about 4:15 or 4:20. Not plenty of time, but we were fine. There were lots of people boarding right along with us.
I think you should be ok booking the 1:30 encounter. I wouldn't book any later than that. Also, make a round-trip deal with the cabbie...that way he'll be there waiting for you and you won't need to go looking for a cab. Herbie was our driver and he was great! It really surprised us when we saw him waiting there for us even though we were about 20 mins later than we had told him to be there. (we tipped extra for his lost fare time)
Cabs are $5 per person from the ship to UNEXSO...Herbie bargained with us...$50 round trip for 6 of us...one of which was 2 yrs. old.

Do what you think is best, but it worked for us and we were glad we did it!

Lisa