Stay on the ship while at Nassau

[Elvistelth]

We took a Disney Cruise in September of 2008 and the only thing we didn't like was Nassau. We went to the famous "straw market". What a sham. It's a hot, crowded, narrow-aisled flea market with repetitious junk. The hawkers are overzealous and if you are female be prepared to be accosted by constant pleas to "braid yo' hair?". When crossing the streets you take your life into your own hands and it seemed it there are no lane lines so drivers pretty much drifted wherever they pleased as they sped along. It didn't feel safe and this was in broad daylight. I wish the ship would have just spent an extra day at Castaway Cay because that was the highlight of the trip. The snorkelling was great and so was the food. We didn't have enough time to do everything and we'd love to go back.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

We took a Disney Cruise in September of 2008 and the only thing we didn't like was Nassau. We went to the famous "straw market". What a sham. It's a hot, crowded, narrow-aisled flea market with repetitious junk. The hawkers are overzealous and if you are female be prepared to be accosted by constant pleas to "braid yo' hair?". When crossing the streets you take your life into your own hands and it seemed it there are no lane lines so drivers pretty much drifted wherever they pleased as they sped along. It didn't feel safe and this was in broad daylight. I wish the ship would have just spent an extra day at Castaway Cay because that was the highlight of the trip. The snorkelling was great and so was the food. We didn't have enough time to do everything and we'd love to go back.

Thats why you do an excursion

 

[Elvistelth]

Thats why you do an excursion

If I had a do-over I would have stayed on board: there are less people so you practically have the ship to yourself.

 

[trimix]

There are some beautiful beaches on Nassau and Paradise Island. Snorkeling is pretty good in some locations, and scuba diving is incredible. Fort Charlotte is a fantastic piece of preserved history, and I know of at least two nice museums on the island. I haven't had the pleasure yet, but the Ardastra gardens, zoo, and conservation center will be on my itinerary the next time I am on Nassau.

It's really a shame that you, a person who doesn't seem to like flea markets, just visited the straw market and based your opinion of the entire island on that one small location.

 

[Elvistelth]

As far as flea markets go, I like them, but I'd prefer to visit the Swap Shop in Sunrise Florida than the straw market in the Bahamas because there's a better selection and you are much safer. I didn't judge the whole island, I merely told my opinion of Nassau. I walked around the immediate area adjacent to the straw market for a few blocks and wasn't impressed. Also, since I live in South Florida I am familiar with nice beaches and good places for diving. It's just not worth it to risk your safety in that area. Crime in the caribbean is very high but also very under reported. I have young daughters and I was not comfortable taking them around those places.

 

[TheWog]

Spent a week in Nassau/Paradise Island and loved it. DS10 (at the time) had a great week. Walked around at night without feeling unsafe. We plan on returning. Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[disney1990]

DH and I loved walking around Nassau. We went up to the Fort and to the Queens Stairs. The view of the ships in dock was well worth the walk. No we never felt threatened by anybody while we were there. These people are just trying to make a living, not hurt anybody. Just say no if they approach you.

 

[grumpeeduck]

We just came from there and I have to agree with the OP. All in an hours time, and roughly within a block we saw people smoking something very questionable, a man throwing food and drink at a frail woman outside of the Starbucks, and a store clerk who never took her eyes off our oldest dd - it was extremely uncomfortable. Also, the crazy traffic, rough looking locals, and the sludge that was on our shoes from just the short walk. We'll be enjoying the ship in Nassau next time as well.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I'll be going to Nassau on the Wonder in August and don't plan on getting off, maybe for little to go get starbucks lol, in December will go on Nassau again and plan to do a excursion that time

 

[JHarveyTN]

I don't understand why they can't mix it up a little with the 4 night cruise. I mean why can't they offer a 4 night with Key West instead of Nassau. We actually spent our honeymoon at a Nassau resort and have gone on 2 short cruises that stop there & that's enough for us!! We like the cost & time length of the shorter cruise but it would nice to have other port options. We are saving for a 7 night b/c we just don't want to go to Nassau again.

 

[HappyGrumpy]

I don't understand why they can't mix it up a little with the 4 night cruise. I mean why can't they offer a 4 night with Key West instead of Nassau. We actually spent our honeymoon at a Nassau resort and have gone on 2 short cruises that stop there & that's enough for us!! We like the cost & time length of the shorter cruise but it would nice to have other port options. We are saving for a 7 night b/c we just don't want to go to Nassau again.

The boats registry is in Nassau so it is obligated to stop there. This is what I have learned on the boards. It's the same for both the Magic and Wonder.

 

[Elvistelth]

I guess it could be worse...does Somalia register ships?

 

[linco711]

We took a Disney Cruise in September of 2008 and the only thing we didn't like was Nassau. We went to the famous "straw market". What a sham. It's a hot, crowded, narrow-aisled flea market with repetitious junk. The hawkers are overzealous and if you are female be prepared to be accosted by constant pleas to "braid yo' hair?". When crossing the streets you take your life into your own hands and it seemed it there are no lane lines so drivers pretty much drifted wherever they pleased as they sped along. It didn't feel safe and this was in broad daylight. I wish the ship would have just spent an extra day at Castaway Cay because that was the highlight of the trip. The snorkelling was great and so was the food. We didn't have enough time to do everything and we'd love to go back.

We had an unscheduled stop in Nassau on a recent Celebrity Cruise. We really enjoyed it! We felt safe and enjoyed walking thru the town. During another cruise we went to Atlantis which was beautiful and fun, and had great shopping...To each his own I guess....What Islands did you like? The only Island I didn't like was Tortola. Thought it was a complete waste of time..nothing there...

 

[Elvistelth]

I didn't go to Atlantis so I can't comment on it. As far as feeling safe; that's a very subjective thing.

 

[TheWog]

The boats registry is in Nassau so it is obligated to stop there. This is what I have learned on the boards. It's the same for both the Magic and Wonder.

The Magic doesn't stop at Nassau.

 

[scriv2]

We did the 4 nite cruise in August 2008, and really enjoyed Nassau. We took a tour of the island, went to the forts and the queen's staircase, learned some interesting things and then went to Senor Frogs. It was a great experience for us.

 

[madmik43]

we were there 2006 and feel the same about nassau. it was creepy, dirty, and no fun. went back on the ship and had the time of our lives.
skip nassau.

 

[hoffman17]

The straw market is aweful, but i hear Atlantis is really cool. Seeing Nassau is also a good chance to see how other people make a living. it's just a culture change, but i would recommend seeing it atleast once. There are "old" areas that are pretty cool to see, off the beaten path, and Nassau has a really nice history to explore.

 

[ua1992]

We stayed on board the last 2 cruises while at Nassau and didn't regret it either time. You have most of the ship to yourself. It was really nice.

 

[JennyN]

Just a question,
We are cuising in January and if we get off the ship in Nassau and don't like it after an hour or so can we then get back on and does getting back on the ship involve a lot of fuss and time?