This has probably been asked before but...

[kenneyjo]

We will be doing the land and sea package from May 1-8, 2003.
Our cruise has a stop in Freeport instead of the day at sea. We will definitely be getting off the ship at Castaway Cay (that's a no brainer). We plan on getting off the ship at either Nassau or Freeport strictly for swimming. My question is, which of the two has the best conditions for 1) swimming in the ocean, 2) cleanliness of beach and 3) locals who do not harass tourists.
Any advice is appreciated,

 

[wovenwonder]

I'm certain that no matter where you go (port wise) on your cruise you will be 'hassled' by locals selling their wares. PLEASE don't let it bother you --- they are just trying to earn a small living. They depend on the tourists. A polite 'no thankyou' will usually send them walking. BUT be prepared ahead of time to say 'no thankyou' MANY, MANY times!

 

[DDreamer]

I agree! You will DEFINATELY be "harassed" by the local, but they do not bug you after you say no thank you once. It's not like they follow you and keep bugging you. Beware of some locals that will give you a handmade beaded piece of jewelry and tell you it's free, and then after they have put it on you they give you a sob story about how ANY donation for the jewelry would be greatly appreciated. After you are already wearing it!!!! It happened to us.Very clever indeed, but it is all part of enjoying a different culture and part of the whole experience. It doesn't bother me one bit, and try not to let it ruin yours. We have not been to Freeport, but I'm sure you will have a great time at either port.

 

[natt]

Is the Freeport day before or after Castway Cay?

We had the day at sea, which was the last day and we REALLY enjoyed having that last day on the ship! Between having to attend the debarkation talk and having to get the luggage out that evening, I was able to get things together a little bit throughout the day and then just do one quick packup after dinner.

My point is, if Freeport is the last day, that might be a good reason to stay aboard. If it's CC, then you'll definately want to be getting off, but be warned, you'll probably be rushed that evening!

 

[savs]

I'm not sure if this will be helpful or not but....I was at Freeport about 7 years agao and I don't remember much about the Island itself. We did a "Swim with the dolphins" excursion, so we never went to a beach.

We also went to Nassau then and also again in November and they do have some good beaches there. If you go over to Paradise Island or stay on Nassau, be prepared to get hassled by the locals. Even at the beaches they are always trying to sell you something. Beach chairs, hairbreading and things that they make. But like everyone else has said they do walk away once you say no thanks.

Any more questions, let me know.