Which one is scary?

[my3kids]

Freeport or Nassau?

(I am changing the phrase to scary from nasty as is mentioned below)

 

[alexandrew]

Que? what do you mean by nasty?

 

[my3kids]

I know I read here that everyone hated one of the stops the Wonder made....was it Nassau or Freeport? Seems like one was nice and one was a little dangerous?

 

[alexandrew]

Freeport was boring.....

nassau has fun shopping at the straw market, as well as a quick cab ride to Atlantis, a spectacular resort ......

As for either being scary or dangerous......exercise common sense and you need not worry.....

 

[aprilgail2]

I loved Freeport when we went...we went to an awesome beach and pool there...Nassau I hated, it was dirty and the people were very pushy...I would be fine with never goign there again.

 

[alexandrew]

sure....

 

[TiggerKing]

DW and I had no problems in Nassau. The people can be a little pushy about wanting to sell you something, but honestly it was no worse than going to an automobile dealership in the US. I ask that you not go with any preconceived notions. The more I travel the world, the more I realize that Americans want every other country to have the same amenities, culture, etc. as we do here. If that were the case, why would we want to travel there?

Go to Nassau with an open mind. If you don't like it afterwards, you don't have to go back. But, at least enjoy the differences in culture while you are there.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

A lot of people slam Nassau as being dirty, or having pushy people. It is really no different from any other port of call in the Bahamas or Carribbean. The people in port cities make their money off of cruisers, and they can be aggressive in attempting to get your attention. After many cruises on many different cruise lines, I can't say that Nassau is scary or dirty or nasty. It is a typical port city which depends very heavily on cruisers, and your experience here will be what you choose to make of it. Don't listen to what others say, get off and see for yourself. Don't expect paradise, or a shoppers's delight. I haven't found a port yet that has any real bargains on anything. It's not perfect, but what place is? (Castaway Cay doesn't count).

 

[inkkognito]

I've never been to Freeport...been to Nassau more times than I can count. Others have described it well. Personally, I just stay on the ship now and pretend that it's a day at sea. But I wouldn't classify it as "scary." That's reserved for Labadee, RCCL's supposedly "private" island. Turns out it's in Haiti, and anything but private. I figured that out the moment I disembarked and was approached by a native who wanted money to let me sit on one of the cruise line's own beach chairs! Same thing in the restroom; a woman insisted on handling me a towel and then blocked the door demanding money. In the shopping area, the merchants would literally grab you; in Nassau, they are pushy, but I've never been physically grabbed. Nassau isn't for everyone, but don't let it frighten you.
Barb

 

[kaykels]

I've been to both several times and Bahamas get a bad rap, don't know why.... you just have to know where to go and where NOT to go. If you stay out of the straw market in Nassau and go to the right beaches, it's great. There isn't as much poverty in Freeport. The straw market had some great restaurants. It's not as glamorous w/fancy hotels and luxurious beaches, but it's nice.

 

[burma]

both stink save your money and enjoy the boat

 

[rejobako]

Once again, I find myself compelled to defend ports-of-call that aren't "Disney-fied". If you're squeamish about being approached by natives who have funny accents, stay on the boat. For those who believe that one of the pleasures of travelling is to experience the flavor of other places and cultures -- for better or worse, you'll probably enjoy Freeport and Nassau. My advice in either port is to move a bit away from the disembarkation areas where local "entrepreneurs" descend upon the cruisers. Take a cab to PI and hit the upscale version of the strawmarket there -- less people, less hassle, same prices on local crafts, trinkets, clothes, and artwork. Hit the Hurricane Hole under the bridge and have a tropical drink and a great grouper sandwich while walking the docks where the charter fishing boats come in.

Remember, you're on vacation, so it's supposed to be about you. If running the gauntlet off the boat isn't your thing and you don't care to be exposed to a different standard of living, you have a world class cruise ship to play on. But for those who are the least bit curious, I would suggest that if you get off the ship with a positive attitude and with one hand on your wallet, you'll have a fascinating, fun experience.

 

[mmouse37]

Very well said!!!!

 

[nymets]

I agree with Burma Stay on the ship Iwent to both ports and dh and i just stood on the main streets wouldn't go there again rather spend my money on the ship

 

[Keggy]

There is a great resort on Freeport (that I of course forget the name of) that has a beautiful beach and pool that the Cruisers can use free of charge. It is right across the street from a nice shopping village - there are some cute shops there. My husband did a golf excursion on Freeport and they had a lot of fun.

Nassau is ok - I would rather go to Alantis. The straw market is ok - the market in freeport was better. Once you get past the docks the pushy sales people and pushy cab drivers seem to disperse.

My .02...

Kelly

 

[aprilgail2]

There is a great resort on Freeport (that I of course forget the name of) that has a beautiful beach and pool that the Cruisers can use free of charge. It is right across the street from a nice shopping village - there are some cute shops there. My husband did a gold excursion on Freeport and they had a lot of fun.

Nassau is ok - I would rather go to Alantis. The straw market is ok - the market in freeport was better. Once you get past the docks the pushy sales people and pushy cab drivers seem to disperse.

My .02...

Kelly

Is it Our Lucaya? That is where we went in freeport and it was so nice there!

 

[my3kids]

Good tip on the resort! Thanks. It is Freeport where our ship will dock and I couldn't remember which one people on the Wonder didn't like. We were trying last night to decide whether to book the cruise and I was gathering information. As it turns out, we did book....Royal Caribbean.

By chance, does anyone have any of the Crown & Anchor Refer a Friend Coupons they would share with a fellow DISser....I promise we'll go back to DCL again also!

 

[Keggy]

deleted - oops - double post!

 

[Keggy]

I think that may be the resort.... They had a poolside bar and the restrooms were clean as well... The thing on Freeport is were Disney docks you need to venture out past the dock - there are shops right there but further out on the island there are some nice areas.


Kelly

 

[alexandrew]

excellent post rejobako....