Nassau - like it or not?

[Sue's Mom]

What do you think? I get the impression that it's not a favourite port of call for cruisers.

[gizmo]

The biggest problem with Nassau is you are only in port a half of day. There is not much time to do much of anything except the straw market and Atlantis.

I didn't vote. None of the choices really fit how I feel.

If it happened to be on an itinerary I really wanted to do, it would not stop me from booking, but I have no desire to go there for a half of day. There would be a good chance I would stay on the ship when it docked in Nassau.

If there were 2 itineraries that I liked and Nassau was on one, I would pick the one without Nassau.

[dexter]

I have visited Nassau at least 8 times. I have been via jet and five times via cruise ship. I love going to Nassu and Paradise Island. The vendors around the straw market can be a bit pushy, but they don't bother me. I liked it better 20 years ago when the traffic cop was dressed up in his starched white uniform and white gloves. Things seemed to be a bit more "British" back then.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have been there quite a few times via cruise ships.

The half day bit doesn't give you really much time to do anything. Especially if the half day is from 7 AM - 12 noon. The shops don't open that early. Not enough time to spend on a beach.

Have also been there on a Sunday - hardly anything was open.

[FlorenceItaly]

I will be there on a Tuesday, 1pm - 7pm...any ideas for me? What and where is Paradise Island? Thank you.

Marie

[kruzkeen]

I think the shopping in Nassau has a lot more class than some of the other ports of call. The downtown is interesting. Not enough time for the beach is not a consideration for me as there are plenty of beaches on other islands.

[bdmarine]

Paradise Island, formerly called Hog Island, is an island of modern hotels and casinos connected by bridge to Nassau.

If you are not going to any other non-U.S. ports, then Nassau is the place to buy Havana Club rum and Cuban cigars.

In general be careful of going off the beaten path into less populated areas.

[iluvcruzin]

If Nassau is on the ship's itenerary.. it becomes a onboard ship day for me. It's not my favorite port.

[drdaddy]

We did our honeymoon 26 years ago (Sep 3!) on Paradise Island, looong before Atlantis, when Merv Griffin owned half the island. Been there many times ONLY when cruise ships force me to. If you want to have your hair braided (don't worry mon, we can do that one wisp you have left), get attacked by vendors at the straw market (not as bad as years past), or gamble at 1 PM at $25 minimum tables, it is OK.

Actually the shopping isn't bad at all. All the biggies are there but there is one place named John Bull which is pretty decent. Nice clerks and they have everything so you can compare.

On our trip in 10 days, I am snorkeling and DW is staying on board. She might (just might, maybe??) head over to the above shop. You think?

Krazy Kruiser, did you get a chance to get a reply on your other thread??
Thanks.

[peaches from georgia]

If you're a golfer play in Nassau. DH played with the Oosterdam golf pro and 2 other guys and had a great day. They also played in Cozumel.

[elmorejj]

Have been there many times. In the past...20 years ago...it was a nice place to visit. We have had a couple of good land vacations there, but I`m not at all interested in it now. Bay St. is not all that safe, plenty of pick pockets etc. and the straw market IMO is awful. There are a couple of good restaurants down town but a half day is definitely better spent on board........jean :cool:

[karensj]

I stayed at the Atlantis for five days this past winter and loved it. Dowtown Nassau is a little different. I feel sorry for the little girls who are in the strawmarket selling stuff. They can't be more than 10 years old. The Atlantis is beautiful. Aquarium is an interesting thing to do. If you have never been to the Atlantis you can see more of the grounds by going on the Aquarium trip.

Karen

[jhannah]

We've been there twice. Full days both times. I didn't really care to go back the second time ... but we were able to do some things we missed the first time. At this point, I have no desire to return. There's simply nothing there for me.

[jazzsea]

I love to go to Nassau. We take the Water Taxi to Paridise Island and visit Atlantas! What a place!

[the2ofus]

I'd rather have a day at sea than a day or half day in Nassau. Of course, if one MUST visit the Bahamas for some reason known only to HAL management, the ideal would be HMC at the beginning and again at the end of every Caribbean cruise.

[Tatka]

Cruise stop is a good way to explore Atlantis (Paradise Island) for the people who wouldn't otherwise splurge on Atlantis vacation (too expensive!!!).


We stopped there while on Century and all we had time to do - Atlantis aquariums and short tour.
2pm - 7pm is definitely too short cause otherwise I would book Comfort suites for a day and could use all facilities in Atlantis (lagune, slides,aquariums etc)

[cactuslady]

My indelible memory of Nassau is wandering through the hot, crowded straw market, looking at endless selections of highly flammable stuff from China, and, upon reaching the center, discovering a fellow with a blowtorch doing some local craft. :eek: I headed for the nearest exit -- and fast.

[anngie]

Nassau is another sea day for us. We don't get off the ship. A couple of years ago we were there on a Carnival ship that stayed overnight. My husband became very ill and had to go to the hospital by ambulance. The medical crew on the ship sent him off in a hurry. What a nightmare!!! It makes you appreciate the hospitals in the US. I think the illness was nothing more than a stomach virus because I got it too in about 24 hours after he did. When we got back home it was interesting to look the medications (that he was given in the ER) up on the computer and was charged exorbitant prices for. The medications were from Russia. I never did figure that out. They were pretty much repetitive antacids and stomach relaxers. If you ever have the need for the ER while in Nassau be aware that they take no insurance. Everything is cash up front and very expensive. The city of Nassau looks like you are in a blackout after dark. The lights go out and businesses are closed.
We were told by people at the hospital that it is not safe to walk anywhere downtown at night. The only way I would go to Nassau is if it is on the ship's itinerary and I have no choice.

[sail7seas]

If you are not going to any other non-U.S. ports, then Nassau is the place to buy Havana Club rum and Cuban cigars.


With HAL's new policy of confiscating all bottles of liquor and holding them until the last night, you will no longer be able to consume your Cuban Rum while aboard the ship. Therefore, you will no longer be able to buy it because you cannot bring it into the U.S. (unless, of course, you drink the whole bottle prior to returning to the ship from your time ashore in Nassau ;) ).

[RevNeal]

I've been to Nassau twice. If I'm on a cruise that stops there again I'll probably not get off the ship ... just enjoy an extra day aboard to rest, read, and explorer the ship.

[WindyCity]

It was mentioned that the shops do not open early. What time do they open? Is the surrey ride worthwhile? We have not been to Nassau and figured the surrey ride would be the way to see it. Any comments on the ride?

[DFD1]

If you are into photography, especially ship photography, you can take a water taxi ride around the harbor and get some fantastic views of the cruise ships berthed side by side at the pier. The water taxi is close by, near the base of the pier. When we were there last, there were eight major cruise ships packed into the harbor with two others standing by off shore waiting for a berth.
For someone as taken by ships as I am, to see eight of the largest moving objects on earth packed side by side and end to end into tiny Nassau harbor on a beautiful clear day was quite a sight, one I will not soon forget .....otherwise, Nassau is way past it's prime.

[sail7seas]

What a great idea. Thanks for mentioning it.


As many times as we have cruised into Nassau (at least 14-15), and as many times as the harbor has been jammed full of cruise ships, it never occured to me to board the water taxi and do what you suggest.

Great photo ops!!!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We have actually only been to Nassau one time when we were on the Zuirderdam April 2003. it was only for a few hours and we went to Paradise Island. We actually enjoyed it and would like to return. As far as seeing the actual town of Nassau we did not see and I do not think we missed too much. I did think that Atlantis and Paradise Island reminded me of a tropical Las Vegas.

[geoherb]

We went to Nassau on our first few cruises. In 2001, the Princess private island was damaged by a hurricane and our itinerary was changed to Nassau that day. That was also the year the straw market burned, so we did not have those vendors to contend with.

I'm thinking of booking a cruise in December on the Zuiderdam that goes to Nassau. It's only there for four hours, so we'd probably stay on the ship.

[Randyk47]

"Been there done that" kind of comes to mind with Nassau. After 5+ stops there we've seen about as much as we care to see. Might feel that way about St Thomas some day but we've only been there 3 times so we have a few more to get "used" to that island. Generally, unless it's gotten better lately, we found Nassau to have gotten worse and worse in terms of condition and has been hot and dusty the last two visits. Granted a lot of the islands are somewhat like that but Nassau just doens't seem to have a "quaint" atmosphere like some others.

[Bill S]

Been there-if we are on a cruise that stops there again, we would remain on-board ship.

[CINCY40]

Once we bought the usual magnet and Tshirt, we went back to the ship. (of course, DH has to go into a LOT of shops to make sure he has the perfect tshirt. Just not our cup of tea. As another poster said...give me two days at Half Moon Cay instead!

Nancy

[grandma bev]

Love it! We eloped to Nassau on a gambling junket from New Orleans in '86. Have been back about 4 times on various ships. Enjoy the straw market and Atlantis.


The VERY BEST SPECTACULAR snorkeling excursion was from Nassau on a catamaran. Fabulous reef. We've snorkeled in many places and will always remember that beautiful excursion.

[bobpatj]

Our half day stop in Nassau on the Oosterdam last Jan., was my first time there. We got off the ship as soon as were able and packed in a lot of sights in the short period of time, including taking the water taxi to Atlantis. I don't really feel that I'd want to go back, though.

[TedC]

I looked forward to our stop in Nassau last December because I wanted to take a Stuart's Cove snorkeling tour, which includes a stop to feed the sharks.

Unfortunately we weren't there long enough for me to take the trip. Next time if I can't snorkel I will stay on the ship and consider it a relaxing sea day!

(I'm not really into hair braiding)

[jimmy2x]

I would try to avoid any cruise going there again. Would much rather have a day at sea or aalmost ANY other island.

[dexter]

My indelible memory of Nassau is wandering through the hot, crowded straw market, looking at endless selections of highly flammable stuff from China, and, upon reaching the center, discovering a fellow with a blowtorch doing some local craft. :eek: I headed for the nearest exit -- and fast.
The straw market burned to the ground about four years ago. I wonder if the blowtorch guy started the fire. They have since rebuilt the market in a different and much more clostrophobic space.

[waterlovers]

I loved our visit to Nassau in July we were in port overnight due to a medical emergency on our ship, and all day the next day we went out on a huge catamaran sailing and snorkeling and i love the waters there! I plan to retire to the bahamas instead of florida now!;)

[Thoth]

Nassau did rather poorly in the poll. Why? What do people have against it?
I stopped there year before last and enjoyed the place! it would seem there was quit a bit to see and do there.

[lknick]

For any of you jarheads not on active duty, Nassau is the site of the first US Marine Corps amphibious operation...in 1777.

They came, they took a small fort, they stumbled around a while trying to decide whether to take the island, and then they just went home instead.

[gizmo]

Nassau did rather poorly in the poll. Why? What do people have against it?
I stopped there year before last and enjoyed the place! it would seem there was quit a bit to see and do there.
For me it is the short time in port. A half day does not give you much time to do an excursion on your own.

[trvlnut]

There is some great diving around Nassau. If I had a full day that would be great. However with a 1/2 day the ship is just too comfortable to leave.

[Sue's Mom]

We are scheduled to be in port from 10AM until 7PM on a Sunday. :eek:

Thanks to everyone for voting and for the comments. (Keep 'em coming.) It's interesting to read the varying views. :)

[ASM]

If you're there a full day there's plenty to see and do. In 1/2 a day you only get to see the most commercial part. That said, I'll enjoy my 1/2 day in Dec because it "AIN'T HOME"! :D

[Vicar]

I've been there three times, it was nice. but been there, done that , have the T shirt (Literally:) ) to prove it.

From now on though, if its on the itinerary, I would just stay on board that day.

[Little Feet]

It seems that you all miss one of the best parts of Nassau....the reefs! Rose Island is a magnificent place to snorkel or dive. This island has some of the best snorkeling I have ever experienced! There are several other reefs very close by. We would never miss out on a snorkel trip when in Nassau. After getting wet, drop by the town to buy Cuban coffee.....rocket fuel! Check out the "clearance room" at the Tommy Bahama store, or visit Paradise Island. We have stayed on Paradise twice and found it to be very safe and entertaining. I guess amusement is in the eye of the beholder.....but we have never been bored in Nassau or its surroundings.

[Tarkus]

i went there on an (almost) week-long land-based vacation last june.

guess that helps explain my vote for liking it and definitely going back...

[stanford's girl]

I love to go to Nassau. We take the Water Taxi to Paridise Island and visit Atlantas! What a place!

Ditto for me. I want to go back to stay at Atlantis.:)

[Italian Nancy]

Not enought time in port for me.. last cruise we had about 5hrs, it had been many years since I visited Nassau.. but I did get to try my favourte Yellow Bird drink once before we had to hurry back to the ship..

Returning on the Zuiderdam in Sept 05, planning my hours better this time around..

any suggestions ???

[bepsf]

Stopped there last month and was rather unimpressed, but I chalked it up to the cold, grey weather...



I did enjoy the snorkeling, but since the water was so cold and choppy, I think I was only in for about 25 minutes - I was the second one in and one of the last out!!!

Bought a huge conch shell for $5 from some guys on a boat at the wharf - it kinda smelled but it was 1/4 the price of the ones in the shops - I just soaked it in plain water in the tub overnight and it now lives in my guest bathroom!

[KSCnCA]

The straw market (we were at the new one) reminds me of Tijuana. It's very claustrophobic, but interesting. If you go through one aisle you will see everything they have to offer. Just be prepared to say no, repeatedly. We went from there to have a margarita at Senor Frog's. Kind of fun. Paradise Island/Atlantis was interesting to see once. All in all, I would choose a cruise with HMC twice if they ever offer one! I bet it would be REALLY popular too!

[jaguarstyper]

Nassau used to be one of our favorite destinations and we have gone there many times for land-based getaways. But, ever since Atlantis opened, it seems like its sucking all the life out of the rest of Nassau. We were there in April and decided we probably wont be going back. Atlantis is just way to crowded and commercial for us. I prefer Tortola over Nassau at this point in my life.

Tim

[K&RCurt]

I answered "would not return" BUT if there were a cruise at the right time at the right price I will go on the cruise but ust stay on the ship in Nassau/

[estj]

after visiting there several times...would just stay on the ship if only in the port for 4 hours. (if stay was longer...snorkeling is great!). but if it's your first time there...would suggest walking up to the fort and enjoying the Queen's Staircase. It's a nice walk from the pier...and allows you a good opportunity to see the downtown area/buildings/etc. to get a feel for the town. Have encountered many friendly locals on our walk to the fort (after getting past all of the husslers at the pier!). Straw market is an experience where you can say..."ok... did that...not again!". And don't order wine at Senior Frogs...ugh! Stick with bottled beer! Atlantis isn't a bad visit (once)...interesting tour. But again, once was enough. Enjoy your cruise!

[Islandbuoy]

It's a good place to spend a few days on a pretty beach, but noty good for 1/2 day from cruise ship.

I'd vote for a day @ HMC both outbound & inbound!!!! OR as we do take the southern route!!!

[leafs97]

We've always enjoyed our trip to Nassau (3 times now) ... We were there for 1/2 day during the March 20-27 sailing of the Westerdam. We took a taxi to the beach on Paradise Island, walked the full length of the beach, went swimming for about an hour near the coral reef at the end of the beach, and then came back to the ship.

[blackbird71]

It is one step up from San Juan that I hate.

[Time2sail]

We went into the market place (and other shops) once in Nassau--that was enough and will not go back. We just are not shoppers.

It is a good destination for an inexpensive cruise from where we live. We usually take the ship's excursion(s) and snorkel for the day. We never go out at night nor do we enjoy Paradise Island. If you like casinos, then you would probably like it there. The ships usually spend a day at their own private island and they are beautiful and not crowded.

As far as spending a half day there, it really would not give us time to take an snorkeling excursion so we would just stay on the ship.

[gizmo]

I didn't vote, since I have to clarify my answer.

I would not mind going there for a full day. Many of Hal's cruises only stop for a 1/2 day. The half day is not worth it.

[waterrats]

I have not been there and will not be there again this year. We were supposed to go last September but Hurricane Jeanne kept us away. I have not met anyone that has truly enjoyed their visit there but according to this poll, I should at least give it a chance if I end up there some day.

[marco]

I have to agree with "Gizmo". Nassau is a beautiful island, but these 1/2 day stops does not allow sufficent time to see and do much more than the straw market. Either go and stay for the day, or go to an "out island" . I think because of it's proximity to Fla, it's perfectly distanced so that if the ship need to "kill" 5-6 hours, they go to Nassau. Folks see an itinerary with an addtional port of call and they may see that as more appealing than an additional day at sea.

[CDRMark]

For any of you jarheads not on active duty, Nassau is the site of the first US Marine Corps amphibious operation...in 1777.

They came, they took a small fort, they stumbled around a while trying to decide whether to take the island, and then they just went home instead.
We did name a ship after it though. USS Nassau LHA-4.
Love Nassau (ship and port)and have been there often, but never on a cruise ship. If I could not dive or dine at Greycliff, i would probly opt to remain onboard.
Cheers
MarkB

[Himself]

I have been there a couple of times. I would not mind going back again, even if it is just to walk around a little bit.

Himself

[knarf]

Hi, We've been to Nassau 2 times and this summer will make 3. The first time (2years ago) we got off the ship and walked all over town-I walked my wife's legs off. We went everwhere in town , up to the Queen's staircase, up to the fort(lookout tower) back to the dock. The second time we walked over to the strawmarket spent some time there looking around. We then caught the local jitney(bus) to Cable Beach. Locals on the bus as well as visitors. The cost was $1.00 each for the 3 or 4 mile ride.Nice ride along the coast. Got off at the Wyndam Hotel and Casino. Went into the casino for awhile then went out and sat on their beach ,then caught the bus back to town. Plan on doing the same this summer-Straw Market-Cable Beach-the casino and the beach. I am 65 and wife is 55 . We encountered NO problems at all. Sincerely, Knarf(Frank backwards)

[steviek49]

Actually if you like the beach, aquariums, 5 star hotels and wonderful pools and waterslides taking a short ride to Atlantis is a great way to spend a day in Nassau, especially if you have kids.
If you are in port long enough I always recommend making a reservation at the Comfort Suites, Paradise island. Generally you can book a room there anywhere from $125-200 per day for up to 4 people. Booking at Comfort Suites gives you FULL access to everything in Atlantis. We have spent alot more money for lesser excursions on other islands!

[Scrumpy]

Nassau and Paradise Island were not our cup of tea. It depends what you want to do. We enjoyed the sea life at Atlantis (while wondering if it wasn't somehow inhumane) and had a great meal and a couple of mediocre ones. I wish we'd spent more time in Nassau proper, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there again. It was, for us, too much like just going to Florida and the casino seemed to have more than its fair share of pretentious wannabes. It really depends on your tastes and expectations. We had high hopes for that trip and were mostly disappointed. Too many American tourists and we, stupidly, didn't expect that. The best part was renting a jet-ski and circling Paradise Island. Kind of a long trip around, but it got pretty exciting as the sea is rough around one end. It was worth it to check out some of the yachts.
Scrumpy

[MizzCard]

If the itinerary takes me there, I obviously have no choice....but I do have a choice whether to stay on board the ship...which I would gladly do!

[ryansmemom]

For Chimera and myself it's a day onboard. We spent our honeymoon in Nassau in 1967 and it was a very different place. When we returned after 30 years we were quite taken aback. So what else is new? Things change, but this change was drastic.

The Bay Street we remembered was a very clean street with traditional stores with large windows and regular doors, each with it's own matching green awning. The streets were immaculately kept. They were clean and in excellent repair. The straw market was a lovely sprawling open air market. The government buildings with their statues were pristine. We remembered walking along the wharf where fishing boats were tied up. It was truly a lovely place to shop and spend time.

We took a ship sponsered tour of all of the sights we remembered from our honeymoon. Of course Fort Fincastle and the Queen's staircase were still there along with many of the other attractions, but it was different.

Today, Nassau is a run down island with nothing to attract us, except some nostalgia, perhaps. Frankly, we prefer our memories.

It was not a total paradise back then. One of the most remarkable sights were the homes. Gated mansions were right next to slums. Back then there seemed to be two levels of society, the very wealthy and the very poor.

Paradise Island was just being developed. They had just changed the name. Nassau was a high class, upscale vacation spot and we felt we were way over our heads.

We were very young. We were idealistic. We had never travelled before and had never been outside the United States. This was our first time on an airplane. We were very green.

It was interesting to compare the photographs we took back then with the photographs we took on that cruise. We deliberately revisited the same places and tried our best to duplicate the pictures, albiet 30 years apart. It made for an interesting album.

Now, we stay on the ship. We would definitly prefer a day at sea, however, Nassau being on the itinerary will not preclude our booking a particular cruise.

Linda

[anngie]

I dislike Nassau very much. Everything there is overpriced and for the most part the locals are unfriendly. I never understood their attitude toward tourists. That is where the majority of their revenue comes from.
The only positive thing that I can say about Nassau is that the port is prettier than Freeport. If we have to go there on a cruiseship we just stay onboard and enjoy watching the boaters go by.

[bas7]

Was on the April 9th sailing of the Zuiderdam. Our last stop before Fort Lauderdale was Nassau. Wasn't going to get off of the ship until I noticed a Hebrew Temple listed on the back side of the map they give us on ship. Being Jewish, I'm always interested in seeing temples, especially on foreign soil, and churches too. No-one, but no-one knew of this temple, not even the police officers that I asked. Spent an hour trying to locate it, and finally went into a shop on the street where it was supposedly located, and was told by the shopkeeper that they remembered it, and said it had been closed. Oh well. I did however make it to Elizabeth Street, and the 66 Steps, where I took a couple of pictures, and made my way back to the beautiful Zuiderdam. Nassau seemed a bit too chaotic (drivers, including the horse and buggies, nearly got run down by one of them, probably my fault though), and noisy for my tastes. However, I can now say that I've been there, but don't choose to return, unless it's on an itinerary, and I would then stay aboard ship. No, I take that back. The poster who suggested the water taxi ride, and seeing all those ships, would definately turn me on. Other than that, I too would much prefer to see HMC on the outbound, and again on the inbound, as another poster stated.

Best,

As always,

Bruce


Volendam, December 16th, 2004
Zuiderdam, April 9th, 2005

[hogwildcruzers]

It is always nice to see new places but if I could have my wish it would be to have a second day at HMC, althought Nassau has alot to offer I would rather spend time and stay at the Atlantis for a couple of days and not have only a few hours off a cruise ship.

[fireflygal]

Would go back to Nassau/Paradise Island in a flash! Never stayed in Nassau, always stayed on Paradise Island. First trip was by cruise ship on the Rotterdam in 1979; return trip aboard the Oceanic in 1981. Spent two vacations a year on Paradise Island since 1982 at what is now the Atlantis. It is truly a beautiful island and we never had a reason to cross the bridge except to drive back to the airport. Bit pricey though! As we are slot players, we get a players special casino rate for the room and it makes it affordable, even with the gambling. The only problem is the cost of food, it is very costly. Still less the cost of a 7 day cruise in an "S" suite.

[shmily]

Hi all,

Just returned from a wonderful week on the Zuiderdam with our last port being in Nassau. There were 3 other ships docked by the time we got there so lots of people in port. We found the shops to be crowded, overpriced, with unfriendly merchants. The jewelry stores were quite a lot higher than similar ones in St. Thomas. The straw market can only be described as scary. It's extremely narrow between the rows of merchandise. The tables are packed so full of "stuff" that you can't begin to even start to look for something. The merchants pounce on you if you hesitate at their booths and there is no air circulation in it so it's like a sauna. Since the two excursions we were interested in were sold out long before the cruise even started, we were forced to make the most out of the situation. Our salvation....Senor Frogs! It is literally 10 yards away from the straw market and a highlight of our cruise by far. We spent about 3.5 hours there laughing, drinking, eating, dancing on bars and in congo lines. The staff is friendly, fun and always ready to get in on the action. They had a DJ and MC who went around from table to table getting the whole crowd involved. It was the most fun you can have with complete strangers. I HIGHLY recommend it as a way to pass the day until you can leave port. If it weren't for Senor Frogs, I would give Nassau two HUGE thumbs down vote. Bring us back for a second day on HMC and we would have been happy campers.

Chris:D

[Ray-Barbara]

We were there last month and did not enjoy it. The shops were high priced, the traffic was busy, the taxi cab drivers were pushy, and the town had a smell to it. We walked around for a couple of hours and then went back on ship. We could have gone to Atlantis but are not gamblers.
Ray

[vicocala]

This will be my first visit. Since I live in Florida the beaches and shopping per se wouldn't attract me that much. We do have an excursion planned in October, the "Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submersible". Has anyone taken it before?

I would prefer to snorkle but the DW is not much for being active so this was the best way to see the reefs and get her to tag along too.

[shmily]

The only thing that saved us from thinking Nassau was a total washout on our cruise last week was a 3.5 hr stay at Senor Frog's. It is literally right next door to the straw market with a gorgeous view of the harbor. We had a table on the terrace which we took full advantage of. Great food, great entertainment, and lots of fun drinks made for a great day there despite the fact that we were in Nassau.

Happy cruising...
~Chris

[Bodger]

I am astonished that nobody has mentioned Adastra Gardens and the "world famous marching flamingos". It was part of the tour on our first cruise (boy were we novices). We have been to Nassau three times.

They tell you how the birds have been trained to march on command and have been doing this for forty years, and they have performed for the Queen. My wife says I am a cynic when I suggest that it was just a guy chasing these poor birds around in a circle with a stick! It was interesting from the point of view of having a good story to tell if nothing else.

I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Nassau again, but I would get off of the ship to go for a walk. I would rather go to HMC.

Bodger

[heartofamerica]

The first time I was in Nassau, we did a snorkle adventure that was nice, but rather long. This time, I just wanted to return to a place I saw on the tour bus during the first trip. Being in Public Health, I got a hoot out of this sign on the side of their public health building.

http://halfass.com/images/rubbers.jpg

[HAL92]

Nassau is too much of a "touristy" port. There are too many ships docked there every day, and it is always very crowded and there isn't much to do there. I'd rather go to HMC inbound and outbound rather than go to Nassau. The 3-day Nassau cruises from Miami also clog the port, making for a very hectic port and city.

[Cruisin Kay D]

Since we stop there on 1st day of our Westerdam B2B cruise 11/6-11/20, I suspect we may just stay on board. Last time we went there was in May 2003 on Grand Princess cruise when vandals damaged Princess Cays & Nassau was a last day "fill-in", I twisted my knee walking in sand near the Atlantis in sand much too soft, & never have recovered from that -- still limping & now have arthritis in knee real bad!!! So I'm NOT too eager to get another injury!!
Might consider a boat ride if one were available.