Please help me plan a day in Freeport

My husband and I will be in Freeport early April 7am till 5pm. Any ideas on what to do? We were thinking on doing a little shopping, lunch and visit a resort or beach. Do we need to take a taxi? where would you suggest we go?

I have read several post stating cash is not accepted we need to use our credit card, is this safe?

We were in Freeport in Feb. Yes, you need to take a taxi. After exiting the ship, the taxi area is very obvious. We took a taxi to town and it is $5 pp plus tip, one way. They wait until their van is full, 8-10 people, so it may take 10 min to full up. It is about a 20-min drive. You pay when you get out of the taxi. After arriving, they try to get you to pay $10 pp so that you will be forced to take their particular taxi back, and they try to give you a "ticket". Thanks to someone here on CC, I knew not to do that, so we refused b/c we did not want to be held on their timetable. We just paid $5 pp. You have to pay cash.

We went to the Grand Lucayan and it is $15 pp (no towel included). You have to pay cash. The only place you cannot pay cash is the bar. They only take plastic. Bahama Mamas are $7, I think.

After that, we walked over to the shopping area. Mostly found the same items that were at the straw market in Nassau, only more expensive. Right near the shopping area there are taxi drivers standing around. We wandered up to one and asked this older man to take us back to the ship. He said it would be a few more dollars per person b/c it was only us 4 girls in the van, (as opposed to 8-10 people) so we said okay. Turns out, it was the best time ever b/c this man drove slowly & safely and told us all about Freeport. He was very charming and it was the high point of our trip.

Lunch in Freeport can get kind of expensive, probably $15 pp, plus tip. A few years ago, my husband and I and our 2 sons had lunch & it was $70. We always pay with cash for most things when in port, as it is just easier.

I hope you enjoy your cruise. :)

Is Grand Lucayan just a beach area? is it pretty there? Is chairs included for the $15 pp or is that extra fee?

Thanks for the tip about just paying $5 one way for the taxi. and to pack our own towels. I;ll be sure to take cash AND a credit card.

Grand Lucayan is a Radisson property. You can see 700+ photos on tripadvisor or look at videos at grand lucayan dot com. Yes, lounges are included as well as use of the pools, beach, restrooms. There is a booth located past the exterior of the casino - I think, where you walk up & pay and get a wristband. Just ask around when you get dropped off, as everyone knows where it is.

Like many, I do not like to use my credit card on the islands. Has anyone every purchased a Visa gift card before cruising? Wonder if that would work on the islands?

Like many, I do not like to use my credit card on the islands. Has anyone every purchased a Visa gift card before cruising? Wonder if that would work on the islands?

That is a good idea if it works.

I will try it in April and report back if it works or not, ;)

We always eat at zorba's or maybe it is zorba's the Greek. They have a web site with menu. Cheap and good.

Everything is walking distance once the van drops you off. Usually drop you off by the casino.

I have found the prices are higher at their little market than in Nassau. There are lots of little shops and places to eat on the other side of the little junk market.

We love the casino there and can't wait to get back there.

Thanks I looked up the menu at Zorba's Greek and it looks really good! I love a good gyro! Thanks for letting me know.

What type of sourveiners do they have?

Our cruise is only in 3 weeks I sure hope it is sunny :D and the ocean is warm enough to get in.

We actually found prices cheaper in Nassau for buying our junk. Bought very little at straw market, but at some shops along the strip.

Zorba's is very good. Little hint! If two people are eating do not both get fries. The gyro is so filling, we couldn't both eat all the fries. Also the can drinks were only 1.00 so we bought extra and brought them back on the ship. The bottles were 1.50, but didn't have our brand.

Wow - Zorba's is way less expensive !

Website: zorbasbahamas dot com

They even have a map.

We ate at the "After Deck" and not only was it a $70 lunch, I think we all had tap water to drink and the waitress was not too friendly.

We will definitely swing over to Zorba's when we're there in a few weeks.

Thanks for the tip. :)

We just got off the ship today after being in Freeport on Sunday. Got a taxi with three other people. Went to Paradise Cove / Deadman's reef for snorkeling. $16pp for taxi round trip. You can bring your own snorkel or rent there for like $17 I think it was. They have step diopter masks if you need a prescription mask. Say hi to Elvis there. Relaxed spot / non pushy / only like 40 people there / try the big bamboo drink - it will knock your socks off.

On the way back we asked if we could go shopping at Port Lucaya Marketplace (past the port in the other direction). She said sure and it would be an extra $10pp for the distance. We scheduled the driver at the beach at 2:30pm and she was there at 2:10pm. Same thing at the shopping center - she was there early. She never asked and we didn't pay till the end of the day at the port. I'll have to look through my stuff for her email and phone number if someone wants the info.

thats for sharing, I will have to check it out. How was the weather? ocean a nice temperature?

We are leaving in 2 weeks.

Sure hope it doesn't rain.

Recommend any places to eat? Many stores to shop?

Thanks for all your advice :)