Just Back from Bahamas Cruise

We were on a 4 night cruise with Norwegian. Our first port was Freeport. We had booked a rental car ahead of time and it was ready to go when we arrived. We drove out to the east end to go to Bishop's. Had a fabulous lunch and we were the only people on the beach. Water was lovely and warm. We then drove to Port Lucaya, had a beverage and looked around.

The next port was Nassau. We walked over to the British Colonial Hilton and bought a day pass. Both the beach and pool were lovely. They had great loungers with clam shell shade canopies. Used our vouchers for Bahama Mamas and lunch.

The next stop was Norwegian's private island Great Stirrup Cay. We travelled via tender and they had a large barbeque set up for lunch. Nice swimming and you could see a few tropical fish quite close to shore with our snorkel & mask.

Highly recommend getting off of the ship and make the most of your Bahamas stops!:)

How much was the day pass at the Hilton?

We purchased them at the desk and I believe they were $65.00 per person which included $40.00 for drinks/food.

I'm glad you had a good time!

I don't understand how many people question getting off the ship in the Bahamas. We've always found something enjoyable to do.

We did the BCH day pass last year and had a very nice time there.

Thanks for the review.

What type of place is Bishops?

Bishop has a small motel, restaurant, beach side bar and a very private beach. The restaurant is certainly what you might think of as a "hole in the wall" but I'm always dreaming of returning for the cracked conch plate (which I order with potato salad and peas'n rice) and conch fritters. Love the Bahama Mamas too! We have been to Bishop's several times over the years when in Bahamas for a land vacation and have stayed overnight once. It's a very quiet place and perfect for relaxing.

Love Bishop's! Did you eat outside at the bar? Just perfect. Sit and sip a Sands beer, watch the waves wash up on the beach, listen to the locals gossip and eat cracked conch and peas and rice.

Sigh.

We purchased them at the desk and I believe they were $65.00 per person which included $40.00 for drinks/food.

Do you know what time they allow guests to enter? I'm wondering if this would be a nicer option than the free beach, but we are only in port for a short time.

Do you know what time they allow guests to enter? I'm wondering if this would be a nicer option than the free beach, but we are only in port for a short time.

Day pass starts at 9am

Bar opens at 11am - kitchen at 11:30am

We were on a 4 night cruise with Norwegian. Our first port was Freeport. We had booked a rental car ahead of time and it was ready to go when we arrived. We drove out to the east end to go to Bishop's. Had a fabulous lunch and we were the only people on the beach. Water was lovely and warm. We then drove to Port Lucaya, had a beverage and looked around.

 

The next port was Nassau. We walked over to the British Colonial Hilton and bought a day pass. Both the beach and pool were lovely. They had great loungers with clam shell shade canopies. Used our vouchers for Bahama Mamas and lunch.

 

The next stop was Norwegian's private island Great Stirrup Cay. We travelled via tender and they had a large barbeque set up for lunch. Nice swimming and you could see a few tropical fish quite close to shore with our snorkel & mask.

 

Highly recommend getting off of the ship and make the most of your Bahamas stops!:)

Such helpful info; thanks for sharing! Where did you rent the car from in Freeport? Is it close to the port?

Do you know what time they allow guests to enter? I'm wondering if this would be a nicer option than the free beach, but we are only in port for a short time.

The free beach and the British Colonial Hilton really share the same beach and ocean, they are next door to each other, and the free beach also has a food/drink stand that is cheap and the food good. Why pay $65 pp for the same thing except a chair and the little stand rents them also.

The free beach and the British Colonial Hilton really share the same beach and ocean, they are next door to each other, and the free beach also has a food/drink stand that is cheap and the food good. Why pay $65 pp for the same thing except a chair and the little stand rents them also.

The big difference is that the Hilton is maintained, and secure. NO vendors, no garbage, no rowdiness. There is also a nice relaxing pool, hammocks in the gardens and nicely manicured lawns.

Additionally, the chairs are padded, with sun visors, and there are cabanas, palapas, loungers and wait staff. They also have free use of kayaks, tubes and other toys as well as snorkeling gear and kids toys. Plus, your day pass entitles you to $40 worth of food and beverages at the Patio Grill.

The Free beach is great for what it is. It's free. But it's not the same as the Hilton by a long shot.

We booked the car ahead of time through Island Jeep Rental's website and they had the car already to go for us at the port -- just across and to the left of where the band plays. I don't know if they have any cars for "walk-ups". They did indicate that if we had to miss the port for whatever reason, there would be no charge.

Love Bishop's! Did you eat outside at the bar? Just perfect. Sit and sip a Sands beer, watch the waves wash up on the beach, listen to the locals gossip and eat cracked conch and peas and rice.

Sigh.

We had lunch inside then sat at the bar after we swam and chatted with Bishop. We hadn't seen him in years!

Such helpful info; thanks for sharing! Where did you rent the car from in Freeport? Is it close to the port?

We booked the car ahead of time through Island Jeep Rental's website and they had the car already to go for us at the port -- just across and to the left of where the band plays. I don't know if they have any cars for "walk-ups". They did indicate that if we had to miss the port for whatever reason, there would be no charge.

What's the water like at the Hilton? Easy snorkeling? Are there fish around?

And the water temp! How was the water?

What's the water like at the Hilton? Easy snorkeling? Are there fish around?

We didn' snorkel this time but did see some people snorkelling. In the past, the kids have snorkelled in shallow water (3-4 feet) and saw some small fish.

And the water temp! How was the water?

In October, the water was lovely and warm. I would guess high 80s.