Nassau-phobia?

I've got one day in Nassau on a 4-night DCL, and I'm a bit nervous--

I don't want to skip it (I mean, what's the point of cruising to the Bahamas and NOT seeing the Bahamas?), but I've heard Dept. of State warnings for tourists, a few traveler-tips about the city, and I'm not comfortable about the idea of being one of thousands of Americans to besiege the natives every day.

I'm just thinking of getting a day-pass bus to the Atlantis resort and back (just for the resort, not the water park). I'm not really a beach-bum, and just want to take in that blue scenery.

Anyone else have these feelings on their first trip, and can talk another newbie through it?

Nassau & Freeport (& Ochos Rios) are my least favourite but besides that, I didn't feel threatened at all. I went to Atlantis too, but Atlantis had security guards everywhere and the bus ride from the port to Atlantis is short. You are never out in the "public" per say on this excursion. I do remember police or military don't recall, standing outside the port with huge guns if that makes you feel slightly better [emoji15]. Nassau is somewhat dangerous just like a lot of ports are, but it wouldn't stop me from going there again. It's just not a great cruise stop, that's all.

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Worried about Nassau, no. Board with Nassau, absolutely. Best advice, take a local tour.

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Just take a cab to and from, and buy a pass at Atlantis. I've been to Nassau 3 times with children, and never felt unsafe.

It's really easy and safe to take a taxi to Atlantis. You'll definitely need to get some type of pass to be able to see much though. The Digs (aquarium) pass is the cheapest option, I think $45.

Go and enjoy!

BTW, people who live in the Bahamas are called "locals", not "natives". :)

I've got one day in Nassau on a 4-night DCL, and I'm a bit nervous--

I don't want to skip it (I mean, what's the point of cruising to the Bahamas and NOT seeing the Bahamas?), but I've heard Dept. of State warnings for tourists, a few traveler-tips about the city, and I'm not comfortable about the idea of being one of thousands of Americans to besiege the natives every day.

 

I'm just thinking of getting a day-pass bus to the Atlantis resort and back (just for the resort, not the water park). I'm not really a beach-bum, and just want to take in that blue scenery.

Anyone else have these feelings on their first trip, and can talk another newbie through it?

It's always normal to be cautious for the unexpected. My first time to Nassau, I didn't know what to expect so I got off the ship and walked through the international building and was completely overwhelmed by all the locals asking to braid my hair, take me here, or sell me this.

That was 5 years ago, and now Nassau is one of the more comfortable ports I enjoy going to. As a single woman in her 30's traveling alone, I have never felt uncomfortable after that first time walking out. Now, I go, disembark walk through the International building, tell the first taxi driver I see that I want to go over to the Atlantis, they ask me to wait a couple seconds while they round up some others to make the trip worth it and then we're off. It's a short 10 minute ride and plenty to keep you busy over there, even without purchasing any passes. I would recommend the Discover Atlantis pass to access the Aquariums, they are beautiful! From the Atlantis area you can comfortably walk over the Marina Village shops, Margarittaville, and walk around the inside areas of the Atlantis beautiful artwork and plenty of shops to browse through. Also the casino can be fun to waste some cash and time.

When you're ready to head back to the ship, which I do recommend at least 1 hour before your cruise ship departure time. There will be taxi's waiting outside any of the main entrances at the Atlantis, just let the bellman know and he'll wave one over for you.

I find the locals very friendly and welcoming. They enjoy the cruise business as it brings money to the island, and many enjoy sharing their history of the island.

I'm headed back to Nassau in two weeks on the Harmony for two stops in Nassau. Day One I'm taking my sisters to Atlantis to spend the day, and Day two we will chill at the British Colonial Hilton private beach.

Good luck to you, safe travels, and I hope you have an amazing time in Nasasu. :)

When you're ready to head back to the ship, which I do recommend at least 1 hour before your cruise ship departure time. There will be taxi's waiting outside any of the main entrances at the Atlantis, just let the bellman know and he'll wave one over for you.

Doesn't sound too bad--

My main nervousness was that I'll probably be in a standard wheelchair (which you can fold up, not a power scooter, as you can't take those around most non-resort transport), so I knew I'd have to take a taxi rather than a bus, and might have stuck out as an easier-victim tourist on the streets.

BTW, what is the usual ship departure time, for those who've taken DCL?

Why not take a ship's tour?

The first time we visited Nassau, we took a ship's tour to Atlantis.

We went to the beach, had lunch, went to the aquarium, and toured

the hotel. It was a fun and safe tour.

Why not take a ship's tour?

The first time we visited Nassau, we took a ship's tour to Atlantis.

We went to the beach, had lunch, went to the aquarium, and toured

the hotel. It was a fun and safe tour.

But it's cheaper and just as easy to do on your own.

Why not take a ship's tour?

The first time we visited Nassau, we took a ship's tour to Atlantis.

We went to the beach, had lunch, went to the aquarium, and toured

the hotel. It was a fun and safe tour.

For your first time in Nassau and since you are nervous about safely issues the ship's tour is a GREAT suggestion. :)

For your first time in Nassau and since you are nervous about safely issues the ship's tour is a GREAT suggestion. :)

Except it involves the bus, and DCL's website disclaimer says "Must be able to board". :(

At the prices for a day-pass, I'm guessing how much of DCL's $75 half-day tour is different from Atlantis's $45-50 and a taxi.

Otherwise, yes, I tend to let package tours give me the once-through.

For your first time in Nassau and since you are nervous about safely issues the ship's tour is a GREAT suggestion. :)

I have to say that I've been to Nassau way too many times and have never ever felt even the slightest bit uncomfortable. I can't say that about other places. Go, enjoy, don't worry. I'm more uncomfortable in Barcelona way more than in Nassau and I love Barcelona.

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Nassau & Freeport (& Ochos Rios) are my least favourite but besides that, I didn't feel threatened at all. I went to Atlantis too, but Atlantis had security guards everywhere and the bus ride from the port to Atlantis is short. You are never out in the "public" per say on this excursion. I do remember police or military don't recall, standing outside the port with huge guns if that makes you feel slightly better [emoji15]. Nassau is somewhat dangerous just like a lot of ports are, but it wouldn't stop me from going there again. It's just not a great cruise stop, that's all.

 

 

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I am somewhat uncomfortable wandering around Nassau, just like Ochos Rios so we have decided to do a ship sponsored tour. I also agree with you, it is one of the least appealing ports. We are only going there because the private island will not be r-opened since the hurricane. We are on NCL next month.

But it's cheaper and just as easy to do on your own.

that is so true but for those who are not comfortable with a port, the ship tours are the way to go. We rarely use ship tours: yes, partly due to cost and partly due to they are not as personable, but there are times when they are better than private tours.

that is so true but for those who are not comfortable with a port, the ship tours are the way to go. We rarely use ship tours: yes, partly due to cost and partly due to they are not as personable, but there are times when they are better than private tours.

I agree there are times it's better to take the ship tours, but in this case, you would get in a ship tour van at the same exact spot as you would get a taxi. I've actually done Atlantis on our own, and on a tour (because it was the cheapest option that week), and there is no difference - just a 10 minute drive to the resort. If anything, you probably get to Atlantis quicker on your own.

Hi , is Nassau that cold in winter and is it a must to go to Atlantis?

Hi , is Nassau that cold in winter and is it a must to go to Atlantis?

You can google the weather, everyone has their own idea of what "that cold" is. It is not a must to go to Atlantis.

Atlantis is not a must visit. Plenty of nice beaches and Day passes in Nassau. Good local food as well.

Water temperature will be cooler than the Mid April to Mid October temps of course. . . But the real factor is cold front timings. You could easily be in Nassau on a low 80's day or be there on a low 60's day. More than likely low 70's . . . But it is typical to South FL January weather.