Bahamas vs Caribbean

I'm comparing cruises during the same week over spring break and the cruises to the bahamas are much cheaper. Is there a reason for that or is it because the ones to the caribbean include the weekend? Both are 4 night cruises.

I'm comparing cruises during the same week over spring break and the cruises to the bahamas are much cheaper. Is there a reason for that or is it because the ones to the caribbean include the weekend? Both are 4 night cruises.

Nassau is much closer to Florida therefore fuel costs are less; also Bahama cruises are historically cheaper as most folks would opt for the Caribbean if the prices were similar.

So you are saying better ports in the caribbean? I haven't been to either so I have no clue...lol

Nassau sucks, that's why it's so cheap!!! It depends what you're looking for, in a cruise. Is the ship the thing, for you? Or, are you more interested in the excursions at the ports? (If you're just planning to roam on your own, close to the ship, it really won't matter which port you pick--they're all very similar!) If you're into the active excursion, pick accordingly. If you plan on spending most of your time on the ship that you'll pay dearly for, again, it doesn't much matter where it goes--you just want warm weather and smooth seas!

So you are saying better ports in the caribbean? I haven't been to either so I have no clue...lol

Sorry, I did not realize that:).

Yes, IMO, the Caribbean ports are far more interesting than Nassau, which suffers from a cruise ship abundance. While some ports are better than others and up to personal preference, I would always opt for the Caribbean over Nassau of Freeport; warmer water is a bonus!

Nassau sucks, that's why it's so cheap!!! It depends what you're looking for, in a cruise. Is the ship the thing, for you? Or, are you more interested in the excursions at the ports? (If you're just planning to roam on your own, close to the ship, it really won't matter which port you pick--they're all very similar!) If you're into the active excursion, pick accordingly. If you plan on spending most of your time on the ship that you'll pay dearly for, again, it doesn't much matter where it goes--you just want warm weather and smooth seas!

I agree with CB Nassau does suck, if you go there plan on finding an excursion to do. But with that said if the price is right it is certainly worth the trip and with the money saved that can buy a nice excursion or a few drinks. Plus I think all NCCL ships go to CoCo Cay- which is worth the trip.

what sucks about it? :confused: Being this will be my first cruise, being on the ship is more important to me than the ports.

what sucks about it? :confused: Being this will be my first cruise, being on the ship is more important to me than the ports.

The locals smell the scent of the tourist and then they attack. You will solicitated for about everything you can think of from hair braiding to sing a song for you for a dollar. Not the cleanest place in the world. Once you get out of the place you dock it is a lot less pressure sales. It is a lot better than it was 10 years ago. Suck may be too stong of a word but definately not a top destination unless you head off to Atlantis or another nice area. It is safe but unless you have been there it is kind of hard to explain, nice but it leaves you saying thats it unless you have somewhere planned to go or you like 4 for $10 tshirts.

I agree its not in my top 5 ports either, but I dont mind going there. The water is nice the shops are ok, the beaches arent too bad either. I think Jamaica is allot worse for beggers and being dirty. As far as people begging you to buy stuff or to get your hair braided, this is true, but we arent so critical about this and just say "no thank you" and they usually stop. We know its how they live there and have to sell stuff to survive and we just deal with it. I wouldnt say it sux, but thats me. If this is your first cruise I am sure you wouldnt mind it. Now, after you go to other ports and dont get hounded as much, you may say it did suck or you might say its not that bad. There are ports in the Carribean that you get hounded just as much IMO, and there are some that you wont. You have to remember this is how they live and its gonna happen in most ports to some extent. If you can overlook it, you'll have a great time.

I would opt for the Carribean Islands, if planning on spending any time on lamd. The Bahama's has many peddlers, lots of druggies, lots of poverty,and it is Not a Safe place. I cruised and visited the Nassau port ( 14 yrs ago) we took a taxi over to the Atlantis casino's on Paradise Island. While in the taxi at a stop light, some Jamacian came to the dricers window of the taxi and punched the cabby in the head. From what we were told, the police are crooked (sell drugs, and arrest americans for stupid reasons,etc) in the Bahama's. Yes there are islands in the Carribean that have peddlers, poverty and are not safe, but I have yet to encounter a situation like I did in the Bahama's. If the Bahama's is ever a port in my cruise itinerary, we choose to stay onboard! Good Luck with your Cruise!

Most of the caribbean islands are much more interesting to visit than Nassau, in culture, beauty and excursion options. I have been to Nassau twice and will try to avoid whenever possible. It is a pretty boring island IMO, but someplace like St Thomas or St Maarten I would go back again and again because there are so many things to do and see. Which islands/cruises are you trying to decide between. Eastern, western or southern (my favorite)?

Sue

Dont be so harsh , I have never been to the Bahamas, but have been to the Caribbean. I think your first cruise, no matter what port you are going to, will be awesome.

I am taking my daughter on her first cruise during spring break and we are doing the Bahamas cruise. Its a smaller ship and its only 4 days, but it will be an awesome first experience for her.

No matter where you go, you will have an awesome time because any day on a cruise ship is better than a day at work. :D

Crusinkits - If you tell us which ships & itineraries you're deciding between I'm sure we can give you much better feedback...one might be more not only because of the itinerary, but because it's a newer ship or something...let us know if you don't mind and I'm sure we'll give you some more feedback/advice.

And guys - Nassau isn't that bad, c'mon. At least the water is beautiful - it could be worse. I recently went w/first time cruisers and Nassau was their favorite port! At least you can spend the day at the beach unlike San Juan where there's only 5 excursions....now THAT's a waste of a port IMO.

Laura

Thanks for all your help! This is such an awesome board!

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between Enchantment which goes to Key West and Cozumel and either Sovereign or Majesty which goes to Nassau and Cococay (Majesty makes an extra stop at Key West). Enchantment is quite a bit more expensive. I actually think my son (17) would have more to do on Sovereign or Majesty....yes? And the price is screaming....book me! lol

Thanks for all your help! This is such an awesome board!

 

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between Enchantment which goes to Key West and Cozumel and either Sovereign or Majesty which goes to Nassau and Cococay (Majesty makes an extra stop at Key West). Enchantment is quite a bit more expensive. I actually think my son (17) would have more to do on Sovereign or Majesty....yes? And the price is screaming....book me! lol

I totally hear ya'. I have a 15 year old daughter that is going with me.

She found out that they have a rock climbing wall and a teen club.

Of course, I also promised her some virgin foo foo drinks on the deck with me as well. :)

Whichever way you go, I am sure you will have a good time... and if you happen to book the Sovereign, we will see ya onboard.

I unfortuately had to look at the $$ and the bang for my buck.

Cruisinkits, since it's your first cruise you'll probably love it! It's a foreign country with accents and colors and differences. The water is beautiful and the experience is something everyone should go through. A cruise is what you make it. Go with a good attitude and plan some fun things to do. Something as simple as a carriage ride could end up being your best memory of the trip.

If you're looking at the Majesty of the Seas as an option, I highly recommend it. If you don't enjoy Nassau you WILL enjoy Coco Cay and Key West is a neat little town with beautiful sunsets. There are things to do on the ship, the food is good, the entertainment is good and come on.....you're on a cruise! :D

There are some photos in my signature if you're interested in looking. I also have the cruise compass' in there so you can peek at those as well.

Have fun!!

Thanks for all your help! This is such an awesome board!

 

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between Enchantment which goes to Key West and Cozumel and either Sovereign or Majesty which goes to Nassau and Cococay (Majesty makes an extra stop at Key West). Enchantment is quite a bit more expensive. I actually think my son (17) would have more to do on Sovereign or Majesty....yes? And the price is screaming....book me! lol

There is actually more for teenagers to do on Enchantment. She is a newer ship, with more activities onboard.

There is actually more for teenagers to do on Enchantment. She is a newer ship, with more activities onboard.

I would agree.

Also, IMO, the ports offered are better. You really do not need to book excursions in either (I am not an excursion person). In Key West, it is an easy walk to a variety of options and in Cozumel, we jump in a cab and head to Paradise Beach or Chakanab for the day.

Hi, My wife, kids, and I just returned today from our first cruise- Disney Wonder, 3 days in the Bahamas. Our first port of call was Nassau, and since this was our first visit, my wife scheduled a shore excursion there including a tour of the area with a visit to Ardastra Gardens. As soon as you step away from the terminal, you're mobbed with folks pushing everything from taxi and/or horse drawn carriage rides, to hair wrapping. As others have said, and we agree (to a point), this is how many of the locals live, and most do respond to a polite "no." That being said, our impression of the area was that of a poverty stricken, delapitated tourist trap. Our guide on the tour spent a good 10-15 minutes while sitting on the bus at the Gardens location going on about how, in the Bahamas, the blacks make up the majority of the population, yet have very little political power, and are being kept down by the whites/europeans...then went on a Tirade about the Atlantis Resorts, and how they charge you to use their facilities. By the end of the tour, we decided that next time we're in port, we'll either stay on the ship or go to Atlantis... Left us wondering why so many cruise ships frequent the place. :p

Hi, My wife, kids, and I just returned today from our first cruise- Disney Wonder, 3 days in the Bahamas. ......

You do know that this thread is over two years old, right?

You do know that this thread is over two years old, right?

Boy do i feel dumb :p

Was reading through all the posts on here, never even occurred to me that its 2008 until i got to your post....:p

deleted

Bahamas is only about 60 miles from Florida. Caribbean is much farther, so fuel costs are much higher.

You do know that this thread is over two years old, right?

Your point?? So it's two years old...doesn't change the fact that Nassau stinks, in my opinion.

WOW! No need to be ugly people!