Why do so many people stay on board the ship in Nassau?

I'm generally a lurker on these boards, don't tend to get involved much.

That said, I feel I have to enquire as to why so many passengers decide to stay on their respective ships when docking in Nassau. When we went in 2012, we weren't too impressed with it but we are going again in September of this year and plan to give it a second chance. I suppose I'm looking for some highlights so we can decide what to do when we get there. There have to be some hidden gems because it seems it's a very love/hate place to dock.

What are your thoughts?

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We always get off the ship and take a land taxi to Paradise Island.We walk through the shops, marina, get a bite to eat and spend sometime on Cabbage Beach.

Some reasons I can think of that people stay on the ship:

• They've already been to Nassau many, many times before.
  
• They are afraid of reports of crime.
  
• They are uninformed about what there is to do in Nassau.
  
• They are turned off by pushy/aggressive vendors.
  
• They like having a quiet day on the ship while everyone else in onshore.
  
• Their hours in port are too short or don't coincide with the best tours.
  

Having said that, we always get off the ship and we've always found something fun to do in Nassau.

I think people here can help you find something to do in Nassau if you tell us a little about your interests and what you did the last time that you didn't enjoy.

We just returned from a Bahamas cruise and we loved our time in Nassau. We have been on 12 other cruises and we stayed on the ship in Port Canaveral. it was the first time ever we stayed on a ship while in port and we were surprised how many others did the same.

But in Nassau, most got off. I can see people returning to Nassau maybe many times and deciding to stay on, but most get off, if nothing more than to just wander about. Anywhere near the cruise area is as safe as any other port.

Cheers

Len

Some reasons I can think of that people stay on the ship:

 

• They've already been to Nassau many, many times before.
  
• They are afraid of reports of crime.
  
• They are uninformed about what there is to do in Nassau.
  
• They are turned off by pushy/aggressive vendors.
  
• They like having a quiet day on the ship while everyone else in onshore.
  
• Their hours in port are too short or don't coincide with the best tours.
  

 

Having said that, we always get off the ship and we've always found something fun to do in Nassau.

 

I think people here can help you find something to do in Nassau if you tell us a little about your interests and what you did the last time that you didn't enjoy.

We usually go as a party of five. As a rule most of us like everything, but we tend to find that there will always be a reason why something wouldn't suit someone in our party. The last time we went, we stayed close to the port, checking out the markets and vendors in the local area. The beaches didn't appeal to us at the time (Nassau was the last stop on our cruise on this occasion, having been to the beach at the port before.)

We have had a look at Junkanoo beach and señor Frogs reviews and are considering going there or Ardastra zoo but we aren't in Nassau for very long (maybe 4 hours?) One of our party can't swim and is somewhat afraid of the thought of it and so snorkelling excursions and the like are completely out the question.

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See, that's why so many people don't enjoy Nassau. The ships are in port such a short time that the options are limited. Kind of a shame.

Since it sounds like your group is all adults so you might like doing what we did last fall and take a tour of Graycliff and John Watling's rum distillery. There are pictures on my Enchantment of the Seas review. The link is in my signature - go to page 2, post #24. That was a great way to spend a few hours. Plus the Graycliff chocolates and John Watling's rum are real Bahamian products.

Or what about the aquarium pass at Atlantis? If you haven't been to Atlantis before, it is something to see. Be sure to check out the beautiful blown glass sculptures in the casino and sit in the giant throne. :) With the aquarium pass, you get to see some of the outside grounds too.

Unfortunately there have been a lot of reports about increased crime and that does scare some folks with exploring. But honestly there is no need to NOT go into town and walk around port or to plan an excursion for the day and many of the hotel beach pass opportunities or take a taxi (van) tour with a licensed taxi person (there are ALOT of taxi drivers but not all of them are licensed and approved by the government) We have been to Nassau many many times but I would never just sit on the ship while in port, what a waste......we took a taxi tour this past January and it was GREAT!!! Saw some things we never saw before and was very interesting and really enjoyed it. If you would like his contact information just email me at megator2@aol.com and I would be happy to share it with you. He meets you right on the pier!!!!

Thanks for the hints so far :) got to talk to the rest of the party before we decide what to do, but everything has been passed on. Thanks :)

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We are having same dilemma. Primarily due to port times (1:30 pm - 9pm). First, I'm not wanting to be out after dark. I live in a relatively safe community, but I don't like going out to my local WalMart after nightfall, let alone in an unfamiliar place. Second, hate dodging vendors. Third, Don't want to pay day fee of 50-100 pp for maybe 2 or 3 hours on a beach. It will probably be a game day decision... Do we feel like taking a short stroll to Junkanoo public and Tiki bar or staying on ship? just not sure yet...

We are having same dilemma. Primarily due to port times (1:30 pm - 9pm). First, I'm not wanting to be out after dark. I live in a relatively safe community, but I don't like going out to my local WalMart after nightfall, let alone in an unfamiliar place. Second, hate dodging vendors. Third, Don't want to pay day fee of 50-100 pp for maybe 2 or 3 hours on a beach. It will probably be a game day decision... Do we feel like taking a short stroll to Junkanoo public and Tiki bar or staying on ship? just not sure yet...

When do you go on your cruise? Be sure to let us know what you decide (and if you do get off the ship, where you went and if you liked it) :)

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LIke I said before , we have been to Nassau many many time BUT we ALWAYS get off the ship, if you are not comfortable walking around then def take the private taxi I suggested. Mario is awesome , knows his island like the back of his hand and always made us feel very very safe!! I would be happy to share his contact info with you, again just email me at megator2@aol.com

Nassau has many wonderful things to do! You can dive with Sharks at Stuart's Cove. Take an awesome fast speed boat ride to the Exumas for a snorkel and lunch excursion. The flying Cloud catamaran takes you to Rose Island for snorkeling and lunch. That was probably the most beautiful little Island I have ever seen! cabbage Beach is amazing next to the Riu. A day pass at the Riu is great and easy to get to. Sandals is beautiful with many pool and dining options as well as there private island. Then there is the casino, aquarium and many more opportunities at Atlantis. Paradise Island is very safe with nice shops and don't miss Anthony's for their awesome drinks! Why on earth would you not get off the boat at this awesome little gem packed full of adventure?

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Well, I have been there twice. My first visit was many years back in Jan. We got off the ship, took a taxi to Atlantis the beach there was way too rough. We found a boat and went snorkeling, and saw no fish. So, when we booked another cruise stopping in Nassau again we thought, yuck, let's stay on the ship. I found a walking tour from Foddors that we decided we would do for an hour and get right back on the ship. Well, we ended up doing that walking tour ending up at the beach and having a great time on shore most of the day. I think maybe people have had a bad experience like us and or heard reviews from people like us and have not given the island a second chance.

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We have been to Nassau many times-most recently last month. Have done many good excursions over the years- and found our last one to be the best so far-Blue Lagoon Island.

We took the ferry over to this beautiful, clean island- did the Dolphin Encounter and then spent time relaxing on the beach. We will go back there for sure.

In previous years we have been to: Atlantis, the British Colonial Hilton, The Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, on a horse carriage ride, to the Pirate's Museum, and to the Sheraton (now Melia) on Cable Beach. My daughter and friend went to Graycliff Hotel to observe cigar making. (Beautiful old hotel.)

Nassau is full of history and interesting places. Yes, there is a crime concern and people should not wander around at night or go to the area called "Over the Hill." Stay with a group, be aware- but this is true for

any seaport IMO.

We just got off the Allure on Sunday and we got off the ship in Nassau. Unfortunately, the time there is WAY too short. Had to be back on board by 1:30!! Barely enough time to get a cab to take you to the beach, for, what? Like 2 hours? Not even enough time to grab lunch. I would have loved to stay til about 4 or so. I don't know what the hurry is, because there's a seaday afterwards - plenty of time to get to St. Thomas, I think. They should reconsider that port, eliminate it, or give folks enough time there to enjoy and explore.

We just got off the Allure on Sunday and we got off the ship in Nassau. Unfortunately, the time there is WAY too short. Had to be back on board by 1:30!! Barely enough time to get a cab to take you to the beach, for, what? Like 2 hours? Not even enough time to grab lunch. I would have loved to stay til about 4 or so. I don't know what the hurry is, because there's a seaday afterwards - plenty of time to get to St. Thomas, I think. They should reconsider that port, eliminate it, or give folks enough time there to enjoy and explore.

I totally agree! If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up doing?

We usually go as a party of five. As a rule most of us like everything, but we tend to find that there will always be a reason why something wouldn't suit someone in our party. The last time we went, we stayed close to the port, checking out the markets and vendors in the local area. The beaches didn't appeal to us at the time (Nassau was the last stop on our cruise on this occasion, having been to the beach at the port before.)

 

We have had a look at Junkanoo beach and señor Frogs reviews and are considering going there or Ardastra zoo but we aren't in Nassau for very long (maybe 4 hours?) One of our party can't swim and is somewhat afraid of the thought of it and so snorkelling excursions and the like are completely out the question.

 

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In 2006, off Celebrity Infinity, we caught a public bus from one of the streets below Fort Fincastle and got off at the closest stop to Ardastra Gardens and walked the short distance to the zoo. We enjoyed it, though the zoo is a little depressing (and a little smelly) if you are used to American zoos where the animals have pretty good-sized cages and more natural environments -- I felt a little sad for some of the animals who looked bored and lonely. But the birds were great fun, especially the marching flamingo show, which is not to be missed! Below are a couple of pix. Of course, I have no idea how things are at Ardastra now -- hopefully even better than then!

We like Nassau, perhaps because we have been there more than once, and feel a little familiar with it. For this reason it is low stress for us, and we cruise mostly to de-stress. Of course, the snorkeling there is fabulous, so that plays into it for us (though it doesn't for you, as you said.)

I totally agree! If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up doing?

Not at all! We caught a cab by ourselves (no ship excursion), 6 of us. I think it was 5 bucks apiece for the 15 minute ride to Cable beach, where we went to the Wyndham, based on a recommendation by the information desk in port. Cable Beach is gorgeous, but DO NOT go to the Wyndham! I do not know what anyone sees in this place. It was only $20 per person, but the hotel lobby is the most horrible place I think I have ever seen! In gross need of painting and updating, it smells like a combination of mildew and smoke (casino right there), and has sort of macabre, creepy Junkanoo masks that are filthy throughout the lobby. It kind of reminded me of a bad Twilight Zone episode - very nightmarish! I mean, if you put a blindfold on, and walk through to the beach, you're OK. But once outside, the beach is beautiful and you can use the lounge chairs and such, but there is absolutely NO sign of hotel staff. The pool bar is closed. The pool is open and refreshingly chilly! But NO place to get either a drink, or a snack. Chipped and cracked concrete around the grounds. I have no idea what the rooms were like but if I booked there for a week, I would run away screaming:eek: You are better off at the Melia next door. Lots of activity, food, active bar, music. You know, the things you expect at a tropical resort. Anyway, we were only there about 2 hours, so it didn't matter much. I think the Melia is much pricier, too, which considering the very brief time we had there, was not worth it. I would definitely go to Cable Beach again, but choose a much nicer hotel. We saw Breezes on the way back, too late.

Not at all! We caught a cab by ourselves (no ship excursion), 6 of us. I think it was 5 bucks apiece for the 15 minute ride to Cable beach, where we went to the Wyndham, based on a recommendation by the information desk in port. Cable Beach is gorgeous, but DO NOT go to the Wyndham! I do not know what anyone sees in this place. It was only $20 per person, but the hotel lobby is the most horrible place I think I have ever seen! In gross need of painting and updating, it smells like a combination of mildew and smoke (casino right there), and has sort of macabre, creepy Junkanoo masks that are filthy throughout the lobby. It kind of reminded me of a bad Twilight Zone episode - very nightmarish! I mean, if you put a blindfold on, and walk through to the beach, you're OK. But once outside, the beach is beautiful and you can use the lounge chairs and such, but there is absolutely NO sign of hotel staff. The pool bar is closed. The pool is open and refreshingly chilly! But NO place to get either a drink, or a snack. Chipped and cracked concrete around the grounds. I have no idea what the rooms were like but if I booked there for a week, I would run away screaming:eek: You are better off at the Melia next door. Lots of activity, food, active bar, music. You know, the things you expect at a tropical resort. Anyway, we were only there about 2 hours, so it didn't matter much. I think the Melia is much pricier, too, which considering the very brief time we had there, was not worth it. I would definitely go to Cable Beach again, but choose a much nicer hotel. We saw Breezes on the way back, too late.

Your vivid description actually make the Wyndham sound kind of attractive, in a "ghost tour" sort of way!:eek:

Nassau is just such a frequently visited port, and has fairly limited "interesting" options beyond the beach. So if those limited options don't interest you or you've already done them (go to Fish Fry, shop, chocolate tour, cigar tour, food tour), you might as well stay on the ship and enjoy a peaceful experience with the amenities you've already paid for.

Having done Nassau twice, I'm probably going to get off for a few drinks in the afternoon, maybe a snack and otherwise enjoy the ship. I want to do a cooking class, but the timing is difficult. I'm going to inquire about adjusting the start time once it gets closer to sailing. If they don't have anyone else signed up, they might be accommodating.

Well, I have been there twice. My first visit was many years back in Jan. We got off the ship, took a taxi to Atlantis the beach there was way too rough. We found a boat and went snorkeling, and saw no fish. So, when we booked another cruise stopping in Nassau again we thought, yuck, let's stay on the ship. I found a walking tour from Foddors that we decided we would do for an hour and get right back on the ship. Well, we ended up doing that walking tour ending up at the beach and having a great time on shore most of the day. I think maybe people have had a bad experience like us and or heard reviews from people like us and have not given the island a second chance.

 

 

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I agree. My 1st experience in Nassau was s bad that I said I would never go back there. However, I did end up going there on a whim as a BTB of another cruise & had a great time. Although I greatly prefer Freeport, I have no problem finding ways to enjoy myself in Nassau.

Totally depends of the time of the year and the weather.

It's no fun to be in Nassau on a cold rainy day in January. :rolleyes:

LuLu

My family is going to be in Nassau in November. My parents, my sister, and I have been there, but our 2 friends going with us haven't. We are going to be there from noon to 7pm. We are thinking about taking a quick stroll around the port area and then just spending time on the ship, maybe going to the spa or just hanging out on Serenity.

The last time we were there we went to Blue Lagoon and it was nice, but seeing as we are getting there so late, we are just going to stick close to the ship.

I'm generally a lurker on these boards, don't tend to get involved much.

 

That said, I feel I have to enquire as to why so many passengers decide to stay on their respective ships when docking in Nassau. When we went in 2012, we weren't too impressed with it but we are going again in September of this year and plan to give it a second chance. I suppose I'm looking for some highlights so we can decide what to do when we get there. There have to be some hidden gems because it seems it's a very love/hate place to dock.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

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We have stayed on the ship when we have been in port on a Sunday, because most places in the downtown area are closed. We actually like having the pool deck to ourselves and enjoy the quiet.

When we have gone into port, we have either walked or taken the jitney to the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) to get some fresh fish and conch, and have also taken the jitney to Atlantis and walked around. We somehow managed to find our way into the aquarium at no charge, completely by accident :)

Lots of our reasons would involve, been there done that. Did Atlantis, was nice, but don't need to do it again, same with speedboat ride and walking around checking out pirate museum and such. Not much of a shopper and no interest in hair braiding. Living in FL with a private island beach on the cruise, not overly interested in a Nassau beach time. Snorkeling was nice from a catamaran but seems like seeing less and less on snorkel trips and more and more prone to seasickness. As far as going to a hotel and using their pool.......... I guess the ship has a pool with servers and a pretty good view. And on the ship food is free, just pay for drinks.

On the last cruise I was on a DCL ship and it seemed like a good idea to get some "value" out of ship time, especially since there was not an at-sea day. Even on other ships, if it's port intensive, nice to "rest" and enjoy a less crowded ship on Nassau day.

After the last few visits staying onboard, have a Segway tour planned next trip so will get off the ship. Kids liked Paradise Island in Cozumel so if something like that popped up in Nassau, we'd probably check it out. Tend NOT to do all-inclusives because one non-drinker and one light drinker and travel with kids.