Info or Feedback on Carnival Excursion (Freeport) My Bahamian House:A Select Retreat

Headed out on the Pride soon and was torn on what to do in Freeport with only a limited amount of time in port. I typically prefer private excursions but with such a short day I wanted to book a Carnival outing this time around.

Nothing really stuck out to me but I wanted to pick something. Then, the other night I stumbled up on this one. Perhaps it is new?

Here is the text from the website: "Relax in a luxurious private getaway at an exclusive Bahamian-style house complete with all amenities including a chef, bartender and friendly host. Live the Caribbean dream and join a small, select group for a relaxing day of sun, unique cuisine and cocktails away from the crowds. Relax in your new home on your visit to Freeport, with private access to the Grand Bahama Waterway where you can dive into the warm water from the deck, kayak past exclusive villas, snorkel or paddleboard around one of the most beautiful and luxurious areas in Freeport. For beach lovers, this private home also has access to a beautiful cove, surrounded by Caribbean pine trees where you can soak in the exotic scenery and swim in the warm Caribbean waters.

Accompany our local island chef who will prepare a traditional Bahamian feast for you. Learn about the local flavors and spices used to create authentic Bahamian dishes.

If you are an avid cook, join the chef in the kitchen to discover secret recipes and practice culinary techniques. Choose where to enjoy your meal –alfresco style in the canal garden or take shade. Thirsty? A bartender will be available all day to mix up a variety of cocktails including fresh Bahama Mamas.

Discover what it’s like to live a luxurious life on the beach in beautiful Bahamas."

Any one know anything about this one or have experience with this excursion?

I was looking for some feedback on this one as well....if you end up going on it please let me know how it is. I am also curious as to the food as I am taking my daughter who is a picky eater and neither of us eat seafood. Thanks!

-Heather

I was looking for some feedback on this one as well....if you end up going on it please let me know how it is. I am also curious as to the food as I am taking my daughter who is a picky eater and neither of us eat seafood. Thanks!

 

-Heather

looks like i'll be the guinea pig. We are booked for this excursion next week. I will report back.

Just got back from our sailing on the Pride. We tried this excursion. It included me (34) and my son (8).

We really liked it. There were only 12 people on the excursion, not sure what the limit is. They had 2 kayaks and 2 stand up paddle boards. When we arrived we were given a brief tour/overview and then got an appetizer of a conch salsa type thing, really good.

Drinks were all inclusive but I am not a huge drinker. But there was a good variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. We took out the kayak in the canal which was a nice easy paddle.

We spend the rest of the time on the beach (a short walk from the house). We were escorted over to a pretty quiet beach. Our group were the only ones there for most of the time.

The staff was mostly really fun and focused on giving you a good time. One gal was a bit odd, but I just think she isn't super personable. She must have been in charge because she seemed very concerned that everything was in perfect working order. Again, she was nice but not as charismatic as the others.

We had a nice day and I would consider doing this again if we are in Freeport. I normally try to avoid ship sponsored excursions but this one was really nice.

The lunch was very good and my boy loved the banana fritters that they served as dessert. The chef was so personable and answered a bunch of questions from my son. She was awesome!

It was a little pricey BUT worth it if it means keeping the group small.

Happy to answer any questions you all might have.

 

We spend the rest of the time on the beach (a short walk from the house). We were escorted over to a pretty quiet beach. Our group were the only ones there for most of the time.

 

 

 

Happy to answer any questions you all might have.

Thanks for the review.

Where there chairs or loungers for the beach?

Do you know the name of the beach? Or the road that the house was on?

Thanks for the review.

Where there chairs or loungers for the beach?

 

Do you know the name of the beach? Or the road that the house was on?

it was about a 20 minute ride from the port. In a mostly residential area with a beach front hotel a bit up the road. Not sure of the name of the road.

The staff provided chairs (soccer type chairs not loungers for us)

Ashley,

Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I was just curious if lunch was a preset menu or you you could make a selection? Could non seafood eaters find something to eat? :-)

Sounds like a nice excursion and the limited size is nice! I want to escape to a private island but as that is not an option I definitely like the idea of a more private type excursion.

-Heather

Ashley,

 

Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I was just curious if lunch was a preset menu or you you could make a selection? Could non seafood eaters find something to eat? :-)

 

Sounds like a nice excursion and the limited size is nice! I want to escape to a private island but as that is not an option I definitely like the idea of a more private type excursion.

 

-Heather

Lunch was a pretty limited selection, but the chef prepared everything fresh onsite. We had the option of fish or chicken. I had the chicken, my son had the fish. It was served with rice. The chef shared with us (when my boy was asking her a million questions in the kitchen :D) that they change the menu each month.

Ashley,

Thanks so much for posting this! We are in this excursion in 3 weeks and I can't wait! My question is about tips? Did they have a jar for everyone, did you tip separately? Not at all? Since their are so many people working, I wasn't sure how that worked with this excision.

I really can't wait and so good to hear it is was wonderful and a small group! Thanks again and any advice on gratuity would be great!

Janine

Ashley,

Thanks so much for posting this! We are in this excursion in 3 weeks and I can't wait! My question is about tips? Did they have a jar for everyone, did you tip separately? Not at all? Since their are so many people working, I wasn't sure how that worked with this excision.

 

I really can't wait and so good to hear it is was wonderful and a small group! Thanks again and any advice on gratuity would be great!

 

Janine

We tipped the driver when he dropped us off. He was contracted (I assume) by the cruise line to take us both ways and was super nice.

There wasn't a tip jar our and the staff didn't pander for tips like they do on some excursions. I did see a few folks leave money with the bartender and heard that they'd be divided equally amongst the staff.

We tipped the driver when he dropped us off. He was contracted (I assume) by the cruise line to take us both ways and was super nice.

 

There wasn't a tip jar our and the staff didn't pander for tips like they do on some excursions. I did see a few folks leave money with the bartender and heard that they'd be divided equally amongst the staff.

Thank you so much!! This is very helpful!! I really appreciate the info and the review...in a few short weeks I'll report back on my experience as well. I can't wait!!

We are thinking about doing this but now sure how it would be with a 10 and 4 year old?

We are thinking about doing this but now sure how it would be with a 10 and 4 year old?

my boy was 8 at the time and did just fine. The day is pretty open and you can do what you please so it would be flexible to shift gears if the kids got bored or restless

How is the beach for swimming? Any chance of snorkeling? We almost never book through the ship but we are only in Freeport from 730-130. Too short of a time for me to be comfortable booking on my own!! I'm glad you reported back :)

How is the beach for swimming? Any chance of snorkeling? We almost never book through the ship but we are only in Freeport from 730-130. Too short of a time for me to be comfortable booking on my own!! I'm glad you reported back :)

I agree we prefer NOT to do ship tours but had the same anxiety as you with the short time window.

Luckily this was a small group as I do not care to be herded.

The beach was fine for swimming. Pretty quiet and very clean. There were some rocks but nothing to worry about as it was predominantly sand and very calm. We walked out quite a bit before we were waist deep. There were some fish darting about but I don't know that it would be a great snorkeling spot.

Do they have life jackets for adults and kids?

Were the drinks unlimited?

Do they have life jackets for adults and kids?

 

Were the drinks unlimited?

I believe they had snorkel vests for when we took the kayak out. I don't remember seeing life vests. Yes the drink was unlimited. I am not a big drinker but they even brought a few drinks over to the beach for folks to enjoy while swimming. The bar was located on the canal adjacent to the house.

We booked this excursion as well for November. We will have us and two children 7 and 5. We are very excited, and we have heard so many awesome things about this excursion. I wondered if they had snorkel equipment available, or would it be better to bring your own? My kids would probably just be sticking their heads in the water and would not know good snorkeling. Is there a shower in the house that is available? Thanks!

We booked this excursion as well for November. We will have us and two children 7 and 5. We are very excited, and we have heard so many awesome things about this excursion. I wondered if they had snorkel equipment available, or would it be better to bring your own? My kids would probably just be sticking their heads in the water and would not know good snorkeling. Is there a shower in the house that is available? Thanks!

I don't recall them offering snorkeling equipment but we never asked either. As for the shower, there is a hose available outside to rinse sand off before entering the house or heading back to the ship, but I don't recall a full shower.

I don't recall them offering snorkeling equipment but we never asked either. As for the shower, there is a hose available outside to rinse sand off before entering the house or heading back to the ship, but I don't recall a full shower.

Thanks, good to know!