tikib

The Sheraton is now the Melia - we booked online because the hotel was sold last month apparently. We paid about $2 more but it was seamless plus the booking agent lived in Nassau for years and was such a tremendous help. Best $2 I ever spent! I can give you contact info if you need.

Why would u pay more for a day pass that is readily available? What happens if it rains? Just go to the front desk like everyone else does. Booking agents are middlemen. No need to pay extra.

Huh, never even thought about that. So the ferry is contracted just for the "ride"?

Usually they are a "boat for hire" and not owned by Carnival or the tour operator.

Same as the YellowBird.. if you remember when they were running.

Staff was to make sure no alcohol or food left the boat going onto the island. This is how most of these tours operate. If food/booze is available, they don't want you bringing your own.

Thanks, I will be taking a detour to the store for some supplies to take with us to the island.

I gather you can just join the group near the ferry instead of waiting outside the ship...

You might want to check to see if outside food and drink are allowed. When it was Blackbeards, they did not even allow the drink you purchased on the ferry onto the island.

Okay. I'd rather be safe than sorry, so we'll just go by Graycliff on West Hill St then backtrack to either Cumberland or George to catch the jitney... we'll avoid West St all together.

 

I mentioned walking the road along the beach until we got to West Bay because on Google maps, there appears to be a road that runs between West Bay and the beach. Would it be safe to walk from the Fish Fry to the Straw Market? Or should we just get beach pictures while we're there and then take the jitney back?

 

 

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What you are looking at on the map is not a road - per se.. but the entry to parking along the beach.

You should be safe walking West Bay Street. The police station is right across the street from the beach, and there is another police annex at the Fish Fry.

The walk is quite lovely if you have the time and not too full from eating.

Since the island market is showing the price at 60 per person is the door price now 65? or is it still 55? also do they ever sell out of day passes in December?

The same day price is always $5 more than island marketing.

As for selling out.. that's not usual, but there are some days when they have too many celebrations/weddings etc that they will restrict the number of guests allowed on the property. Same with Spring Break.

They respect the paid guests, and don't overwhelm the property with outsiders.

We are going to be at Atlantis the 1st week of December with our 3&4 yr olds. Anyone know what the water temps will be like then?? We are from south Alabama and don't take too well to the cold:) I've been to Atlantis in June but am a little worried about taking kids there in December

Water Temps in the winter months are around 70 degrees. Not exactly swimming temps, but you find it doesn't bother some people. Early Dec is better than the latter part.. but can still be chilly.

Atlantis has 2 or 3 heated pools, but honestly, I didn't find them very comfortable as far as taking the chill off. And I don't think they turn them on until January.

With little ones, I'm not sure that this temp would be good for them.

This seems to be a pretty active thread and I'm looking for a specific piece of info about Atlantis via Comfort Suites.

 

I'll be on the Disney Dream with friends on September 9. 2 of my friends are military dependants. One of them as booked a CS room at the military rate. All 4 of us came to a total of like $390. On the website when you book the room it says there's a 20% tax + $20.95 pp fee that has to be paid upon check-in. When the email confirmation for the room came thru it said basically this is your total that was charge for the room including 20% tax + fees. So, my question is this: When we check-in at CS will we be asked to pay anything more? If so, not the best deal. If not, we're doing good. The Aquaventure thru the cruiseline is like $170 pp including transport and lunch. I'll pay the cab and skip the lunch.

 

Also, this brings me to another question. Last year when DH & I were at Atlantis for the Aquaventure (on another Disney Dream cruise) we saw where you can buy the day passes but I can't remember for the life of me how much they were. Was it $125 pp? I hadn't thought of the possibility of just going and buying a day pass. That could be nice if it was more like $100 pp. Then we wouldn't have to deal with the walk from CS for virtually the same cost.

 

Thanks so much for your help!

If you booked thru the CS website, you will be asked to pay the additional surcharges and fees. Sometimes the front desk waives these charges, sometimes they don't.

Day Passes at Atlantis are $139pp. There is a limited number of passes available each day. Once they are sold out, there is no other option.

so does the hilton include all the alcohol or do you have to use the $40 voucher on alcohol and food

Hilton allows up to $40 of food and / or drinks using the voucher. It is NOT all inclusive. If you want more drinks etc. You can pay for them with a credit card. They do not take cash at the Patio Bar.

Breezes, RIU and Sandals are all inclusive.. include ALL drinks.

So does the Rui or Wyndham in Nassau have a dance club that would have a DJ, music and dancing?

Neither RUI or Wyndham have dance clubs. Period.

Atlantis has a dance club on weekends in the evenings, Not during the daytime. Aura is very expensive, men's passes can go as high as $100pp for non-atlantis guests.

Wyndham used to have a club, but most of the amenities are shut down with the construction of Bahamar.

Unless you are coming during Spring Break, you won't find much of a party atmosphere.

Senor Frogs, Bambu and Sharkeys are open downtown. None are really "dance clubs".

Club Waterloo is open some weekend nite.. late nite only.

Back in the day when we use to have our kids still living at home (all grown up now) we use to get off the boat, call Atlantis and ask for the 1 day room rate (because it included 4 wrist bands for the beach/pools ect) So for like $200 we got a room for 1 night and 4 wrist bands, we use to go up to the room put our "dry cloths" in it and go enjoy the beach/slides/pools then go back to the room, use the nice big roomy bathrooms to shower and throw on a sundress and head back to the ship for "captains night" only had to throw on our "dress cloths" . We obviously did go back to the hotel to sleep there we only really got it for the 4 wrists bands anyway, but getting ready for captains night in a nice roomy bathroom was a perk!! LOL Do they still over that or is that a thing of the past. I know it was never publicized but they use to offer it, we did it a few years in a row. Again that was about 4-5 years ago now.

 

Now we prefer to get the day pass to Breezes (all you can eat and drink and non motorized fun) for the day. Use to be $50.00 per person, great deal!

Atlantis no longer has day room deals, but you can book a room at the going rate, and pay all the taxes, surcharges and fees associated with it. Same goes for Comfort Suites. Rate depends on the date you are arriving.

No heavy discounts for cruisers.

Breezes is now $65 - although I just saw a post that it went up to $70.

Hello scubagirrl, hope you can help! We will be in port on December 31 from 11am till 8pm. What is the best way to swim with dolphins and use resort slides and grounds?

Sorry, scubagirrl is still banned, but I can help.

NYE is not gonna be an easy one.

You'll need to purchase your Combo ticket from the cruiselines.

It will be a very short day for you.. since the slides close around 4:40pm this time of year. It get's dark early in the winter. The Dolphins take about 2.5 hours. I think there is a noon program. After that, you'll only have 2 hours at the park.

Lines will be crazy, and same day tickets will likely be restricted.

Book as soon as you can.

Personally, I don't think it's worth it with such a short time in daylight.

I live on Long Island which is known for it's vast' date=' beautiful beaches.

I have traveled to every Caribbean Island and visited dozens upon dozens of beaches... I know a good one from a bad beach to an ok one...

And by the photos I have seen, Junkanoo doesn't look very impressive.

Some who have visited complained about the garbage, others the glass.

But you are right, does look like a very low key beach with limited amount of vendors.[/quote']

 

My idea of a GREAT beach would be NO vendors, no chairs and no cruisers.

But as a FREE beach, within walking distance of the port. It certainly isn't a bad beach.

Garbage and glass comes from it's patrons.. which are Cruisers. Pick up after yourselves.

The Pool is to the left in this pictures It's inground .. I think you're comment was regarding the hot tub.

Love Beach is next door.

I believe Day Passes are $30 if you bring your own towel, $40 if you need towels. Worth it for the peace and quiet.

Hope they restrict the number of passes .. would hate to ruin the serenity for those who pay to stay here.

It seems that way' date=' by looking at all the photos of Junkanoo beach[/b'] :cool::rolleyes:

The have both chairs and chaise loungers. Loungers sell out quicker than chairs.

Luckily this is not your typical lined up loungers elbow to elbow with fellow cruisers. It's much more casual (bahamian)..

Grab a chair, chaise or a towel. It's all the same. Another great day at the beach.

If you want to feel like your on a cruise ship, try balmoral island if you on carnival... chairs lined up one after another. YUCK..

Looking forward to trying out the Hilton. Can anyone tell me just how far a walk from the cruise port(we'll be on the Enchantment) to the Hilton? One of our party can't walk long distances. Will a cab take you even though it's such a short distance? Thanks!

The Hilton is not far.. 3/4 short blocks along the wharf (with benches available), then around to the front of the building. (with benches along the way). It's less than 5 minutes from the port exit for a walker, but will take a bit longer for someone with issues.

I think it would be difficult to find a cab willing to make this short trip (since they usually fill up with a group going to Cable Beach or Atlantis)

What?? For giving a lot of good advice and useful information many CC members benefited from?

 

Am I missing something?

According to the rules, locals are not allowed to recommend. Period.

They are afraid they may be recommending themselves or friends.

Funny thing is.. I'm sure there are other locals who know this rule and don't admit it.

She's helped alot of people, and I'm sure she'll continue.. elsewhere.

We did the rum tour independently. It was free. Just a short walk up to the distillery and get a great tour and samples.

https://www.facebook.com/johnwatlings

We will be there sun July 28th from 8-5. Is it worth it?

Park opens at 10am and you have to leave before 4pm to be back onboard. At $139pp.. only you can judge if it's worth it. It will be ultra crowded this time of year.

How about the comfort inn for 5 people that want to use it for atlantis?? since we won't actually be staying there, will they let us book 1 room, or have to book 2?? Thanks so much!!

Neither Comfort Suites or Atlantis will allow 5 to a room

You either have to book 2 rooms or someone has to purchase a day pass. Since the # of passes are restricted, I suggest you try and get one thru majestictoursbahamas They have them but don't advertise

Scubagirrl,

 

Isn't the pool at the Wyndham closed? I thought I read somewhere that the hotel or the pool was under construction.

 

Also, will it be easy to get a cab from the sheraton/wyndham back to the ship? We don't want to do the Jitney. We will be there on a Sunday so I'm not sure if there will be less taxis available.

 

Thanks in advance.

Scuba's been banned for posting a link.

I'll try and answer.

Wyndham pool gets closed on and off. It's no longer a construction zone, although it will be again once Bahamar opens and Wyndham / Sheraton get a face lift. But that's not til 2014.

Cabs are easy from either Sheraton or wyndham. Just go to the front entrance, the door man will hail one for you. Always available.

On the weekends, there are usually weddings and other celebrations, so you might have a bit of a wait for a cab if you are leaving the same time the function gets out. Give yourself a few extra minutes.

Hi all! Great and helpful thread! Thank you!

 

Is the beach at the Hilton man made? I was in Nassau a bunch a years and seem to remember that, as well as that it was rather small and not such great water. Is my memory accurate? Also, is the RUI beach man made? Thanks so much!

Hilton beach is a natural beach, but the area around it is built up.. so it seems that it was man made. It is rather small and intimate, but that's a plus in my book (unless you are looking for that "endless" walk on the beach. It's flanked on both sides by piers and walls, so there are no outsiders and vendors to bother you.

As for the water - I have never had a problem with it. It's always been crystal clear when I go. (which is every time I'm in nassau). I've been at this beach more than 50 times over the years and have never had dirty water except after the hurricane. Hilton is a quiet and relaxing property.. it's NOT a resort atmosphere. No announcements, no bingo, no "game makers" etc.

RIU beach is cabbage beach.. the same one that Atlantis main beach sits on and is public. It can be calm (with a steep drop off) or rough (as it's has been). This is NOT the beach for little ones and is red flagged many times each season.

I agree with you, very crowded boats that did not look safe to us. Waiting up to 20 min. while diesel fumes filled the cabin was not pleasant.

Take the cab !

Stands to reason that if they run every 30 minutes that some people have to wait for the ferry fill up and leave on time.

There is nothing fast about the water taxi. They will not depart until it's bursting to the gills with passengers, and the "tour guide" on the boat will more or less shake you down for a tip on the way out, saying that he's not paid by the taxi operator (which is not true).

 

I'd say we waited about 25 minutes after boarding the boat to leave, and it was a solid 15-20 minute "scenic ride"

A little exaggerated, but I'll leave it at that.

As posted earlier.. each boat has a capacity.. and it's posted.

And the TOUR GUIDE is not paid by the boat operator.. it's the other way around. the tour guide has to give a % to the captain.

I know this because I have good friends who own a couple of ferries and my kids have worked summers on these boats.

Please don't post things that are simply not true.

Ferry Boats run every 30 minutes from the downtown wharf starting at 9:30am - 6pm daily.

Each boat has 30 minutes to put on as many people as they can to thier capacity (port authority inspected). If you're the first person on the boat, this seems like a long time.

There is a tour guide, who has to Shout over the rude people talking while he's talking. He works on tips. It doesn't hurt to give him a dollar or 2.

Ferry costs $4pp.

If you are in a hurry take a cab. If you want a relaxing ride in the harbour.. check out the Ferry boats.

Personally, I love them.

Jermaine is a taxi driver that does tours like many of the others that congregate outside the Port Exit.

All drivers have been trained by Bahama Host to do tours.

You don't have to book in advance. Just negotiate with the drivers outside Festival Place.