GoExploreBahamas

We have AT&T and will need to check in with work from time to time. Are the cell phone minutes considered roaming in the Bahamas and St Thomas? I'm referring to in port as opposed to on the ship. Thank you for your help.

There is a company online that rents pocket wifi devices, and local smartphones for your trip to the Bahamas. I think you can also purchase sim cards for unlocked cell phones as well. That way you don't have to worry about data roaming charges! :) www.pocketwifibahamas.com

When we are traveling, we are always aware of possible problems.

 

Do read the U.S.State Dept. warnings about your destinations.

 

That being said, we have been to Nassau several times and have enjoyed each excursion.

 

Sure, there are vendors and yes there is crime in Nassau

(as in many seaports.) Be selective about what you do.

 

We do not go to the Straw Market- we always walk with 2 or 3 others- we do not walk around at night. Beware of "Over the Hill" area. Study your map.

 

We have had fine excursions to: Atlantis, Ardastra Gardens, The Pirate Museum, The British Colonial Hilton, and Sheraton Cable Beach (now Melia)

 

It is very important, IMO, to have an excursion planned- even just a short trip to the Hilton. Nassau is not a place to just wander around and not know where you are or are going.

 

The same can be said for many other islands/ports we have visited.

I agree wholeheartedly! Nassau is a better experience if you have something planned. No matter what you decide to do just plan it.

Travelers Rest has changed. I can't say that it was a bad experience - we had conch chowder and some other appetizers. The food was good but they definitely have a different chef and new servers. From what I understand they had the same chef and servers for about 30 years prior to this change of owners...I guess we were so used to those pleasant older ladies and the old fashioned guava cake. In any event, the view is still nice and the beach across the street is fine for use. We did see some erosion after the hurricanes but a lot of it has corrected itself. It's a beautiful drive out at that part of the island so I'd say it's worth it for a Kalik and some conch fritters at least!

So, they both charge the same price, there are 14 of us ranging in age from 11 - 85 are you allowed to suggest which one is good for us? We just want to enjoy either the pool or beach, use/rent maybe some jetskis, eat, drink and gamble... Do you think either one would give us a discount ? Thanks..

 

 

 

You guys are so awesome for helping us out... :)

Hands down the Melia is usually the best all around option If you don't have port time constraints. They might give a group discount because of the amount of passes you would buy. I've never heard of then doing so

They are 5 and 8. What is the best way to get to Melia? I am right that it is next to Wyndham?

What is the best way to get there that doesn't require my poor husband with nerve damage in his leg to walk a long way. I'd prefer to keep him as pain free as possible;) And what are the prices for 2 adults and 2 kids?

The most efficient way is to get there would be to catch a taxi. It is around $20 for two people each additional passenger is more. They are easy to catch because they are lined up outside the welcome center.

You do have the option of catchin a public bus (jitney) which is cheaper but it involves some walking and waiting and there is no guarantee of a comfort when you get on the bus.

The Melia Day pass comes in three flavors:

Base Day Pass - $30 Adults

Day Pass w Buffet option $75 at hotel (cheaper if booked online.)

Day Pass w Grill option- $50

Kids are roughly half price

Was the casino in the Wyndham Hotel or does Melia have their own casino? This sounds exactly like what I'm looking for... beach with lots to do, eat, drink, play on/with watersports PLUS a casino for the grown-ups!!1

 

Thanks...

I do believe that Sheraton and the Wydnam share the same casino.

It has been forever since we have cruised. And now we are going with the kids to get their "feet wet". I don't want to pay for the Atlantis. We have been there with the youngest but are looking for something more cost effective for 4 of us. I am sure you all have some great ideas that won't break the bank. Thank you SO much in advance!

In Freeport there is a great day pass at Deadmans Reef (Paradise Cove) they have volleyball, snorkeling, ocean kayaking, and they provide transportation from the cruise ship to their property and back.

In Nassau- You have options of the Melia/Sheraton, Hilton, Riu Paradise Island. Not sure how old your kids are but the Melia usually wins out as the best all around option for families.

Hello,

 

My daughter and her bf want to go kayaking, does anybody know where they can rent kayaks (without doing a tour from the ship) in Nassau, and whether you know the cost and how far away from the cruise ship pier it be?

The only place that I know of that do Gear Rental in Nassau is Pappa Surf. I know they have paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles and other water craft for rent They also do tours if you are interested in a guided adventure. Its a fairly new operation but I have heard great things about them and their tours. Just google "Pappa Surf"

:)

All three are great tours each bringing a diff experience to foodies...

There are a few walking dining tours. The two best ones are tru Bahamian food tours and islandz tours

Majestic Tours sells day passes for Atlantis...you're only there from 7am - 2pm though...I'd check out the Hilton or Melia...less chaos and less expensive options that include lunch..The Atlantis property is HUGE. There is an adjacent beach thats free to tourists and locals...Quite frankly this beach gets very congested when there are 4 ships in port. The Atlantis great if you plan on walking around the aquarium or have kids that will enjoy the huge slides/marine park. For snorkeling however, Melia is your best option. Their day pass with lunch is around $50 pp...Not great snorkeling at the Hilton - however the beach is quiet, it sort of a Cove...nice spot and their day passes include a credit towards food and bev :)