positive freeport experiences???

So I see there is a lot of negativity out there regarding freeport as a port destination. Well I can't change where our ship is going so who out there can tell me some fun excursions to take while in Freeport?

We grabbed a taxi for $5 per person and enjoyed the shopping. The ride was air conditioned and the driver gave us the history of the island on our way:) There's almost nothing to do at the port though, that may be why some others complain.

maybe try the port of call board--alot of info--go to bahamas site--we are also stopping in freeport--old lucaya sounds like the place

We booked a beach horseback riding excursion with Trikk Pony and had an amazing time! They have a website, just google them if you're interested :)

I stayed there for a week several years ago and had a hard time staying busy. There were alot of different excursions around Lucaya but it was too cold at the time to get in the water. The best time we had was renting a motor scooter and just cruising around the island. There were about 9 of us. Be carefult though, they drive opposite of us!

Freeport was one of my favorite stops. Sure, the port is very industrial and not pretty to look at from the ship. After a short taxi ride we went snorkeling then spent a very relaxing day on the beach at the Sheraton/Westin Our Lucaya resort and then enjoyed a great meal, some drinks, and shopping at the dockside Lucaya area. Would love to spend another day here! Overall more laid back back less agressive touts than Nassau and several other ports.

Also, I think that the parks and nature preserves on the eastern part of the island are some of the most underrated in the whole Caribbean.

The water is beautiful. :)

We did the dolphin experience there. It was a really nice excursion and we had a decent amount of time with the dophins in the water. What really blew me away was the host/instructor/guide. He was a marine biologist and he spoke at least three languages. It was neat to hear him answer the questions in the native languages of the guests. We really learned a lot from him and there was not a question that he could not answer.

So I see there is a lot of negativity out there regarding freeport as a port destination. Well I can't change where our ship is going so who out there can tell me some fun excursions to take while in Freeport?

I can't.Been there several times and its still boring unless you want to spend big bucks on a powerboat or sailboat.

Steve

Most of the negative I have read is from people that look at where the ship docks, and rate it on that. They do the same to Nassau.

You MUST get out there.

It's very easy to get a cab to take you away from there toward some of the nicest beaches. We usually head over to Port Lucaya. Take a look at the Bahamas boards as well to get some ideas as to things to do.

It's a wonderful island and is more suited to a land based vacation than the ship... It docks in an industrial area that turns a lot of people off. Recently they (the port) have put a mini "straw market" and bar where the ship docks. You can get off, drink and buy a trinket without leaving the port area BUT you will see little of the island. The majority of "tourists" go to Our (not old) Lucaya... shopping/bars/food/casino/beach/boats/parasailing/jet skis/etc.

The main problem is that unlike Nassau you are not near anything that is touristy... and a taxi is required to go anywhere unless you rent a car.

Most of the negative I have read is from people that look at where the ship docks, and rate it on that. They do the same to Nassau.

 

You MUST get out there.

EXACTLY! :D I always get a little miffed by the comments that they "hate Freeport and Nassau" - yet when you ask if they did anything at the port they say "Stepped off the ship and got right back on" :rolleyes: Well of course they didn't have anything good to see. The area where the ships dock aren't the best no matter where the port is.

I learned a great tip from CC a couple of years ago and it works. And I suggest everyone try the same if they have "no where to go" in Freeport.

--Step off the ship

--Go to the taxis and say "I want to go to Our Lucaya Sheraton"

--$6pp each way

--When you get to the Sheraton, walk through the lobby, down the steps and out the other side, past the pool area

--Head out to the BEACH. The beach is public.

-No you can't use the pool, it is reserved for guests only, but the beach is public.

--There is a pool side bar and restaurant, you CAN use this. It is great for lunch.

--Next to the Sheraton is a Casino if you wish to drop off some donations. And Our Lucaya has a marketplace.

This is the beach outside the Sheraton. There were Carnival towels everywhere so we knew we were joined by other CCL guests.

Cruisinmama, that is just what I'm going to do. After doing research, I had only decided on that but I am bookmarking this thread so I can print the specific directions. Thanks!

Yeah, I just love the passengers who seem to think that every port should be purpose-built strictly for the cruise ships with lots of souvenir shops and American chain bar/restaurants.

How dare they have to look at a real shipping port while they sip their morning coffee on their balcony! The nerve!

:rolleyes:

I like Freeport as much as any other port. Not my favorite, but I'm not going to go out of my way to avoid booking a cruise that stops there.

First time there (before I discovered Cruise Critic), we just did a cruiseline island tour that was moderately dull. The beach stop was nice enough, though. I like to do these types of tours on my first visit to a port, to get a feel for the area, the history and the culture. After that, I tend to branch out since I have a better idea of what there is to do and see.

Last visit this past May on Glory, we just took one of the shared taxis to the Lucaya Marketplace area and wandered around for a couple of hours. Stopped for a snack and a cold beverage.

Definitely check out the Bahamas board, although you'll have to search for threads about Freeport. Apparenlty 99% of cruisers who go to the Bahamas think they're only there to go to Atlantis (no thanks!).

Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park is a treasure:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=9921312&postcount=4

We went there in May 08. It was our 1st cruise and 1st port. We chose to do the Jeep Execursion through Carnival. We got off the ship around 8am and our guide was waiting outside the gate. Once all of the people that had booked this execursion we boarded a taxi bus and went to where the Jeeps were located, about 15 minutes. Chad was our tour guide and he gave us some history on the way. Once at the Jeeps we picked the one we wanted and another couple joined us, they book 4 people per Jeep. Then we set out in a caravan of 11 jeeps. We drove around the island and made a few stops. We stopped and saw where trainers work with dolphins and was able to watch through the fence. We drove past several points of interest, stopped at a beach club, stopped at resort on the beach and had lunch and time on our own. We really enjoyed this excursion.

The beaches are beautiful! One of the prettiest beaches we have ever been to was in Freeport!

really nice for a beach day...and there is some great greek food on the island

We were there in early Feb and went to Port Lucaya. It was cloudy and cool and the place was like a ghost town. Shopped a little then went back to the ship. Doubt that we would take another cruise that stops there. We did enjoy Nassau, though. It was still cloudy and cool, but we took a tour and enjoyed it.

Yeah, I just love the passengers who seem to think that every port should be purpose-built strictly for the cruise ships with lots of souvenir shops and American chain bar/restaurants.

 

How dare they have to look at a real shipping port while they sip their morning coffee on their balcony! The nerve!:rolleyes:

LOL...:eek:

Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park is a treasure:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=9921312&postcount=4

How long does it take to get to the park, and is it better to just hire a cab driver for the day, or to do this as part of a tour? I'm looking for something to do with the kids in Freeport this November while dh does a scuba tour.

Here is my review of our day in Freeport

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=542895&highlight=Queenie

How long does it take to get to the park, and is it better to just hire a cab driver for the day, or to do this as part of a tour? I'm looking for something to do with the kids in Freeport this November while dh does a scuba tour.

Your best bet is to hire a cab for the day or rent a car... but beware they drive on the left and don't care where they stop.

We did the Lucayan National Park Kayak excursion. And LOVED it!!!

You end up on Gold Rock Beach, have lunch, and then a few hours on the beach.

On our 7 day cruise we were expecting Freeport to be the low-point and it turned out to be the Best of the week!! We took a wonderful snorkel tour with Capt Tony on his Sand Dollar catamaran (sailing, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach-combing) then we prowled the shops in the Marketplace before heading back to the ship. It made for a wonderful day. I wont go into details about the Sand Dollar, just search the forum and you will be impressed. Freeport will be a great port for you, so take advantage of all it has to offer!!

His website is http://www.SandDollarCruise.com