Freeport Bahamas

[Ta8633]

What are some of the resorts/Hotels that we could go to and use their facilities while we are docked in Freeport? Do you know how much they charge and how do you go about purchasing the day pass?

[emelvee]

If they're still offered at Grand Lucayan, I'd go there. Googling shows that it was $15 back in April 2012. You would take a taxi to the resort. Can't find how to purchase it though.

 

We stayed there for a week in 2006 and enjoyed it. Grand Bahama isn't as exciting or exotic as many other areas, but there are still some nice beaches.

 

 

edit: looks like you have to buy the pass through the hotel once you arrive. Price might be $20 - some posts mention $15, some $20. Perhaps it's seasonal. You're just paying for access to the pools and other facilities - no food or drink at that price.

[flounder315]

we went to Deadman's reef while in freeport. loved it

[emelvee]

The Lucaya facility is two hotels, with multiple pools.

 

 

 

 

[adamt]

Lucaya was awesome. Casino, beach, etc. Although, in hindsight, we probably weren't allowed to, we stayed up on one of the covered hotel porches while we took turns swimming in the ocean.

 

We also used the hotels showers/facilities and were never confronted about it. This was a few years ago, so policy may have changed. Either way, I'd gladly pay 15 to 20.00 for use of the property.

[emelvee]

The resort's FAQs say the day use rate is $10 pp for adults, $5 pp for kids.

 

Grand Lucayan FAQs

 

Can I buy a daypass at the resort?

A daypass is available and can be purchased at $10 for adults (10 & older)

and $5 for children (3-10). This allows access to our property, beach and

pools and does not include towels.

This is from their website...interesting that others state they have paid $15 or $20.

[Ta8633]

How much would a taxi be for 2 people and how long a ride is it?

[nlktx49]

I think we paid $10 pp for a roundtrip taxi van ride. It was about 20 minutes to get to My Lucaya. The taxi driver tells you where to find him for the return trip. Not a very scenic drive, but o.k. We walked around, shopped a little, then went to the casino at the resort across the street, spent a couple of hours there.

[Ta8633]

Thank you! I think I know where we will be relaxing in Freeport.

[wendaeh]

we went to Deadman's reef while in freeport. loved it

 

This was the highlight of our stop in Freeport last spring -- highly recommend it! My family actually enjoyed it more than Atlantis.

[KPfromCT]

I was going to say, stay on the ship in Freeport. It is my LEAST favorite port. But it sounds like you have gotten MUCH better advice than we did. I hope you have a great time!!!! Next time we're there, we'll have to try this resort out!!!:D

[adamt]

If you're not going to get a taxi, there's hardly anything to do outside the cruise terminal. couple little tiki bars and trinket stores. Maybe a solid hour of browing to do.

 

Awesome water in Freeport. Crystal clear and bath water warm.

 

Enjoy.

[agc291]

Is this place you are recommending also known as "our lucaya". If so there is a brand new thread going on the Bahamas board with a review:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1719761

[SteelerCruiser]

Personally Freeport is one of the prettiest posrt that can be stopped at. You just need to get out away from the pier and take a cab to Our Lucaya. Plenty of big hotels there that will allow access to their facilities for a fee or you can hit the Public Beach access for Free which is located beside the police station.

[wrigley80]

We are going to Grand Lucaya in Freeport during our cruise in December. We are doing a back-to-back cruise and we stop in Freeport twice. I called the hotel last week and I was quoted a price of $10.00 per person.

 

Grand Lucaya has so many different names that I have heard....is "Our Lucaya", "My Lucaya" the same thing

[Ta8633]

Do you need to purchase in advance or when you get there?

[agc291]

I believe you just show up and purchase your pass. That is how it has been at all of the ones I have contacted for previous trips.

[bobsfamily]

A couple of notes:

 

As with everywhere in the Bahamas, regardless of what you might be told on the phone/email/text... what you are told when you arrive rules. Prices, availability, etc. can and will change with the personnel, time of the day, weather, etc. You need to be able to go with the flow.

 

We have stayed several times at Our Lucaya on land based vacations and have loved it. Was there this past May (2012) and the place was deserted, lots of shops closed up. Our problems in the US have caused large layoffs and closing of all kinds of businesses. The resort has in the past (and may be right now) completely closed one of the 2 hotels in the shared resort. A real shame but you should still have a great time, the beach is always "open" although not always free.

 

If not wanting to pay the resort fee you can walk along the police station to a road that goes to the beach but be aware that most of the time guards are stationed to keep you out of the resorts areas.

 

Taxis from the ship are $5 per person each way in a shared cab... and when I say "shared" I mean "Shoved" because they cram in as many people as the van can hold, usually 8-9 people. Also DO not buy the return ticket when departing the van at the casino. You can pay for the return trip when leaving and can also decide if you want to spring for your own cab... more like $40 back for several people. AND do not take a cab off the street because it could be fake... just be careful, all the honest cabs are at the casino.

[emelvee]

That's too bad about the resort struggling. We loved our stay there in '06.

[texnewbie]

Is this place you are recommending also known as "our lucaya". If so there is a brand new thread going on the Bahamas board with a review:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1719761

 

Thank you for posting my thread on here!!!

I'm glad to know that "Our Lucaya Resort" is open and closed at times... Because it was really weird to see such a deserted resort.

Texnewbie

Carolyn