Balmoral Park Nassau

[rdh rules]

I called carnival! This excursion is at your own leisure! You travel by boat and the boat runs every hour! You can stay as long as you want for the same price! I'm sure it's cheaper because its new! Hope this helps!

 

I called Carnival and the lady told me I had to email shore excursions. This is my reply

 

Hello Joanne,

 

Thank you for contacting Carnival Cruise Lines. We have received your e-mail message and appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

 

The 4.5 hours includes check in on the pier, 10 minute walk to the boat, 30 minutes boat ride to the Island. Arriving on the Island an orientation of the facilities and return boarding time then Beach its time at leisure which can be about 2.5 to 3 hours. The stingray program is in shallow water for about 45 minutes.

 

Let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.

 

Regards,

 

Tour Operations

Carnival Cruise Line

[luvmy2kids]

thanks so much for the review! do you know what types of food they had for sale and estimated prices for food and drink?

 

also, were umbrellas an extra charge?

[jcleveland]

as far as chairs and umbrellas they were included and already set up in rows on the beach front.

 

we had 30 (seemed like 30 but time does fly) minutes in the water 15 minutesor so of the "rules" There were 8 or 9 of us lined up shoulder to shoulder and thats how we entered the water straight from the beach, we stayed in that line unless it was your turn to get our dolphin kiss and hug. They said no cameras but i saw a guy in the other group with a go pro camera.

 

The stingray swim seemed similar but there were more people so there group took longer for all the pictures. You can view your pictures back on the ship.

 

There is no shopping on the island, i would recomend finding the free junkaroo beach and walk to it, that will take you past alot of knick knack stores.

 

They had 8 dolphins there, they had 1 per group in the encounter pen 2 total.

we did a shallow water, we have two small girls they may offer some other package with "free swim" but there was definetly no frolicking freely with the dolphins.

[luvsviola]

What is the lunch? Is it worth $10 extra?

[javamom]

I'm interested in the lunch info also.

[NCTribeFan]

I've signed up for the Stingray excursion. I did this on my 3rd cruise (2nd Carnival) way back in 2004 when it was Blackbeard's Cay and have wanted to return ever since.

 

I'm still a little confused about the coming-and-going thing. Since I'm signed up for an activity, I'm know we'll be gathered together once we disembark.

 

But what about the return? The original "review" makes it clear that they did NOT have to get that first tender back. But are you assigned to a specific return tender and those folks simply missed it? Chances are everyone can't wait until the last one!

 

The email that says "...an orientation of the facilities and return boarding time then Beach its time at leisure which can be about 2.5 to 3 hours" isn't terribly clear. It doesn't specify just how many return tenders there will be, or how often they run. Or whether you must return on a specific tender, based on which option you purchased.

 

Leaving soon so a little clarification would be nice. But it's not like I'm going to cancel it. I'll be sure to come back and give my thoughts here after the cruise.

[kangaand2roos]

I've signed up for the Stingray excursion. I did this on my 3rd cruise (2nd Carnival) way back in 2004 when it was Blackbeard's Cay and have wanted to return ever since.

 

I'm still a little confused about the coming-and-going thing. Since I'm signed up for an activity, I'm know we'll be gathered together once we disembark.

 

But what about the return? The original "review" makes it clear that they did NOT have to get that first tender back. But are you assigned to a specific return tender and those folks simply missed it? Chances are everyone can't wait until the last one!

 

The email that says "...an orientation of the facilities and return boarding time then Beach its time at leisure which can be about 2.5 to 3 hours" isn't terribly clear. It doesn't specify just how many return tenders there will be, or how often they run. Or whether you must return on a specific tender, based on which option you purchased.

 

Leaving soon so a little clarification would be nice. But it's not like I'm going to cancel it. I'll be sure to come back and give my thoughts here after the cruise.

 

I anxiously await this review as stingrays is what I'm most interested in.

Edited August 21, 2013 by kangaand2roos

[JaniceB]

Just signed up for this excursion for my November cruise. I am just doing the beach without lunch since it is only for 4.5 hours. The price is a little high, but I thought the boat ride might be nice and hopefully the beach. Our stop in Nassau is short, so I hoping this will be a nice relaxing excursion.

[jcleveland]

We didnt get the lunch so cannot comment on that. As far as the ferrys there were 3 they all showed up at the same time and they left at the about 30 minutes apart, So 2:30 is the one my wife was trying to catch and then the 3:00 is the one we got on and the last ferry was sitting there waiting to pull in when we left.

[dettlja]

I just purchased this excursion with the lunch option for our 09/22 Breeze Cruise. I will report back!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[ridethepony]

Hi All -

 

Just off the Splendor and back from this tour this past Sunday. A few comments and issues and my .02:

 

Warnings:

 

This place is a work in progress - I'd almost say they are trying to do a soft opening on it b4 booking it solid. They had probably 20% of the chairs occupied and the drink and food staff were overwhelmed

 

First of all the Catamaran we were on took a very long time to get there zig-zagging back and forth as it was low tide in the bay. The other boat that took folks over there took a shortcut to the left of an island and actually grounded its propeller on coral causing damage and a delay of 30-45 minutes in getting the the island.

 

Drinks can go on S+S card but they are pricier than the boat - $12.50 for a Pina Colada and $6 for a local Sands beer. With 15% and tax - the 2 drinks were $21+ on my S+S.

 

We bought the deluxe package which gave us a dinner and a drink. 2 pizza's that if alacarte - they were $12 each for a small pizza. Kitchen was very unorganized. they said it would take 10-12 minutes for the pizzas, but it took 50 minutes of waiting. With a 30 minute boat ride after the 20 minute march to the boats, 50 minutes is a long time.

 

Staff was very green in their inexperience. They wrote out every last word and detail on every Carnival slip and even for the free drink and food. It took them over a minute to fill it out. One women swept the front of the counter where we ordered food for 30 minutes straight just re sweeping sand that the next person brought in.

 

Stingray show. Meh.

 

Dolphin show. Meh. two dolphins in a pen by the beach.

 

Staff was misinformed about cruise time back on the boat and had to be told be cruisers that they had to send the boat over earlier than they realized else they'd miss the 3:30 back on ship last call.

 

We were told there was a 1:45 boast back to the dock but when we got to the boat, the captain said they weren't going until they were told and for us to go back and get the island team ourselves to get the time changed. Just a lot of miscommunications....

 

Plunge pool was advertised on shore excursion booklet but servers said they made a mistake. It was 3-4 deep at most. Pool was ok. No railings anywhere up and down stairs.

 

Beach had an onshore breeze all day and the at the markers in the water, it was 3 ft deep. Not that much fun in the water - just too shallow

 

Pros:

 

Staff seemed sincere in wanting this place to work. With fixing up the numerous issues, this place has potential - especially in Nassau where the excursions are lacking to begin with.

[plattwear]

Hi All -

 

Just off the Splendor and back from this tour this past Sunday. A few comments and issues and my .02:

 

Warnings:

 

This place is a work in progress - I'd almost say they are trying to do a soft opening on it b4 booking it solid. They had probably 20% of the chairs occupied and the drink and food staff were overwhelmed

 

First of all the Catamaran we were on took a very long time to get there zig-zagging back and forth as it was low tide in the bay. The other boat that took folks over there took a shortcut to the left of an island and actually grounded its propeller on coral causing damage and a delay of 30-45 minutes in getting the the island.

 

Drinks can go on S+S card but they are pricier than the boat - $12.50 for a Pina Colada and $6 for a local Sands beer. With 15% and tax - the 2 drinks were $21+ on my S+S.

 

We bought the deluxe package which gave us a dinner and a drink. 2 pizza's that if alacarte - they were $12 each for a small pizza. Kitchen was very unorganized. they said it would take 10-12 minutes for the pizzas, but it took 50 minutes of waiting. With a 30 minute boat ride after the 20 minute march to the boats, 50 minutes is a long time.

 

Staff was very green in their inexperience. They wrote out every last word and detail on every Carnival slip and even for the free drink and food. It took them over a minute to fill it out. One women swept the front of the counter where we ordered food for 30 minutes straight just re sweeping sand that the next person brought in.

 

Stingray show. Meh.

 

Dolphin show. Meh. two dolphins in a pen by the beach.

 

Staff was misinformed about cruise time back on the boat and had to be told be cruisers that they had to send the boat over earlier than they realized else they'd miss the 3:30 back on ship last call.

 

We were told there was a 1:45 boast back to the dock but when we got to the boat, the captain said they weren't going until they were told and for us to go back and get the island team ourselves to get the time changed. Just a lot of miscommunications....

 

Plunge pool was advertised on shore excursion booklet but servers said they made a mistake. It was 3-4 deep at most. Pool was ok. No railings anywhere up and down stairs.

 

Beach had an onshore breeze all day and the at the markers in the water, it was 3 ft deep. Not that much fun in the water - just too shallow

 

Pros:

 

Staff seemed sincere in wanting this place to work. With fixing up the numerous issues, this place has potential - especially in Nassau where the excursions are lacking to begin with.

 

 

 

Thanks for that information RIDETHEPONY. I appreciate it. We decided to stick with our current dolphin excursion in Freeport. Still not sure what we will do in Nassau specifically. ( I am a planner)

[nikiandscotti]

I won't be going to balmoral!!! Thanks for your review I really appreciate it!!

[NCTribeFan]

Well, I'm still going. Like I said, I did the stingray excursion in 2004 when it was Blackbeard's Cay.

 

My experience has been that EVERYTHING in the islands takes at least twice as long as "we" think it should take. I'm a pretty anxious traveler and a stickler for things being on time, so I just have to fight my natural instincts when I cruise and try to just relax and get my mind on Island Time.

 

I'll probably have a big breakfast (uh, like I do every morning on the ship) and maybe take a granola bar or two and just stick to having a beer after the stingrays.

 

Some Roll Call people are doing the "deluxe" so I'll warn them that they may want to order their lunch as soon as they arrive! ;)

 

Shallow water at the beach is great for me since I'm not a swimmer.

 

Good to know that there are different return times. I still wonder what happens if everyone wants to wait for the last tender, though.

 

Thanks for the info, folks. We'll see if things are running a little more smoothly in 10 days or so.

[JaniceB]

Thanks for the report ridethepony!

 

Aren't the alcohol prices high at most places in the Bahamas?

[20yearslater]

I emailed Carnival and asked for info. Their responses are in red.

 

Balmoral Island Beach Day and Beach Day Deluxe

1. Is the only difference an included lunch? – Yes. Served as portion, not a buffet style. How much is a typical lunch if you don't go with the Deluxe option? – around $15 per portion. Served as portion, not a buffet style.
   
2. How far is the trip from the ship to the island? – it may take 45-60 minutes to get to the island depending on the size of the group. The boat ride itself is 30 minutes. The rest of the time is getting the group together, escort from the ship to the transfer boat within walking distance and boarding the boat.
   
3. Is there only one option to return to the ship 4.5 hours later? Can you leave earlier? – there is only one return time. 4.5 hours include transportation time. You’ll get approximately 3 hours on the beach.
   
4. Can you rent snorkeling gear or bring it with you? – snorkeling equipment is not available on the island. You can bring your own however there is not much of reef and fish. It is a nice sandy beach.
   
5. If my husband and I go with our 2-year-old twins, we don't have to register or pay for the twins, right? – Children under four are free and don’t require any tickets.
   
6. What equipment can you rent? I have a 15 year old to entertain. Is this just a calm, quiet beach experience? Just swimming and sunbathing and maybe a dolphin or stingray encounter? That is correct. At the moment there are no activities for rent, no water toys or snorkeling. The staff on the island solicit volleyball game or a limbo contest all depending on the interest. Other than that it’s a beautiful beach to relax and swim, play with stingrays or dolphins.
   

 

Balmoral Dolphin or Stingray Encounter and Beach

1. Would we be charged for the two year old twins? – for Stingray Encounter no, however you’ll have to have the Stingray package purchased for yourself in order to accompany the children in water. For Dolphins the minimum age is 6 so they wouldn’t be permitted on this activity.
   
2. What does moderate activity (dolphins) mean? Is it a long walk or too difficult for the twins? – minimum age is 6 to participate in this activity. It would require physical strength in water.
   
3. After the swim with the animals, we can enjoy the beach the rest of the time, right? – yes you can, everything is located conveniently on the beach. The Stingray enclosure and the beach relax area are separated by a dock.
   

Edited August 22, 2013 by 20yearslater

[nikiandscotti]

I emailed Carnival and asked for info. Their responses are in red.

 

Balmoral Island Beach Day and Beach Day Deluxe

1. Is the only difference an included lunch? – Yes. Served as portion, not a buffet style. How much is a typical lunch if you don't go with the Deluxe option? – around $15 per portion. Served as portion, not a buffet style.
   
2. How far is the trip from the ship to the island? – it may take 45-60 minutes to get to the island depending on the size of the group. The boat ride itself is 30 minutes. The rest of the time is getting the group together, escort from the ship to the transfer boat within walking distance and boarding the boat.
   
3. Is there only one option to return to the ship 4.5 hours later? Can you leave earlier? – there is only one return time. 4.5 hours include transportation time. You’ll get approximately 3 hours on the beach.
   
4. Can you rent snorkeling gear or bring it with you? – snorkeling equipment is not available on the island. You can bring your own however there is not much of reef and fish. It is a nice sandy beach.
   
5. If my husband and I go with our 2-year-old twins, we don't have to register or pay for the twins, right? – Children under four are free and don’t require any tickets.
   
6. What equipment can you rent? I have a 15 year old to entertain. Is this just a calm, quiet beach experience? Just swimming and sunbathing and maybe a dolphin or stingray encounter? That is correct. At the moment there are no activities for rent, no water toys or snorkeling. The staff on the island solicit volleyball game or a limbo contest all depending on the interest. Other than that it’s a beautiful beach to relax and swim, play with stingrays or dolphins.
   

 

Balmoral Dolphin or Stingray Encounter and Beach

1. Would we be charged for the two year old twins? – for Stingray Encounter no, however you’ll have to have the Stingray package purchased for yourself in order to accompany the children in water. For Dolphins the minimum age is 6 so they wouldn’t be permitted on this activity.
   
2. What does moderate activity (dolphins) mean? Is it a long walk or too difficult for the twins? – minimum age is 6 to participate in this activity. It would require physical strength in water.
   
3. After the swim with the animals, we can enjoy the beach the rest of the time, right? – yes you can, everything is located conveniently on the beach. The Stingray enclosure and the beach relax area are separated by a dock.
   

 

The website says 5 and under are free. Odd. I feel like this excursion is too new. It needs all its kinks worked out!!! I really appreciate all the feed back!!!

[njchilds]

I just booked the beach only Balmoral excursion for our upcoming August 25 cruise. I'm curious about the response regarding age. The website says 5 and under are free so I didn't purchase a ticket for my 5 year old. I did take a screen shot and will inquire at the excursion desk once on board. I'll let everyone know what the verdict is.

[medina91@comcast.net]

The hubby and I did this excursion a couple of weeks ago. We loved it! Definitely worth the money. We purchased the $59.99 deal. Lunch was delicious! Hubby had a hamburger , fries and a beer and I had chicken strips , fries and a bottle of dasani. Well over $10 on the menu. Beach was beautiful. People snorkeled the whole time. We stayed in the pool. Our assigned waitress, Jessica, served us drinks in the pool. So awesome! We used our sail and sign card. It was a great day and we will choose this excursion again when we take our kids on Spring break!

[luvmy2kids]

looks like the Balmoral Island Deluxe (with lunch) went up to 69.99. I'm not sure i'm willing to pay $20 for lunch if i'm not sure we'll be hungry. Might just get the beach day and play it by ear for the food.

[bobsfamily]

Amazing the difference in reviews.... guess I will know soon!

One question, is the "ferry" outside of the port area, near downtown or is it inside the port area?

[ridethepony]

Amazing the difference in reviews.... guess I will know soon!

One question, is the "ferry" outside of the port area, near downtown or is it inside the port area?

In Nassau it is the normal march thru the shops to the ferry about 10-12 minutes walk from the boats

[bobsfamily]

In Nassau it is the normal march thru the shops to the ferry about 10-12 minutes walk from the boats

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...

[tikib]

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.

[bobsfamily]

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.

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