Coco Cay & Nassau Trip - Worth it or Stay Onboard.

[DJP31]

My wife and I plus two daughters 21 yrs & yrs 18 yrs are on Maj of Seas tomorrow for 3 night cruise, which is our first. We are trying to decide whether the two trips are worth it for us, or whether we would have a better time staying onboard.

 

We are not bothered about the beach or water sports but prefer lolling around a pool. My youngest prefers the shade and I'm worried that could be hard to find ashore.

 

I've heard Nassau is a bit touristy and we are all shopped out having spent the last 10 days in NYC and the Miami area.

 

I'm thinking we'd probably get better value from our time by staying aboard, but I did wonder whether we could go ashore and come straight back once we had seen what we wanted to. A worry is that once we are ashore getting back aboard under our own steam (no pun intended!) could be a problem.

 

Any help or guidance to help us get the most out of what has so far been a wonderful holiday would be really appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[bmac1]

I think you already answered your own question. Stay on the ship and enjoy what it has to offer which seems to be what you are looking for.

[Clarea]

My wife and I plus two daughters 21 yrs & yrs 18 yrs are on Maj of Seas tomorrow for 3 night cruise, which is our first. We are trying to decide whether the two trips are worth it for us, or whether we would have a better time staying onboard.

 

We are not bothered about the beach or water sports but prefer lolling around a pool. My youngest prefers the shade and I'm worried that could be hard to find ashore.

 

I've heard Nassau is a bit touristy and we are all shopped out having spent the last 10 days in NYC and the Miami area.

 

I'm thinking we'd probably get better value from our time by staying aboard, but I did wonder whether we could go ashore and come straight back once we had seen what we wanted to. A worry is that once we are ashore getting back aboard under our own steam (no pun intended!) could be a problem.

 

Any help or guidance to help us get the most out of what has so far been a wonderful holiday would be really appreciated.

 

Thanks.

You can disembark and embark at will in Nassau. At Coco Cay, you would have to wait for the tender to take you back, however they run continuously, so there might only be a 10 minute wait for one to fill up.

[DJP31]

Quite possibly, but if we can go ashore and get back again without a problem then at least we will have seen them both. I guess the key is whether or not it is a major hassle getting back aboard.

 

Thanks for your reply.

[cjdixon4]

My wife and I plus two daughters 21 yrs & yrs 18 yrs are on Maj of Seas tomorrow for 3 night cruise, which is our first. We are trying to decide whether the two trips are worth it for us, or whether we would have a better time staying onboard.

 

We are not bothered about the beach or water sports but prefer lolling around a pool. My youngest prefers the shade and I'm worried that could be hard to find ashore.

 

I've heard Nassau is a bit touristy and we are all shopped out having spent the last 10 days in NYC and the Miami area.

 

I'm thinking we'd probably get better value from our time by staying aboard, but I did wonder whether we could go ashore and come straight back once we had seen what we wanted to. A worry is that once we are ashore getting back aboard under our own steam (no pun intended!) could be a problem.

 

Any help or guidance to help us get the most out of what has so far been a wonderful holiday would be really appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

Nassau may be of interest to someone who's never visited there before. Once you've met the local people, seen the sights, you're pretty much done. I've seen enough of it to last me; in fact, the last time that I was there I only went as far as the port terminal building. There's a lady named Linda who has a food stand inside where she makes the best conch fritters EVER. After I eat those, I'm pretty much back on the ship. There are plenty of folks who don't disembark in Nassau, and plenty of folks who stay on board to chill out by the pool. It's your choice.

 

Now Coco Cay is a different experience, especially if you like a great beach day. Beautiful water, sand, relaxation, food, drink, you get the picture.

[DJP31]

You can disembark and embark at will in Nassau. At Coco Cay, you would have to wait for the tender to take you back, however they run continuously, so there might only be a 10 minute wait for one to fill up.

 

Oh that's excellent, sounds like the best option is to go ashore knowing we can get back whenever we want to.

 

Thanks for your reply.

[Nyrina4life]

When I took my family on our first cruise, we did get off the ship and walk around. I think you should at least disembark and check out Senor Frog's, it has a nice open deck area for lunch. It can be a little lively, but still is fun and something different.

 

The shops are nothing special in Nassau and unless someone is dieing for Rum infused cakes, or wood crafted items, skip them.

 

Coco Cay is nice. I'm not a beach person, in fact I turn into a lobster if I'm in the sun for too long. They do have shaded areas with hammocks that are pretty nice and relaxing.

 

In the end, its up to you, and your family. Most of all, enjoy your time! :)

[ametrinel]

It's easy to go disembark and embark all to want. Just have your ID ready to show to get back on the ship.

[rednancy1]

We had no trouble finding a shady palm tree when we were in Coco Cay. :)

[DJP31]

Nassau may be of interest to someone who's never visited there before. Once you've met the local people, seen the sights, you're pretty much done. I've seen enough of it to last me; in fact, the last time that I was there I only went as far as the port terminal building. There's a lady named Linda who has a food stand inside where she makes the best conch fritters EVER. After I eat those, I'm pretty much back on the ship. There are plenty of folks who don't disembark in Nassau, and plenty of folks who stay on board to chill out by the pool. It's your choice.

 

Now Coco Cay is a different experience, especially if you like a great beach day. Beautiful water, sand, relaxation, food, drink, you get the picture.

 

I'll look out for Linda! Confession time, I don't even know what a conch fritter is!

 

Thanks for your reply.

[DJP31]

When I took my family on our first cruise, we did get off the ship and walk around. I think you should at least disembark and check out Senor Frog's, it has a nice open deck area for lunch. It can be a little lively, but still is fun and something different.

 

The shops are nothing special in Nassau and unless someone is dieing for Rum infused cakes, or wood crafted items, skip them.

 

Coco Cay is nice. I'm not a beach person, in fact I turn into a lobster if I'm in the sun for too long. They do have shaded areas with hammocks that are pretty nice and relaxing.

 

In the end, its up to you, and your family. Most of all, enjoy your time! :)

 

Thank you! We will!

[emmad1973]

We are not huge beach goers, but took the tender to Cococay to have a look around. There are hammocks in amongst the trees which were shady and really comfortable.

 

The tenders were fun to ride and it was nice to look around the little market, have a drink and just wander around a little. We probably only stayed on the Island for about an hour and then tendered back.

 

I've never been to Nasau, but I would say, get off wander around a little and see what you think - if you like it stay for a while if not, head back to the ship.

 

Emma

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[DJP31]

It's easy to go disembark and embark all to want. Just have your ID ready to show to get back on the ship.

 

That's a good tip, thank you!

[cruiselvr04]

CoCo Cay is a lovely private island. Since it is owned by Royal there are no worries about getting around. Get off and explore this little piece of paradise at least. On the island an included lunch will be served and you can use your sea pass cards for drinks and rental of float mats etc. Walk away from the crowds and find your own little quiet area. ( there are also active things to do if you want like a kids water play area, beach volleyball etc.) We love it here and feel sad when the ship sometimes can not stop due to weather. It is a tender stop.

 

Nassau is not our favorite but we usually get off for a short time and walk thru the straw market. There are shops within view of the ship or you can take a cab to the beach. IMHO Nassau would be the day to stay on the ship if you want or just get off briefly to look a little and then go back to the quiet pool on the ship.

 

Have a great time!

[jagsfan]

Prince George wharf in Nassau is right in town. Depending on how far out you dock, sometimes there are four or five ships there , it 's a short walk or a longer one. There is a pedestrian walkway down the wharf with places to sit for a minute. You go through a nice building with local vendors and on the other side you're in downtown Nassau. The shops are clean and nice with no haggling. Bay St runs parallel to the waterfront. About three blocks to the right on Bay is the Beauty Spot and the Perfume Bar. Your wife can get good not great prices on Lancome, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and just about every perfume made. There's no sales tax. You can no longer buy liquor to drink on board, but you can buy it at good prices and ship security will hold it for you till the last night.

The straw market on Bay St is crowded, but fun for a first time cruiser. You can bargain there, and if you walk thru back through to the waterfront you'll see Señor Frog 's, a well known drinkery with food.

I used to take friends to the Queen's Staircase, the fort and the Water Tower, but nowadays I wouldn't do it except on a tour. Bay St is perfectly safe, but I wouldn't wander too far afield. You could taxi to one of the hotels for the casino or the beach. Plenty of info available on doing that.

The out island experience is worth doing once , at least. The ship will have facilities set up, barbecue for lunch , bars for buying drinks, and swimming in the most beautiful water ever.

We did it and Nassau on our first cruise in 1984 and fell in love with cruising.

In either case, you can walk back thru that bldg in Nassau back up the wharf to the ship, and the out island beach day the ships runs boats (tenders) back and forth all day , no charge.

Some day you 'll be like us, coming up on 47 cruises, and loving all of them.

[DJP31]

Prince George wharf in Nassau is right in town. Depending on how far out you dock, sometimes there are four or five ships there , it 's a short walk or a longer one. There is a pedestrian walkway down the wharf with places to sit for a minute. You go through a nice building with local vendors and on the other side you're in downtown Nassau. The shops are clean and nice with no haggling. Bay St runs parallel to the waterfront. About three blocks to the right on Bay is the Beauty Spot and the Perfume Bar. Your wife can get good not great prices on Lancome, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and just about every perfume made. There's no sales tax. You can no longer buy liquor to drink on board, but you can buy it at good prices and ship security will hold it for you till the last night.

The straw market on Bay St is crowded, but fun for a first time cruiser. You can bargain there, and if you walk thru back through to the waterfront you'll see Señor Frog 's, a well known drinkery with food.

I used to take friends to the Queen's Staircase, the fort and the Water Tower, but nowadays I wouldn't do it except on a tour. Bay St is perfectly safe, but I wouldn't wander too far afield. You could taxi to one of the hotels for the casino or the beach. Plenty of info available on doing that.

The out island experience is worth doing once , at least. The ship will have facilities set up, barbecue for lunch , bars for buying drinks, and swimming in the most beautiful water ever.

We did it and Nassau on our first cruise in 1984 and fell in love with cruising.

In either case, you can walk back thru that bldg in Nassau back up the wharf to the ship, and the out island beach day the ships runs boats (tenders) back and forth all day , no charge.

Some day you 'll be like us, coming up on 47 cruises, and loving all of them.

 

47! That's going to take a while! Appreciate the detailed reply.

[cjdixon4]

I'll look out for Linda! Confession time, I don't even know what a conch fritter is!

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

DJP31-

Yep, look for Linda. Her food stand is inside the port terminal (I think the bldg is called Festival Place), and appropriately named "Linda's Place". She was there in May when I was on the Enchantment. If you're not allergic to shellfish, her stand is one of the best places to get a sample taste of fried conch. It's delicious, and nobody does it better than the Bahamian folks!

[bouhunter]

Our plan is to get off at every port, even if for just an hour or two. There's always still PLENTY of time on the ship. We usually spend most of the day off ship, but even the ports where we've just wandered around for a couple hours, we have always been glad we did.:) After all, the ship is still there, but who knows when if ever you'll be back to that port.

[DJP31]

DJP31-

Yep, look for Linda. Her food stand is inside the port terminal (I think the bldg is called Festival Place), and appropriately named "Linda's Place". She was there in May when I was on the Enchantment. If you're not allergic to shellfish, her stand is one of the best places to get a sample taste of fried conch. It's delicious, and nobody does it better than the Bahamian folks!

 

Ok, I'm on it!

[reedl]

It is worth taking the tender to CocoCay. The water is so clear you will be amazed at how far down you can see. There is plenty of shade there as there are a lot of trees.

 

I like Nassau but not for reasons stated. To me the concept of getting a donut at Dunkin Donuts in Nassau quite cool. I know I am weird. Plus there is a McDonald's also nearby.

 

But you can get on and off quite easily in Nassau since you are docked. It takes at most 10 minutes.

 

I find it interesting that the 3 night only stays in Nassau until 5PM while the four day stays there until almost midnight. Nassau at night is rather pretty.

[DJP31]

Our plan is to get off at every port, even if for just an hour or two. There's always still PLENTY of time on the ship. We usually spend most of the day off ship, but even the ports where we've just wandered around for a couple hours, we have always been glad we did.:) After all, the ship is still there, but who knows when if ever you'll be back to that port.

 

Spot on. My worry, which the kind replies have calmed were that we would be stranded somewhere we didn't want to be with no way of getting back.

 

My wife and I honeymooned in St Lucia 20 years plus ago and took a day trip to an island where we were left to our own devices for the day. No shade and in the end we swam back to the boat (the one used in Roots if anyone remembers that series about the slave trade) as the queue to get back on the transfer was long and slow. This is obviously a whole different ball game!

 

Thanks for the reply

[Clarea]

It is worth taking the tender to CocoCay. The water is so clear you will be amazed at how far down you can see. There is plenty of shade there as there are a lot of trees.

 

I like Nassau but not for reasons stated. To me the concept of getting a donut at Dunkin Donuts in Nassau quite cool. I know I am weird. Plus there is a McDonald's also nearby.

 

But you can get on and off quite easily in Nassau since you are docked. It takes at most 10 minutes.

 

I find it interesting that the 3 night only stays in Nassau until 5PM while the four day stays there until almost midnight. Nassau at night is rather pretty.

That's one thing I like better about Enchantment's itinerary, it stays in Nassau until midnight on both itineraries. The downside is that there's no Key West stop on the 4 day.

[lrn2cruise]

Why do I go on a Caribbean cruise? To go to a Caribbean beach!:eek:

 

We love the beach, we love the clear caribbean water. Cant stay away.

[Yenom]

CoCo Cay is a lovely private island. Since it is owned by Royal there are no worries about getting around. Get off and explore this little piece of paradise at least. On the island an included lunch will be served and you can use your sea pass cards for drinks and rental of float mats etc. Walk away from the crowds and find your own little quiet area. ( there are also active things to do if you want like a kids water play area, beach volleyball etc.) We love it here and feel sad when the ship sometimes can not stop due to weather. It is a tender stop.

 

Nassau is not our favorite but we usually get off for a short time and walk thru the straw market. There are shops within view of the ship or you can take a cab to the beach. IMHO Nassau would be the day to stay on the ship if you want or just get off briefly to look a little and then go back to the quiet pool on the ship.

 

Have a great time!

 

 

I had a great time on Coco Cay my last visit. They are always improving things and I spent the day exploring the whole island. There are several trails that I explored (including one that I figured out wasn't really there for "tourists" - woops- I found an area that was under construction. Looks like another future spot fr fun on the island). Anyway, I really enjoyed the long walk after most of the week already spent on the cruise ship.

 

*** They also have things like volleyball nets setup. As I walked by a group of people asked me to join. Fun couple of games.

 

I almost didn't go on the island, since my Mom and Step-Dad decided to stay on the ship. Fortunately, I didn't hang out with them and spent my day on the island. One of the highlights of my whole trip.

[Rick02809]

We are not huge beach goers, but took the tender to Cococay to have a look around. There are hammocks in amongst the trees which were shady and really comfortable.

 

 

Emma

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

 

I agree! After our jetski excursion was cancelled due to 5 foot seas, we decided to lounge in the hammocks. I was just about to nod off when the Captain gave the word to have all guests return to the ship.

 

Ya see, Hurricane Sandy was chasing us all over the place, and the tenders were getting beat up heading in and out to the ship. We headed back at the request of the captain, and it was a bumpy ride.

 

Seeing that we missed Cocoa Cay, we just booked today to take the same ship back to the same islands because RCI as well as the Freedom crew & staff were excellent.

 

Take the 10 minute ride out to the island, if you dont like it, head back to the ship.

 

In Nassau, you can head to the end of the pier. If you are up for a nice leisurely excursion which was inexpensive at the time, look up Rainbow Reef Snorkeling.

 

The marine life is amazing, the current is non-existent. it's a nice excursion for beginner snorkelers who are looking to become one with the reef and it's inhabitants. Fish galore, if you have the opportunity, get an inexpensive waterproof camera.:)