to Nassau or stay on the ship?

[$hip$hape]

Unless you are going to the casino (without kids).. you cannot get into Atlantis without some level of day pass these days. Security will stop you at the door

 

Aquarium is $49pp/ Beach is $80 pp/ Aquapark is $139.

 

The only other thing at Atlantis is the marina village shopping (which is outside of Atlantis).

There's plenty of other things to do in Nassau except gawk at Atlantis.

I agree, don't pay the big bucks to enter(gawk at) the Atlantis compound.

But, I think you missed the point.

"For an inexpensive activity, take the ferry to Paradise Island. "

We found it a pleasant way to spend a few hours on your own.

[DKane]

Just like any other city, stay in the touristy areas and you'll be fine.

 

It was in the touristy areas where people were held up by gunpoint.

[Gymrat64]

We were in the Bahamas in May of this year and did the Tru Bahamian Food Tour and we really enjoyed it. The food tasting was excellent, we went to Graycliffes to sample chocolate, had fried conch fritters, conch chowder, excellent Greek food, rum cake and learned about the island culture. This tour is rated as the #1 activity to do in Nassau on Tripadvisor. We did the tour then still had time to hit the beach and do a little shopping.

[Glenndale]

Hi, We'll be in Nassau in February.

The chocolate and rum tour sounded a possibility until I checked the calendar and realised we will be there on a Sunday :(

Our ship is offering a 'Balmoral Island Getaway'

Has anyone done this?

I've been to Nassau before and visited 'Paradise Island', what a nightmare, it certainly didn't strike me as Paradise :eek:

My main memory is the many Jet Skis which were buzzing up and down the coast, getting really close in to the bathers, nothing would have induced me to go into the water.

[$hip$hape]

It was in the touristy areas where people were held up by gunpoint.

 

...and what time of day?

[DKane]

Afternoon

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Forums mobile app

[DKane]

There are robberies at gun point in every town and city all over the world, be aware of your surroundings. Don't do anything in Nassau you wouldn't do at home.

 

In a tourist area during the day?

[weltek]

Last time we did the Frommer's self-guided walking tour (including a stop at Graycliff to watch cigar rolling and general wandering around the estate), Fish Fry, a little downtown shopping and straw market. I got a purse at the straw market that I knew was a knockoff, but it was even worse quality than I anticipated. Worth about $20. Not the $40 we paid. I also felt like **** when I saw how the straw market "boss" treated his vendors.

 

It was ok. It got us out to see the town, anyway. Fish Fry was a disappointment. Prices were high for what we had and quality was average. I think I'd be more interested in it after dark, when reportedly there's more music, etc. Overall, it's my least favorite cruise stop in seven cruises, but it's still worthwhile to get off and do something.

 

We are headed back next month and we will do the distillery and take a walk to find some good food and another bar. Maybe some shopping. So, probably a late disembarkation and back to ship early.

[CruisinCrow]

In a tourist area during the day?

 

Can you be more specific about what incident you're referring to? The only thing I've heard about tourists being robbed at gun point was in 2009 on a Segway tour (which no longer operates). It wasn't exactly in a tourist area but they were cruise passengers on a cruise sponsored tour. Are you talking about something more recent than that?

[elamyster76]

thank you CruisinCrow I like the ideas.

 

Here is a question too. We want to do some snorkeling or diving while on the cruise. We are going to be in Nassau, St Thomas, and St Maartin. Is one place better for that than the others?[/QUOT

 

We went to Coki Beach last summer and it was the best snorkeling we have ever done, hope this helps

[$hip$hape]

I heard about the robberies at gunpoint but that was two years ago.

 

Can you be more specific about what incident you're referring to? The only thing I've heard about tourists being robbed at gun point was in 2009 on a Segway tour (which no longer operates). It wasn't exactly in a tourist area but they were cruise passengers on a cruise sponsored tour. Are you talking about something more recent than that?

 

Please. There are about a quarter million people living in Nassau, and of course, there is going to be some crime.

Today, on November 15, there will be about 20,000 pax arriving, plus many other tourist staying in hotels.

If you wish, just stay on the ship and just read about Nassau, here on CC.

"Some people are never well informed about things, and so it's understandable that they try to cope with the best they how, even if they err on the side of caution, which is often a very sound rule of thumb.

Ridiculing them for their ignorance is not appropriate."

[CruisinCrow]

Please. There are about a quarter million people living in Nassau, and of course, there is going to be some crime.

Today, on November 15, there will be about 20,000 pax arriving, plus many other tourist staying in hotels.

If you wish, just stay on the ship and just read about Nassau, here on CC.

"Some people are never well informed about things, and so it's understandable that they try to cope with the best they how, even if they err on the side of caution, which is often a very sound rule of thumb.

Ridiculing them for their ignorance is not appropriate."

 

Not sure why you're quoting me. I agree with you. Bringing up incidents without any specifics (or referring to something that happened 5 years ago) is just fear-mongering.

 

We've been to Nassau many times, always get off the ship, always have a great time.

[$hip$hape]

Not sure why you're quoting me. I agree with you. Bringing up incidents without any specifics (or referring to something that happened 5 years ago) is just fear-mongering.

 

We've been to Nassau many times, always get off the ship, always have a great time.

I quoted you because, I agree with you.:)

I think maybe you misunderstood my sarcasm.

On one cruise, we met one couple that always took food from the ship to eat in ports because they didn't want to take a chance with food poison.

And once, on a Med Cruise, another couple in our travel group (we nicknamed "The Scared Couple") never got off the ship.

I just think some people would be better off staying at home, with a travel book.

To each their own.:rolleyes:

[CruisinCrow]

I quoted you because, I agree with you.:)

I think maybe you misunderstood my sarcasm.

 

Oh good, I was worried you were calling me ignorant. :)

 

I can understand staying on the ship if you've been to Nassau a hundred times and you're tired of it. But if it's your first time there, at least give it a try!

[DKane]

Please. There are about a quarter million people living in Nassau, and of course, there is going to be some crime.

Today, on November 15, there will be about 20,000 pax arriving, plus many other tourist staying in hotels.

If you wish, just stay on the ship and just read about Nassau, here on CC.

"Some people are never well informed about things, and so it's understandable that they try to cope with the best they how, even if they err on the side of caution, which is often a very sound rule of thumb.

Ridiculing them for their ignorance is not appropriate."

 

Please read all of the above before you feel the need to add your input. Someone mentioned crime in Nassau and I responded it was a couple of years ago. Was then asked what time of day and I responded afternoon. Really, fear mongering!

[Pookeybear1966]

We were in the Bahamas in May of this year and did the Tru Bahamian Food Tour and we really enjoyed it. The food tasting was excellent, we went to Graycliffes to sample chocolate, had fried conch fritters, conch chowder, excellent Greek food, rum cake and learned about the island culture. This tour is rated as the #1 activity to do in Nassau on Tripadvisor. We did the tour then still had time to hit the beach and do a little shopping.

 

I just booked this tour. I hope it's as good as everyone says on tripadvisor :)

[MuffyKismet]

We have been to Nassau many many times but we ALWAYS get off the ship! This past January we took an Awesome private tour with Mario, he was GREAT!!!! I am happy to share his contact info if anyone should need it. He took my daughters and their friends on a tour in October as well and they had a GREAT time with him too!

 

There is plenty to do , depeding on what your intrest are . We have done the all inclusive day rate and Breezes a few time and loved it, we have done Atlantis and loved it, we have gone on a snorel trip and loved it........every port is what you make it!! Get off the ship and explore something new or something old LOL!!! You didn't go on a cruise to just sit on the boat! Even if it is to get off and get some fresh conch fritters then go back on! LOL

[ricearoni161]

Hi River Coven! I saw your post and thought I'd share my thoughts. I've literally been to all three of your upcoming port stops in the last 11 months!

 

Nassau - Not a bad stop at all. Is it as clean as I'd expect in the US, no? But I'd stay home if that was all that mattered, haha! I've been twice. Once I snorkeled and para-sailed (highly recommend for the view, go local, not through RCCL). Snorkeling wasn't bad; Parasailing was better. The second time, I took the local bus (#10 jitney for $1.25 per ride) to Cable Beach, where we paid the Melia resort $30 for access to their beach. Clean, towels included, beach chairs, access to a bar, restrooms, and restaurants. We also stopped at the Fish Fry. Definitely do your research (tripadvisor) before going to the Fish Fry and don't let them talk you into one of the shacks because they paid someone to recruit! Not cheap, because it is an island, so expect a $20 meal. The Straw Market is OK, if you're looking for mahogany, straw, or knockoff purses. Expect to haggle.

 

St. Thomas - The best of the three spots I think. I'd snorkel here (or even better if you have time to get to St. John from here). Very nice water options. We snorkeled to a shipwreck! Don't shop around the cruiseport, which looks like the shopping area. Head downtown. Very Americanized, so you're safe generally. Lots of easy transportation options to see the island.

 

St. Maarten - This was the biggest disappointment for me. It's a shadow of its former reputation. Hurricanes have taken their toll, the government doesn't spend money to repair, and unemployment at 22% means it just wasn't what it used to be. We took a tour of the island so we could see the French and Dutch sides (the same) then headed back to the ship. An excursion/ water activity would be best here since the beaches are reasonably good.

 

Have fun! I hope to make it on to Oasis some time myself!

 

Angie

[Mr. Bungle]

Resurrection of a post...

 

We are sailing with you on Oasis in January and had the same hesitation. I'm thinking of walking over to the Pirate Republic Brewing Co for lunch and a beer or two. They brew their own IPA's and look like it would be worthy of a stop. That and a quick visit to the Hard Rock right next door. Walk off the ship, across the street and up a block. Close by.