Help Me Choose a Day Pass... Leaving in 5 days.

[ccpremium]

I'm trying to decide between Rose Island (Sandy Toes), Melia, Blue Lagoon VIP area, or...??? I'm looking for the best deal.

 

We are a couple in our late 30's, looking for a relaxing day, our ship docks overnight in Nassau

We would like easy access to beach front chairs/lounge areas and LOTS of shaded areas. I HATE rows of beach lounge chairs.

As few children around as possible (we have 5 under the age of 10 that we are leaving at home, lol),

Buffet or Food included in the price.

We aren't heavy drinkers; open bar would be nice but isn't a big deal if its not included.

[mjkacmom]

RIU. We liked the Melia, but the AI option is expensive (you can pay around $50 for just the day pass). RIU and Sandals are adult only and AI (I also recommend Sandaks). Blue Lagoon will have kids.

[BNBR]

Melia for sure if you don't mind paying for the food.  Since you are overnight, why do an excursion where they will kick you out?

 

At the Melia, you can even wander over to Baha Mar.  Plus, there is a Daq Shaq in the front parking lot at Melia that makes the best fresh fruit daquiris in the world.

 

As for food being included, note the difference in price between all inclusive and not - you could probably buy lunch and still save money compared to an all inclusive spot.  You'll pay, I believe, more than double for Sandals vs Melia.  You can buy food and drinks for that...

 

Another spot if you want to be near the ship is the British Colonial Hilton.  It's on the cheaper side for sure and an easy walk - no cab or transportation cost.

Edited October 22, 2018 by BNBR

[blueridgemama]

We loved Sandals as it is adults only. There is a private island where we stayed the whole day-its beautiful, quiet and peaceful. It is all inclusive so you can enjoy food and drinks. I think the taxi fare was $20 each way and it is a little pricey at $115pp

[BNBR]

Note that the Sandals private island is a sectioned off part of Balmoral. Not saying it isn't worth going with Sandals, but you can do private islands cheaper. 

[ccpremium]

Thanks yall. I thought I read that melia had an all inclusive option now? No?

 

[mjkacmom]

11 hours ago, ccpremium said:

Thanks yall. I thought I read that melia had an all inclusive option now? No?

 

They do, but it’s more than the other AI.

[ccpremium]

Do you if they make you leave after a certain amount of time?

 

[ccpremium]

2 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

They do, but it’s more than the other AI.

Do you if they make you leave after a certain amount of time?

 

[scubagirrl]

1 hour ago, ccpremium said:

Do you if they make you leave after a certain amount of time?

 

 

Yes, Day passes run from 9am - 5pm.    

[Shidah]

On 10/22/2018 at 6:49 PM, BNBR said:

Melia for sure if you don't mind paying for the food.  Since you are overnight, why do an excursion where they will kick you out?

 

At the Melia, you can even wander over to Baha Mar.  Plus, there is a Daq Shaq in the front parking lot at Melia that makes the best fresh fruit daquiris in the world.

 

As for food being included, note the difference in price between all inclusive and not - you could probably buy lunch and still save money compared to an all inclusive spot.  You'll pay, I believe, more than double for Sandals vs Melia.  You can buy food and drinks for that...

 

Another spot if you want to be near the ship is the British Colonial Hilton.  It's on the cheaper side for sure and an easy walk - no cab or transportation cost.

 

As far as wandering over to Baha Mar, you could only access their casino and restaurant in the casino.  But still worth it from what I hear.

[BNBR]

42 minutes ago, Shidah said:

 

As far as wandering over to Baha Mar, you could only access their casino and restaurant in the casino.  But still worth it from what I hear.

 

Casino, lots of restaurants and bars, and also the SLS and Rosewood lobby/bars.  In the evening, can sit at Churchills and enjoy the fire on the fountain. 

[Shidah]

Thanks for more info.  I’m secretly hoping the weather is too severe to stop at GSC in March and we overnight in Nassau ( this is what happened last cruise I took to the Bahamas).  If so my plan is to book a room at Baha Mar if available.  Sort of a mini vacation in a vacation.  If not definitely going to check it out for at least the time we are docked there and it seems like I will have more choices for eating than I thought I would.

[ccpremium]

Thanks yall... we ended up at Breezes and had a great time. 

[BNBR]

On 11/3/2018 at 11:11 AM, Shidah said:

Thanks for more info.  I’m secretly hoping the weather is too severe to stop at GSC in March and we overnight in Nassau ( this is what happened last cruise I took to the Bahamas).  If so my plan is to book a room at Baha Mar if available.  Sort of a mini vacation in a vacation.  If not definitely going to check it out for at least the time we are docked there and it seems like I will have more choices for eating than I thought I would.

 

I would do that in a heart beat.  I've stayed at Baha Mar several times.  Just keep in mind that dining at Baha Mar is VERY pricey if going to one of their restaurants.  They have food trucks outside that are more affordable.

Edited November 4, 2018 by BNBR

[Shidah]

Thanks, I live for pricey!  I read the food trucks were for onsite guests only, so only would be an option if I stayed the night anyway.  C’mon severe spring weather.  Both cruises I have taken in March 2 years in a row skipped GSC come to think about it.  I think my chances are pretty good.

[heeb]

Someone mentioned kids at the Blue Lagoon.  This would be true if you are traveling during a holiday period when kids are out of school.  I am going through the same dilemma now since I'll be in Nassau in late March.  I have been to the Melia and had their day pass which gave you access to their facilities but if you want drinks or lunch be prepared to have a lot of money in your wallet.  The Buffet was $70.00pp and the food choices were not that great and certainly not worth the cost.  Good Luck!