Never Been -Nassau Bahamas- what would you do?

[yoshi]

We have been to many ports in the Caribbean on Celebrity but never Nassau Bahamas. Did anyone have a particularly good tour in Nassau -with Celebrity or on your own?

What does a great day in Nassau look like?

[Fogfog]

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/35-bahamas/

[Germancruiser]

If in Nassau you have to expect a lot of fellow cruises- from possibly 5 to 6 ships. I always would go on my own. Either to Paradise Island- the Atlantis- if you like that kind of thing. If you new to Nassau- just walk around. Since I have been many times- in April i booked into a Hotel via a daypass- worked well!

[Fouremco]

We've only been there once, a family group with my sister, DW, our kids and grandkids in 2016. One group went on one of the swim with the dolphins, another group bought hotel day passes, and my sister and I went on a DIY walking tour based on a couple of different tours that you can find online. Three very different outings and all three groups had a great time. 

[ipeeinthepool]

You may want to consider snorkeling.   The snorkeling is very good, but the water can be cold during the winter.

Edited September 30, 2019 by ipeeinthepool

[yoshi]

Thanks for responses so far, I know there is a Port of Call site for Bahamas, but I like Celebrity board advice best. We will be there December 27 toward the end of our cruise. I am afraid that the Atlantis will be mobbed with people. Sometimes at Christmas break hotels can be over-crowded for day pass users too. Anyone have good experience with a private tour? Not shopping.

[DirtyDawg]

There was a swim with the Dolphins place last time we were there. They had their own beach for afterwards.

We have also done a day at one of the resorts which was fun.

We went on a submarine there years ago up by Lyford Cay. Not sure if its there anymore.

We have also just walk around the town for a couple of hours and returned to a somewhat deserted ship - also very nice.

 

 

 

[rimmit]

1 hour ago, yoshi said:

What does a great day in Nassau look like?

 

Staying on the boat.

 

In all seriousness,  Atlantis is impressive.  So if you’ve never been before I’d just hire a taxi and head there.  You can access the casino area and some of the lobby, but these days you’ll have to buy a pass to access the resort.  A long time ago, you could just go and see all the aquariums, pools, etc for free but not anymore.

 

Walking around the area right off the pier is also an option.  Not much there really though.  Some enjoy the straw market not far from the pier.  I just find it crowded.  We sometimes get off the boat just to get some sundry items.  One time it was a hairdryer.  One time some OTC meds.  Since it’s the last stop a lot of times for TAs it’s a good chance to get some last minute items you forgot.

[2flacruisers]

You might try getting on the #10 bus, not the #10A, and take the #10 bus to Ardastra Gardens and Zoo...about a mile from the port.  There is all kinds of birds, and what not.  They have a "marching flamingo" show, which is pretty cool, and you can feed the Lories, which is a hoot!  Less than $20/adult to get in and takes approximately 1- 1/2 hours to go thru.

[oneputt18]

If you enjoy craft beer and pub type food, i recommend:

https://www.piraterepublicbahamas.com/tap-room/

 

[jpsykes]

2 hours ago, oneputt18 said:

If you enjoy craft beer and pub type food, i recommend:

https://www.piraterepublicbahamas.com/tap-room/

 

I agree with this -- good beer --- but I did not try the food.

 

[Mike981]

We now stay on the boat, but in the past we enjoyed the walk to the Queens Staircase.

[hcat]

Snorkeling can be  rough..Atlantic Ocean

 

Avoid  gardens with dancing flamingos excursion. ..we found the bird exhibits not well kept..Not worth the ride, esp past all the houses with razor wire.

 

We enjoyed the Hilton day pass, lunch on your own, small beach, great swimming pool...short walk from the ship

 

Did a tour once that included the Queens staircase, fort and historic bldg..it was ok but very long in the heat

 

Next time we'll do something at Atlantis!

 

Not  our fav port but seems  ships we sail  on do not go there as often anymore..Hope you find something fun!

 

 

Edited October 2, 2019 by hcat

[Swampbabe]

At least get off the ship and buy something in port;  a drink, snack, something. The country needs the tax revenue.

[Denny01]

Took the boat taxi over to Atlantis. OK to see the nice homes on the say, but very restricted on where you can go at Atlantis. Not worth the trip except the sightseeing on the say. Wandered around town a bit but all the shops are pretty much same as other ports. Nothing special. In fact, what looks ‘local’ and handmade are from China.

 

Always so many ships, I now step off for an hr or so then go back to enjoy the ship and take advantage of the inport deals. 

 

Den

[CruisinRoxy]

1 hour ago, Swampbabe said:

At least get off the ship and buy something in port;  a drink, snack, something. The country needs the tax revenue.

I agree with this philosophy!  We had been there several times, but in the end, rather than just sit onboard the ship, get off and support the locals.   Buy some lunch, take a surrey ride and tip the driver.  And even though it's tacky, buy something in the Straw Market.  There are also some local wood carvers that sell their stuff for not that much $$.  We bought a souvenir or 2.  They just lived through a hurricane after all.  

[sdnich]

35 minutes ago, CruisinRoxy said:

I agree with this philosophy!  We had been there several times, but in the end, rather than just sit onboard the ship, get off and support the locals.   Buy some lunch, take a surrey ride and tip the driver.  And even though it's tacky, buy something in the Straw Market.  There are also some local wood carvers that sell their stuff for not that much $$.  We bought a souvenir or 2.  They just lived through a hurricane after all.  

I saw a story not to long ago about the wood carvers at the straw market and intend to try to find a nice piece to bring home!  I will  probably check out pirate Republic for a beer or cocktail !  I’ve been there twice but it’s always good to support the locals !!

[Mialias]

atlantis?

[hubofhockey]

For first timers, I would recommend checking out at Atlantis, finding a beach, or staying on the ship.

[PelicanLvr]

Don't overthink.  Nassau is not a great port.  Lots of ships, crowded, over-commercialized.  

 

Don't rush to get off...take a walk around....have a drink ...return to ship.  

 

 

[yoshi]

Not overthinking, I'm just a planner and love to explore what is available during the months before the cruise. That's why I love cruise critic, especially Celebrity boards because there are so many travellers with great tips. 🙂 

That Pirate Republic Bahamas Brewing sounds like it could be a good spot to try. We are from San Diego where there are many Craft Breweries to enjoy. Was this walkable from the ship? or would we catch a taxi?

 

[mayleeman]

On 10/3/2019 at 1:46 PM, PelicanLvr said:

Don't overthink.  Nassau is not a great port.  Lots of ships, crowded, over-commercialized.  

 

Don't rush to get off...take a walk around....have a drink ...return to ship.  

 

 

 

Precisely the type of response I was talking about in the "Jaded Celebrity Cruisers" thread.

 

Granted, you don't like Nassau. So why not let people who have enjoyed it give the advice? Is it your desire to put a negative expectation on someone clearly looking for things you may not have to give (i.e., something to look forward to)?

[NMTraveller]

We did an excursion that took us out to a small island.  There was only about 30 on the boat/island.  We would kayak,  sit back and releax, and have a beer.  It was a relaxing time.  The port city was not all that exciting unless you like very loud clubs.

[tgg]

9 hours ago, yoshi said:

Not overthinking, I'm just a planner and love to explore what is available during the months before the cruise. That's why I love cruise critic, especially Celebrity boards because there are so many travellers with great tips. 🙂 

That Pirate Republic Bahamas Brewing sounds like it could be a good spot to try. We are from San Diego where there are many Craft Breweries to enjoy. Was this walkable from the ship? or would we catch a taxi?

 

 

Yoshi, if you enjoy getting off the beaten tourist route, I'd highly recommend a visit to the NATIONAL ART GALLERY OF THE BAHAMAS.  https://nagb.org.bs We walked there easily from the ship. The building is historically significant, the gardens are lovely, and the art is thoughtful and insightful.We were greeted warmly by staff who were thrilled to have tourists who wanted to learn more about the history and culture of the Bahamas. You will be charmed and educated at the same time.

[yoshi]

Thank you tgg-I will put the art gallery on my list too, the map on the site you linked also showed a couple more museums near the art gallery, could make for a good afternoon of wandering. We will be coming off of a couple of snorkeling days at St Thomas and Tortola so this will change things up a bit.

Thanks again everyone for all suggestions!