Best port to do an excursion

[chencl27]

Hi! We're going on our first family cruise with our girls (5 and 8 years old) and trying to figure out which port would be best to do an excursion and what you recommend. We're stopping in Grand Turks, Amber Cove and Nassau, Bermuda. Thanks for your input! 

Edited April 9 by chencl27
Grammar issue

[Essiesmom]

Bermuda.  EM

[dctravel]

Both Grand Turk and Amber Cove offer area in the port area that you can use. In Grand Turk, there is a pool and a beach and in Amber Cove there is a pool. Both ports have restaurants where you can buy food and the ships general offer the ability to rent a cabana at extra expense. When my kids were about the age of your kids (6 and 9), we visited both ports and opted not to do an excursion at either. In Amber Cove, we swam, played giant chess, and ate in the restaurant for a few hours before getting back on the ship to play in the water park without the crowds. In Grand Turk, we did the same thing, but spent more time on the beach (which is literally next to the pier).

 

In Nassau, you will probably want to book an excursion. The port area has recently been redone, but I haven't been there is a while, so cannot give any guidance on that. Check on the Caribbean forms for Nassau specific information and recommendations.

[broberts]

16 hours ago, chencl27 said:

Nassau, Bermuda

 

Did you mean Nassau, Bahamas?

 

Nassau: glass bottom boat, pink flamingo show & petting zoo, snorkeling, etc.

 

A bit on the expensive side but may be of interest is hair braiding. Pavilion in the port area.

[1025cruise]

Why wouldn't you explore all the ports?

[chencl27]

13 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Why wouldn't you explore all the ports?

We'll explore all of them just not sure which one to do an excursion. 

[kitkat343]

Amber Cove has Monkeyland right in the port.  Further away, there is a larger monkey land and also Ocean World.

 

Bermuda has a nice zoo.  If you like, you can arrange a private tour at feeding time to get closer to the animals.  The public buses are completely safe in Bermuda, and the kids might also like the public ferry

 

In Nassau, you can research if you want to choose Atlantis (very large, sometimes very crowded water park hotel complex).  The Atlantis is cheaper if you purchase directly.

 

 

[Mum2Mercury]

On 4/8/2024 at 8:38 PM, chencl27 said:

Hi! We're going on our first family cruise with our girls (5 and 8 years old) and trying to figure out which port would be best to do an excursion and what you recommend. We're stopping in Grand Turks, Amber Cove and Nassau, Bermuda. Thanks for your input! 

If my kids were still small, here's what I'd do in those ports: 

 

Grand Turks:  Visit the Lighthouse.  As young as your kids are, I bet they've never climbed one -- it'd be a unique experience for them.  Yeah, it's on the far side of the island, but that's a short taxi ride.  No need for an excursion -- but do make a plan for what you want to do.  

 

Amber Cove:  Take a taxi (or the bus) to the beach.  Bring sand toys, sunscreen and have a great day.  I don't know the MonkeyLand that someone above mentioned, but that sounds fun!  Again, no need for an excursion. 

 

Nassau:  Nassau is a large port and often has 7-8 large ships docked -- this results in overcrowding, pushing and general unpleasant-ness getting into /once you're in the city.  We've agreed we're never going again.  It might be a good day to stay on the ship, or this might be the day to opt for an excursion -- one that leaves from the dock and doesn't require you to go into the crowded city.  I know the Swim with Pigs excursion leaves from the docks, but your kids are probably young for that.  I don't think excursions are up and running to Blue Lagoon again.  If you are going into the city, the pirate museum is nice, as is Queen's Staircase -- it's just the getting there that's unpleasant.  

 

Bermuda:  Consider taking a taxi or the public bus to the caves.  This will appeal to young kids, and it'll be different from other cruise activities.  Again, no need for an excursion -- just be up and out early, do your thing and get back to the ship.