Atlantis and straw market

[battybtags]

A few questions-can you do atlantis on your own or do you have to book it through your ship? Our ship doesnt really offer much for atlantis so I'm wondering if we could do it on our own. Also, where is the straw market located in relation to where the ships dock? I've heard to go there...what do they sell? Thanks for any info!

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

The straw market is under a large white "tent" in downtown Nassau, on a lot between Bay Street (the main shopping street) and Nassau Harbour. You can't miss it. You can see on your right it as your ship pulls into the dock. It's full of vendors offering t-shirts, magnets, wood products, palm products, knock-off purses and a million other things. Bargaining is expected.

 

There are not many ship excursions to Atlantis. You go there with a taxi or water taxi and look around. It's a huge casino, outdoor shopping arcade, bars and restaurants. You can't use the pools or waterslides unless you're a hotel guest. The Digs is the underground aquarium complex and costs $29 to view although you can view if for free after dark when the security guards leave. But you can only do that if you ship is remaining in Nassau late or overnight.

 

BobK/Orlando

[dawndelion]

Water Taxi next to the cruise pier is $3/person each way and drops you at the dock on paradise island, about 5-10 min walk to atlantis. Land taxi is $4/person, plus $1 bridge toll each way and will drop you off at the front door. You can totally do this on your own. We got there aroun 7pm and there was nobody there collecting money for the DIG, so we walked right in. Our tablemates said they got in free as early as 5:30, so I guess it depends on when the guards decide to go home.

[GoPennState]

The Straw Market is right near the dock, maybe 5-10 min walk. They sell almost everything you can imagine. Some of my favorites are the hand crafted wood items. The only problem is they are very good at pushing their items. You wil hear alot of "hey baby, I got what you want", "Hey pretty lady, braid your hair?" (about $2.00 per strand) and many more. I found the best way to quiet them down and not bother me as much was to use my sign language so they thought I was deaf...........it worked! I only got a bunch of finger pointing at items and to say how much. One final thought.....Don't be afraid to haggle on prices as it's basically expected! We will be there this weekend so I am refreshing my signing skills. Have FUN!!!

[M&T]

As I understand it, the straw market closes at 5 PM. We will be there January 13, 2007 and there will still be at least 4 ships docked. Do the stores still close that early? What about the closing time for restaurants at Arawak Cay? Thanks. Marlyne