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Baha mar, nassau - trip report - may 2017


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BAHA MAR – TRIP REPORT – MAY 26,2017

 

 

 

Our last stop on the cruisewas Nassau on Friday the 26th. We had been following the news concerningBaha Mar for three years through their bankruptcy and all the politicalissues. Well, they finally got thingsworked out and the complex is now partially completed. They are still working on completing thefinal 3 hotels but the first, the Grand Hyatt is currently operational with 200plus rooms available plus the casino opened in late April. I think the hotelwill eventually have 1000 plus rooms.

 

 

We took a cab around 11 am to Baha Mar. You can also take a bus for $1.25 fromdowntown Nassau near the straw market. The appearance of the complexis spectacular with luscious landscaping, ponds, pools and fountains. As atourist you have free access to their pools and beach, which I foundfascinating. I’m sure this won’t lastforever.

 

 

Right off the main entrancelobby is the casino. I will attempt to download pictures sometime later thisweek. The casino is approximately100,000 square feet which I think is the largest in the whole Caribbean. It was bright, bright, brightwith outside glass letting natural light in right in the center of the casino.The shape of the casino was rectangular so there was no getting lost orconfused. Slot machines were everywherealthough they were not piled on top of one another.

 

 

There were 6 table gamepits, one of which was called Salon Prive, High roller pit. Most of these pitshad craps tables. I counted 7 on themain floor but I didn’t check the Salon Prive. All of the craps tables were 12 feet long with a bright green microfiber layout. The bet minimum at crapswas $10. All of the other games had a $5 minimum bet. They had all theproposition bets on the craps layout.

 

I gave craps a try notexpecting anything great to happen since I haven’t played in 3 months. I found the table to be somewhat bouncy butplayable. I think the bounce willdecrease somewhat over time. I was onthe table by myself and tried 4 hands the longest of which was 8 throws. Needless to say I lost $55. I was somewhat surprised that every 7 out waswith a 5-2. If I stayed longer I wouldhave tried different dice sets, but my main purpose was scouting out thecasino.

 

 

My wife played Pai Gow Pokerwith a $10 minimum which is great. Sheplayed for over an hour with a $100 buy in and just missed a royal flush. She then went on to the Ultimate Texas holdem table again with a $5 minimum and played again for almost an hour andmanaged to be up $30. There were no continuous shufflers at blackjack.

 

 

Most of my time there Iwandered around killing time trying penny slots here and there just putting $5or $10 into the different machines. WellI hit big on 3 different machines and was up $200 from my slot play.

 

 

All of the dealers and pitbosses were outstandingly friendly with smiles on their faces no matter whereyou went. When we first arrived therewere very few players in the casino but it increased quite a bit by 2 pm when we were leaving. They are still in what they are calling asoft opening and have not really starting their advertising campaign yet. Thegrand opening will be this fall.

 

 

We were extremely delightedwith this casino particularly when compared to Atlantis. Anytime we stop in Nassau on any future cruises, this will definitely be onour to do list.

 

 

Dicenator

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I've also been following the ups and downs of Baha Mar for the past few years.

 

With each port arrival in Nassau hoping for a visit. Will definitely be stopping by next February on our Anthem cruise.

 

Look forward to seeing your pictures. Pretty sure Baha Mar will give Atlantis a run for its money.

 

Jonathan

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Forums mobile app

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HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Dicenator: Sounds like you had a good time at that Casino. When playing on a bouncy table, one must play a little different than on a non bouncy table. Sounds like you had a good time visiting that Baha Mar Casino. If we go to Nassau will check it out.

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  • 1 month later...

 

 

BAHA MAR – TRIP REPORT – MAY 26,2017

 

 

We took a cab around 11 am to Baha Mar. You can also take a bus for $1.25 fromdowntown Nassau near the straw market. The appearance of the complexis spectacular with luscious landscaping, ponds, pools and fountains. As atourist you have free access to their pools and beach, which I foundfascinating. I’m sure this won’t lastforever.

 

Dicenator

 

Hi!

We are in Nassau next month and were thinking about trying the new Baha Mar. Hubby loves Atlantis VP area, but I thought it would be nice to finally be able to try Baha Mar! Do you by chance remember about what the taxi from the port cost for 2 & how long it took to/from? I don't like surprises and was hoping you might remember!

I assume no issues getting a taxi back?

 

Thanks in advance,

Karen

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The taxi cost around $20 for the trip each way. It took about 20 minutes mostly due to congestion getting out of and into Nassau proper. When we left the taxi's were there in front of the lobby waiting for customers. Good luck and let us know how you did in the casino.

 

Dicenator

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Thanks so much for the quick reply!

I think $20 is about what they charged us to go to Atlantis...and we had to wait for a full van.

Hubby still says he's gonna go to Atlantis to see if his "lucky machine" is still lucky! ;)

I'm hoping we have time for both! I love new casinos...especially if they are a bit lose to draw good reviews! :

Thanks again! Karen

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  • 2 weeks later...

I've made a few attempts to upload my pictures. All I get is a message concerning security tokens. I tried to contact the administrator for help to no avail.

 

If anybody knows how to handle this security token issue, I would really appreciate your help.

 

 

Dicenator

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thanks for your review. I went to Baha Mar last week (on the Grandeur of the Seas) and while it was beautiful and I did pretty well on the slots, I found the dealers and supervisors to be woefully undertrained.

 

I'm still planning on returning in September (on the Enchantment of the Seas) and see if my lucky machine is still paying.

 

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  • 5 weeks later...

I was there twice last week (Enchantment back-2-back) and I can say yes to the comped drinks (and they're strong!). Mixed answers now on the free admission to the pool and beach. Kids (16 years old) traveling with my friends were able to use the pool and beach for free, but I heard that sometimes there is a security guard and they make you pay $40 for a day pass (I guess you could gamble and try it?). I also heard that you can get a room for about $200 where you can use the facilities and enjoy a shower, etc. - a good option if you have a group of four or more and your ship is docked late?

 

I'm planning on flying down there to stay for a long weekend or a week sometime early this winter!

 

 

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I e-mailed the Casino there last month and asked if non gamblers could use the pools and beach while I was in the casino. I was there on a cruise, they said no so, I didn't go over there. It was a loss for them because I as willing to play a good amount in the slots.

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  • 2 months later...

Questions.

 

How is the bus system in Nassau? We are thinking about taking the bus to BahaMar. My thinking is to try the bus on the way there and return by taxis if the trip is to long or slow? Hopefully, I can tour the resort or buy the day pass. If not, I’ll have to hit the slots with DH!

 

Would I have time to check out the Fish fry area, too? That is walkable from the cruise ship docks, right, Any thoughts or suggestions about my plan?

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We were there the week before last and no taxis wanted to take us to baha mar. They are all pushing paradise island so my guess is that Atlantis is feeling a little heat and offering kick backs to the drivers.

 

We ended up walking over to the McDonald’s by the Colonial Hilton and took the bus. The bus is definitely an experience but it was fine, the people were friendly, and it took about 15 minutes to get us there. Both the #10 and #12b will take you there from this stop. We took a taxi back, they are waiting at the Baha Mar to bring you back. If you want the taxi to drop you at the Fish Fry on the way back I’m sure they would be happy to. They aren’t always thrilled to go into downtown and it always seems like there may be some sort of drama for non-cruise port taxis to drop at the port.

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

My family of 4 visited Baha Mar via the #10 bus. The bus was a very tight fit and they did not even shut the slide door while moving. A bit of a sight seeing adventure. $5 plus tip from the straw market area.

 

The resort was just amazing. Our group were alllowed to walk the grounds, use the pool and beach no questions asked. But we did not actually ask if we could either. We did not buy anything to eat or drink as you needed a room key for the charge? I do not know, if this is true but I felt the resort were catering to Asian players.

 

I requested a players card and was awarded $10 free play, a free spin on the in game money wheel ($20 free play win) and a fancy branded pen. Husband and I played VP and slots.

 

The casino was very quiet and not all the tables were open. Very upscale but free drinks were limited with a low players card. That was ok with me because I just wanted to try the local light beer and some water. The bar staff was friendly and explained there was a market put the street for room water and snacks for our next trip.

 

I played for two hours and broke even. Slots always seem tight in a empty room to me. We are looking at flights and planning a trip next month.

 

Thanks for the insight and helpful posts, they made my quick Baha Mar visit a fun one!

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I called and also emailed them about day passes twice once a few months ago and the last time last week. Both times I was told the pool and beach facilities were for guest of the hotel and they did not offer day passes.

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