Dream in Nassau

[VAGentleman05]

We're planning our next cruise and are looking hard at the Dream's Eastern Caribbean sailing. Our only concern are the odd, short hours in port at Nassau. Can anyone offer advice/experience on what we could reasonably expect to do between 8:30am and 2:00pm? Is Atlantis completely out of the question in that short a period of time?

[happy cruzin]

We did the day pass at the Hilton.

It was walking distance from the ship and was a great place to spend the day - it included the private beach, kayak, inner tubes, towels and chairs, etc.

We would definately do it again!

[jocpowell]

We went to Atlantis when we went(same short visit). We were able to walk around the resort, through the casino etc but the water slides did not open until 11:00 when we were there so there was not much time for that.

It is very beautiful but if you are paying big money for the water slides check what time they open with the resort.

[spleenstomper]

Another vote for the Hilton. It was a nice private relaxing day.

[jamo951]

Has anyone gone to the Graycliff while on this stop? I know the cigar factory is closed on Sunday, but the rest of the premises are open. Also, does anyone have any info on the cigar shop in Atlantis? I spoke to someone a couple months ago, and they said the cigar shop in Atlantis only sells Cubans, but I'm looking for cigars limited to the Bahamas.

[TEXAZJEWL]

We went there on our cruise last year, but we were docked there for 2 days. There is SO MUCH to see at Atlantis, that you really won't get to experience it at all in such a short amount of time. Without buying any kind of pass or excursion, there's not much you can see there.... the actual hotel & casino and you may be able to walk along the marina. But you won't have access to the beach or lagoons or any activities. However, the hotel itself is beautiful and there are some great sculptures/artwork and things inside worth seeing... and a little bit of shopping (high end of course!).

 

We are going on the same itinerary this October that you are considering. We're going with friends who've never been there, so they want to go get a few pictures of Atlantis. But, then we're going to head over to the Hilton for awhile to enjoy the beach until the stores open (being a Sunday, they will probably open around 11:30-12:00). Taxi to Atlantis will take about 20 minutes.... spend an hour there (if that, even)... back to the Hilton by 10:30 and the guys will probably hang there until we leave while we hit the stores about noon. When everything is open, there will be alot to do just around the port.... shopping on Bay Street, the Straw Market, even Arawak Cay is not too far if you want to go there for some REAL local food (also called the Fishfry & highly recommended!).

 

If you are into historical type things, there are alot of historical sites within walking distance of the port (well, walking distance to us is less than 10 blocks).... there's the Queen's Staircase, Parliament, Governor's house, Pirates of Nassau. Plenty of time to walk around & see these (or taxi) before the stores open.

 

OR, you can stay on the ship & choose to do a spa treatment! (They are usually alot cheaper on port days). Do that early then get off the ship & shop a bit before leaving at 2:00!

[MonaCD]

The first time we stopped in Nasau we didn't get off the ship. it was like a sea day but having the ship almost to ourselves. As it was getting close to 2:00 we sat ourselves in a spot with a good view of the dock and watched the drunks stagger and latecomers run back to the ship, great entertainment value.

 

The second time we went to the Wydham Crystal Palace, while our friends played the casino, we enjoyed the beach. Then we had a quick run throught the straw market.

 

In November when we are there, I might get off the ship long enough to buy a couple purses at the straw market but I'll likely stay on the ship and enjoy and extra "sea day".

[FrogFritter]

Great information! I will be going to Nassau for the 1st time in January and we were considering staying on the ship, but you guys have given me something to look forward to.

[SnowWhiteNYC]

We've booked blackbeard's cay privately esp. because of the short time in Nassau. We leave in 20 days so hoping it's a nice day....couldn't beat the price...$20 per person and the catamaran leaves right from where the ship docks...so no cab fee...

[stingraycityslicker]

There's really not all that much to do in Nassau except for obtaining day passes to the resorts. For the amount of time spent in port, I wouldn't think it's worth it. There aren't too many good beaches around (unless they're owned by a resort), and there's not that much to do in town except get stoned. :rolleyes: I choose to enjoy a "sea day" without lines or chair hogs. :D

 

I've also heard recent reports of passengers being robbed at gunpoint while on their segway tours.

[tbrenk1973]

We've booked blackbeard's cay privately esp. because of the short time in Nassau. We leave in 20 days so hoping it's a nice day....couldn't beat the price...$20 per person and the catamaran leaves right from where the ship docks...so no cab fee...

 

Do you have a link to that excursion? Is it booked through the ship or privatelty?

[tbrenk1973]

The first time we stopped in Nasau we didn't get off the ship. it was like a sea day but having the ship almost to ourselves. As it was getting close to 2:00 we sat ourselves in a spot with a good view of the dock and watched the drunks stagger and latecomers run back to the ship, great entertainment value.

 

The second time we went to the Wydham Crystal Palace, while our friends played the casino, we enjoyed the beach. Then we had a quick run throught the straw market.

 

In November when we are there, I might get off the ship long enough to buy a couple purses at the straw market but I'll likely stay on the ship and enjoy and extra "sea day".

 

Can you walk to the straw market from the ship?

[tbrenk1973]

Another vote for the Hilton. It was a nice private relaxing day.

 

What do they chrage for a day pass?

[MileHiCrzr]

Can you walk to the straw market from the ship?

 

When you get off the ship, the straw market is right there - very little walking involved. You don't even have to walk in the stands, some of the vendors will pull you in. It's fun.

[tracyanns]

When you get off the ship, the straw market is right there - very little walking involved. You don't even have to walk in the stands, some of the vendors will pull you in. It's fun.

 

I hope you mean fun in a sarcastic way...the straw market is a tent that is 100 degrees and is like being in the middle of a mosh pit...people yelling at you to come see their booth and pulling you this way and that way...I do not enjoy strangers pulling at me...I think it is very inappropriate...not to mention the only thing they sell are little souvenirs you can get in any regular shop and knock off purses, and they don't sell them that cheap either for the knock offs they sell...

 

If you only have a few hours try a snorkeling excursion or a tour of the island...the horse and carriage tours are pretty cool...

[MonaCD]

Can you walk to the straw market from the ship?

As others have said, yes, it's within walking distance. It is an experience, that's for sure. I was never physically touched by anyone but verbally accosted constantly, I just tuned them out. Best to go in with someone experienced your first time, it can be overwhelming. I would say maybe you could barter a bit too.

[kimscruisin]

We just did the British Colonial Hilton in July. The price was $55 per person and including a $30 credit for food and beverage. The grill did not open before noon, so keep this in mind for your food order. Also, the beach is at The Harbor. It was pretty, and nice, and you can visit Senor Frogs and the Straw Market on the way. Last year we did Atlantis, and it was well worth it, but you have no way with this short of time to enjoy it--slides don't open until 10:00. Have to be back on the ship by 1:30. For the close proximity, the Hilton works, but I don't think I would do it again.

[tbrenk1973]

We've booked blackbeard's cay privately esp. because of the short time in Nassau. We leave in 20 days so hoping it's a nice day....couldn't beat the price...$20 per person and the catamaran leaves right from where the ship docks...so no cab fee...

 

Can you provide more information on this?

[stavman]

Has anyone gone to the Graycliff while on this stop? I know the cigar factory is closed on Sunday, but the rest of the premises are open. Also, does anyone have any info on the cigar shop in Atlantis? I spoke to someone a couple months ago, and they said the cigar shop in Atlantis only sells Cubans, but I'm looking for cigars limited to the Bahamas.

 

 

My husband and I visited Atlantis in June, 2009 and took a short taxi ride from the Port to the Resort. We were just interested in gambling at their casino and shopping and felt like we had plenty of time in Port to do this as well as check out some of the markets and stores at the Port. We did visit the cigar store at the Atlantis and their selection was limited to only Cuban cigars. Hope this helps!