Grand Bahama Island

[gammasip]

Can anyone tell me about Grand Bahama Island? Is it the same as Freeport? :confused:

Grand Bahama sounds so nice and special....and Freeport on the other hand was a dump in my opinion. :(

[wardnlis]

I am wondering the exact same thing???

[gammasip]

After doing some more research, I found out that Grand Bahama Island IS indeed the same as Freeport. :(

 

We were in Freeport only once, but I remember when we left thinking that I would never want to go there again. So, maybe I'll be staying aboard ship that day! :cool: Unless someone can suggest something great to do in Freeport.

[ernstbass]

I've been to Freeport several times and, like you, I wasn't impressed. My ship stops there in early April and I'm gonna take a cab to Paradise Cove which is described as a secluded beach where snorkeling equipment and chairs are available for rent.

[Jett456]

http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/pcove.html

 

This doesn't look too bad. I'd rather go to Grand Stirrup but if the Dawn winds up in Freeport this might be doable.

[jonsmom]

I've been to Freeport several times and, like you, I wasn't impressed. My ship stops there in early April and I'm gonna take a cab to Paradise Cove which is described as a secluded beach where snorkeling equipment and chairs are available for rent.

 

If you decide to go to Paradise Cove, please post your experience for all to view.

 

We too are stopping in June on the VOS and really don't want to get off the ship, but will and see what your experience is like.

 

Thanks.

[gammasip]

Hi...yeah, I too would love to hear a review of Paradise Cove. Even though Freeport is disappointing, it's still better than staying home! :D

[jennigator3]

I was told by a bunch of people that Freeport was not a vey good port, but my fiance and I took a cap to the westin and Sheraton at Lucaya beach and LOVED it!! It was our favorite stop on the Western Itinierary, and that includes Cayman. The water was beautiful, there was a rental place close by, and shopping was right around the corner. Don't judge Freeport on the port alone, take a cab and go to the beach.

[jonsmom]

The Weston & Sheraton no longer welcome cruise passengers I was told by email by the hotel. I wouldnt want to take a cab there and be turned away.

[Fendog]

We were just looking at a day pass at a hotel and are disappointed to hear that the Sheraton doesn't take cruise passengers any longer. Does anyone know anything about the Crowne Plaza? Do they offer day passes? Has anyone been there? It is our first time at this port and have heard a lot of mixed messages on Freeport. Any other suggestions? Good beaches, bars, shopping etc...

 

Thanks,

 

Tara and Ryan

[jonsmom]

Hey Fendog - we are almost neighbors.

 

We may either take a taxi to Paradise Cove or stay onboard.

[Fendog]

Yes, we are, we were just at the Stoneforge on Sunday! Have you ever been to Paradise Cove before?

 

Tara and Ryan

[TonyCruise]

I would also like to hear more about Paraside Cove. I am going to be there in April and I am debating between Paradise Cove and a snorkel tour through Carnival. It is my understanding that P.C. is in a "remote" area - does anyone know if it is a safe area?

 

Tony.

[jonsmom]

Yes, we are, we were just at the Stoneforge on Sunday! Have you ever been to Paradise Cove before?

 

Tara and Ryan

 

Hi Tara & Ryan!

 

We live on the other side of town. Small world isn't it? When are you guys sailing? We are sailing on the VOS on 6/17 from Bayonne, NJ.

 

I have never been to Paradise Cove or Freeport. We were in Nassau on a cruise stop back in 2003. Not much to do there either. I did a search for Paradise Cove and found only one site. I thought I had bookmarked it but now I cant find it. If it's "remote" I may opt not to go. I am nervous about Jamaica and Freeport. We have a 7 year old and I am trying to figure out if he would like to do the "tubing" ride or climb the Falls. i am also on the fence about going out on our own. I know that its much cheaper, but I really don't like Jamaica and I think i will feel safer by doing an RCI excursion.

 

Joanne

[Fendog]

Hi Joanne - We are sailing on the VOS on June 3rd out of Bayonne. We are going to drive down on Thursday night and stay over. I don't really know how bad the ride will be from here to New Jersey. It says about 3.5 hours but I know that the traffic in N.Y.C. can be brutal, so we are going to be safe and stay the night before. We don't really have any idea on Freeport we may just get off the boat and then get right back on it seems. In Jamaica we did the dunns river falls tour with Royal Caribbean last year and it was pretty neat. It does get pretty crowded with a lot of people on tours but climbing the falls is something that I would recomend to everyone. After the tour there is a small market that you are supposed to walk through. It is actually really nice but the people there are way out of control with trying to get you to buy something. Think of it as trying to get through the rotary at the end of the bourne bridge on a saturday morning in July. People are very pushy. Here is a tip we learned to late. Just walk right back out the entrance. It will say " no exit " but you can go that way anyway. We really would have liked to look at some of the stuff but if you stopped the people were all over you putting items in your hands etc.. We were looking at doing the river tubeing this time but it seems like it is about an hour ride on a bus and that dosn't seem like all that fun to ride an hour there and then an hour back. I think that we may just stay on the boat, then get off and go to Margaritaville for a while. It looks like we will save some money on excursions at least. We are going to do the stingray city tour in Grand Caymen but I think that is it.

 

Tara and Ryan

[cruzingqueen]

I will be meeting friends coming into Freeport on a cruise. Is the Sheraton and Westin the closest hotels to the port? Where do the cruise ships dock in Freeport? Thanks for any help, suggestions, etc.

[jonsmom]

Hi Joanne - We are sailing on the VOS on June 3rd out of Bayonne. We are going to drive down on Thursday night and stay over. I don't really know how bad the ride will be from here to New Jersey. It says about 3.5 hours but I know that the traffic in N.Y.C. can be brutal, so we are going to be safe and stay the night before. We don't really have any idea on Freeport we may just get off the boat and then get right back on it seems. In Jamaica we did the dunns river falls tour with Royal Caribbean last year and it was pretty neat. It does get pretty crowded with a lot of people on tours but climbing the falls is something that I would recomend to everyone. After the tour there is a small market that you are supposed to walk through. It is actually really nice but the people there are way out of control with trying to get you to buy something. Think of it as trying to get through the rotary at the end of the bourne bridge on a saturday morning in July. People are very pushy. Here is a tip we learned to late. Just walk right back out the entrance. It will say " no exit " but you can go that way anyway. We really would have liked to look at some of the stuff but if you stopped the people were all over you putting items in your hands etc.. We were looking at doing the river tubeing this time but it seems like it is about an hour ride on a bus and that dosn't seem like all that fun to ride an hour there and then an hour back. I think that we may just stay on the boat, then get off and go to Margaritaville for a while. It looks like we will save some money on excursions at least. We are going to do the stingray city tour in Grand Caymen but I think that is it.

 

Tara and Ryan

 

Hi Tara & Ryan

 

Seems like you will be just getting back as we will be getting ready to leave. I will have to give you my email address and you will have to let me know what you did and where.

 

My husband and I have been to Jamaica. We went 10 years ago and did the ship's excursion. Back then, there weren't any private tour companies that we were aware of. Jamaica, to me, was pretty scarey. Having worked in downtown Boston I was used to people begging for $$, but in Jamaica they were relentless. They followed you and they are always looking for a tip. Braid your hair? How about a tip? After reading these boards I learned about using the entrance to exit. That is a great tip.

 

I am thinking about doing the cruise over on a catamaran or something or doing a private tour operator and just doing the Falls and getting dropped off at Margaretivlle. I am leary of a private tour operator stopping so passengers can go shopping. I know its a little less $$ to do the private tour, but I think I may spend alittle more and do the cruise thing and feel safer. I defintely want to go to Margaretiville. They say not to miss the "cheeseburger in paradise". Speaking of Jimmy Buffett I tried desperately this morning to get tix for the Tweeter for a friend of my husbands'. I finally got a window to fill in cc info and it somehow told me there was an error...ehhh...never got through again. He was going to pay me double the ticket price! I wouldnt have taken it though.

 

Do you have a place to stay on Thursday night? I was able to find a hotel that offers park/shuttle/fly. It is $155 per night and you can park there for the entire cruise for free. Let me know if you want the link.

 

I think like you, I will be staying onboard in Freeport. I wish they would stop elsewhere.

 

Oh, we have some friends that live on Nancy Road. Do you know where that is?

 

So we don't tie up the boards, my email is joannefry@comcast.net if you want that link.

 

Joanne

[cocoapuff6929]

Port Lacuya is great----take a taxi once you get off the ship---15min----Rum Runners is a great bar and also lots of shops....Col

[jedijood]

Port Lucaya is the place to be. Its where the best hotel is at the Westin/Sheraton Our Lucaya which features the best pools on the island, beach front and newest casino. Right across from the hotel is the Port Lucaya square is where all the action is at night (bars, restaurants, shops). During the day, its not as exciting. The cruise ship usually drops you off far from Port Lucaya but it is accessible by cab. I have not been there since 2002, but I do not remember the hotel turning away outside quests as there was no regulation. Maybe they changed it recently. I do not think calling the hotel and asking them will help because they would say no because they obviously want only hotel guests, but from understanding (if you dont feel ashamed) you can walk right onto the property. Maybe someone who has been there recently, can tell us the situation. The island is beautiful. You just have to explore it. They have many secret hiding spots if you rent a scooter and just explore this less populated island of the Bahamas.

[jackieN]

r there any updates on the situation at the sheratin/westin regarding day visitors i have tried to e mail them but they dont reply

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

When we were in Freeport last year there was no one at the doors controlling who was coming and going. It is a huge hotel complex and that would be very difficult to do. The beach behind the hotel is a public beach so even if for some reason they prevented you from going through the hotel to get to the beach, there is a public boardwalk from the street to the beach just to the east of the hotel complex. The hotel has restaurants open to the public so if anyone were to ask why you're entering the hotel (which I doubt will happen), just tell them you're going to the restaurant to eat.

 

BobK/Orlando

just off: Sea Princess

up next:

Sovereign of the Seas (10/05)

Costa Mediterranea (01/06)

[Coolcruise02]

Does anyone know if the market place at Lucaya is open on Sunday? Thanks

[cruznurse]

Hi, going on the VOS 8/12 with a stop in freeport. Just wondering if Our Lucaya is still giving day passes and how much are they now? After dunns falls,snorkel with the rays,we want a relaxing beach day. Any other thoughts for peace/quiet/beach/and a few cocktails??

[Health Inspector]

Hi Tara & Ryan!

 

We live on the other side of town. Small world isn't it? When are you guys sailing? We are sailing on the VOS on 6/17 from Bayonne, NJ.

 

I have never been to Paradise Cove or Freeport. We were in Nassau on a cruise stop back in 2003. Not much to do there either. I did a search for Paradise Cove and found only one site. I thought I had bookmarked it but now I cant find it. If it's "remote" I may opt not to go. I am nervous about Jamaica and Freeport. We have a 7 year old and I am trying to figure out if he would like to do the "tubing" ride or climb the Falls. i am also on the fence about going out on our own. I know that its much cheaper, but I really don't like Jamaica and I think i will feel safer by doing an RCI excursion.

 

Joanne

 

If your docking in Montego Bay, take a taxi ride for 10.00 to Sunset Beach Resort. It's an all inclusive resort for cheap money. Last Feb my family of four went for 20.00 total. We ate, drank, and play with water toy (tampoline, snorkel, etc)for the entire day. Loved this place.

Patty:)

[Health Inspector]

Hi Tara & Ryan!

 

We live on the other side of town. Small world isn't it? When are you guys sailing? We are sailing on the VOS on 6/17 from Bayonne, NJ.

 

I have never been to Paradise Cove or Freeport. We were in Nassau on a cruise stop back in 2003. Not much to do there either. I did a search for Paradise Cove and found only one site. I thought I had bookmarked it but now I cant find it. If it's "remote" I may opt not to go. I am nervous about Jamaica and Freeport. We have a 7 year old and I am trying to figure out if he would like to do the "tubing" ride or climb the Falls. i am also on the fence about going out on our own. I know that its much cheaper, but I really don't like Jamaica and I think i will feel safer by doing an RCI excursion.

 

Joanne

If your docking in Montego Bay, take a taxi down the road to Sunset Beach Resort. It's all inclusive. In Feb 2005, my family of four went and spent a total of 20.00 for the entrance fee. That included food, drinks (both non and alcoholic)and water sport toys (tampoline, snorkeling gear, water boards etc).

They have a web site.

Patty:)