Nassau/Atlantis - Opening Times?

[RDP3181]

My wife and I, along with two other couples, will be in Nassau from 7:00AM – 1:00PM on a Friday in September. No one in the group has been to Nassau before. I, being nicknamed Cruise McKnowall by my peers due to all the cruising information I provide them that I receive from here, have been placed in charge of coming up with a plan for our very limited five hours in Nassau. Everyone in the group has expressed an interest in visiting Atlantis. Mainly walking around, checking out the sights, dropping $20 in the casino, and maybe touring the aquarium if timing allows. I have done some research and have read many threads here, but have been unable to find information on a couple of things.

What time does the aquarium and shops on Atlantis open? I was thinking if they did not open until 9AM or 10AM, our group could get off the boat first thing and go to Cabbage Beach and hang out until they open. How far is the walk from Cabbage Beach to Atlantis? Is Cabbage Beach safe early in the morning? Is any of this feasible given our time constraints?

[scubagirrl]

My wife and I, along with two other couples, will be in Nassau from 7:00AM – 1:00PM on a Friday in September. No one in the group has been to Nassau before. I, being nicknamed Cruise McKnowall by my peers due to all the cruising information I provide them that I receive from here, have been placed in charge of coming up with a plan for our very limited five hours in Nassau. Everyone in the group has expressed an interest in visiting Atlantis. Mainly walking around, checking out the sights, dropping $20 in the casino, and maybe touring the aquarium if timing allows. I have done some research and have read many threads here, but have been unable to find information on a couple of things.

What time does the aquarium and shops on Atlantis open? I was thinking if they did not open until 9AM or 10AM, our group could get off the boat first thing and go to Cabbage Beach and hang out until they open. How far is the walk from Cabbage Beach to Atlantis? Is Cabbage Beach safe early in the morning? Is any of this feasible given our time constraints?

 

The DIGS are technically open 24/7, but they open for business/ tours at 9am. Before that, it's dimly lit and the end is chain locked, so you have to backtrack. Once open, you'll need a DIGS pass to enter. $39pp.

(if they are serving breakfast at the Cafe, they won't allow you down the stairs to the entrance).

 

Stores open at 9:30.

 

Cabbage Beach is accessible in the morning, but I'm not sure how safe it is. Homeless people sleep all over the island, you might come across a few that early in the day. I guess by 8, it should be ok.

 

Be careful during the stormy season, Cabbage Beach can be quite dangerous with rip tides and undertows. Enjoy the beach, but I wouldn't go into the water until they put the flags up for the day (warning, closed, open) and others arrive. Which is around 9am.

 

Cabbage beach is about 10 minutes from the Beach or Coral Towers entrance to Atlantis. Another 10 minutes to the Casino depending on where you enter.

 

Casino should be pretty empty in the morning.

[travelpeon]

Will the Starbucks and Jamba Juice in Marina Village open before 9:30? I wouldn't mind grabbing some tea and using the Starbucks wifi for a while before walking to Cabbage or doing some browsing.

 

Do they have free wifi at Starbucks in the Bahamas?

 

What would you suggest doing between 7-9 am?

[scubagirrl]

Will the Starbucks and Jamba Juice in Marina Village open before 9:30? I wouldn't mind grabbing some tea and using the Starbucks wifi for a while before walking to Cabbage or doing some browsing.

 

Do they have free wifi at Starbucks in the Bahamas?

 

What would you suggest doing between 7-9 am?

 

I'd expect both Starbucks and jamba to be open early for breakfast.

 

As for WI FI.. I doubt it's free. Nothing at Atlantis is free. Not even a water fountain.

 

Maybe you can do a search online..

[travelpeon]

Thanks scubagirrl!

[Host Faith]

We got a room at CS and will be in Nassau 7AM-2PM. I was thinking that perhaps we could head to CS to check in and out at the same time, grab some breakfast at Atlantis, and head to the beach until the Digs and waterpark open. Does this sound feasible?

[Host Faith]

Bump

[scubagirrl]

We got a room at CS and will be in Nassau 7AM-2PM. I was thinking that perhaps we could head to CS to check in and out at the same time, grab some breakfast at Atlantis, and head to the beach until the Digs and waterpark open. Does this sound feasible?

 

If you have a room at CS, you're continental breakfast is included.

 

Pools and beach open at 9am/ water park at 10pm.

[Host Faith]

If you have a room at CS, you're continental breakfast is included.

 

Pools and beach open at 9am/ water park at 10pm.

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate your help.

[dotcomgirl]

We are looking at getting a room at Comfort Suites as well for when we are in Nassau from 7am-1pm. Do you book the room for the day you will be there? So if we are there 8/22, we book for 8/22 check-in and 8/23 check out? Do they really allow you to "check-in" at 8-9am and check-out at the same time just to get your Atlantis passes?

 

This is the cheapest option for us, but I'm worried something will go wrong!

[scubagirrl]

We are looking at getting a room at Comfort Suites as well for when we are in Nassau from 7am-1pm. Do you book the room for the day you will be there? So if we are there 8/22, we book for 8/22 check-in and 8/23 check out? Do they really allow you to "check-in" at 8-9am and check-out at the same time just to get your Atlantis passes?

 

This is the cheapest option for us, but I'm worried something will go wrong!

 

Seriously?? The waterpark doesn't open until 10am and you'd have to leave around 12:15 to get back to the ship.. that's just 2 hours at Atlantis.. that's crazy.

 

as for check in.. you book the day you are in town.

You can check in anytime, but you have to go to a spot in the Royal towers to get your passes.. they open at 9.

You can check in and check out at the same time.

[grammywig]

I have also booked 2 rooms at Comfort Suites Paradise Island and have the following questions:

> How early can you gain access to the room and receive the wristbands for Atlantis? Our NCL Jewel docks at 8:00 am

> Are you able to go anywhere within the Atlantis complex with these wristbands?

> The Comfort Suites Room states the following:

full use of all Atlantis Paradise Island facilities including swimming pools, private beach, water park, lazy river ride, water slides, health spa, aqua adventure marine and also have full signing privileges at Atlantis’ restaurants and lounges. It’s about a 5 min. walk from Comfort Suites to Atlantis and about a 5 min. taxi ride from the port to Comfort Suites.

> About how much time should we leave at the end of the day to return to the ship in time for 6:00 pm sailing and is it very crowded trying to get a taxi back to port?

Thank you for your help as this is our first cruise!!!

[scubagirrl]

I have also booked 2 rooms at Comfort Suites Paradise Island and have the following questions:

> How early can you gain access to the room and receive the wristbands for Atlantis? Our NCL Jewel docks at 8:00 am

You can check in at any time, but your room won't be available until 3pm.

Wristbands are available from a room in the lower level of the Royal towers after 9am.

 

> Are you able to go anywhere within the Atlantis complex with these wristbands?

No, there are areas restricted to Cove and Reef guests only such as Cain Pool and outdoor casino, Cain cabanas and Paradise Beach in front of the Reef/Cove, as well as the pool between them ..

 

> The Comfort Suites Room states the following:

full use of all Atlantis Paradise Island facilities including swimming pools, private beach, water park, lazy river ride, water slides, health spa, aqua adventure marine and also have full signing privileges at Atlantis’ restaurants and lounges. It’s about a 5 min. walk from Comfort Suites to Atlantis and about a 5 min. taxi ride from the port to Comfort Suites.

Spa is available to all at a fee, water toys, rock climbing, dolphin cay, snorkeling and other water programs are add'l fees as well. You will have signing priveleges only if you leave a credit card open at Comfort Suites.

> About how much time should we leave at the end of the day to return to the ship in time for 6:00 pm sailing and is it very crowded trying to get a taxi back to port?

 

Rush hour start to back up the bridge around 4:30pm.. at this point it could take the better part of an hour to cross the bridge and get back to port. Since you have to be back by 5:30pm, I'd suggest leaving at 4:30pm

 

Thank you for your help as this is our first cruise!!!

 

 

 

Taxi's will be available.. they will pack vans up with people going back to the ship.

[Casey9]

Scuba Girl,

We are planning on taking the jitney to the Sheraton and getting a day pass. I'm assuming that the front desk of the Sheraton is always open to get the day pass, but are the jitneys (sp?) running at 8:00 a.m.?

Also, we will be there the first week in April. Is this considered Spring Break season also?

Thank you!

[scubagirrl]

Scuba Girl,

 

We are planning on taking the jitney to the Sheraton and getting a day pass. I'm assuming that the front desk of the Sheraton is always open to get the day pass, but are the jitneys (sp?) running at 8:00 a.m.?

 

Also, we will be there the first week in April. Is this considered Spring Break season also?

 

Thank you!

 

Spring Break has wound down and easter break hasn't started .. so you're lucky. Front desk is just inside the door.. Jitneys' run from 6am - 6:30pm

 

Have fun

[dotcomgirl]

Seriously?? The waterpark doesn't open until 10am and you'd have to leave around 12:15 to get back to the ship.. that's just 2 hours at Atlantis.. that's crazy.

 

as for check in.. you book the day you are in town.

You can check in anytime, but you have to go to a spot in the Royal towers to get your passes.. they open at 9.

You can check in and check out at the same time.

 

It's worth it to us. It's our only chance to see Atlantis and spending the money for the short amount of time doesn't matter to us. My BF wants 2 hours to walk around the resort and I'm good with 2 hours in the waterpark. Is 2 hours in the waterpark not enough to do a few slides (not all... for example, I'm too scared to do the straight drop) and the lazy river?

[Casey9]

Spring Break has wound down and easter break hasn't started .. so you're lucky. Front desk is just inside the door.. Jitneys' run from 6am - 6:30pm

 

Have fun

 

You are a wealth of information and very generous to share it here - thank you, and may I ask one more question? :p Do you know if the Sheraton has internet available? Normally, I would do anything but be on a computer during vacation, but I'm taking a couple of classes and I'm afraid that it will be an evil necessity, for a few minutes anyway, on this one.

[scubagirrl]

You are a wealth of information and very generous to share it here - thank you, and may I ask one more question? :p Do you know if the Sheraton has internet available? Normally, I would do anything but be on a computer during vacation, but I'm taking a couple of classes and I'm afraid that it will be an evil necessity, for a few minutes anyway, on this one.

They have a business center, but I think you have to be a guest.

[Casey9]

They have a business center, but I think you have to be a guest.

 

I'll probably just end up buying a small internet package on the ship rather than trying to keep up with the laptop on shore. Thanks again!

[LOWTYD]

Question for anyone who took a a ship excursion.

I know there are cheaper ways to do the Atlantis Aqua Adventure but if you take the excursion from the ship, do they have more than one return time? We are looking at NCL and it's not clear if they only have one return time or more. We want time to walk around little before getting back on board.

Thanks for your help.

[grammywig]

Thank you Scubagirrl .........

 

You have great information......I am getting very, very excited about our first cruise on NCL Jewel, July 2-9, 2011. Our group has 8 adults and 8 kids (ages 4-15) and we are all hoping for a wonderful experience on the ship and at Atlantis. Do you think both will be really crowded as this is over the 4th of July holiday week???

[scubagirrl]

Thank you Scubagirrl .........

 

You have great information......I am getting very, very excited about our first cruise on NCL Jewel, July 2-9, 2011. Our group has 8 adults and 8 kids (ages 4-15) and we are all hoping for a wonderful experience on the ship and at Atlantis. Do you think both will be really crowded as this is over the 4th of July holiday week???

 

It will be crowded, but not as crazy as spring break.

They have a big "beach party" for 4th of July. (extra $ of course).

[jbanana1]

Scubagirl, how crowded do you think Atlantis will be on Sat. July 2nd?

[scubagirrl]

Scubagirl, how crowded do you think Atlantis will be on Sat. July 2nd?

 

Besides Spring Break, American holiday weeks / especially long weekends, are the most crowded times of the year. You also have at least 4 ships in port with 12000 cruisers.

 

It will be crowded.

[grammywig]

Dear ScubaGirrl, Thank you for all your great information.....would you please confirm that our room reservation at Comfort Suites will give us Atlantis access to these specific activities: River Ride, Snorkeling lagoon, 13 Pools, Seven Waterslides including Leap of Faith. My family has been researching Atlantis and can't believe that a room reservation at another property allows you entrance to the above. THANK YOU>