What should I do in Freeport?

[MommyMonster]

I tried conch fritters for the first time in Nassau in May and found it really didn't have a lot of taste to it.. it's a bit like clams or calamari... a very mild taste and not "fishy" at all. It was a bit chewy. :)

 

 

Thanks!! It's the chewy part that might get me, but I think I'm gonna try it anyway.:D

[hancogran]

Thanks!! It's the chewy part that might get me, but I think I'm gonna try it anyway.:D

 

:D lol.. I know what you mean but they're not really, really chewy.. not as chewy as calamari. I think it depends whether they're overcooked or not. They're not that expensive and we just bought one order to try them .. We enjoyed them and got to finally try them! :)

[cantwait2cruise926]

Thanks!! It's the chewy part that might get me, but I think I'm gonna try it anyway.:D

 

Definately try it. If you try conch salad its not chewy at all. The conch is similiar to calamari but when calamari is cooked it can get chewy unless you get it at a really good restaurant then its not. The flavor is very mild and not fishy at all. I had conch fritters and conch salad and love em both.

[All4fun&fun4all]

We loved Freeport. We took the shuttle to Lucaya and went to the public beach after stopping at the duty free liquor store. We poured the rum we bought into a water bottle. After that we stopped at a store in the marketplace for a can of soda for a mixer and a beer for the boyfriend.

 

This is the store we stopped at:

 

 

Beer prices were cheap.

 

 

Then we walked to the public beach and put our towels on the sand. This is how beautiful the water is there.

 

 

After awhile it can get a little busy where they rent out the jetskis so just keep an eye out for the crazies.

 

 

When we were ready to head back to the ship we walked around to the front of the casino and waited for them to fill up a shuttle and we were on our way in about 10 to 15 minutes.

[KyleClark]

Does the free beach at Lucaya have life guards?

[hancogran]

Does the free beach at Lucaya have life guards?

 

We were there this past May and there were no lifeguards at that time.

[pickler1]

We are wondering how far to the west does the free beach go? We would like to avoid the jet skis while we're in the water.

[mbisson]

Good info in this thread...and as I'm just starting to research, I'm gonna bump it up and have it show up in my 'subscribed' threads list

 

thank you for the info everyone

[momof3cruisers]

Do any of the beaches in this area have "real" waves? I am from CA and want actual crashing waves not just a gentle little splash.

 

Thanks!

[gottago2mexico]

Do any of the beaches in this area have "real" waves? I am from CA and want actual crashing waves not just a gentle little splash.

 

Thanks!

 

If there is a south wind, then you will have crashing waves. Not like California, but still will give you the feeling of being on the ocean. If there is a north wind, then the water will be like glass.

[momof3cruisers]

Thanks. I will hope for a south wind. Don't need to be huge just a bit of fun!

[niclan6]

Where do you catch the shuttle to go to Our Lucaya? Is it a hotel shuttle or just a shuttle that takes you to Port Lucaya?

[hancogran]

The shuttle van we caught to Port Lucaya is right at the cruise terminal. There will be lots of people heading that way so they were basically just filling up vans then taking off... it was very orderly. These were not hotel shuttles but simply local taxis which were vans. I believe each van held about 11 or 12 people and it was $5 per person, each way. We paid our $20 for two of us at the start, and received a ticket for our return trip. Our driver told us all where to meet for the return trip and what time he'd be back for us. :) It worked out very well.

[KKB]

We are considering a cruise for Xmas for the kids that stops in Freeport--the photo of that beach might have convinced me!

Calamari and Conch should NOT NOT NOT be chewy. If it is, it is overcooked. Properly cooked they should be very tender. Even DH who is NOT a foodie noticed our chewy calamari at a nice restaurant in town--guess it is surprising how many places actually DO get it right.

[GloriaF]

Thanks for all the good info! We will be on the Ecstasy in Nov 2011.

[laumicmah]

Couldn't get page 3 of this thread...CC is acting up again. Anyway...we did our Lucaya and were not to thrilled...we passed by many a vendor who hassled us and they even had folks walking the beach trying to peddle their goods and a simple 'no thanks' does not make them go away. I hate this about the Bahamas. I will be in Freeport again in April...with my mom this time. I'd like to do a beach day, but WITHOUT being hassled to buy crap or get my hair braided. Any suggestions? I was thinking a Carnival excursion, but all they have is that Captain Morgan's Beach party. My mom is 63 and loves the sun, sand and ocean and likes to tie one on, but we don't want to hang with a bunch of 20-something partiers.

[beachpeach1]

Gottago2Mexico: Sounds like you are very familiar with Freeport. Which would be YOUR choice of beaches for the day? We went to Our Lucaya last year and it did get a bit crowded. Are the other beaches as easily accessible by taxi?

[BeadBabe]

Gottago? I swear I need to just email you! LOL

Ok...Lucaya sounds like it's going to be crowded. :( And likely too many kidlets for me...sorry folks.

What about Gold Rock? I know there are no amenities but the beach is suppose to be spectacular! True?

In my dream trip to Freeport....I find a private SAFE and SANE driver that would take me to Pioneers Way for my appointment; then to the Perfume Factory; then to Our Lucaya for shopping and to just see it; then to Gold Rock for an amazing one-with-the-Carib experience; then back to the ship...all the while this driver would wait for me.

My ship arrives at 8am, and leaves at 5pm. I'd like to be ON IT no later than 4pm.

1) Is Gold Rock really all that?

2) Is my schedule doable?

3) Is such a driver possible?

4) Any idea on cost?

[gottago2mexico]

1) Gold Rock Beach is beautiful at low tide. Check your tide schedules and if low tide isn't workable, then I would skip it. Go at least an hour before low tide and stay at least an hour after - try to split it for the best experience. Keep in mind it's a 45 minute drive, so the taxi ride will not be cheap. Best to go on a tour or rent a car for the day. See reviews and photos of the beach at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147422-d147585-Reviews-Gold_Rock_Beach-Lucayan_National_Park_Grand_Bahama_Island_Bahamas.html but ignore the first review where the reviewer went at high tide.

 

2. That really depends on when low tide is that day, when your appointment is, and how long your appointment lasts. Figure a 1.5 hour round-trip drive to Gold Rock Beach. The Bazaar is 15 minutes from the cruise port, then it's another 5 minutes to Lucaya from there.

 

3. Yes, pretty much any taxi driver would be happy to do that for you. Taxi drivers generally speaking in Grand Bahama are warm and friendly family people that are very proud of their island and love it when tourists take an interest. They are more than happy to show you around for the day. It's not cheap to take a taxi on the island, but this works pretty well. You can either grab a taxi at the pier (all vans), or you can call Freeport Taxi if you prefer a more comfortable yellow cab.

 

4. The government assigned hourly rate for taxi hire is $50.00 per hour for a taxi that takes 5 or less passengers and $70.00 per hour for a taxi that takes more than that. Additional hours beyond the first one are $32.50 and $40.00 per hour, respectively.

You can also hire a limo or towncar from either Brice Limousine or Forbes Charter for the day for a more cushy ride.

[BeadBabe]

Gottago...you are the bomb! Thanks!:D

I think I'll just grab a cab at each spot and not have them wait. Likely is cheaper and I don't really need one waiting if I'm at populated areas. Sounds like the cabbies are a plenty.

I think I'll skip Gold Rock this time, as time may be short. :(

Thank you!

[joan72761]

We will be in Freeport from 9:00 to 5:00. We have a very long stay in Nassau the next day so I don't want to overtire any of us in the sun. I'd like to spend no more than 3 -4 hours on the beach, do a bit of shopping and have lunch getting back onboard the ship by 4:00. My dh is interested in Junkanoo Beach but I didn't see anything about shopping there. (could have missed it with all the info that was provided). There will be several of us with mixed interests and 4 or so that will want to snorkle. Suggestions or recommendations are very welcome :p

[clcizme]

Couldn't get page 3 of this thread...CC is acting up again. Anyway...we did our Lucaya and were not to thrilled...we passed by many a vendor who hassled us and they even had folks walking the beach trying to peddle their goods and a simple 'no thanks' does not make them go away. I hate this about the Bahamas. I will be in Freeport again in April...with my mom this time. I'd like to do a beach day, but WITHOUT being hassled to buy crap or get my hair braided. Any suggestions? I was thinking a Carnival excursion, but all they have is that Captain Morgan's Beach party. My mom is 63 and loves the sun, sand and ocean and likes to tie one on, but we don't want to hang with a bunch of 20-something partiers.

 

Its a little farther out, but if you want a quuiet beach, good service, free hammocks and beach chairs, I suggest banana bay. The owner and staff are super nice and they will call a taxi for you when your done. No other vendors on the beach to hassle you. And, depending on you time in port, you might be able to get in a little shopping as well, but taking your taxi to Port Lucaya afterwards.

[Silly3mom]

More info. On banana cay beach please:)

[Harley Granny]

I'm going to jump in on this thread for info you ya'll don't mind. We're pretty much set on what we're doing in Nassau...Freeport is my headache.

 

We're more of the nature loving, non snorkling, non beach type...no offense but we live within an hour of so of beaches so looking for something different....

We are looking at Lacayan National Park, Garden of the Groves and the Marketplace....we're in port from noon till 7pm...of course wanting to be back on the ship by 6pm.

Is this doable? What would be the best was to do this without renting a car? Or hiring a cab for the entire day?

Thanks for any and all help!

[awatt]

I have a few quesions r reort beach and public beach at Our Lucaya:

 

- Does public beach offer chairs for rent?

 

- Is there shade or umbrellas either at resort or public beach?

 

- Taking my Mom who is elderly. Resort looks huge. Is it a long walk thru the resort to the beach?

 

TIA!