Discover Atlantis or on our own

[karen of PA]

We are going to Nassau on the Gem in two weeks. Since it is our first trip there, we would like to see the DIG and aquarium and tour Atlantis if we can. We're not interested in the pools or the beach. The excursion from the ship is $59. Do you think it is worth it? Do you get to see anything more than we would if we went on our own and took a ferry or taxi to the resort and paid for the aquarium when we get there?

 

Thanks,

Karen

[jbanana1]

For just the dig/aquarium I would wait and buy tickets at Atlantis instead of thru the cruiseline.

[putchieo]

We took the Discover Atlantis tour (Disney excursion) while on our Dream cruise of 10/23/11. I would highly recommend it over taking the tour on your own.

 

We rode over and back to Atlantis in a very comfortable bus. The driver going over was very entertaining in explaining the different spots in Nassau and even went out of his way a bit to drive by the Spanish Steps area which several on the tour had never seen, including us.

 

The Discover tour guide lady was very pleasant and informative through the entire walk. We really enjoyed the experience.

 

A real plus for us was being able once again to freely roam the Atlantis Resort water park, predator pools, and beach areas which we haven't been able to do since 9/11. Was always free to do that but after 9/11 they stopped and you had to either pay to go to the area or be staying there at the Resort.

Otherwise your only option at Atlantis is to visit the casino and the general lobby and shops area.

 

Whichever you choose, enjoy your cruise and Atlantis.

[jbanana1]

Putcheio, the Discover Atlantis tour doesn't include the waterpark, pools or beach. You can't just roam the Atlantis grounds with this tour. You were either on a different tour or slipped thru security.

[putchieo]

jbanana1: Let me assure you we did not slip through security and yes, we were on the Discover Atlantis tour as I indicated.

 

You are correct that the Discover Atlantis tour does not include the water park and I never said we used the water park facilities.

 

What I did say was that after our tour through Atlantis (including The Dig), we were allowed to freely roam through the Atlantis water parks, predator pools and beach areas. This is part of the Discover Atlantis tour with Disney. Perhaps another ship did not include that extra on their Atlantis tour which is what you may be thinking.

 

Before the tour, we were given bracelets on the ship to wear and which allowed us to roam the grounds of the Resort. Without them, visitors are restricted to the casino, shops and hotel lobby area.

 

Best wishes.

[jbanana1]

The info on the Disney website states the same info as on Carnival's (which I've sailed on). It states it only includes a tour of the digs and preditor lagoon and that afterwards you can walk around the casino and shops (the free areas of Atlantis). It also states that use of the pools, slides and beach access is not included. I know you said you didn't use the water park facilities but I am surprised you would be able to walk around the waterpark and beach area with only a Discover Atlantis tour because what would stop you from using the pools or beach once you are out there.

[putchieo]

jbanana1: I don't understand what your concern is with this issue and my reply to it (it is what it is) but will try to address it as best I can.

 

In my opinion, it isn't the concern of any visitor to Atlantis WHY they choose to allow tour participants to roam the grounds. I'm only glad they do! It was a big part of our decision to take the tour as we've been there many times and missed walking around the grounds since 9/11.

 

Now, it also isn't my concern (or yours) if anyone on the tour decides to take it upon themselves to use the facilities as well. That is a concern for Atlantis security only and I'm sure they have ways to spot this should that occur.

 

Never been on Carnival (17 previous cruises and all on Disney) but info on the cruise excursion said we were allowed to walk around Atlantis as we wished and may visit the casino, etc. etc. In order to be completely clear exactly what was included, a call to DCL prior to the cruise informed us that we could explore the grounds as well as long as we kept our wristbands on. That was a must as without them you would be stopped by security. Also, received information on another Board from previous cruisers on that tour that it did indeed include the grounds as well.

 

Hope this clarifies things for you and perhaps for others who read this. If you have any other questions please let me know and I'l try to help.

 

Best wishes.

[jbanana1]

I was just trying to clarify whether it was the Discover Atlantis excursion or Discover Atlantis Beach excursion you took because the info on the Discover Atlantis excursion makes it seem like you can't roam the grounds . Anyway, I'm glad you were able to do so.

[scubagirrl]

jbanana1: I don't understand what your concern is with this issue and my reply to it (it is what it is) but will try to address it as best I can.

 

In my opinion, it isn't the concern of any visitor to Atlantis WHY they choose to allow tour participants to roam the grounds. I'm only glad they do! It was a big part of our decision to take the tour as we've been there many times and missed walking around the grounds since 9/11.

 

Now, it also isn't my concern (or yours) if anyone on the tour decides to take it upon themselves to use the facilities as well. That is a concern for Atlantis security only and I'm sure they have ways to spot this should that occur.

 

Never been on Carnival (17 previous cruises and all on Disney) but info on the cruise excursion said we were allowed to walk around Atlantis as we wished and may visit the casino, etc. etc. In order to be completely clear exactly what was included, a call to DCL prior to the cruise informed us that we could explore the grounds as well as long as we kept our wristbands on. That was a must as without them you would be stopped by security. Also, received information on another Board from previous cruisers on that tour that it did indeed include the grounds as well.

 

Hope this clarifies things for you and perhaps for others who read this. If you have any other questions please let me know and I'l try to help.

 

Best wishes.

 

I think it's perfectly fine to clarify just what was and was not included.. since it seems your tour was not the norm.

 

For the most part, Discover Atlantis tours DO NO ALLOW you to wander around the water park, just certain other parts of the property. perhaps it's a special deal with your particular cruiseline.

 

It's in the best interest of others who may be considering this to get all the facts straight so they are not disappointed once they pay for this type of tour.

 

I spoke to a family yesterday who did this and their bracelet did NOT allow them entrance to the water park area.. even to just wander around.

 

It seems it's different strokes... for different folks. ..

[jakesnana]

Scubagirrl, maybe you could help me here. I am taking my elderly mother (79) on a cruise to Nassau. While she has ported there before, she has never ventured off of the ship. I would like to take her to Atlantis to see the aquarium, but do not want to take her as part of a tour (she will be in a wheelchair). Could we just take a taxi to Atlantis and purchase a ticket for the aquarium? We would like to take our time visiting and maybe take a walk through the casino. I know she would LOVE to see the glass sculptures.

 

TIA for your help.

[scubagirrl]

Scubagirrl, maybe you could help me here. I am taking my elderly mother (79) on a cruise to Nassau. While she has ported there before, she has never ventured off of the ship. I would like to take her to Atlantis to see the aquarium, but do not want to take her as part of a tour (she will be in a wheelchair). Could we just take a taxi to Atlantis and purchase a ticket for the aquarium? We would like to take our time visiting and maybe take a walk through the casino. I know she would LOVE to see the glass sculptures.

 

TIA for your help.

 

Yes, grab a cab and head to the Atlantis.. you can pick up tickets to the DIGS in the Casino. (ask where you can find the elevator.. it's a bit out of the way.

 

Tours run thru the DIGS all day long, so it's sometimes hard to get up to the glass.. you may have to wade your way thru as one tour passes and another trails in.

 

DIGS passes are $39 pp. Cab is $5pp.

[jakesnana]

Yes, grab a cab and head to the Atlantis.. you can pick up tickets to the DIGS in the Casino. (ask where you can find the elevator.. it's a bit out of the way.

 

Tours run thru the DIGS all day long, so it's sometimes hard to get up to the glass.. you may have to wade your way thru as one tour passes and another trails in.

 

DIGS passes are $39 pp. Cab is $5pp.

 

Thanks for the help. Do you know if we will have any problem finding a taxi that can take the wheelchair?

[scubagirrl]

Thanks for the help. Do you know if we will have any problem finding a taxi that can take the wheelchair?

 

Most taxi's are vans. If it's a folding wheelchair, it shouldn't be a problem. If it's a motorized scooter.. u may have to ask around for someone to accomodate.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

It seems as if the cost of the tour through RCI ($49) is only $5 less when you include the taxi than doing it on your own. For that difference the convenience would be worth it to me. As far as where you have access to the resort with the Discover Atlantis Tour here is the tour description on the RCI website:

 

The experience begins with a short transfer to the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a tour that incorporates Ruins Lagoon, a recreation of the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis. The Dig is a replica of an archeological excavation site, and Predator Lagoon where you will view sharks, barracudas and many other creatures from the deep.

This guided tour recreates the lost city of Atlantis, while providing a fascinating look at life in the ocean's depths. Wander through a maze of underground passageways, discovering archeological artifacts, hieroglyphs and Atlantean inventions while surrounded by a stunning civilization of sea animals. Expert navigators will help guide you through the ancient city streets of Atlantis to decode the legend of Atlantis as well as providing fascinating information on the habits of the sea animals.

At the conclusion of the tour, you may tour the hotel's grand lobby, dine at one of the many restaurants, or return by shuttle to your ship.

 

This looks like the tour is limited to the Digs, Ruins Lagoon and Predator Lagoon although the video included in the description does say you are free to "tour the Atlantis Hotel or return to the ship". Perhaps that is a bit misleading and you are limited to the Grand Lobby. I am primarily interested in the Digs and would prefer to return to the downtown shopping area after the tour, so this tour looks fine to me.