Cable beach/junkanoo beach or Cabbage Beach?

[Kamloops50]

I would be careful of renting anything at a beach in the Caribbean including the Bahamas.

[schrei]

You know you try to find something to do, that is safe and fun and not pay the premium that the ships get...so we ventured out...like many others. It was a horrible experience. I can only imagine if you were not a good swimmer or they were by themselves how a good day could've gone bad. Just trying to help other unknowing individuals avoid a tragic event.

[MelCruiser]

Chairs were $15 each at one place and $12 at another. Here are some observations, nobody bothered us, the sand was a bit hard and a little rocky, should have brought another towel to dry off with and rest head on (we did not rent the chairs). There bathrooms available, they were clean, but old. Really not any shade available. Don’t know about the drinks, only had beer. I bought a bucket 4 for $10. The water was crystal clear and a little rocky, but I went in with bare feet, no problem. The walk was not bad; you have to go around the British Colonial hotel and their parking lot, then just a little further on the right. One of the vendors was cooking jerk chicken; we did not try it, but smelled great.

[Chelleum]

Sorry to hear what happened to you and your family. Thank God, your kids were not hurt.

 

Thanks, I will taking your warning when I go in November to beware of these con men.

[Feelin' Nauti']

We were just at Junkanoo beach last week (5/28/12). The beach is nice, has white sand and clear calm water but there was quite a bit of broken glass in the sand and even into the water. So if you go just watch where you step!

:cool:

Read several reviews about the glass.

What a shame.

 

Chairs were $15 each at one place and $12 at another. Here are some observations, nobody bothered us, the sand was a bit hard and a little rocky, should have brought another towel to dry off with and rest head on (we did not rent the chairs). There bathrooms available, they were clean, but old. Really not any shade available. Don’t know about the drinks, only had beer. I bought a bucket 4 for $10. The water was crystal clear and a little rocky, but I went in with bare feet, no problem. The walk was not bad; you have to go around the British Colonial hotel and their parking lot, then just a little further on the right. One of the vendors was cooking jerk chicken; we did not try it, but smelled great.

Thanks for the pictures and review.

Looks like a quiet beach... Not crowded at all.

[Keith1010]

Thank you for taking the time to post this.

 

Keith

[NCTribeFan]

These boards are here to help us share information.

 

But it is really the most helpful if you use them to research PRIOR to your cruise!

 

Yes, posting your experience here afterward is helpful, but had you done your research before, you most likely would never have had the horrible experience in the first place!

 

There are reputable excursion vendors on all the islands. You just have to do your homework. Find ones that are insured/bonded/whatever.

[Buffettfan 225]

thanks to all who have posted beach info, the jetski warning-God Bless they were ok (were they not offered life preservers?)- appreciate info.

ScubaGirl + other CC'ers- can you describe where straw market is after getting off ship, and if feel "safe, clean enough area to get to? I had heard old one burned down. We are only there 7-2 on ship, and have done Adastra zoo/garden last time via the local bus, so looking at perhaps shopping,port area.

[govgurl]

Thanks for the tip re: Jetskis. I don't think I'd be motivated to rent a machine that wasn't kept by a hotel, but it's good to know this in case any of my friends are tempted.

[scubagirrl]

Thanks for the tip re: Jetskis. I don't think I'd be motivated to rent a machine that wasn't kept by a hotel, but it's good to know this in case any of my friends are tempted.

 

NONE of the hotels take responsibility for these vendors. They are all privately owned and operated, and most are unregistered and uninsured.

[schrei]

Thank you for the caring posts about the kids! Yes they had vests, and both were good swimmers, but not everyone is that fortunate. They were left treading water not able to be seen from land and of course when the ski went down, no other skis were around. If my husband wasn't with them on the other ski, there is no telling how long they would've been left.

 

Correct, the folks renting the jetskis were uninsured and not vendors allowed to be on the beach, we later found this out after involving the police and Port Authority.

 

I appreciate we should all do our research before using services, therefore, my post. Wanting to warn everyone traveling and considering renting a jetski...BE AWARE-DO NOT DO IT!!! There is no regulation being done.

[Feelin' Nauti']

They have chairs for rent, I don't think umbrellas are available, There is some shade along the eastern part of the beach.

 

Haven't heard complaints of glass lately. But you never know.

 

I know concessions sell conch fritters, ice cream and there's a bar. Don't know what type of food.. but I assume it's hot dogs and burgers.. maybe someone can add to this.

 

No wave runners or any other motorized sports are allowed in this area, since it's in the harbour.

 

 

not much shade from the trees. :cool:

[Feelin' Nauti']

Doesn't look like they rent chairs at Junkanoo beach :cool:

 

[scubagirrl]

Doesn't look like they rent chairs at Junkanoo beach :cool:

 

 

 

They do.. most people don't bother renting them.. They have chairs and some loungers.

[Feelin' Nauti']

They do.. most people don't bother renting them.. They have chairs and some loungers.

Thanks Scuba Girl!

I'm no spring chicken any more.

Can't lay out on a blanket like I use to.

[bunnyman]

Did Junkanoo Beach last Tuesday (July 31) on Disney cruise from NYC. We shopped in am, had lunch back on ship, then walked to beach after that. Found it no more rocky than north shore beaches on Long Island, NY. Beach was reasonably clean for public beach. Chairs were being rented, but we didn't bother. We never felt threatened, and a couple of vendors wandering around took no as an answer and moved on...quite friendly actually. Plenty of other cruise guests there at same time, so that added to comfort factor. Bought a couple of bottled beers, good price.

 

I advise you not to try diving off concrete wharf...saw a tourist split his scalp open hitting something and get taken away in an ambulance (police station right across street).

[Feelin' Nauti']

Did Junkanoo Beach last Tuesday (July 31) on Disney cruise from NYC. We shopped in am, had lunch back on ship, then walked to beach after that. Found it no more rocky than north shore beaches on Long Island, NY. Beach was reasonably clean for public beach. Chairs were being rented, but we didn't bother. We never felt threatened, and a couple of vendors wandering around took no as an answer and moved on...quite friendly actually. Plenty of other cruise guests there at same time, so that added to comfort factor. Bought a couple of bottled beers, good price.

 

I advise you not to try diving off concrete wharf...saw a tourist split his scalp open hitting something and get taken away in an ambulance (police station right across street).

Wow! Fool to be doing something like that in unfamiliar waters.

 

How was the walk? Long?

[bunnyman]

Wow! Fool to be doing something like that in unfamiliar waters.

 

How was the walk? Long?

 

Took about 15 minutes, tops. Was very hot day, so felt like longer. Walk back was much quicker!

[Feelin' Nauti']

Took about 15 minutes, tops. Was very hot day, so felt like longer. Walk back was much quicker!

Tks...

Doesn't seem far at all.

 

However, right at the moment I am having problems with my knees. :(

Not sure if I could handle it....

Might take a taxi over. :cool:

[dizzystacy]

we are looking for somewhere to go for couple hours, ship doesnt get there till 12 so we r going to do lunch on ship and then get off so dont need all inclusive that includes food and since not getting there until about 1 by time get off and want to be back on ship by about 4 so we can shower and eat dinner, trying to think where worth going for about 3 hrs? any suggestions. Have 8 yr old boy.

[MCAT48]

Can you snorkle at any of the these beaches or can anyone suggest a beach to snorkle at in nassau?

[crusin'diva]

September is going to be my 12th cruise; however, it will only be my husband and I's 2nd WITHOUT our 2 boys. We are going with another couple and are looking into the most beautiful beaches in BOTH Freeport and Nassau. We have, in the past, usually booked one excursion a cruise, but this time I've read so many posts about being able to go to the public beaches and have the same amenities that I am wondering why we ever spent the $! We are looking for a beach that will allow us to have a chair, bar, crystal water with snorkeling if possible, restrooms, and at least a snack bar. We have already rented a private cabana on Balmoral Island in Nassau, but am going to cancel it because the couple going with us has never walked around Atlantis and I've honestly never heard anything about Balmoral Island. I honeslty thought I was booking it for the Freeport stop because we were disappointed in Freeport last time we were there and were looking for an all-inclusive day with a pool and beach.

 

Nassau-

Sheraton/Wyndham-Enough time to enjoy this and still take the boat to Atlantis? Love the idea of having a pool to enjoy as well.

 

Freeport-

Any hotels that offer the same type of day pass that the Sheraton/Wyndham does in Nassau?

 

As far as excursions, are there any, besides dolphins, that really blew anyone away and were worth the money at either of the Bahamian stops?

 

THANKS!

[tikib]

September is going to be my 12th cruise; however' date=' it will only be my husband and I's 2nd WITHOUT our 2 boys. We are going with another couple and are looking into the most beautiful beaches in BOTH Freeport and Nassau. We have, in the past, usually booked one excursion a cruise, but this time I've read so many posts about being able to go to the public beaches and have the same amenities that I am wondering why we ever spent the $!

 

We are looking for a beach that will allow us to have a chair, bar, crystal water with snorkeling if possible, restrooms, and at least a snack bar.

Junkanoo is the only public beach with amenities. It's just outside of town.

 

We have already rented a private cabana on Balmoral Island in Nassau, but am going to cancel it because the couple going with us has never walked around Atlantis and I've honestly never heard anything about Balmoral Island. I honeslty thought I was booking it for the Freeport stop because we were disappointed in Freeport last time we were there and were looking for an all-inclusive day with a pool and beach.

 

Nassau-

Sheraton/Wyndham-Enough time to enjoy this and still take the boat to Atlantis? Love the idea of having a pool to enjoy as well.

 

Sheraton is now the Melia, and no longer shares access with Wyndham. It's $40 pp.

You can no longer "walk around" Atlantis without paying for some level of a day pass. Security will stop you at the door. The cheapest one is $50 and allows access to the DIGS/Predator Lagoon only. Full access to the grounds is $145. Casino is open to the public, but that's the only area except the old tower shops that is open.

 

 

Freeport-

Any hotels that offer the same type of day pass that the Sheraton/Wyndham does in Nassau?

 

As far as excursions, are there any, besides dolphins, that really blew anyone away and were worth the money at either of the Bahamian stops?

 

THANKS!

 

 

hope this is helpful