What is so bad about Nassau??

[MaiTaiMary]

We're trying to decide between two cruise itineraries. One includes Nassau. I thought it would be a great port! I keep reading about how bad it is, but I'm not sure why. :confused:

 

This will be our first Caribbean cruise. (We've only done Mexico). Is Nassau really that bad, or are people who have cruised a lot just tired of going there because a lot of cruises stop here?

 

 

Tell me more about Nassau! :D

[Liverpoollovely]

I have been to Nassau many times I like it :) as with most reviews you gotta take them with a pinch of salt not every port is to everyone's liking

 

Nassau I have done a tour of the island .. Gone to the straw markets ... Gone to the Atlantis resort .. I have always had fun in this port

[Cruizinman]

Bad about Nassau, nothing if you haven't visited there up-teen times .

[MissMeggieMurphy]

for me its the ghettos of the caribbean. based on what much of the caribbean has to offer as far as fun things to do i find nassau sorely lacking and i wouldn't cruise somewhere where all the fun is a man made amusement center much like you can find near any large city in the states.

[jeschwartz82]

we actually really enjoyed nassau. we didnt book an excursion and just went in to town. we wandered around a bit and found a small, hole in the wall rum shop. they took GREAT care of us and we just had a wonderful time with the store owners.

 

we dropped the rum off back at the ship and then contracted with a local tour guide to take us around the island. for $30 a person he took us EVERYWHERE. we got to see all the sights with a true local. everyone knew dan, and dan knew everyone. we got to see all sides of the island, from the super wealthy's homes to the less fortunate. he took us to atlantis for a bit, and then took us to the fish fry for some conch.

 

i really do think that each port is what you make of it. we had also read the bad reviews, but nassau turned in to one of our favorite ports, thanks to an open mind and a great guide.

[MaiTaiMary]

based on what much of the caribbean has to offer as far as fun things to do i find nassau sorely lacking and i wouldn't cruise somewhere where all the fun is a man made amusement center much like you can find near any large city in the states.

 

Can you explain this? I'm just going off of pictures and Nassau looks like miles and miles of beautiful beaches. :confused:

 

What is the "man made amusement center"?

[JoanK]

We're trying to decide between two cruise itineraries. One includes Nassau. I thought it would be a great port! I keep reading about how bad it is, but I'm not sure why. :confused:

 

This will be our first Caribbean cruise. (We've only done Mexico). Is Nassau really that bad, or are people who have cruised a lot just tired of going there because a lot of cruises stop here?

 

 

Tell me more about Nassau! :D

We were in Nassau last week, had a great time, the people are friendly, the town/city is well kept.

 

Been there many times before on cruises and private trips and never had or seen a problem.

 

Dont understand what other persons see????????:(

[Liverpoollovely]

Can you explain this? I'm just going off of pictures and Nassau looks like miles and miles of beautiful beaches. :confused:

 

What is the "man made amusement center"?

 

 

 

I think the poster is talking about Atlantis resort it has a huge casino inside it

 

I would like to state the of all the Caribbean islands I have been to Montego Bay is more ghetto like than Nassau

[goaties]

we took an island tour with one of the guys holding signs when you get off the ship. It turned out to be wonderful. Greg Arnett was his name and he was great. They are licensed tour operators trying to make a living and they will hound you when you get off the ship. It is not hard to find one. we were also a little skeptical and it turned out to be one of our favorites of the cruise. He took us to Atlantis for a short stop. Next time we will take a taxi to Atlantas. It was wonderful and we only had a short time to see it. $30.00 a person and had a van. he stopped at some local stops and told us all about culture and living there etc. Took us to a small hole in the wall place and bought us coconut bread that was wonderful. he paid for it etc. Needless to say we tipped him really nice. check out the tours and look for Greg Arnett.

[Liverpoollovely]

Ohh and also I seem this being shared on another post it could be useful to yourself a wonderful organised cruise critic member had information about Nassau and other ports

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36254689&postcount=3

[Surfwench]

I would never turn down a cruise itinerary because it included Nassau.... I can't say the same thing about Freeport! Just kidding, but not really. Nassau is a perfectly charming island but it is a default cruise stop and most of us have been there beaucoup times. Especially the first time, you'll find a lot to do. Have fun.

[deborahjo]

Have been there 3 times and never want to go back. If we do we will stay on the ship. Went to the Straw Market and felt like I was being assulted. People throwing their stuff at you and they get up in your face. I hate that.

 

Have been to Passion Island and was not impressed by it either.

[cruzinlisa]

Nassau was alright, definitely my least favorite place. We did an Island tour with Atlantis. We saw some of the normal sights, like libraries, castles, etc. and the ghettos. And then we got to go to Atlantis to walk around. When we went it was a dreary day and rainy day. The ghettos were scary. We drove past gas stations and McDonalds. Just nothing really exotic or pretty about the place for the most part (until Atlantis). One exception, during the tour we were going past some government buildings and there was this big billboard type of sign, which I think she said was on the health clinic. I said something to the effect of "protect your tings, always wear your rubbers." That was priceless. Atlantis was awesome. Big fish tanks, casino I guess and fancy hotel. Kinda reminded me of a mini vegas hotel or something.

If I went back I guess we would go to Atlantis. I did not really see it as a good beach destination, but that could be because it was about 50-60 degrees, gray skies and raining.

Its not one of those places that I would not get off the ship, atleast not until I have been there a dozen times. But it wasn't great.

 

There is shopping by the port though. I think that is where I bought my purse. Or maybe I got it in St. Thomas. I know they had them there. If nothing else its good to get a few souveniers.

[MrSchwump]

I have found the service in Nassau to be generally very slow and somewhat surly. I think it's people have a callous attitude toward tourists and I've not found them very welcoming or genuine. It has nice physical attributes, it's the people that I'm not crazy about.

[TakeMeAway1001]

While there isn't much at the port there is plenty to see and do outside of that area, on our stops to Nassau we have done an AI pass to a beautiful resort, snorkeled/clear kayaks tour, gone horseback riding on a secluded beach, gone to Blue Lagoon etc. If you haven't done so already check out the ports board for the Bahamas and share what your interests are and see what others have to say :) Enjoy

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

[iris9760]

I have been to the Bahamas several times and am, in fact, going again in April. However, I will not be getting off the boat at this port. It is by far my least favorite port to visit. Given the choice, I would always book a differnt itinerary. The people of the island are rude, the beaches are not worth it and getting back on the ship takes forever. The only reason we are going back on this itinerary is to go to Carnival's private island. Really enjoyed not being bombarded with tour offers and junk as you are in Nassau!

[MrPete]

We're trying to decide between two cruise itineraries. One includes Nassau. I thought it would be a great port! I keep reading about how bad it is, but I'm not sure why. :confused:

 

This will be our first Caribbean cruise. (We've only done Mexico). Is Nassau really that bad, or are people who have cruised a lot just tired of going there because a lot of cruises stop here?

 

 

Tell me more about Nassau! :D

 

There is nothing wrong with Nassau.

 

I equate it with people pulling into Manhattan, and not going more than 2 blocks from the docks, and saying there's nothing to do.

[Surfwench]

I have found the service in Nassau to be generally very slow and somewhat surly. I think it's people have a callous attitude toward tourists and I've not found them very welcoming or genuine. It has nice physical attributes, it's the people that I'm not crazy about.

 

Oh, I have to respectfully disagree here. I've found the locals to be very friendly, helpful and proud of their island. You need to get past the 'cruise zone' to experience the real Nassau. I've yet to step foot in the straw market or senor frogs.

[momof4boys]

Nassau was alright, definitely my least favorite place. We did an Island tour with Atlantis. We saw some of the normal sights, like libraries, castles, etc. and the ghettos. And then we got to go to Atlantis to walk around. When we went it was a dreary day and rainy day. The ghettos were scary. We drove past gas stations and McDonalds. Just nothing really exotic or pretty about the place for the most part (until Atlantis). One exception, during the tour we were going past some government buildings and there was this big billboard type of sign, which I think she said was on the health clinic. I said something to the effect of "protect your tings, always wear your rubbers." That was priceless. Atlantis was awesome. Big fish tanks, casino I guess and fancy hotel. Kinda reminded me of a mini vegas hotel or something.

If I went back I guess we would go to Atlantis. I did not really see it as a good beach destination, but that could be because it was about 50-60 degrees, gray skies and raining.

Its not one of those places that I would not get off the ship, atleast not until I have been there a dozen times. But it wasn't great.

 

There is shopping by the port though. I think that is where I bought my purse. Or maybe I got it in St. Thomas. I know they had them there. If nothing else its good to get a few souveniers.

 

 

I just have to comment on the billboard.......the one I saw in 2005 said, in big letters, "Protect your tings". I mentioned to my group of friends and kids, how nice I thought it was that the city was reminding tourists to protect their things. Everyone agree how nice that was. Until later we saw a different billboard that included the "rubbers" part. We laughed about that for a LONG time!!

 

Nassau is ok. We've been there twice. Once because we were diverted there due to a hurricane and we hurridly picked a snorkle excursion, and another time we chose to go there and went to Atlantis. I would go back but I would never chose a cruise just to go there.

[MegnJoe]

My DH and I went to Nassau for our honeymoon and loved it. We found a lot to do. However, for our cruise we chose an itinerary that didn't include Nassau because we want to see new places.

[halos]

Nassau isn't horrible by any means but the Bahamas cannot compare to the Caribbean, even remotely.

[Moosevilleco]

We really enjoyed Nassau. We took the public bus from the dock area to the Colonial Hilton. You can purchase a day pass at the Hilton and use their facilities. It is a beautiful resort - pools, basketball court, lots of water toys, chairs and beach umbrellas. I rented a jet ski here and it was a blast. The only downside were the drink prices - I think something like $12 for one banana rum drink.

 

We also went to the Pirates of Nassau Museum - it was really cool. Ended up at the Straw Market on the way back to the ship. I enjoyed shopping there and did not find the people in the Market overly pushy. Prices are really inexpensive and I felt bad for the folks that worked there. It's really crowded and confined. We did run into a VERY aggressive tshirt salesman outside the market whom we just told no thanks and kept going.

[lhanson38]

Here's my take on Nassau Its pretty the water and snorkleing are just wonderful. I think the mistake I made was going to all the other islands before going to Nassau. It just dosn't compare to most of the other islands. I think you will love the island if you go there first and have nothing to compare it to. And yes the vendors are pushy and loud.

Just keep walking and don't make eye contact its the same way in a lot of ports. Once you get away from the ports its fine.

[All4fun&fun4all]

We were there 3 weeks ago. Had a blast!!! Our 5th time there. walked to Twin Brothers had a great lunch. rode the Jitney all over for next to no money. Like $5 for a tour of that sise of the island . Junkanoo beach is clean and safe. Check the reviews in my signature for tips and pictures. Enjoy! We love it.

[cruisinqt]

We have been there many times and we love it. Why do people dislike it? The straw market is the biggest flea market ever with great prices on name brand purses, shirts, bags, etc. But they are very aggressive and pushy which puts a lot of people off. :( Atlantis is a huge resort with casino, beach, and amusement park. Why do people dislike it? It's very, very overpriced. Plus, it's not a very big island so you run out of options fast if you've been there numerous times.

 

But we have found the best excursion ever on our last visit. It's called the "Bahamas Segway and Beach Break." :) It's a great Segway excursion but its the most unique one ever because you ride your Segway through the countryside enjoying the plant life and animals and really getting to enjoy the beauty of the island. Plus you get to ride your Segway along the beach and have some swim time if you'd like. I preferred relaxing under a shade tree in my chair and sipping on a cold drink:D (which is included in the price.) It's through a local company that comes highly recommended on the Nassau boards and they pick you right up at the pier. For my family of four it was only $65 each which is a steal compared to Carnivals price which is well over $100 and it just takes you around the town for a short time. From now on Nassau will be looked forward to by us because we could do this excursion every time and have a blast. Segway's are such fun and they let you spin around and play around in yours which is so much fun.