Is Nassau really as much of a dangerous hole as I have been reading?

[tiessa]

How about just using simple common sense when walking around town? If you see someplace that doesn't attract tourists or any shady activities, stay away! Otherwise, stay on the ship if anyone has that much angst!

 

 

If someone is worried about going ashore I usually recommend they do a ship excursion. You sound like you think anyone who is uneasy about going ashore is being silly. Women traveling alone are much more vulnerable than a couple. Everyone needs to do what they are comfortable with. There is no need to judge someone because they ask a simple question.

[Evangaline]

I don't see a problem with wandering in a few stores along Bay Street. Most cruisers do. With the ship being right there you don't feel as isolated and unsafe as you would in Montego Bay.

 

 

 

 

So then it reminded you of the French Quarter, in New Orleans?:D

 

Oh no. This can't be a good thing. Our ship sails from New Orleans and was planning on spending s couple days or so there for Mardi Gras. People keep saying how the main quest is finding a washroom, so I am beginning to piece together the urine and poop reference:)

[Raindrops27]

We did the same, but be expected to be hounded by the hair braiders, etc. The taxi guys would not leave us alone to walk there. I finally had to yell at him to FO in a kind way.

 

I won't book a cruise that stops there and if forced, will stay on the ship.

 

You have to go past the secured gate to get to the port shopping. And what's weird, this is the only port I was ever asked to show a passport to exit to the ship.

 

I felt relatively safe in port though, just really annoying.

 

Wait, what?? They expect you to carry your passport off the ship with you and not just your cruise card?? So, are you telling me we need to bring passports to get off and go back on the ship?? I've never had to do this. What cruiseline did you sail?

 

Did anyone else experience this also?

[CP89]

We were there this summer and thought it was fun and fairly safe. We did a ship excursion, but had a few hours to walk around and shop afterwards. We just stuck to the main tourist-y areas and it was fine. Before our tour ended, our guide commented that the penalty for crime against tourists is severe because the island depends on that industry & can't afford to lose business -- but I don't know if that's true or if he just was being reassuring.

 

The night before we got the warning about "hightened risks" and leaving valuables, passports etc on board, so we did leave our wedding rings in the safe, but afterwards we felt like it had been unnecessary. I have family who fly to Nassau and vacation there -- and not at the resort -- who LOVE it, so I think it's all in personal taste. IMO it was a fascinating port, but my husband was less enamored with it because of the crowds. As long as you use common sense, it's not any worse than the US.

[bigslick1974]

I was on an excursion that ended at 7:00 pm. We had to walk back to the ship in the dark. We were being hustled by the peddlers. I can take that but I was also offered drugs (heavy drugs at that) and I felt very unsafe at that point. Where are the police? None to be found.

 

As others have said, use common sense and exercise caution. I will not be walking through Nassau after dark anymore.

 

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[Charles4515]

Wait, what?? They expect you to carry your passport off the ship with you and not just your cruise card?? So, are you telling me we need to bring passports to get off and go back on the ship?? I've never had to do this. What cruiseline did you sail?

 

 

 

Did anyone else experience this also?

 

 

You need some kind of photo ID. It does not have to be a passport. I take my drivers license. Many ports require photo ID to get back on the ship in addition to ship card.

[Evangaline]

Wait, what?? They expect you to carry your passport off the ship with you and not just your cruise card?? So, are you telling me we need to bring passports to get off and go back on the ship?? I've never had to do this. What cruiseline did you sail?

 

Did anyone else experience this also?

 

You do not need your passport to reboard the ship. I always bring a photocopy of mine when in port in case something strange happened while I was ashore. The original is in the safe in my stateroom. This is pretty much SOP

[MissCruiseAddict]

...

Edited February 10, 2014 by MissCruiseAddict
double post

[Mysticks1]

Oh no. This can't be a good thing. Our ship sails from New Orleans and was planning on spending s couple days or so there for Mardi Gras. People keep saying how the main quest is finding a washroom, so I am beginning to piece together the urine and poop reference:)

 

Mardi Gras can bring out a lot of unsavory people including a lot of pickpockets because it is very crowded. Make sure your wallets/money/valuables aren't easy to get to. You will definitely see some new things there. Bourbon St stinks even in the early mornings after the street cleaners have been through.:cool:

 

I am taking my daughter (20) and her best friend on a cruise to Nassau in May. We plan to get off the ship and take a shuttle to Atlantis then straight back to the ship. I don't really have any concerns as we leave port before sunset. You should always be cautious whenever you travel no matter where you are.

[cruiseapril]

When we are traveling, we are always aware of possible problems.

 

Do read the U.S.State Dept. warnings about your destinations.

 

That being said, we have been to Nassau several times and have enjoyed each excursion.

 

Sure, there are vendors and yes there is crime in Nassau

(as in many seaports.) Be selective about what you do.

 

We do not go to the Straw Market- we always walk with 2 or 3 others- we do not walk around at night. Beware of "Over the Hill" area. Study your map.

 

We have had fine excursions to: Atlantis, Ardastra Gardens, The Pirate Museum, The British Colonial Hilton, and Sheraton Cable Beach (now Melia)

 

It is very important, IMO, to have an excursion planned- even just a short trip to the Hilton. Nassau is not a place to just wander around and not know where you are or are going.

 

The same can be said for many other islands/ports we have visited.

[GoExploreBahamas]

When we are traveling, we are always aware of possible problems.

 

Do read the U.S.State Dept. warnings about your destinations.

 

That being said, we have been to Nassau several times and have enjoyed each excursion.

 

Sure, there are vendors and yes there is crime in Nassau

(as in many seaports.) Be selective about what you do.

 

We do not go to the Straw Market- we always walk with 2 or 3 others- we do not walk around at night. Beware of "Over the Hill" area. Study your map.

 

We have had fine excursions to: Atlantis, Ardastra Gardens, The Pirate Museum, The British Colonial Hilton, and Sheraton Cable Beach (now Melia)

 

It is very important, IMO, to have an excursion planned- even just a short trip to the Hilton. Nassau is not a place to just wander around and not know where you are or are going.

 

The same can be said for many other islands/ports we have visited.

 

 

I agree wholeheartedly! Nassau is a better experience if you have something planned. No matter what you decide to do just plan it.

[Gmanfl]

We walked to a nice hotel ( can't remember the name ) Bought a day pass and had a great time. Beautiful pool and beach. I walked to the straw market and didn't feel threatened just annoyed they were so aggressive. The beach water is beautiful.

Try a ship tour if that would make you feel safer. Atlantis is also a pretty place.

Now if you think that's a hole don't ever go to Ochoa Rios I felt that was the worst place ever.

We ended up spending all day at Margarita villle They have a fun swim up bar and a beach with guards. Now folks there are real aggressive . The minute you walk off the ship

 

Couldn't agree more..Ocho Rios was the worst. Aggressive pushy rude vendors. cab driver/drug dealers. Nassau was great compared to there. We were there last Nov and just took a cab to Atlantis and hung out. Walking around the shops was ok too. Straw Market was a dump. My cruise next month has a stop there but I think I will just stay on the ship and have my pick of pool chairs...lol...

[CruiseControl_]

Couldn't agree more..Ocho Rios was the worst. Aggressive pushy rude vendors. cab driver/drug dealers. Nassau was great compared to there. We were there last Nov and just took a cab to Atlantis and hung out. Walking around the shops was ok too. Straw Market was a dump. My cruise next month has a stop there but I think I will just stay on the ship and have my pick of pool chairs...lol...

 

 

You really should consider doing a tour...there are (2) hour taxi tours reasonably priced ($25) that have great reviews on cruise critic & trip advisor. Nassau has beautiful beaches west of downtown - there are daiquiri shacks and even real local conch salad stalls at Gambier Village that offer local beers for $2...It truly is a terrific experience if you leave the port area. There are lots of inexpensive options available. Otherwise what's the point of traveling? :)

 

 

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Edited February 24, 2014 by CruiseControl_

[cofgren]

Couldn't agree more..Ocho Rios was the worst. Aggressive pushy rude vendors. cab driver/drug dealers. Nassau was great compared to there. We were there last Nov and just took a cab to Atlantis and hung out. Walking around the shops was ok too. Straw Market was a dump. My cruise next month has a stop there but I think I will just stay on the ship and have my pick of pool chairs...lol...

 

I have been to Nassau and Ocho Rios many times. Many other Caribbean Islands as well. Sure at first it is daunting, but this isn't a Disney attraction. These people are living their lives and we are just there observing. See it for what it is. The straw market for example is awesome to go through. Yes, If you are an American and used to your malls. Sure it's a dump.

We have fun every time we go there. We always find something really cool to bring back. And yes in Ocho Rios they are aggressive. But if you firmly say no they will stop. It is not difficult. My grandchildren have been on many cruises with me and they are pros at negotiating with the locals. They stopped being intimidated by them long ago.Just enjoy these island nations for what they are and for what they are not.

[CruiseControl_]

I have been to Nassau and Ocho Rios many times. Many other Caribbean Islands as well. Sure at first it is daunting, but this isn't a Disney attraction. These people are living their lives and we are just there observing. See it for what it is. The straw market for example is awesome to go through. Yes, If you are an American and used to your malls. Sure it's a dump.

 

We have fun every time we go there. We always find something really cool to bring back. And yes in Ocho Rios they are aggressive. But if you firmly say no they will stop. It is not difficult. My grandchildren have been on many cruises with me and they are pros at negotiating with the locals. They stopped being intimidated by them long ago.Just enjoy these island nations for what they are and for what they are not.

 

 

Great advice! :)

 

 

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[Ocean Boy]

I have been to Nassau and Ocho Rios many times. Many other Caribbean Islands as well. Sure at first it is daunting, but this isn't a Disney attraction. These people are living their lives and we are just there observing. See it for what it is. The straw market for example is awesome to go through. Yes, If you are an American and used to your malls. Sure it's a dump.

We have fun every time we go there. We always find something really cool to bring back. And yes in Ocho Rios they are aggressive. But if you firmly say no they will stop. It is not difficult. My grandchildren have been on many cruises with me and they are pros at negotiating with the locals. They stopped being intimidated by them long ago.Just enjoy these island nations for what they are and for what they are not.

 

Exactly this.

[Evangaline]

Just returned from a port stop in Nassau. The port vicinity where all the tourists are in well patrolled by Bahamian police. Did not see anything threatening at all. Was actually a fun stop. Would be a shame to just stay on the ship.

Would agree the Straw Market was the same experience as most other stops in the Caribbean. After hearing all this angst, had planned to beeline for the British Colonial Hilton for a day pass and shelter ourselves there, but the day passes were sold out, so went to Junkanoo Beach, the lively public beach. We went there with some trepidation considering all the fear and loathing expressed on this thread, but it turned out to be a really fun time: 3 beers and three shots for $10.00 and we sat on big couches on the beach under an umbrella, named the "VIP Lounge":)

[Alamogirl]

Reading some of these postings reminds me of Jamaica, namely OCHA RIOS!! We were in Nassau a few years ago and no problems. We walked around on our own, went to a pirates museum, did some shopping in a few nice places, found a donut and coffee shop went in a talked to a few locals. Later we found nice restaurant that was upstairs and overlooked main street. Great food and there was a guy playing music. We sat there for a couple of hours. So all the "negative" comments are a tad shocking. As in anyplace we go even in the states we are always aware of our surroundings and are careful where we linger.

[Denise&Paul STL]

We have been to Nassau many times, walked the store areas, Bay Street, cabbed, and even taken the public transportation without any problems at all.

 

First of all, we leave any expensive jewelry at home and don't wave it around. Second, we don't dress expensive when visiting a poor island like this. We are always respectful of locals and are treated the same back. We have nothing with us for anyone to rob, except a credit card put in an inside pocket unlikely to be found.

 

The most uncomfortable I felt was across the street from Sandals where the little quick shop had bars across the windows, was locked until you come to the door, and just had a scary vibe.

 

Stick to main streets, shopping districts, and cruise frequented places and you will be fine. Don't miss these beautiful people out of fear.

[mrobstad]

I've been stranded as a solo female when my moped ran out of gas. The people couldn't have been lovelier. I always take the #10 jitney to the Melia....me and all the locals....never felt unsafe...

 

 

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[Rocknsoul]

I'm very interested to see how much it has changed in the last 12 years. On our first cruise 12 years ago, I was really disappointed at the choices we had made for our day in Nassau, and with only a few hours left before boarding, was really longing to swim in the ocean; so we went to a beach. DH wanted to do something different, so he left me there (something he wholeheartedly regrets--he's learned a lot since then:p). When the time came for me to get back to the ship, I realized he had taken the bag with my clothes in it with him. I also had very little cash. Oops!

 

So, I walked from the beach at Atlantis to the water taxi and then from the taxi to the ship, in my swimsuit with the towel wrapped around my waist, ALONE. Aside from a few smiles and stares (no street harassment!), I wasn't bothered at all. A few cab drivers asked if I wanted a ride, but they weren't pushy or aggressive in any way.

 

Looking back, was that the smartest way to go? No. Does DH feel like a heel every time he thinks of that day? You betcha! (Poor guy, he will never live that down, especially since we were celebrating our 10th anniversary). Would I ever do that again? Uh, no. But I was raised in a really, really big city as a latchkey kid, so it didn't occur to me to be afraid.

 

So has Nassau changed so much in the past 12 years? I'll find out in about 6 weeks!:)

[mouche]

I have been to Nassau many times and yes it is a little dirty in the area where you get off the ship, but I have always felt safe, even walking around town. We even walk to the little small beach downtown, it was really nice and clean when we were there.

 

Have also done Atlantis, like it better years ago before you had to pay to get beyond the lobby and casino. Cabbage beach is nice with beautiful water.

 

I do stay on the ship now, only because I've been so many times and I'm headed there again in Jan 2015:D

[Charles4515]

I have been to Nassau many times and yes it is a little dirty in the area where you get off the ship, but I have always felt safe, even walking around town. We even walk to the little small beach downtown, it was really nice and clean when we were there.

 

Have also done Atlantis, like it better years ago before you had to pay to get beyond the lobby and casino. Cabbage beach is nice with beautiful water.

 

I do stay on the ship now, only because I've been so many times and I'm headed there again in Jan 2015:D

 

 

I have been downtown with no issues. Last couple of times I have gone to Blue Lagoon. It costs about $60 which included lunch. It is a beautiful beach. Also there are dolphins for additional amount.

[mouche]

I have been downtown with no issues. Last couple of times I have gone to Blue Lagoon. It costs about $60 which included lunch. It is a beautiful beach. Also there are dolphins for additional amount.

 

 

Thanks, I may look into that, I'm cruising with 3 newbies to cruising and the Bahamas:)

[Tahiti Mike]

Anwhere is dangerous if you don't act with common sense. I was just there on a cruise in September and my wife and I wanted to go shopping. They were very glad to accommodate me. It is your attitude. If you dress like you are asking to be hassled, you will. I had my watch repaired and the people were delightful. It is the old ugly American syndrome. Just watch your surrondings. Wear a banana pouch on your waist instead of carrying a purse. Don't look like you are lost. I felt safer there than certain parts of the US. If someone is making cracks about your daughter, it's probably because she is dressed like a pole dancer. Just use common sense and be careful. 100 times worse in Czech Republic, trust me.