Is it worth the trip to Nassau?

[mishawn]

I've not heard many good things about Nassau. Does anyone have any good reports, before I can the idea of going there altogether.

 

Thanks.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I think people are down on Nassau because it's so close that anyone that has cruised before has been there at least once if not a LOT of times. There is some truth in what's posted but Nassau nonetheless offers more than most of the Caribbean islands out there, particularly the further south you go. But there are no mountains or foreign languages which make some of the other places a bit more exotic. And just like American cruisers take Nassau (& the Bahamas) for granted, many of the locals there have the same feeling for us.

 

So Nassau remains "a given" for the time being. If you're taking a 3/4 night cruise from Florida you're probably going to get Nassau. But if you've never been I do recommend it. There is both a British and Caribbean flavor. There are a lot of activities available. St. Thomas and St. Maarten may offer better shopping but longer cruises are required for those places and being 3rd on the list after those two cities is still high on the list compared to most of the islands out there.

 

I do think the Bahamas are going to have a problem once Cuba opens up to cruising. Havana is also very close to Florida and is ideal for the 3/4-night cruise market. And everyone will want to go there. The Bahamas should be thinking now about how they're going to compete when that happens.

 

BobK/Orlando

[mishawn]

Thanks for the advice. They probably do feel the same way about the U.S.. It can't hurt to give them a try.

 

Mishawn

[Bonnie Voyager]

I've been to Nassau many times and while I would never necessarily choose to go there for a land vacation, I can honestly say I've had a great time on each visit I've made via cruiseship! We have done different things each time. We've spent the day at Atlantis (we booked a room at Comfort Suites to get full priviledges at Atlantis) and it was awesome (but I don't need to do it again). We spent a leisurely day walking around the area right near the ship, shopping, visiting the Pirate Museum (fun!) and have spent a morning relaxing by the pool and on the beach at the British Colonial Hilton (a block or two from the ship) which was a very nice way to spend time! We have also taken the Seaworld Explorer excursion which we found very enjoyable. When we are docked into the evening I enjoy taking a cab over to Atlantis after Dinner and wandering around the property after dark, which is stunningly beautiful. I love cruising and I know that many itineraries include Nassau as a stop so we will continue to visit Nassau if that's where our ship goes and we will always find something fun and worthwhile to do. Is it my favorite place? NO! Will I spend a week there in the future on a land vacation? Probably not. Would I turn down a cruise because it stops at Nassau? NO WAY! I can always find a fun way to spend a day in Nassau! Hopefully you will too! :D

[Sunny AZ Girl]

We've spent the day at Atlantis (we booked a room at Comfort Suites to get full priviledges at Atlantis) and it was awesome (but I don't need to do it again). We have also taken the Seaworld Explorer excursion which we found very enjoyable.

 

 

If you only have 6 hours in Nassau (Noon to 6 PM) would you choose Atlantis (the Digs & lunch) or The Seaworld Explorer? There will be 4 adults, ages 53 to 83, no kids. Thanks!

[Bonnie Voyager]

Well, that is a tough decision. Have you ever been to Atlantis? If not, I'd go to Atlantis. It is certainly worth seeing at least once and is a nice way to spend the afternoon. It does require a LOT of walking though to tour the whole property if you decide to do that. Wear comfortable shoes! :)

[Sunny AZ Girl]

We've been kind of leaning toward Atlantis as we've never been there before. Thanks for the quick reply! We were planning to just pay the $29 for the Digs and then go into the area of shops/restraunts, possibly stop in the casino. I would like to see the rest of the property, but we don't want to rent the room for the day since we just have a few hours. Plus we would like to spend an hour or two shopping in Nassau before heading back to the ship! :)

[Bonnie Voyager]

You only need to rent a room for the day if you intend to use the pools. Your trip through "The Dig" will lead you out to the pool area, so even without having a room there, you will be able to at least see some of the lovely property. Wandering around Atlantis is a great way to spend a few hours. Between The Dig, the Casino, the shops and just taking in all the scenery (inside and out) you will find your afternoon very full, but should still have time to do some shopping in Nassau. Have a great time!

[CaribbeanBound]

It wasn't our favorite island. That said, we had a great time at Sandals for 5 hours on our last cruise stop here.

 

Complete details:

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/easterncaribbean.html

[legalwife]

You definitely need to see it at least once or twice. So go.

 

As previous poster said, many of us have been so many times to Nassau. It doesn't do a whole lot for me now with the exception of Cable Beach. Love it.

 

And you do need to see Atlantis and the Straw Market at least once, but now we just head to Cable Beach and relax...

 

Wish I was there right now!

[CruiseFever]

Excellent Information thanks

[barbat]

Hi Bonnie,

 

I showed our children the slides at Atlantis and then realized the day pass would not entitle us to use their pools, slides etc. I had just thought of the same idea....getting a room for a day....and then I saw your post. How did that work for you? Were you able to check-in early? If not were you able to swim before you officially check-in? Any hassels? Did you make your hotel reservation online?

 

Thank-you so much for your help, your entries are very informative.

[Bonnie Voyager]

Barbat, We made our reservations at Comfort Suites online ahead of time. We were able to check-in early and actually checked out at the same time so as to not need to return to the Comfort Suites at all. We never saw the room (and didn't need to). We then walked right over to Atlantis and headed to the towel hut where we were given our wristbands and towels and then found some lounge chairs to park ourselves in and had an incredible day. We had no hassles at all. It was easy and was a great day.

[londonlad35]

It wasn't our favorite island. That said, we had a great time at Sandals for 5 hours on our last cruise stop here.

 

Complete details:

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/easterncaribbean.html

 

Hi there! Sandals sound like a great idea. How did you boom the day pass? Thanks :-)

[ladycaveat]

Hi ya all . . . I too have been to Nassau more times than I care to remember (sorry Nassau but once is enough). I've been to Atlantis, Sandals and the Straw Market (worse than even Jamacia). Will be back in Nassau on April 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do on shore? The more I think about it . . . I might just stay on the ship. Never don't that before but . . .

[The Cruisers]

This will be our 6th cruise, 3rd to the Eastern Caribbean, and we have never been to the Bahamas, so we are looking forward to the stop. We plan on taking a taxi to Atlantis and spending a few hours there then coming back and shop at the stores near the pier. We are there from 1pm - 8pm, so we aren't going to have a lot of time there. They way some you talk about the Bahamas is how I feel about San Juan. This will be our third time going there and we don't plan on doing much of nothing there except for stocking up on adult beverages and walking around town a bit.

[Photomom22]

You definitely need to see it at least once or twice. So go.

 

As previous poster said, many of us have been so many times to Nassau. It doesn't do a whole lot for me now with the exception of Cable Beach. Love it.

 

And you do need to see Atlantis and the Straw Market at least once, but now we just head to Cable Beach and relax...

 

Wish I was there right now!

 

Hi! we were scheduled on the Holiday before our crusie cancelled,we are now on the Celebration going to Nassua & Key West.We were all ready for a relaxing day in Cozmel at Paradise Beach with lounge chairs Resturant & Bar for the Adults and Iceburg,Water tramoline & kyacks for the kids.Is there anything in either place like this that any one knows of, without spending a fortune?There are 18 of us going with children.I've been reading the post, but haven't seen anything really except Atlantis, but the renting a room thing.You mentioned Cable Beach?What does it have?Might be what we are looking for.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.....