Nassau, Bahamas

[MrsWright1913]

Hello Ive read a lot and continue reading, but i hope you can assist me further. I have been to Nassau several time but this will be my boyfriend's first cruise and first Nassau.

I recall years ago i had read about this program it was free a local person would pick you up and take you around town and provide you a home cook meal. Does that still exist? Dont think i want to do that but wanted to know if they still did that.

I like to try food places it seems Bahamian Cookin will be the spot. Thats about the only place i know we will go for sure.

 

He likes to have a good time, drink, explore and wants to go snorkeling. (can you do a snorkeling excursion if you have never snorkeled before?) we dont want to spend too much on drink since we may get the cheers program.

 

I was thinking

-Atlantis

-Ardasta Gardens/Flamingo show

-Queens staircase

-Pirate Museum

-John Watling Distillery

-Senor Frogs

 

Anything else i should add to the list?

How much time would we need at each spot?

Do you think this can be done in 1 day?

 

Thank you so much

JJ

[Out to sea!]

Never heard of such a program.

 

Yes, one can snorkel (but not scuba) without prior experience.

 

I think you're really pushing it to try all of those plus snorkeling in a single day. The snorkeling excursion will take up most of the day as it is.

[MrsWright1913]

Ok i may have to take out the snorkeling because i'll be bored while he's doing that. How long is snorkeling?

 

Thank you

[caribsun]

Maybe this - http://www.bahamas.com/people-to-people

[MrsWright1913]

Yup thats it!! Thank you.

[Out to sea!]

Ok i may have to take out the snorkeling because i'll be bored while he's doing that. How long is snorkeling?

 

Thank you

 

Depends on the excursion you're looking at. Rough gestimate is that snorkeling is about 40% of the excursion time.

[scubagirrl]

The People to People program is a cultural experience, not a tour guide.

The Host would talk to you about what you're interests are, and then show you around the island including some things you are interested in. Usually a church or community experience, sometimes an afternoon with family, a ride to see a few outside areas etc. Sometimes it visiting the firehouse or police station, ASPCA or botanical garden.

Sometimes a meal with family or friends, or a nice local spot. You would be expected to offer to pay for gas ($5 a gallon at the moment) and also pay for the meal if it's at a restaurant.

Most folks bring along a "hostess gift". Something from back home like local jams and jellies, cook book from your area, history etc.

 

Please, people, do no look at this as a free tour guide. BTW, no one can get you in to see the Atlantis without paying, and since your host is not on a cruise, he/she, would not be allowed in the building. Would be rude to have them "wait" outside while you check out the place.

[MrsWright1913]

Ok Thank you for the added info. Can cruisers get into the Atlantis for free? Last time i went it was 2011 not sure what has changed.

 

Thank you

[scubagirrl]

Ok Thank you for the added info. Can cruisers get into the Atlantis for free? Last time i went it was 2011 not sure what has changed.

 

Thank you

Cruisers cannot get into Atlantis for free (nor can anyone else). The only area that is open to the public is the Casino and the old towers that were built in the 70's. The Atlantis that you see in the advertising is off limits to all, without a pass.

 

You can access the adjacent marina village for free as well.

All else you' will need some level of pass.

[Out to sea!]

Ok Thank you for the added info. Can cruisers get into the Atlantis for free? Last time i went it was 2011 not sure what has changed.

 

Thank you

 

Anyone can go to the casino for free. Anything other than that and you have to have a day pass.

[joellebridgers]

Look up Blue Lagoon Island. It's a great excursion which is all inclusive and has great snorkeling. One side of the island has Dolphins as well.

The Atlantis is awesome but so expensive... Been there on and off the boat. The cheapest way to enjoy the Atlantis is go to the casino floor to buy a wristband. This will also get you use to their beach towels. Best water park there ever!

I would not recommend going outside the resorts. Nassau is not that safe anymore. I have seen personally some local Atlantis employees steel from someone's beach chair and random locals trying to sell me drugs.

[MrsWright1913]

So did this change i recall going back i think in 09 or 11 and we went into the Atlantis walked around i seem to recall some type of seaquarium we took pics on this huge chair is that still free? i dont recall paying any fee to go inside.

 

Thank you

[scubagirrl]

So did this change i recall going back i think in 09 or 11 and we went into the Atlantis walked around i seem to recall some type of seaquarium we took pics on this huge chair is that still free? i dont recall paying any fee to go inside.

 

Thank you

The rules have changed drastically over time. Now noone is allowed on the property without being a guest or paying for a pass. The Casino is the only place you can go inside as well as the old beach and coral towers, which are 40 years old and not the towers you see in the advertisements. No aquarium, no pictures in the big chair etc. Those are part of he restricted Royal towers.

 

Currently, outsiders, with the exception of cruisers, cannot even purchase day passes.

[MrsWright1913]

Oh wow!! Thank you for letting me know. Thats why i love these boards.

[MrsWright1913]

Ok. So what would be the best/inexpensive route to get a pass to go inside the atlantis and get to see the seaquarium. Dont need the water park part. I have been reading the reviews it seems people book a room at comfort suites and they get a wristband to get into the atlantis is that correct?

[joellebridgers]

Comfort suites is good, but they give you 4 wristbands per room. I would check to see if you can just buy the Atlantis Tour ticket. Last time I think I saw around $30 pp for that, but could be wrong.

[MrsWright1913]

I cant seem to find where to purchase them. The atlantis site says:

 

"As of March 1, 2015, access to Atlantis, Paradise Island’s Aquaventure and other resort facilities will be restricted in order to enhance our guest experience. Atlantis day passes including Aquaventure, the resort’s 141-acre water park, will be exclusive to guests of Atlantis, its affiliated partners, and residents of The Bahamas. Atlantis resort guests will continue to receive complimentary access to Aquaventure while day pass offerings will only be available for purchase through Atlantis’ specific partners and to local residents. Individuals under 18 years old must be accompanied by an Adult 18 years or older.​"

 

I wish i knew who the partners are as it doesnt seem like i can purchase them.

[Elizabeth74]

Ok Thank you for the added info. Can cruisers get into the Atlantis for free? Last time i went it was 2011 not sure what has changed.

 

Thank you

 

There is a public beach access near Atlantis and a few years ago we accessed Atlantis grounds from there but could not use any of the facilities.

[scubagirrl]

There is a public beach access near Atlantis and a few years ago we accessed Atlantis grounds from there but could not use any of the facilities.

 

You can no longer access atlantis grounds from the beach.

[joellebridgers]

I cant seem to find where to purchase them. The atlantis site says:

 

"As of March 1, 2015, access to Atlantis, Paradise Island’s Aquaventure and other resort facilities will be restricted in order to enhance our guest experience. Atlantis day passes including Aquaventure, the resort’s 141-acre water park, will be exclusive to guests of Atlantis, its affiliated partners, and residents of The Bahamas. Atlantis resort guests will continue to receive complimentary access to Aquaventure while day pass offerings will only be available for purchase through Atlantis’ specific partners and to local residents. Individuals under 18 years old must be accompanied by an Adult 18 years or older.​"

 

I wish i knew who the partners are as it doesnt seem like i can purchase them.

 

 

Go onto the casino floor through the main entrance. You will see a kiosk kind of customer service desk smack dead in the middle. You can purchase day passes there. They are cheaper than the ship. Also, you can call the Atlantis directly to get the pricing.

[tunisbridal]

So how safe would the people to people tour be?

[joellebridgers]

So how safe would the people to people tour be?

 

 

Me personally would not trust anyone there unless I got to know them first. I went on a booze cruise on my honeymoon with now my ex, and he had a smoke with some of them on the . They laced his smoke.....it was scary.

But on another trip there, again with now my ex, we made friends with some locals who got us into the Atlantis, (before you could buy excursions), with fake names and room numbers. We had all access to the grounds and hotel, just like a paying guest. It was definitely in our favor, but really it was shady.

Bahamas is not what it use to be. Even the straw market is awful. They use to have such beautiful handmade gifts to purchase, now most is junk made in China and it is also a pick pocket hot spot.

[cruiseapril]

As someone suggested- the Blue Lagoon is a good excursion. We went last year, did the Dolphin Encounter- then spent time at the beach. Ships often offer this excursion and there is a good website for photos.