What to do at Nassau, Bahamas Port?

[mucha148]

I am a first time cruiser. Any recommendations for things to do at the Nassau, Bahamas port?

[cruzeluver]

Got o the Bahamas board and you can find lots of options. Here is a link to it:

 

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

[Esther1]

We were in Nassau day before yesterday (we're on the Allure of the Seas) and we really enjoyed going over to Atlantis. It is right near the ships and just gorgeous. The ship will have several excursions including beach activities for the day. We took a short taxi over and bought the aquariums/hotel access and toured the resort. We had lunch outside on an island surounded by hammerhead sharks. There is also a large casino with retaurants but we didnt spend time there.

 

There is also shopping right where the ships dock, but it would be a shame to be so close to Atlantis and not enjoy seeing it.

 

Re safety, the US Embassy has cautioned to be careful in Nassau, to stay in busy tourist areas, maybe avoid private tours there, don't take valuables. We stayed pretty close to everyone else and did not go exploring on our own, especially any secluded beach areas.

 

Have a great time!

[K&RCurt]

If we were to stop in Nassau again (which we likely won't, as we would avoid an itinerary that stops there) we would either go to Atlantis or stay on the ship.

 

The mass of humanity trying to sell you something, braid your hair or take you on an "excursion" as you exit the port is ridiculous.

 

Nassau is one place I can do without.

[grand isle joe]

IMO the only reason why ships stop there is that most of the ships are registered out of the Bahamas and there are a lot of lawful protections given the cruise industries by that fact..........K&RCurt is absolutely correct.......Yucckkkyyyy:eek:

[zoncom]

I also would avoid Nassau. Spend a few dollars more for real Carribean.

[navybankerteacher]

Other than Atlantis, which is very expensive if you want to use the water park, the best thing to do on a Nassau port call is stay on board the ship.

[cruzeluver]

Gosh, way to be a buzz kill to a brand new poster going on their first ever cruise. :rolleyes:

 

Nassau has a lot of options. A nice little zoo with performing flamingos, Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase, several not too shabby beaches, amazing seafood lunches at Fish Fry etc.

 

OP: Check out the Bahamas area of CC that I sent you the link for before and go to Tripadvisor and other Online travel sources to help you make you time in Nassau enjoyable.

[grand isle joe]

...................it does have some attractions BUT you have to get there......and then keep looking over your shoulder.......not worth it to me when I'm on vacation.......:cool:

[GTO-Girl]

We no longer get off in Nassau......wish they would just stop going there!

[OCruisers]

I am a first time cruiser. Any recommendations for things to do at the Nassau, Bahamas port?

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

 

Lots depends on the time of year you'll be in Nassau.

The water temperatures in the winter can be quite chilly in the Bahamas. :o

Best to find another non-water thing to do for winter stops.

The Blue Lagoon is great if you'll be there in the spring, summer, or fall. :D

 

LuLu

[K&RCurt]

Gosh, way to be a buzz kill to a brand new poster going on their first ever cruise. :rolleyes:

 

Nassau has a lot of options. A nice little zoo with performing flamingos, Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase, several not too shabby beaches, amazing seafood lunches at Fish Fry etc.

 

OP: Check out the Bahamas area of CC that I sent you the link for before and go to Tripadvisor and other Online travel sources to help you make you time in Nassau enjoyable.

 

Were not about a dozen cruise passengers robbed at gunpoint after criminals trapped them on the Queen's Staircase several years ago?

 

Would you rather have first time cruisers go in with their eyes open to the facts about a given port, or have them go in expecting "paradise" as sold by the cruise lines only to be harassed by 50 people yelling "Braid ya hair My Lady?" as they try to exit the port gate and have it be a total shock?

[mucha148]

Thank you! This is helpful.

[Karysa]

I booked a catamaran snorkel excursion that meets at the terminal building by the pier. I think that it's a good port to do an excursion and save your beach days for other ports.

[beachbum53]

For this particular port, if you're planning to go on an excursion, you might be a little better off to choose one through the cruise line. Otherwise, if you're not interested in an excursion, it can't hurt just once to step ashore, stroll through the straw market, and explore a few of the shops nearby. But, be prepared to say "No thank you", a lot, to the locals. On our last visit, we were accosted by a young girl, maybe eight or nine years old, that offered to sing a song to us for a dollar. We said "No thank you" and walked on.

[cruzeluver]

Were not about a dozen cruise passengers robbed at gunpoint after criminals trapped them on the Queen's Staircase several years ago?

 

Would you rather have first time cruisers go in with their eyes open to the facts about a given port, or have them go in expecting "paradise" as sold by the cruise lines only to be harassed by 50 people yelling "Braid ya hair My Lady?" as they try to exit the port gate and have it be a total shock?

 

People are robbed at gunpoint every day in New York City but I certainly would not suggest people not go there.

 

We have always enjoyed our time in Nassau and embrace the cultural differences. Someone yelling offers to braid hair is "shocking"? :rolleyes:

[whataboutport]

Gosh, way to be a buzz kill to a brand new poster going on their first ever cruise. :rolleyes:

 

Nassau has a lot of options. A nice little zoo with performing flamingos, Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase, several not too shabby beaches, amazing seafood lunches at Fish Fry etc.

 

OP: Check out the Bahamas area of CC that I sent you the link for before and go to Tripadvisor and other Online travel sources to help you make you time in Nassau enjoyable.

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

Cruising to the Bahamas is a lot cheaper than going to the Caribbean, but if it's someone's vacation and first time there, and if their hometown is snowy or cold, it's a nice change isn't it?

 

I've been the Nassau a few times, and yes there are better ports IMO in other parts around there. But there is still plenty to do there, and without an excursion. We walked around by ourselves and did not feel unsafe. Vendors are not as pushy as they are in say Jamaica. We even took the local bus the first time I was there. The locals are pretty friendly!

 

I would advise against Atlantis. It's very expensive and very fake. Everything is man made. You cannot step on their property unless you have something booked. Well, you can go to their casino. :rolleyes:

 

There is a walking tour that is self guided. http://www.zydecocruiser.net/nassau_walking_apr_2006.htm

Many others sites if you Google. There are locals at most of the major points of interest that will tell you the history of the place for tips. They are not doing it just because. If you wish for them to tell you, tip them! If not, tell them you are familiar with the history and they will leave you alone.

 

You can go to the Queens Staircase after the Fort, which will bring you to the top of the stairs, which I find more impressive than coming up from the bottom. Then go to the bottom of the stairs and I think you go left and it takes you back to Bay Street which is the main shopping and dining area.

 

I've always wanted to go to the Fish Fry but it's far from the port and they don't really open until 1pm. Check what times you are in port and see if it coincides with what you want to visit. Don't assume things will be open. Most ships in port at Nassau have weird times. Either they are staying in the Bahamas, in which case usually they will dock till midnight, or are going further down into the Caribbean, then they will leave like at 3pm and hightail it down south. Leaving at 3pm doesn't give you time to do much, as most likely you will arrive in port much before all the businesses open around 10-11am, which is why we did the walking tour. You didn't specify, but since you only asked about Nassau, I'm going to assume you are only doing Bahamas (Nassau and private island).

 

[mucha148]

Thanks for the info! I am going on a Disney cruise with my family and son. We will stop at Castaway Cay, Nassau and finally Port Canaveral to visit Disney. I was thinking of either going to Atlantis or Blue Lagoon at our time in Nassau, but after getting some insight from everyone on this site... I'm thinking it may be better to go with Blue Lagoon.

[cruiseapril]

The Blue Lagoon is very nice. We did the Dolphin Encounter there.

 

We also like taking a van taxi to Cable Beach.

 

We take excursions and do not stay near the pier unless we go to the British Colonial Hilton.

[cantwaitt]

We go every year on a Bahamas/Florida cruise during President's week.

 

To say you were "acosted" by a nine year-old who wanted to sing a song is disgusting and very Trump-like.

 

There is a lot to do in Nassau. Atlantis, which is expensive but a great day. You can take a local bus (which we do often) and go to Cable Beach.

 

The zoo-Ardastra Gardens--is a 15-minute walk or a quick cab ride away and very nice and informal.

 

You walk the downtown, see the straw market, visit the Queen's Stairs and a few other places like the (very small) fort.

 

Geez! Stepping off a ship in Nassau in mid-February that left from the northeast is one of the highlights. I hate getting back on and sailing away.

[ronandannette]

Other than Atlantis, which is very expensive if you want to use the water park, the best thing to do on a Nassau port call is stay on board the ship.

Totally disagree!

 

Gosh, way to be a buzz kill to a brand new poster going on their first ever cruise. :rolleyes:

 

Nassau has a lot of options. A nice little zoo with performing flamingos, Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase, several not too shabby beaches, amazing seafood lunches at Fish Fry etc.

 

OP: Check out the Bahamas area of CC that I sent you the link for before and go to Tripadvisor and other Online travel sources to help you make you time in Nassau enjoyable.

:confused: I'll never understand why so many people dis Nassau; I preferred it to several other islands we've been to, including the much vaunted St. Lucia.

 

DH took a golf excursion in Nassau and I was on my own with two youngsters. We exited the ship, grabbed a taxi and spent part of the day at the Ardastra Zoo, which was a really different and enjoyable excursion. From there we taxied back downtown and spent an hour or so at the Pirates Museum and the boys (13 & 14 at the time) loved it. We walked back to the ship (through the Straw Market, I might add) and never felt threatened by anyone or in peril of any kind. Great DIY day actually...

http://ardastra.com/

http://www.pirates-of-nassau.com/museum.htm

Edited January 8, 2016 by ronandannette

[Californiacruizers]

As a first time cruiser alone with my 2 children (ages 12 & 2 at the time) we had a great time in Nassau. We walked to Junkanoo beach which is about a 10 minute walk from the ship. We were among a crowd of people who were all heading in the same direction. I NEVER once felt unsafe. No one pressured me to buy anything; when vendors offered I respectfully declined and they went on their way.

 

Junkanoo Beach was free to the public, there were a few shacks selling drinks etc. You could also rent a beach chair and umbrella. There was music and entertainment on the beach. I'd packed a beach mat and sand toys and the kids had a great time. Once they tired themselves out we walked back to the ship, stopping at a few of the shops to browse for trinkets to take back home. There are tons of people both tourist and native people who were going and coming from work. The people were very friendly I would visit again.

 

Atlantis is not close to the port. You would have to take a taxi. The streets are narrow and congested so it may not be a quick sprint to and from the ship. Nassau is a great place to experience.

[LuCruise]

Thanks for the info! I am going on a Disney cruise with my family and son. We will stop at Castaway Cay, Nassau and finally Port Canaveral to visit Disney. I was thinking of either going to Atlantis or Blue Lagoon at our time in Nassau, but after getting some insight from everyone on this site... I'm thinking it may be better to go with Blue Lagoon.

 

Can't talk from personal experience...yet...but we booked Blue Lagoon excursion. I know Nassau is not people's favorite stop but I've only heard good things about Blue Lagoon. We've just booked the beach day but you can apparently see the dolphins and sea lions. And the beach looks lovely with options of the aqau park and out of the 'unsafe' Nassau things that you hear. We wanted to enjoy our Nassau day instead of just waiting until the next stop.

 

Let us know what you decide.

[whataboutport]

Totally disagree!

 

 

:confused: I'll never understand why so many people dis Nassau; I preferred it to several other islands we've been to, including the much vaunted St. Lucia.

 

DH took a golf excursion in Nassau and I was on my own with two youngsters. We exited the ship, grabbed a taxi and spent part of the day at the Ardastra Zoo, which was a really different and enjoyable excursion. From there we taxied back downtown and spent an hour or so at the Pirates Museum and the boys (13 & 14 at the time) loved it. We walked back to the ship (through the Straw Market, I might add) and never felt threatened by anyone or in peril of any kind. Great DIY day actually...

http://ardastra.com/

http://www.pirates-of-nassau.com/museum.htm

 

I think it's bc Nassau seems like the "newbie's" port. The cheapest and shortest cruises always go there. Going farther down is usually more expensive and a longer cruise. Also it's not as warm as the Caribbean, but like I said, if you're coming from the NE, or actually many parts of the US, it's way warmer than where you were!

 

Now personally, I've been there twice, so there are other places I would rather see that I haven't been yet, but the two times I was there, I felt perfectly safe.

 

If you want to take the bus, there are no stops. The busses just stop for you if you wave them down. They are very cheap, like $2. Last time a man on the bus was giving up history and pointing out interesting places. I thought he was a guide. He was just a man on the bus! He hopped off before I could even think to give him a tip.

 

[cantwaitt]

We take the public bus to Cable Beach. It is $1.25 each way, an amazing bargain and they come very frequently. So, if you miss the bus coming back, don't sweat it. The next one will come within a few minutes.

 

Get off the ship, wander around downtown, go to the beach, Atlantis, the zoo. It's a fun convenient port.