ever stayed on the ship for 7 days?

[luckyinpa]

I'm doing a last minute nassau cruise in a month with my friend and her twins (8yr). they are happy just to be away on vacation and said they really dont need to get off the breakaway. also this is a lot of money for them and they really dont have money for excursions. this will be the kids first real vacation away from home unless you count day trips to the beach. so this is a big deal to them. (and a tad scary for me because i dont know how they will do on the ship :eek:)

 

i was just in bermuda last month and from all of my reading, nassau will 'not be as nice.' and there seem to be enough warnings about the people annoying you to buy stuff that it really doesn't seem worth getting off the ship. ive crossed off atlantis as too expensive and i see blue lagoon beach is 69 PP. i did get one suggestion for the pirate museum and appreciate that. but i have to admit my overall impression is it's not a bad thing for them to stay on the ship. maybe i'd get off myself and see what it's really like and get a tshirt or something.

 

i was thinking about taking my friends son to NASA because it's something i wanted to see and it's something i could swing for him.

 

and since the ship doesnt go to GSC half the time anyway i really dont want to plan anything for there. but i guess i should do some research to see what else they have there. they cannot afford 300 for the shack to sit in and i've read getting a shaded spot can be a battle.

 

so how crazy is it to stay on the ship all 7 days.

[RiotAct]

People do it all the time! Things aboard the ship are a lot less crowded when the ship is docked and most pax are off doing things on land.

[Frick_&_Frack]

It's not crazy to stay aboard for the 7 days. However, I've never had any real issues in Nassau (just sort of ignore the "pestering" at this point - but it's definitely not Bermuda :D). There is Junkanoo Beach within walking distance of the ship which would be a nice time for the kids (though, staying aboard to use waterslides, etc. is fun).

 

In Port Canaveral, there's a jitney to the beaches. I've never used it so don't recall if free (or very low cost). Again, could be nice to get off the ship a bit and roam around.

 

On GSC, there is some shade to be found. Also, you could rent one or two of the clamshells since the kids would want to be in the water. Or, just tender (if stopping there) and have lunch at the BBQ, and come back.

 

There's always a way to be in port and do it economically. :)

[tel2]

I live in Pa, so like to cruise out of New York for last minute cruises. We have done the Bahamas run probably 5 times in the last 3 years, and we almost never get off the ship. If we get to the private island, I will sometimes get off and go to beach -- DH stays on ship - he hates the beach. I need shade, so sometimes I get a clamshell, for about 30.00 I think. The UBP is useable there, and the food is free, so the clam shell is my only cost. In Cape Canaveral and Nassau, we almost always stay on the ship and enjoy the uncrowded pool areas (also note - the slides, miniature golf and the rope course for the twins will be significantly less crowded on port days...). Also, not sure if you are planning to have some adult time, but the kids program is also open on port days, and they might enjoy that.

 

Terry

[Budget Queen]

For Port Canaveral- the cheapest way to get a group to Kennedy Space Center is to rent a car. Simple to arrange with vendors right at the port.

[LrgPizza]

If I were your friend, I'd at least get off at Nassau so I could tell people I'd been there without lying. It's free to experience something new in life. Loads of people get off and walk around places without spending a dime.

 

As far as being harassed by sales people? Yeah, you get that a lot of places. Just say no thank you, and move on. They can be annoying, but the ones in Nassau are not nearly as bad as the ones at the high end malls in Las Vegas, yet people never complain about that. LOL!

[Kamloops50]

I'm doing a last minute nassau cruise in a month with my friend and her twins (8yr). they are happy just to be away on vacation and said they really dont need to get off the breakaway. also this is a lot of money for them and they really dont have money for excursions. this will be the kids first real vacation away from home unless you count day trips to the beach. so this is a big deal to them. (and a tad scary for me because i dont know how they will do on the ship :eek:)

 

i was just in bermuda last month and from all of my reading, nassau will 'not be as nice.' and there seem to be enough warnings about the people annoying you to buy stuff that it really doesn't seem worth getting off the ship. ive crossed off atlantis as too expensive and i see blue lagoon beach is 69 PP. i did get one suggestion for the pirate museum and appreciate that. but i have to admit my overall impression is it's not a bad thing for them to stay on the ship. maybe i'd get off myself and see what it's really like and get a tshirt or something.

 

i was thinking about taking my friends son to NASA because it's something i wanted to see and it's something i could swing for him. Keep in mind that many trans atlantic cruises have up to 7 sea days in a row.

 

 

and since the ship doesnt go to GSC half the time anyway i really dont want to plan anything for there. but i guess i should do some research to see what else they have there. they cannot afford 300 for the shack to sit in and i've read getting a shaded spot can be a battle.

 

so how crazy is it to stay on the ship all 7 days.

 

We have done cruises where we haven't gone ashore for 15 days.

Edited November 8, 2016 by Kamloops50

[luckyinpa]

from the above postings i'm assuming that all the slides/ropes etc are open then on port days. dont know why i thought otherwise. i know something is closed during port days is it not? the shops/casinos?

 

clamshell for 30 isnt toooo bad on GSC. i had no idea the cost. thx

[luckyinpa]

If I were your friend, I'd at least get off at Nassau so I could tell people I'd been there without lying. It's free to experience something new in life. Loads of people get off and walk around places without spending a dime.

 

As far as being harassed by sales people? Yeah, you get that a lot of places. Just say no thank you, and move on. They can be annoying, but the ones in Nassau are not nearly as bad as the ones at the high end malls in Las Vegas, yet people never complain about that. LOL!

 

my 1st trip to vegas was 96..when the handouts of porn were legal..next year..they werent..amazing difference.

 

my friend is blind and i could have her just accidentally hit these people with a stick i guess. :eek: i guess it's because i dont have the same 'feel' as i do for bermuda which i had months to research. id send my friend alone if we were in bermuda, without fear. if it was nice to walk around nassau all 4 of us then i guess i'd feel better. i know the kids would enjoy a beach. doesnt have to be fancy at all. maybe the free one wouldnt be so bad if it's a safe walk.

[Sissaaaaaa]

I'm doing a last minute nassau cruise in a month with my friend and her twins (8yr). they are happy just to be away on vacation and said they really dont need to get off the breakaway. also this is a lot of money for them and they really dont have money for excursions. this will be the kids first real vacation away from home unless you count day trips to the beach. so this is a big deal to them. (and a tad scary for me because i dont know how they will do on the ship :eek:)

 

i was just in bermuda last month and from all of my reading, nassau will 'not be as nice.' and there seem to be enough warnings about the people annoying you to buy stuff that it really doesn't seem worth getting off the ship. ive crossed off atlantis as too expensive and i see blue lagoon beach is 69 PP. i did get one suggestion for the pirate museum and appreciate that. but i have to admit my overall impression is it's not a bad thing for them to stay on the ship. maybe i'd get off myself and see what it's really like and get a tshirt or something.

 

i was thinking about taking my friends son to NASA because it's something i wanted to see and it's something i could swing for him.

 

and since the ship doesnt go to GSC half the time anyway i really dont want to plan anything for there. but i guess i should do some research to see what else they have there. they cannot afford 300 for the shack to sit in and i've read getting a shaded spot can be a battle.

 

so how crazy is it to stay on the ship all 7 days.

 

Nassau is a dump. You aren't missing anything by not getting off the ship there.

 

If you do get to GSC, just pick one of the beaches that are away from the main beach. You shouldn't have an issue finding shade or a chair. But to answer your question, people do just stay on the ship. There is plenty to do, and the kids can use the pool and slides without long lines!

[Turtles06]

Nassau is definitely not Bermuda. That said, I would at least get off and walk around the downtown historic area. Say a firm "no" to the vendors, and keep walking. Take the kids to the Pirate Museum (I've never been but it sounds like fun, I would go if we're ever in Nassau again), and have a wonderful Bahamian lunch at Bahamian Cookin. Don't miss the conch fritters and mac and cheese. YUM!!

 

http://bahamiancookin.com/

 

In Port Canaveral, I highly recommend a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It's just awesome.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Tagsalong]

21 days on the Escape (3 b2bs) and never got off the ship in the ports-of-call. However, we are older folks who have been to all the ports before.

 

In Nassau you can see much of the island on bus #10 for just $1.50 each. Get on downtown and just don't get off till it arrives back in town. Also walk up the hill (from the bus stop) to see the Grey Cliffs Hotel (originally a pirates house), Watkins' Distillery and the Candy Factory (at the Grey Cliffs Hotel), all at no cost what soever. Plaques at the Distillery show where various scenes of a James Bond movie were shot.

[dexddd]

For Port Canaveral- the cheapest way to get a group to Kennedy Space Center is to rent a car. Simple to arrange with vendors right at the port.

 

The problem with that is NCL gets in at 1 pm with the BA and you can wait for the rental shuttle and then wait at the counter. In the old days sailings got in at 7 am or 8 am so that would give folks the chance to do KSC or even the parks in Orlando.

 

The bus to the outer areas to KSC stops running at 3:30 pm so with getting in late and the hours of KSC closing at 5 it really cuts down on seeing much of KSC.

[dexddd]

Nassau is definitely not Bermuda. That said, I would at least get off and walk around the downtown historic area. Say a firm "no" to the vendors, and keep walking. Take the kids to the Pirate Museum (I've never been but it sounds like fun, I would go if we're ever in Nassau again), and have a wonderful Bahamian lunch at Bahamian Cookin. Don't miss the conch fritters and mac and cheese. YUM!!

 

http://bahamiancookin.com/

 

In Port Canaveral, I highly recommend a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It's just awesome.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

We did the pirate museum there once when kids were roughly 6 and 10. They really liked it and it is an easy walk from the ship.

[dexddd]

from the above postings i'm assuming that all the slides/ropes etc are open then on port days. dont know why i thought otherwise. i know something is closed during port days is it not? the shops/casinos?

 

clamshell for 30 isnt toooo bad on GSC. i had no idea the cost. thx

 

The one and only time we sailed BA on that route our plan was to only get off the ship for GSC. We missed GSC, got to Nassau the night before at 6pm and decided to walk into town and back. We stayed on in PC and Nassau and did the slides over and over again with no more than 2 people in front.

 

If your relative hasn't been to KSC, I'd highly recommend it. I'd also recommend doing that with the NCL tour as you apparently get time at KSC past when they normally close and it would give you the most time there despite getting into PC at 1pm.

[luckyinpa]

i didnt even realize the 1pm florida stop. bad me! if they give you more time then i can see why it would be worth the ship excursion. plus i really dont want to have to worry about getting there and back.

 

i see on the KSC site it's 50 adult and 40 kids and 119 and 85 . i'm assuming that its just general admission that the excursion does? thats 204 vs 90 for just 1 adult and 1 child that would be going. so that is an expensive ride. guess i have to find out for sure about them staying open past 6 and if we would even need that time.

 

appreciate the pirate museum suggestion and other walking tips about the downtown area. candy and booze. sounds fun. over on the bahamas forum i didnt run into this type of advice so i appreciate it. makes me less apprehensive.

 

regarding the bus. can you compare that to the bermuda experience of narrow roads and fast drivers next to walls and trees..zoinks that was wild

[luckyinpa]

i just saw the excursion is 6.5 hours and google says 30 min each way so thats 5.5 hours there if accurate.

[sanger727]

You are in port all day. No reason you can't get off the ship, walk to whatever is free and in walking distance (straw market, town, beach in Nassau; free beach day at gsc) and return to the ship if you don't like it/for lunch. We plan our trips far out in advance and invest in excursions because it's part of our budget and the primary focus of our trip. But if they are just happy to be on the trip and want a change of scenery there's free things to do. Thought that was the whole point of gsc, actually; free beach and lunch.

[C-line]

In Nassau you can see much of the island on bus #10 for just $1.50 each. Get on downtown and just don't get off till it arrives back in town.

 

We did this as a group of four adults and it was a great way to see more of the island without having to hire a taxi. The bus did get crowded at times, but we never felt unsafe and everyone was super friendly. On the way back to the ship we got off the bus at Junkanoo Beach, but we didn't actually go down to the beach so I can't comment on that. We just had a bite to eat at one of the restaurants.

 

The only place in Nassau I really felt pressured to buy things was in the straw market (of course) and to a lesser degree at the little marketplace on the way back to the ship (the hair braiders were the most vocal ones there).

 

Edit - you can definitely stay on the ship for the whole cruise and still find plenty to do! :) It's nice to be able to enjoy the ship when everyone else in on shore.

Edited November 8, 2016 by C-line

[grouchomarx]

We sailed Breakaway on that same itinerary last year and did not leave the ship once. Had been to Nassau and GSC before and didn't feel either were worth it again. As for Orlando, the ship excursion to NASA was extremely long and we didn't want to be gone that long, not that into space stuff. Nothing else interesting to do at that stop. We had a great time staying on board for 7 days straight.

[canicruiseagainplease]

At least get off the ship in Nassau. Unfortunately, the kids are thisclose to Atlantis and will die if they can't experience it this lifetime experience, at least to them. (And it aint cheap!)

 

Sent from my SM-G935P using Forums mobile app

[Hothams]

Well have to coordinate a meet somewhere. My boys are 7&8.5 at sailing and will most definitely run Into the twins at the kids center. For GSC we're planning on just going to the beach, Santa is bringing them snorkel sets and they love the beach down the shore we're there often over the summer so I'm thinking they'll enjoy the beach at GSC. Santa also is bringing them universal tix and the day at Atlantis but this is the only time all year we can all go on vaca so it's a splurge...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Cruiser Who Knows Nothing]

At least get off the ship in Nassau. Unfortunately, the kids are thisclose to Atlantis and will die if they can't experience it this lifetime experience, at least to them. (And it aint cheap!)

 

Sent from my SM-G935P using Forums mobile app

 

 

My kids don't even know what Atlantis is. I'm not sure how many kids are dying to experience it.

 

OP. Nassau isn't s dump. It's not perfect, but. It a dump. Get off the ship, walk around and see how the kids react. Just stay alert. Like you should where ever you are.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[luckyinpa]

We sailed Breakaway on that same itinerary last year and did not leave the ship once. Had been to Nassau and GSC before and didn't feel either were worth it again. As for Orlando, the ship excursion to NASA was extremely long and we didn't want to be gone that long, not that into space stuff. Nothing else interesting to do at that stop. We had a great time staying on board for 7 days straight.

 

i'm interested in why you didnt think GSC was worth it. besides looking at the NCL page i havent dont much research.

 

i was maybe thinking at a minimum give the kids a few minutes at the beach and eat food that hopefully is as good as the buffet onboard?

[Cruiser Who Knows Nothing]

You should look at the Ports of Call link on here. Click on Caribbean. There's info on the private islands too.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums