Carnival dropping Nassau port of call?

[kc58ab]

Atlantis I thought was a quite amazing excursion, my family thoroughly enjoyed it in Nassau. I would go back. I don't recall being harassed nearly as much there outside the pier shopping as in Jamaica for sure.

[watermelonqueen99]

Probably just your sailing. We're stopping in Nassau in April,in fact booked this cruise BECAUSE of Nassau. We love it, because we get to go to Blue Lagoon. The water is absolutely STUNNING! If you ever get to visit Nassau, don't listen to the naysayers, go in with an open mind. I would be upset missing HMC, though. It is gorgeous. Can you switch to a different ship/date?

[Woodfaerie]

I stopped getting off the ship at Nassau when Atlantis started charging to walk around the grounds and check out their aquarium. I don't need my hair braided, I don't need to purchase an incense burner with a large phallic item on it and my partner does not want any cigars. Its a pool day for me!

[JMAE]

Could be #CNN or the fact the new pier is being built

 

I think a new pier is being built in Freeport, which would be good too.

[deborahjo]

Would never miss Nassau.

 

 

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[Pellaz]

I'd take Grand Turk or Amber Cove over Nassau during a cruise any day of the week...I love the easy access to beaches and the easygoing lifestyle of Grand Turk.

For Amber Cove, despite the lack of a beach near the pier, Carnival really did the best they could at making the immediate port area a fun, safe place and reasonably free from harassing vendors. (The Dominican Republic isn't quite as poor as Haiti, but I noticed they had very strong security at the gate when you re-entered the secure port area...checked every person's ship-card.)

 

Speaking of Haiti and harassing vendors, Labadee comes to mind.

It might even be worse than Nassau...there were ship's security officers patrolling the straw market area watching for "overzealous" vendors. :eek:

 

I stopped getting off the ship at Nassau when Atlantis started charging to walk around the grounds and check out their aquarium.

 

I was about to mention this. I don't know when they changed it, but I remember being wow'ed on my first cruise when we took a taxi over to Atlantis and were able to walk into the Royal Towers lobby and look into the Dig (aquarium) windows; see the great dome, etc. Now they stop all pedestrian traffic at the exit from the casino unless you have a room key, a wristband or a day pass (from, e.g., the Comfort Suites across the street).

 

I still visit Atlantis and Nassau, but -- and this is also thanks to Cruise Critic -- I spend a few nights at the Comfort Suites and therefore get free access to all of Atlantis and Aquaventure. I feel sorry for the cruise passengers who buy a day pass, come to the water park, and promptly get kicked out of the water when a lightning storm approaches...with no refunds given. :eek:

[kc58ab]

I stopped getting off the ship at Nassau when Atlantis started charging to walk around the grounds and check out their aquarium. I don't need my hair braided, I don't need to purchase an incense burner with a large phallic item on it and my partner does not want any cigars. Its a pool day for me!

I didn't know Atlantis was ever free to walk around, but I'm surprised that people would expect it to be. All the upkeep there must be costly, it's beautiful. Not to mention the beaches there are nice and the pools. I didn't even do any rides there and still felt like I didn't pay too much and would do it again.

[Doggielover68]

I also thought Amber Cove was a DUD

 

 

I didn't mind Amber Cove when we stopped there once on a 14 night cruise, but if we were on a shorter cruise I would have been disappointed. It's a great place to hang out at a less crowded pool if that is something you like to do.

 

 

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[riclop]

It will not be missed.

[Woodfaerie]

I didn't know Atlantis was ever free to walk around,

 

Oh yes, it was free. You could enter Atlantis, walk through the casino, go downstairs and view the aquarium and go out to a back beach. The first time I went there where they stopped us at the end of the casino carpet was 2013. Prior to that there was never a charge which is why it surprised me when they stopped us to check for bracelets. They of course, let you in to the casino no problem.

[Organized Chaos]

I don't have a problem with Nassau. The locals may sometimes be a little too pushy, but they aren't as bad as some (Jamaica anyone?). The town has some wear on it, but at least it is a real town and a real port with real history. Grand Turk and Amber Cove on the otherhand... well, I'm not much for fake ports. If Carnival was going to drop a port, I'd prefer it be one or both of those two. They aren't much more than extensions of whatever ship you happen to be on. Of course, that's NEVER going to happen... higher profit margins for the participating cruise lines there.

So you're saying Grand Turk is a "fake port," little more than an "extension of the ship," and lacks "real history?" The Turks & Caicos Islands were used as a regular shipping lane for Columbus' fleet after he first made landfall in the New World and began traveling back & forth from Spain. Columbus himself set foot on the islands. Some experts believe that a shipwreck discovered off the coat of one of the islands could very well be the Pinta. Some of the world's most well known pirates used the islands as their home base, including Capt. Kidd and possibly William Teach, better known as Blackbeard. In more recent history, the area was used as a "splash down" zone for early NASA missions. Sure, the beach near the Grand Turk pier is now full of bars, but you can't argue the history of those islands. One only has to look for it.

[Towel Critter]

So you're saying Grand Turk is a "fake port," little more than an "extension of the ship," and lacks "real history?" The Turks & Caicos Islands were used as a regular shipping lane for Columbus' fleet after he first made landfall in the New World and began traveling back & forth from Spain. Columbus himself set foot on the islands. Some experts believe that a shipwreck discovered off the coat of one of the islands could very well be the Pinta. Some of the world's most well known pirates used the islands as their home base, including Capt. Kidd and possibly William Teach, better known as Blackbeard. In more recent history, the area was used as a "splash down" zone for early NASA missions. Sure, the beach near the Grand Turk pier is now full of bars, but you can't argue the history of those islands. One only has to look for it.

I'm speaking of the port area, which most never venture beyond. I'm aware of the pirate/NASA stuff. The problem with Grand Turk, for ME, is that you can take in most of the island in an hour or so, yet Carnival includes this stop on most every Eastern Caribbean itinerary. It's unavoidable for those of us who prefer the Eastern Caribbean. I've been there too many times and saw all there was to see my first visit. This isn't the case with islands like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, etc... where you can see something new every visit. But, yes, the port on Grand Turk is cruise line built and fake. Read back over my post; I never said the island is fake. There are no fake islands (in the Caribbean), just some fake ports. I prefer real, naturally evolved ports. Edited July 15, 2017 by Towel Critter

[cruizinisthebest]

I say if you have never been to Nassau, by all means, check it out!

That way you can decide if you are with the the crowd that declares, "Nassau Sucks!" ;p

 

I agree. I have been there 7 or 8 times. First trip was a land vacation. I enjoy Nassau. There's so many things to do there.

 

As for Amber Cove, it's very nice in the port area. I have to go back and see what else there is besides Ocean World (zero interest) or 21 waterfalls. I'm also not that big of a fan of GT. I do wish they would swap it out for somewhere else more often. It's on almost every Southern and Eastern route.

[jimbo5544]

It will not be missed.

 

 

 

Lol, what exactly are you in love with on Carnival?

 

 

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[bUU]

Both times we've been to Nassau we've been there on Sunday, and without a specific excursion it seemed that all the things to see and do in town (except shopping) were closed. :(

[Towel Critter]

I'm also not that big of a fan of GT. I do wish they would swap it out for somewhere else more often. It's on almost every Southern and Eastern route.

Exactly. I wish they would swap it out some with HMC or even Key West. It seems GT appears on Eastern itineraries four or five times more often than either of those two. I have noticed San Juan is showing up on itineraries more than it used to. That's a good thing, imo. It has become one of my favorite ports of call. I wonder why Carnival doesn't do Tortola more often than they do? It's only a stone's throw from St. Thomas, yet they rarely visit it. Well, to answer my own question, I'm sure the reason is profit related. As best as I can remember (it's been several years since I was there), Tortola isn't dotted with "Diamond International" stores. I don't recall being herded through a big Dufry store there either. I suppose ships will keep growing and the variety of itineraries shrinking. That's bidness I guess. :(

[TrinaLC]

We are the opposite. Never had a problem in Nassau and we like going to actual places with actual culture and citizens. We have never been accosted, attacked or mobbed. You can keep your fake private islands although whoever came up with them was a financial genius. Great way to keep all the profits with the cruise line.

 

I would be very, very surprised if Nassau is removed from itineraries permanently. One of the few places shorter cruises can get to outside of the fake private islands.

 

Completely agree! There are so many options, including being able to walk to an OK beach (Junkanoo) or take cheap transport to great beaches, walk around old town, do a Nassau Dining tour, go to Fish Fry local restaurants, get a day pass at the Colonial Hilton ...

[Organized Chaos]

Read back over my post; I never said the island is fake. There are no fake islands (in the Caribbean), just some fake ports. I prefer real, naturally evolved ports.

Maybe you should read back over my post. I never claimed that you said there are fake islands.

 

Here's what I said (quoting your words).

So you're saying Grand Turk is a "fake port," little more than an "extension of the ship," and lacks "real history?"

 

Also, in regards to Grand Turk being included in many of their itineraries...don't you think that's based on feedback, surveys, statistics, or what have you that Carnival uses to determine the overall interest their passengers have with certain ports of call?

[tef43]

Any reasons for not liking Nassau?

It's a sewer.

[jimbo5544]

It's a sewer.

 

 

 

Lol, while it certainly not my fav port, it's nice to see your always positive view

 

 

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[Towel Critter]

Maybe you should read back over my post. I never claimed that you said there are fake islands.

 

Here's what I said (quoting your words).

 

 

Also, in regards to Grand Turk being included in many of their itineraries...don't you think that's based on feedback, surveys, statistics, or what have you that Carnival uses to determine the overall interest their passengers have with certain ports of call?

I don't want to argue wording. I'll just say you win. How 'bout dat? :) But no, I do not think itineraries are chosen based on the things you mentioned, at least not primarily. I think they are chosen based on profit margin, which is higher at a cruise line built and run port, like the one at Grand Turk. That isn't a slam at Carnival. Of course they are in business to make money and to make as much as they can. It's a little unfortunate for repeat cruisers though, at least those that are pretty much limited to Caribbean sailings.

[cruizinisthebest]

Exactly. I wish they would swap it out some with HMC or even Key West. It seems GT appears on Eastern itineraries four or five times more often than either of those two. I have noticed San Juan is showing up on itineraries more than it used to. That's a good thing, imo. It has become one of my favorite ports of call. I wonder why Carnival doesn't do Tortola more often than they do? It's only a stone's throw from St. Thomas, yet they rarely visit it. Well, to answer my own question, I'm sure the reason is profit related. As best as I can remember (it's been several years since I was there), Tortola isn't dotted with "Diamond International" stores. I don't recall being herded through a big Dufry store there either. I suppose ships will keep growing and the variety of itineraries shrinking. That's bidness I guess. :(

I agree. I also love San Juan. I enjoy most any port. Of course some more than others. And while I do enjoy the cruise self-contained ports, there are alot of other options rather than wearing the hell out of GT.

 

As for Tortola, I know NCL goes there but not Carnival. I also wish they would go to Antigua more. I didn't realize how lucky we were when we caught it on an 8 day itinerary a few years ago.

 

Oh well, just thoughts. Have a good one!

 

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[Towel Critter]

I agree. I also love San Juan. I enjoy most any port. Of course some more than others. And while I do enjoy the cruise self-contained ports, there are alot of other options rather than wearing the hell out of GT.

 

As for Tortola, I know NCL goes there but not Carnival. I also wish they would go to Antigua more. I didn't realize how lucky we were when we caught it on an 8 day itinerary a few years ago.

 

Oh well, just thoughts. Have a good one!

 

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I was thinking I went to Tortola with Carnival quite a few years ago, but I have sailed with NCL once. Perhaps I was confused on that. They all start running together a little bit after a while. You made me chuckle with your "wearing the hell out of GT" line.:D I couldn't have said it better.

[BNBR]

I'd take Amber Cove over Nassau too. It's a beautiful port. Nassau was too pushy, dirty, and there didn't seem to be a lot to do if you didn't want to go to the Atlantis. Half Moon Cay I can understand being upset at missing.

 

Carnival's excursion site has 39 different activities listed for Nassau. The only reason you think there isn't much to do is because you have convinced yourself there is nothing to do.

 

Most every stop has a huge list of things to do. There is always something at any port I haven't yet done and things I'd like to do more than once. The idea of getting tired of going to one of the stops or "hating" a certain port seems ridiculous to me. They are all good places to go.

[bUU]

Interesting (to me) stats: Of those 39 excursions, only 9 are tagged as "Easy". By contrast, Amber Cove has 48 excursions and 20 are tagged as"Easy".

 

Is there a way to see which excursions are not offered on Sundays without actually booking a cruise?

 

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