Potential Day Pass Spots- Grand Bahama

[IslandHppy]

Based on the grumbling about the lack of day pass venues on Grand Bahama, we went recently.  This updated review lists two high end ones- Lighthouse Pointe and the Viva Wyndham.  13 Best Bahamas All Inclusive Resorts & Hotels (2022) With Reviews (oceansbeyondpiracy.org)    Lighthouse Pointe was very nice.  I think new owners are further updating the property.  One issue- it is fairly far away- but shared taxis/shuttles ($7 pp each way) were available.  The basic little shopping village at the Freeport pier is tidy and secure, but there are some fun in the sun /beach choices  too.  One good project would be a review of the cheaper beach alternatives.  One idea for the port- works well in Bimini - have a little tram to a free beach.  Getting more people off the ship creates jobs and generates goodwill.  

Edited September 1, 2022 by IslandHppy

[IslandHppy]

It looks like the ship has day passes to the Wyndham and overnights to both.  It is not obvious where to buy day passes to the Lighthouse except on the property. 

Day Passes

 

Day passes for guests and travel agents can be purchased at the Lighthouse Pointe lobby. They will allow access to our property, beach and pools as well as daily resort activities, but does not include towels. Towels can be rented for an additional charge. Please note that day passes are based on availability. For more information please send an email to guestservices@grandlucayan.com or call 954-914-9470

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

We did the Viva Wyndham a few years ago and it was a great value. Arrival via their included roundtrip shuttle was early enough to enjoy their breakfast buffet and then a few hours later, their lunch buffet. And of course, the drinks were included during the entire stay too. We hung out by the pool but the beach is just steps away.

[JesseLivermore]

On 9/1/2022 at 8:53 AM, IslandHppy said:

It looks like the ship has day passes to the Wyndham and overnights to both.  It is not obvious where to buy day passes to the Lighthouse except on the property. 

Day Passes

 

Day passes for guests and travel agents can be purchased at the Lighthouse Pointe lobby. They will allow access to our property, beach and pools as well as daily resort activities, but does not include towels. Towels can be rented for an additional charge. Please note that day passes are based on availability. For more information please send an email to guestservices@grandlucayan.com or call 954-914-9470

 

how does overnight work? might make the 2 night cruise tolerable if we could make it 3-4

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

On 9/10/2022 at 3:11 AM, JesseLivermore said:

 

how does overnight work? might make the 2 night cruise tolerable if we could make it 3-4

The Cruise & Stay option is listed on their website:

https://margaritavilleatsea.com/cruise-stay/

 

They don't mention 2-nt stays, just 4-nt & 6-nt. Perhaps it's available if one calls them. I recall you have to clear Bahamas Customs & Immigration upon arrival since you're not a day passenger. On the return, hotel check-out is well-before cruise check-in at the cruise terminal so there's a few hours of waiting around.

[JesseLivermore]

19 hours ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

The Cruise & Stay option is listed on their website:

https://margaritavilleatsea.com/cruise-stay/

 

They don't mention 2-nt stays, just 4-nt & 6-nt. Perhaps it's available if one calls them. I recall you have to clear Bahamas Customs & Immigration upon arrival since you're not a day passenger. On the return, hotel check-out is well-before cruise check-in at the cruise terminal so there's a few hours of waiting around.

 

thx. will see if I can combine w/ free heros discount and just pay resort part..

[bostoncruisegal]

On 9/19/2022 at 1:18 PM, JesseLivermore said:

 

thx. will see if I can combine w/ free heros discount and just pay resort part..

Would you be able to update on the board how it worked out?  Looking into that possibility as well.  Thanks!

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Please note in the photos posted above that the bottom photo is not from Lighthouse Pointe. It's from the mini-marketplace called the Freeport Harbour complex that is within walking distance from where Margaritaville at Sea docks. It has a straw market, a dozen-plus shops and several bars/restaurants including a Señor Frog's.

Please be aware that this complex is only open when another cruise ship is in port. Margaritaville at Sea does not count and neither does the Balaria Caribbean ferry.

[IslandHppy]

On 11/20/2022 at 9:31 PM, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

Please note in the photos posted above that the bottom photo is not from Lighthouse Pointe. It's from the mini-marketplace called the Freeport Harbour complex that is within walking distance from where Margaritaville at Sea docks. It has a straw market, a dozen-plus shops and several bars/restaurants including a Señor Frog's.

Please be aware that this complex is only open when another cruise ship is in port. Margaritaville at Sea does not count and neither does the Balaria Caribbean ferry.

 

Good call.  So the idea is to get out of the port area and up to the beach places.