Nassau and Coco Cay - Payment Methods?

[TurnLeftKasey]

Hi, I'm going on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Coco Cay and to Nassau.

 

I do not like to carry cash, I usually use my Mastercard.

 

My question is: should I take cash w/ me?

 

I'm planning to do some shopping in Nassau, not big mall shopping, just local vendor shopping.

 

I heard about the Straw Market. I wanted to pick up some unique jewelry, souveniers, etc from Nassau. Will these vendors take Mastercard?

 

 

And as for Coco Cay, I've heard about the island drinks - does Coco Cay just charge them to your SeaPass card OR do they allow separate payment w/ cash and credit card?

 

What does everyone think? Bring cash (American dollars) or credit card everything?

 

Thank you everyone!!!

[travelntreats]

Straw market mainly takes CASH... and helps for negotiating price too ! Take small bills as they just usually do not make change for larger than a $20 ! If purchasing high ticket items, i.e. jewelry, art, etc... then the MC will be best and protect you more after the purchase.

 

Private island... I bring a few $1's for tips, but you basically will charge everything to your SeaPass card. Enjoy your cruise.

[TurnLeftKasey]

Thank you! Answered my question perfectly!!!

[travelntreats]

More than happy to help and I am sure others will chime in with ideas as well !

 

We will be on our cruise next monday visiting Key West and Nassau (not my favorite) !

[TurnLeftKasey]

Not your favs? Why not? I've never been to each plus the cruise that I'm going on will be my first. Any pointers...

[travelntreats]

Oh believe me for a first timer you will probably love Nassau... but when compared to other ports of call.... you will better understand the more you see them !

 

I would go over to Paradise Island and see the Atlantis and maybe even make a donation to the casino there !

 

Just be prepared for the agressive locals "Braid your hair pretty lady"..... "Wanna buy some good smoke".... A stern NO THANKS usually makes them go away !

 

You will have a great cruise I am certain !

[lambs2]

I do not recommend this for just anyone, but DH and I actually WALKED to and from Atlantis. We are Floridians so the heat and humidity do not bother us, plus we walk 4 or 5 miles every day for exercise. It is very easy to find a taxi, also. :) Don't miss the fantastic aquarium (beyond anything I ever expected) in the lobby of the Atlantis!

 

Cocoa Cay is a wonderful "natural" island. Enjoy your time there, and the fabulous lunch the ship provides. Make sure you walk on beyond where all the chairs and people are to see the beautiful beach without all the people.

[TurnLeftKasey]

Haha! That is hilarious! "Braid your hair pretty lady!" Too funny.

 

I'm really looking forward to it, I really need a getaway!

 

As for Coco Cay, drinks are charged to the SeaPass account, anyone knows how much drinks are? I read somewhere they were $15, I sure hope that is wrong.

 

Side note- I'm picturing laying on the beach and people bringing me my drinks... LOL Is that how it is? Or do you have to go get them yourself? Ha ha! ;)

 

Thanks!!!

 

ALSO: I'm taking my nephew w/ me, age 13, is the waterpark on Coco Cay free to use? Or is there a fee?

[travelntreats]

I dont recall drink charges being anymore than on ths ship... but may be wrong, I keep to the basics of beer or a frozen drink for wife. I saw some servers walking around but that was a year ago taking ordsers.... I always just go up to a bar ! No fee for the water area for children that I am aware of..... Enjoy the sun, sand and the surf and find a place to park your butt in the sand with a cool drink in hand !

[TurnLeftKasey]

Oh my god I can't wait. I'm a huge Buffett fan and a huge Chesney fan. I'm totally going to eat it all up! Sand, sun, island drinks, whoo hoo!!!

[travelntreats]

bring your IPOD and enjoy !

[TurnLeftKasey]

Yes!!! I'm totally bringing the iPod!!!

[Mahini]

And as for Coco Cay, I've heard about the island drinks - does Coco Cay just charge them to your SeaPass card OR do they allow separate payment w/ cash and credit card?

 

 

The drinks on CocoCay can be charged on your ship pass; however, the vendors selling tshirts, etc. only take cash. Also (other posters correct me if I'm wrong) if I remember correctly the CocoLoco drinks are close to $10 each (but you get to keep the glass lol).

[TurnLeftKasey]

Close to $10, that is a lot... Easily rack up $40 or more just in a few drinks... Darn!

 

I was hoping something less like $6-7 or such. And I guess I will be collecting Coco Loco cups!

[liketovacation]

When you talk about the Water Park on Coco Cay, if you are talking about the Aqua Park with the handful of inflatable challenges that are anchored in the water, yes, there is a charge. There is also a large land based inflatable water slide on the land, and there is also a separate charge for it. We've done both areas twice, my kids love them. I found out that there is a $5 discount if you purchase them on the island instead of on the ship last time we were there.

 

Barb