Going to the Bahamas

[Rich M]

Can anyone recommend stuff to do in Nassau? I was thinking about not getting off the ship since this is my first cruise and wanted to enjoy the ship but wanted to make sure there isn't something that I might want to do. I am not looking to spend a paycheck though on going on an excursion. Is getting off the ship and walking around safe?

 

[starvenger]

Not sure when your ship is leaving but there should be plenty of time for you to enjoy/explore the ship in the morning and take a stroll around in the afternoon, should you decide to go onshore.

The immediate area around the port should be safe. We walked to the Colonial Hilton (a good spot if you're looking for some slightly secluded sun and sand) with our two kids (it's about 10-15 minutes at normal pace) and felt fine.

If you do decide to do excursions, I think these should be good without breaking the bank:
- Colonial Hilton is a little more expensive than when I last went there but some of the price is offset by a food/beverage credit. Google "Day Pass Colonial Hilton". Prices may vary slightly by website.
- There's a chocolate tour/tasting at the Graycliff, which is also within walking distance. We're considering that for the kids.
- Also considering a food tour (https://www.trubahamianfoodtours.com/tour/bites-of-nassau-food-tasting-cultural-walking-tour/). With the kids being older they may want to stay on board, and since the ship is leaving Nassau at 5 this seems viable. And potentially delicious.

 

[nkereina]

We weren't impressed with the market area at the port (pushy people) and the immediate area outside the port was meh for us.

I know there is mixed reviews, but we did an Atlantis tour and loved it. We bought the Discover Atlantis tour which is basically just a tour of the property, but there was time at the end for us to take it all in at our own pace and grab a drink before we had to head back to the ship. They provided transportation as well. It's the cheapest way to see the Atlantis property, without staying there or purchasing the waterpark pass. We were on Oasis so our time in Nassau was brief which is why we opted for the Discover Atlantis tour. On a prior cruise, we had done the waterpark pass at Atlantis which was awesome. I would recommend that too if you have the time. There is also a marina area and some shops right outside Atlantis property to check out. Even though experienced cruisers will poo poo Atlantis, we still enjoy and think its a sight to see if you haven't before.

 

[Rich M]

We weren't impressed with the market area at the port (pushy people) and the immediate area outside the port was meh for us.

I know there is mixed reviews, but we did an Atlantis tour and loved it. We bought the Discover Atlantis tour which is basically just a tour of the property, but there was time at the end for us to take it all in at our own pace and grab a drink before we had to head back to the ship. They provided transportation as well. It's the cheapest way to see the Atlantis property, without staying there or purchasing the waterpark pass. We were on Oasis so our time in Nassau was brief which is why we opted for the Discover Atlantis tour. On a prior cruise, we had done the waterpark pass at Atlantis which was awesome. I would recommend that too if you have the time. There is also a marina area and some shops right outside Atlantis property to check out. Even though experienced cruisers will poo poo Atlantis, we still enjoy and think its a sight to see if you haven't before.

We were thinking about going there also. It looks really cool to us. Is there a shuttle to just take there and explore on your own? We are there from 10 to 4. Do you think that would be enough time to enjoy the waterpark. I see they have passes for the waterpark for $99.

 

[nkereina]

We were thinking about going there also. It looks really cool to us. Is there a shuttle to just take there and explore on your own? We are there from 10 to 4. Do you think that would be enough time to enjoy the waterpark. I see they have passes for the waterpark for $99.

Unfortunately, Atlantis will only allow non-guests and people without passes into the casino and that's it. You can't explore the grounds at all, and the grounds are expansive. To my knowledge, the walking tour is still the cheapest pass you can buy as a non-guest to just check out the property. The tour did provide roundtrip transportation. I don't believe there are shuttles unless you're on a tour, but a taxi would be quick and cheap there if you wanted to go to the casino. You can also visit the marina and surrounding shops for free as well.

If you're there from 10-4, you'd have enough time for the waterpark but I don't know if the value is there. It seems like a lot to pay for a fairly short amount of time and I would constantly be clock-watching, making sure we are packed up, changed, and back to the shuttle to get back in time. We also got off the ship somewhat late due to the hoards of people, but our time in port was 8-3. Might be easier to line up earlier to get off with a 10am port time.

 

[Rich M]

Unfortunately, Atlantis will only allow non-guests and people without passes into the casino and that's it. You can't explore the grounds at all, and the grounds are expansive. To my knowledge, the walking tour is still the cheapest pass you can buy as a non-guest to just check out the property. The tour did provide roundtrip transportation. I don't believe there are shuttles unless you're on a tour, but a taxi would be quick and cheap there if you wanted to go to the casino. You can also visit the marina and surrounding shops for free as well.

If you're there from 10-4, you'd have enough time for the waterpark but I don't know if the value is there. It seems like a lot to pay for a fairly short amount of time and I would constantly be clock-watching, making sure we are packed up, changed, and back to the shuttle to get back in time. We also got off the ship somewhat late due to the hoards of people, but our time in port was 8-3. Might be easier to line up earlier to get off with a 10am port time.

That's interesting. I would think they would want to get people in there to sale them on the waterpark. The water park looks so fun but I am just not sure on the cost also

 

[starvenger]

Probably faster to get people to lose money at the gaming tables.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

That's interesting. I would think they would want to get people in there to sale them on the waterpark.

You could say the same thing about cruise ships...or theme parks. I'd love to do a walking tour of the ships that dock in Nassau. The wife and I actually went to the port in Nassau (while spending a week at Atlantis) once and asked if we could do so. Unequivocal 'no' from everyone.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Unfortunately, Atlantis will only allow non-guests and people without passes into the casino and that's it.

The Marina Village is also open to general public.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

We are there from 10 to 4. Do you think that would be enough time to enjoy the waterpark.

I visit Atlantis annually. That's not really enough time, especially because that's when all the other cruisers will be there. That's peak time for slide lines.

 

[nkereina]

The Marina Village is also open to general public.

Yep - that was in the last sentence of the first paragraph of my post