GracieCat0_1

My sister and I will be in Nassau next week and thinking about going over to explore Atlantis and Paradise Island. We will be in port a long time with no real plans. I've walked to Junkanoo and the Fish Fry with no issues.

1. Can you walk safely to Atlantis and how long does it take? Google says about 40 minutes.

2. Can you shop at Atlantis without being a guest?

3. How far is the public beach access once you get on PI?

Thanks!

I drink kefir in fruit smoothies. I think it tastes like liquid goat cheese which I love! Chèvre, not feta. More distinctive than plain yogurt.

I just got my credit card (Citi MC) bill where I purchased the photo package for all prints. I got an $8.99 foreign transaction fee on a $209.95 purchase. Looks like they are located in the Cayman Islands. I'm sure this was in the fine print on the terms of agreement, but come on... I guess it wouldn't change my purchase decision, but I'm not happy about this, especially since I've purchased stuff out of the US and not had these fees before.

Just wanted to let other cruisers know in advance!

If anyone has any ideas how to fight this that have worked, let me know!

I have only been to Champagne so I can't comment on the others. It is a rock beach. No sand. When we were there, the water was rough and I got badly scraped up with the surf and the rocks. The snorkeling was great in terms of stuff to see and I saw some squid which I've never seen anywhere else. There are also a lot of rocks in the water so you have be careful not to scrape your knees snorkeling. There was a dive shop on site, but we brought our own equipment. I didn't think the bubbles were anything to write home about. Occasional little bubbles coming up, but certainly not like a jacuzzi. I would save a beach trip for a different island and spend your time in Dominica exploring this beautiful island's inland offerings. Maybe do a boat snorkeling trip if offered. We hired a driver for the day and crammed in as much as possible. Highly recommended.

I'm with some of the others on preferring the smaller ships. Haven't been on Oasis/Allure yet, but here's why. We went on Liberty and had massive lines getting from the port onto the ship. I think everyone arrived at once! Then more lines everywhere onboard and getting on/off. It felt like even getting around the ship was a chore and we are young and in shape! I went ice skating once. The extra restaurants/pubs where nice, but didn't make it a must do again for us. At one stop we parked next to Oasis. Wow! Watching everyone wait to board made us say, "No thank you." We'll probably try it one day when DS can roam freely, but for now, the smaller ships suit us fine. I can fill my daily social calendar and still have time (and a place) to relax in peace and quiet. Go in with the right mindset and you will have a fabulous time!

I usually find the chicken to be pretty cold and soggy. Maybe that's from fighting the crowds to find a seat at lunch the first day.LOL! Flavor okay. I don't see what people go crazy about either other than tradition. The CSR at RCI Thursday told me to try the roast beef sandwiches at Park Cafe. Never heard them do that before!

I think nice shorts on small children are fine. DS (now 4) doesn't get cold like I do so he doesn't complain about the temperature. I dressed him in cute jumpers and collared shirts and thought he looked fine with the casual adults. They weren't "playclothes" but they were shorts. For formal night he wore dress shirts and khaki pants and we had on suits and cocktail dresses. There are few young kids in jackets/ties, but no one will blame you if you don't buy those things just for the cruise. What they will fault you for is the behavior of your child in the MDR!

I agree that Celebrity is more upscale. Dressier, classier. Food is fancier and maybe better. The activities aren't as "frat party" as RCI. Clientele feels different. Less partier even though mixed ages. Martini bar is awesome! I prefer Celebrity over RCI, but we always have a great time and good food on RCI too. We go where the port, cost, and schedule permits.

They've also broken kids into groups by single year depending on how many kids are on board so potentially, it might be even harder to change groups. Never hurts to ask though!

We have requested tables for 2 and sometimes had it honored, sometimes not. We have a had our own family table for 6 with DS 2 and shared a large table when DS was 1. I don't see any patterns to what exactly gets your preferred choice other than C&A status. We have been fortunate to meet interesting and polite people as tablemates and make the best of it. One couple had a large suite which they showed us! On our honeymoon with a table for 2, we spent more time talking to the family next to us with teenagers about their daily activities. Like the OP said, there are other dining options if you just can't stand your tablemates!

We will be in Nassau in a few weeks for the afternoon and wanted to try the Fish Fry area and stop at Junkanoo. Is it easy to walk there from the cruise pier? Sidewalks? We will have DS in a stroller. How long should the walk take us? Any tips? I know we could take the #10, but sometimes public transportation is more trouble than just walking. Thanks!

How does Goldies compare to Oh Andros? It seems like they got better reviews on Trip Adivsor.

I erased my SeaPass card multiple times by accidentally sticking it in the same pocket as my camera. Not sure if there is anything magnetic in a digital camera or not. Best to keep it away from all electronics unless you don't mind waiting at Guest Services!

We took DS's carseat and umbrella stroller with us. We always asked if the taxi had seatbelts. One exception was a trip to the beach in St. Thomas/St. John where they use those benches on a truck things. We put DS in the middle and held on! Just wait until you find a taxi that can accomodate your needs. We were in a van in St. Maarten and it did have seatbelts and A/C!

We have a 4 yo son who will be going on his 3rd cruise in a few weeks. He was too young to be left before, but toured the "kid zone" a few times. He goes to daycare full-time so he is used to being entertained by non-family. We have been talking about the fun activities and things he will be doing to help prepare him. I think kids are less prone to motion sickness than adults. He laughs when I get queasy on the merry-go-round. If your whole family gets sick, then you may want to talk to the pediatrician about remedies for him. Have a great trip!

I'm going to be Summit in just a few weeks and bought the premium non-alcoholic drink package. I would love to hear what I should try. I'm not a coffee drinker, but will get teas, chai lattes and maybe some other loaded hot drinks. I will definitely get fresh OJ. I love virgin daiquiris and have had strawberry and mango. Will try my first Red Bull if available. Other than a few drink of the days and fruity cocktails, we've never paid for drinks on a cruise before.

So, now that money is no object, what should we go crazy trying?

Also, if I get a drink and don't like it, do I ask for something else or go another bar and pretend I drank the last drink on the way over?

I'm also looking at STL2 for the longer time on St. John. It's looking like an additional $6pp each way to Trunk plus $4 entrance fee. The other longer tours look like they have guided tours or shopping. 2 hours of free time doesn't seem like much to include taxi rides both ways.

I am in the same situation-traveling with a 20-month old. I've been reading about Secret Harbor beach. How does it compare?