Freeport - What to do

[VABeach]

We are going to be in port from 2:00pm - 8:00pm. Are those strange hours going to make it difficult to do excursions? How late are the markets open? What's good to do there that can be done in our time frame? We went to the International Bazar last time and hated it. My husband is weary about going back. The short day/late afternoon isn't making me very excited about it either.

 

Does anyone just love Freeport? Any suggestions? What would you do from 2-8:00pm? Is Port Lucaya better?:confused: Please help.

[LibertyBelle]

We went to Port Lucaya, we had to take a taxi and I believe it was about 20-30 minutes away, but I don't remember, I just know it was not very far! Here is a link to their web page:

http://www.portlucaya.com/

 

There is a link for the marketplace which was very nice shopping, there is also a link for the The Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club where you will find water sports and excursions. The Marina link is more if you have your own boat you want to dock there.

 

There was plenty to do Parasailing, Wave Runners, swim with the dolphins, snorkeling, the beach itself... there is a casino and the marketplace was right across the street from the Yacht Club.

 

Here is the link for Unexso... they have water related excursions avalaible in Port Lucaya as well

 

http://www.unexso.com/

[ahoughton]

Port Lycaya is your best bet if you get off the ship. We were told on one trip that you couldn't get on the beaches unless you did an excursion (good selling point). Just across from the shopping area is a big hotel complex with shops and restaurants, you can walk the sidewalk and go to the beach area. Some of our group swam in their pool. I am thinking it was a chain like Sheraton or something.

 

If you have things planned at other ports, this can be a good ship day. You will be able to find a chair at the pool and no line at the buffit.

[PSCruiser]

Complete agreement with Ahoughton. Freeport is OK, but not a "wow" stop.

If you take a taxi to Port Lucaya, you will be dropped off right in front of a casino, if you have an interest. We walked the short distance to the beach at the Sheraton hotel, very nice and it is public. There are outdoor showers to wash off, etc. If discreet, you can also (illegally) use the hotel pools.

[Art123]

I agree with PSCruiser. When we went in November, we were using on of the lounge chairs at the Sheridan when a life guard came up and said we couldn't use it since we where not guests. The cruise ship beach towel gave us away.

[NYUKat]

My little Freeport story...

 

On my first cruise in 1999 on Carnival Fantasy with my hubby and two sons....Freeport was to be our first port of call. Well, this was my very first time to the Caribbean and I was besides myself with anticipation. I went to bed and told my husband to wake me early so I could get to the bay window and take my first look at the beautiful Caribbean. I told him that this image would probably stay with me forever. So, we dock, he wakes me and I pull back the curtains to see....A CEMENT FACTORY!!! We had such a good laugh on that one. Anyway, we ended up taxiing to Paradise Cove and did some of the best snorkeling I've done in the Caribbean since. Whenever I think of Freeport, I still have my little chuckle.:p

[VABeach]

My little Freeport story...

 

On my first cruise in 1999 on Carnival Fantasy with my hubby and two sons....Freeport was to be our first port of call. Well, this was my very first time to the Caribbean and I was besides myself with anticipation. I went to bed and told my husband to wake me early so I could get to the bay window and take my first look at the beautiful Caribbean. I told him that this image would probably stay with me forever. So, we dock, he wakes me and I pull back the curtains to see....A CEMENT FACTORY!!! We had such a good laugh on that one. Anyway, we ended up taxiing to Paradise Cove and did some of the best snorkeling I've done in the Caribbean since. Whenever I think of Freeport, I still have my little chuckle.:p

I think everyone who goes to Freeport for the first time on a cruise has that same experiance! My husband is not very excited about going back. This will be our first stop, and my parents' first look at the Caribbean. Everyone keeps telling them how "beautiful" it is. I'm hoping their experiance won't be the same.:rolleyes:

[mdeane]

Don't get off the ship.

[487]

I wonder if the main reasons for stopping there are ship related. Cheap port docking fee and cheap fuel???? :confused:

[ahoughton]

That must be the reasoning. If the Port was on the other side of the island where you could get off the ship and walk to everything it would be ok.

[Larry Dymnd]

Either you can stay on the ship or venture out to a beach. The beach went to in May was terrible, blocked the name out of my head.

Good Luck

[NJBill]

We went to Freeport last year. We took a taxi (about 10 min) to Port Lucaya. We went to the free public beach in front of the Sheraton Hotel. Kids loved it. Went shopping across the street at the Marketplace.. I like the beach.