Atlantis vs Blue Lagoon

[deb63]

I've done searches on both Atlantis & Blue Lagoon on the Bahama port section - and they both get positive reviews. And I read through feedback here, which I appreciated - as I now realized I should be considering the encounter not a swim - just in case the dolphin is overwhelming, and our DDs aren't the best swimmers.

 

What I was wondering is if anyone has done both - if they found one was a better experience for kids than the other.

 

If we were to do Atlantis, I think walking around the dig after would be neat - but I don't see us doing the waterpark portion.

 

If you do Blue Lagoon, the dolphin encounter - do you get to enjoy teh beach before heading back to the boat?

 

We are booked for RCCL next year - but debating changing it sooner - so was looking at the added costs (excursions).

 

Thank you for any feed back you can share.

[lmg1230]

We have done dolphin encounters with children at both Blue Lagoon and Atlantis while staying in Bahamas as opposed to being on a cruise so I can't speak to the particulars of what happens on the shore excursion. We were, however, at Blue Lagoon 7 years ago when my older daughter was 6 and at Atlantis 3 years ago with both daughters who were then 10 and 3. We had a far better experience at Atlantis. Our experience at Blue Lagoon was a large group of people on a floating platform and then a smaller group of people (about 6-8) taking turns getting down into the water (about chest deep) with the dolphin for a few minutes. At Atlantis our family of four were alone with a marine biologist and a second trainer. We were able to walk into the water from the beach (wearing flotation devices) and the trainers brought the dolphin in with us and we were able to interact for about 1/2 hour. It was amazing!

 

Lisa

[highbridge5]

This seems to be the most confusing shore excursion choice ever for Nassau. I struggled with it before my cruise in January and have since learned a bunch more about it after I got home.

 

I have come to the conclusion that there is no wrong decision to be made here. It really depends on the day of week and how early your ship arrives in Nassau.

 

I'm sure you've seen this in your research but I wanted to specifically mention that the beach at Blue Lagoon is not open every day of the week. Specifically, not on Thursdays. If you are going to do the Blue Lagoon on one of the closed days, you'll only be able to use the beach if they have opened it up to host a cruise line shore excursion.

 

If you sign up for one organized through the CL, they pick you up right at the pier - no having to make your way to the ferry terminal on Paradise Island.

 

I did the Atlantis "shallow water" interaction with my 9, 6 and 4 yo and it was just right for my kids. Plenty of opportunity and space to "not interact" if your kids are frightened or if the water is too deep.

 

Take 2 adults, you won't want to miss out on your turn because you are busy comforting a nervous child. You'll want your turn because it is just about the coolest thing... EVER.

 

My boss just did a "swim" at Blue Lagoon with his 11 yo and his daughter enjoyed it immensely. The previous poster's experience was the first review I have seen yet that was less than enthusiastic about Blue Lagoon. Everyone else seems to be head-over-heels in love with the experience they had at BL.

 

In my opinion, the Atlantis experience falls into the category of "perfectly acceptable". It was my second choice. Blue Lagoon was my first choice. In the end, I could not justify all the time it would have taken if the beach was closed and all we were doing was the dolphin interaction. Also, getting in at 11AM (weather permitting), we were limited with the ferry schedule as to how much time we'd be at Blue Lagoon vs. getting there and back.

 

One of my main reasons for not choosing Blue Lagoon was the "travel time" on their catamaran to the resort and the infrequency of the boat. The travel time argument turns out to have been a collosally silly way to decide. By the time you get from the ship to Atlantis and walk to Dolphin Cay, you'll have spent at least the same amount of time - and it was probably not a fourth as interesting or as fun as the boat ride to Blue Lagoon. However, the fact that the Blue Lagoon ferry only runs every hour or so and last boat back is around 5PM makes it hard to justify all the travel time if your ship doesn't arrive in Nassau until mid-day.

 

hb5

[deb63]

This seems to be the most confusing shore excursion choice ever for Nassau. I struggled with it before my cruise in January and have since learned a bunch more about it after I got home.

 

I have come to the conclusion that there is no wrong decision to be made here. It really depends on the day of week and how early your ship arrives in Nassau.

 

I'm sure you've seen this in your research but I wanted to specifically mention that the beach at Blue Lagoon is not open every day of the week. Specifically, not on Thursdays. If you are going to do the Blue Lagoon on one of the closed days, you'll only be able to use the beach if they have opened it up to host a cruise line shore excursion.

 

If you sign up for one organized through the CL, they pick you up right at the pier - no having to make your way to the ferry terminal on Paradise Island.

 

I did the Atlantis "shallow water" interaction with my 9, 6 and 4 yo and it was just right for my kids. Plenty of opportunity and space to "not interact" if your kids are frightened or if the water is too deep.

 

Take 2 adults, you won't want to miss out on your turn because you are busy comforting a nervous child. You'll want your turn because it is just about the coolest thing... EVER.

 

My boss just did a "swim" at Blue Lagoon with his 11 yo and his daughter enjoyed it immensely. The previous poster's experience was the first review I have seen yet that was less than enthusiastic about Blue Lagoon. Everyone else seems to be head-over-heels in love with the experience they had at BL.

 

In my opinion, the Atlantis experience falls into the category of "perfectly acceptable". It was my second choice. Blue Lagoon was my first choice. In the end, I could not justify all the time it would have taken if the beach was closed and all we were doing was the dolphin interaction. Also, getting in at 11AM (weather permitting), we were limited with the ferry schedule as to how much time we'd be at Blue Lagoon vs. getting there and back.

 

One of my main reasons for not choosing Blue Lagoon was the "travel time" on their catamaran to the resort and the infrequency of the boat. The travel time argument turns out to have been a collosally silly way to decide. By the time you get from the ship to Atlantis and walk to Dolphin Cay, you'll have spent at least the same amount of time - and it was probably not a fourth as interesting or as fun as the boat ride to Blue Lagoon. However, the fact that the Blue Lagoon ferry only runs every hour or so and last boat back is around 5PM makes it hard to justify all the travel time if your ship doesn't arrive in Nassau until mid-day.

 

hb5

 

Very helpful. Thank you. :)

 

Our ship is suppose to dock at Nassau in the morning - 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

 

Is the catamaran to Blue Lagoon fun/interesting? I had read one report that said there was calypso music playing - but just one person had that in their post.

 

I was planning to book through the cruise line. I've read where people save $ doing it on their own - but we are not experienced enough travelers to be comfortable with that yet, so would rather spend the extra $ for now.

[jam82]

I've been to both places and would do B.L over Atlantis. Atlantis is very cool to see, but I am turned off by the crowds. Blue Lagoon was quiet and peaceful. However, they did not have alot of food choices. They had burgers and that was about it. However, their drinks were excellent and reasonable. Atlantis food and drinks will be more expensive. The boat ride to Blue Lagoon was nice and they served snacks and drinks. They also gave us a talk of all the highlights on the way back. Great crew and great service. I really liked that there was no car travel involved. We walked to the boat from the cruise ship.

 

I think if you want the 'WOW' I'm at the Atlantis factor, do that. If you are looking for a peaceful day at the beach and a swim with the dolphins, B.L. is the better choice.

[griffy116]

We have done both and Blue Lagoon is the winner for us. The beach is beautiful and not at all crowded. We've done the cruise to Hawaii and done the whale watch, seen the volcanoes and many other adventures, but my Grandson is now 16 and still says this is the best excursion he's ever taken (he's been on 9 cruises). They are very patient, the dolphins were gentle and loving and we just enjoyed everything. :)

[deb63]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your experiences.

 

I'd say from the sounds of it - Blue Lagoon fits more what we are looking for. We're not looking for a water park, casino or the "wow" of being at Atlantis. But more the memory of our first experience up close & personal with a dolphin. A quiet beach fits our personalities more.

 

Thank you again for helping me sort out the pros and cons that both have to offer.