Itinerary Suggestions Needed - Nassau

[soulsistah007]

Will be in Nassau on a Sunday in November. Cruise ship docks from 7am - 2pm.

 

I've been to Nassau previously and went to Cabbage beach and roamed through Atlantis. I'll be going this time with my BF who has never been to the Caribbean. Here are ideas i thought of doing but would like some suggestions/feedback from others concerning what to do with our time and what would be best for a first timer to the island. We dont want to spend a lot of money but want to have a good time. We are both in our late 20's.

 

Idea #1: Take cab to Cabbage Beach, walk the grounds of Atlantis, take cab back to port, browse through Festival Place and head back to the ship.

 

Idea #2: Take a cab/walk/or bus to Ardastra Zoo. Head to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for a quick bit of local food and drink. ( Or, after the zoo stop by Senor Frogs - i think it would be a hoot for the BF but how pricey are the drinks?) If we have additional time, stop by the Straw Market and through Festival Place to get back to the ship.

 

Idea #3 Go to Junkanoo Beach (I'm feeling "iffy" about the reviews I've read), Fish Fry for lunch, Straw Market or Festival and then get back to the ship

 

 

My questions are, seeing as though its a Sunday, does the jitney bus run frequently to take us from the pier to the zoo? (I've read that it runs "every few minutes" and "every 30 mins") If not, are we able to walk? How long will it take? Whats the approximate cost to take a cab instead?

 

How would we get from the zoo to Arawak Cay?

 

I'm not big on flea markets but the BF is. What do they sell at the Straw Market that would be interesting for men?

 

What time does the Festival Place and the Straw Market open on Sundays?

 

 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!!

[scubagirrl]

Will be in Nassau on a Sunday in November. Cruise ship docks from 7am - 2pm.

 

I've been to Nassau previously and went to Cabbage beach and roamed through Atlantis. I'll be going this time with my BF who has never been to the Caribbean. Here are ideas i thought of doing but would like some suggestions/feedback from others concerning what to do with our time and what would be best for a first timer to the island. We dont want to spend a lot of money but want to have a good time. We are both in our late 20's.

 

Idea #1: Take cab to Cabbage Beach, walk the grounds of Atlantis, take

cab back to port, browse through Festival Place and head back to the ship.

 

You can no longer wander thru the grounds of atlantis without paying for a beach pass ($60 or a full access pass $110) You can no longer enter from the beach coming from Cabbage Beach.

There is security everyone at every exit and throughout the grounds checking for bracelets.

You ARE allowed in the casino and marina village (which is located outside the Atlantis compound). You can still access Cabbage Beach thru the public walkway next to the RUI hotel.

Idea #2: Take a cab/walk/or bus to Ardastra Zoo. Head to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for a quick bit of local food and drink. ( Or, after the zoo stop by Senor Frogs - i think it would be a hoot for the BF but how pricey are the drinks?) If we have additional time, stop by the Straw Market and through Festival Place to get back to the ship.

 

Doable.. Check the website for marching flamingo show times and lorrie parrot feeding times www.ardastra.com

 

Idea #3 Go to Junkanoo Beach (I'm feeling "iffy" about the reviews I've read), Fish Fry for lunch, Straw Market or Festival and then get back to the ship

 

Junkanoon beach has not had any problems and has been nicely maintained this season.. i wouldn't worry about it.

 

My questions are, seeing as though its a Sunday, does the jitney bus run frequently to take us from the pier to the zoo? (I've read that it runs "every few minutes" and "every 30 mins") If not, are we able to walk? How long will it take? Whats the approximate cost to take a cab instead?

 

The jitney runs less requently on Sunday, but still no longer than 10-12 minutes wait. The drop you on the main road leading to the zoo. It's a 3 block walk (a slight incline) to the zoo entrance. A walk should take about 20 minutes from downtown. Cab would be $11 for the 2 of you.

 

How would we get from the zoo to Arawak Cay?

 

Arawak cay is about 50 meters from the jitney drop off point at the zoo

 

I'm not big on flea markets but the BF is. What do they sell at the Straw Market that would be interesting for men?

 

Junk, junk and more junk. It's not a flea market. They sell t shirt, caps, straw bags made in china and alot of junk. They MAINLY sell knock off pocketbooks. You're better off shopping in the stores or at Festival place.

 

What time does the Festival Place and the Straw Market open on Sundays?

 

Yes, but they open after church (around noon) and will close around 4/5pm especially in winter.

 

 

 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!!

 

See above

[carly chloe]

Scubagirrl can I ask you a question? The people selling at the strawmarket seem really poor- but are they actually? It seems like they sell alot of stuff.

[scubagirrl]

Scubagirrl can I ask you a question? The people selling at the strawmarket seem really poor- but are they actually? It seems like they sell alot of stuff.

 

No, they usually make a decent living. You should see those ladies in their sunday best. They'd put us all the shame.

[travelbig]

What and where is Festival Place? I agree with your remarks about the straw market. Also, entering that place is close to self torture. :p

[scubagirrl]

What and where is Festival Place? I agree with your remarks about the straw market. Also, entering that place is close to self torture. :p

 

Festival place is the Welcome Center that you will have to go thru in order to exit the dock. It's filled with local vendors with bahamian made products such as jewelry, soaps, tiles, candles etc.

 

http://www.alisonfhamilton.com/festivalplace.htm

[soulsistah007]

Thanks so much for the tips and suggestions!

[travelbig]

Festival place is the Welcome Center that you will have to go thru in order to exit the dock. It's filled with local vendors with bahamian made products such as jewelry, soaps, tiles, candles etc.

 

http://www.alisonfhamilton.com/festivalplace.htm

 

Thankyou!

[STARFISH*4]

when we were there in January "Festival Place" didnt realize that is what it was called didnt have alot of vendors in it..we were thru the place in no time, so unless they have more now you dont need much time there and the STRAW MARKET is junky and cant imagine what they would have for men...maybe hats! (ball caps) we got some cool lookin ones last time, but the t-shirts were made of a very cheap cotton and they will shrink if you arent careful...we are skippin the Straw Market this time!