Nassua, Paradise Island?

[Corkle]

We're sailing to Nassua on the Mariner of the Seas in October. Any tips on what to do there? TIA

[vicdreyer]

I don't see a lot of replies..... so here goes.

 

We've been to Nassau once before and visited the straw market (an outdoor bazarre of sorts where the locals sell all kinds of things)...and then rented a car and drove around the island (to get a feel for the place).

The island is not that big and it didn't take long to get around.

 

We stopped at the Atlantis casino but could not find a place to park (it was just way too crowded) and we didn't have a lot of time, so we didn't get a chance to go inside.

 

We'll be going there this April on the Explorer of the Seas and plan to visit the aquarium and tour the grounds at Atlantis. If you've never been there, it's worth a first visit ($29 admission from what another poster said).

 

Vic

[Auntie D Cruiser]

Hi Vic...What is your sailing date in April? We are going on the 3rd of April. We are booked on the Historic Harbor Cruise & Discover Atlantis tour through RCC...This is also our first time cruising...so do you think we are making a mistake? :confused:

[bluehorizonlover123]

WE have visited Atlantis and not paid a penny. Cab over there. Walk around. You can see it all on your own. Can even see some of the fish in the dig from the lobby. It is very pretty there and at least deserves a look. Then cab back to the ship when you are done.

[JerseyGirl23]

Vicdreyer, what car rental agency did you use?

[Guest enjoycruises]

While we were in Nassau, we went to the straw market and then walked the downtown area. Nothing special there. We then took the ferry and sailed over to Paradise Island. We walked around the shops and then walked to The Atlantis. Wow! It is beautiful! We paid nothing to look around and see what it had offered. I don't think the tour price is worth it! Save your money!!!

[vicdreyer]

Auntie D Cruiser,

 

We are going on April 17 (RCC Explorer of the Seas). I did read about the Harbor Cruise and Discover Atlantis shore excursion....but felt $50 was a bit much for a ferry ride over to the Atlantis area.

You can take a local ferry over to Atlantis for $3 (they run all day) or a cab for $8 + tips. While you can see a part of the aquarium from inside the casino for free, you can also purchase the $29 'wristband' so you can walk around and explore the entire grounds (incuding the 'Dig'). It does sounds like (from some folks here) that you may be able to walk around without paying tho.

 

JerseyGirl23,

 

Go to expedia.com, click on 'Cars' and check the prices on rentals in Nassau (or go directly to the car rental websites themselves). Many of the large rental companies are there (Hertz, Alamo, Thrifty, Avis). We used Hertz and paid around $50 for the day (I think).

 

Vic

[Reese1717]

I would not reccomend driving around Nassau especially if it is between 4-6PM. I was so crowded you could barely walk across the street with all the cars. Such a mess I would never want to drive there.

[royal girl]

Since we've been to Atlantis on a land trip to the Bahamas and since you can't use any of the facilities w/out being a guest, on our April cruise we are going to take the #10 bus down to the Crystal Palace and hang out there for a good part of the morning to use the beach and pool, maybe play at the casino. Across the street is a smaller straw market and a really GREAT ;) drink stand. Then I plan to head back to the ship, clean up and go back to the Straw Market and the shops on Bay Street. I'd like to hang by the pool on the ship since we have no sea day on this cruise, so will probably be back by 3 pm or so... :cool:

 

That's my plan right now anyhow! :p