Leaving on Seaside very soon. 2 questions...

[Stockjock]

1. Any idea which terminal the ship arrives at in the U.S. Virgin Islands?  Is it always the same or does it vary?

2. Any recommendations as to things to do in Nassau, Bahamas?  The ship is there from noon to 7 pm.  I didn't see any tours that really appealed to me.

If you have any other specific tips or suggestions, feel free to chime in.  I've been on MSC, but first cruise on Seaside.

Thank you in advance!

Edited October 24, 2019 by Stockjock

[Motegi]

Although some here will say otherwise there is plenty to do in Nassau even without a guided tour or excursion.  

 

Here are a few of my favorites that are within walking distance from port:

1) John Watlings Rum Distillery (free tours all day long: http://www.johnwatlings.com)

2) Graycliff Chocolate Factory (tours available: https://graycliff.rezdy.com/196486/graycliff-chocolatier-factory-tour) 

3) Graycliff Cigar Company (tours available: https://graycliff.rezdy.com/197018/graycliff-cigar-company-cigar-factory-tour)

4) Graycliff Restaurant (Fine dining with a Bahamian touch: http://www.graycliff.com/dining/) - if you dine here ask for the wine cellar tour from your waiter

5) Bahama Barrels Winery (Wine blending classes offered: http://www.graycliff.com/bahama-barrels/)

6) Junkanoo Beach (http://nassau-beaches.com/index.php/about-me/junkanoo-beach/) Look for Crab and Tings fish shack and ask for the owner Ms Sue.  If you order food or drinks she will provide you loungers to spend the afternoon on the beach.  We like the whole red snapper, conch fritters, and conch salad.

7) Pirates of Nassau Museum (http://www.piratesofnassau.com) - its not the Smithsonian but it's an interesting look into the long and storied pirate history of the Caribbean.  

8 ) Pirate Republic Brewing Company (https://www.piraterepublicbahamas.com).  If you don't do the museum you can still get some pirate history on the brewery tour here.  Its offered twice a day and includes a flight of beer and a pretzel.  The tour guide is usually dressed up as a pirate and is very enthusiastic.

9) Arawak Cay / Fish Fry District (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147416-d216275-Reviews-Arawak_Cay-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html). Just a short taxi ride from port this is the place to go if you want a casual sit down Bahamian lunch.  There are many restaurants to choose from, the prices are reasonable, and the portions are huge.  Its where the locals go.  I would not advise going there at night though.  

10 ) Nassau Straw Market (https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/shopping/straw-market) if you're looking for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family you might check here.  There are endless stalls of vendors selling crafts, carvings, shirts, bags, etc.  FYI, never take the first price offered.  All prices here are negotiable.  We often get 40-50% discounts with little effort.  

11 ) If you're looking for high end Swiss watches, jewelry, or designer goods there are many shops on Bay Street just a couple minutes walk from the port.  You can negotiate and get a decent markdown compared to what you would pay stateside and with the added benefit of being tax and duty free.   The Omega Boutique is one of my favorite stops.  

Edited October 24, 2019 by Motegi

[reedprincess]

15 hours ago, Stockjock said:

1. Any idea which terminal the ship arrives at in the U.S. Virgin Islands?  Is it always the same or does it vary?

2. Any recommendations as to things to do in Nassau, Bahamas?  The ship is there from noon to 7 pm.  I didn't see any tours that really appealed to me.

If you have any other specific tips or suggestions, feel free to chime in.  I've been on MSC, but first cruise on Seaside.

Thank you in advance!

St Thomas: Ship docks at Havensight aka WICO West Indian Company Docks. Right in downtown.  Always. Barring some serious overcrowding or an emergency of some kind.  

 

Great list above for Nassau.  

Edited October 24, 2019 by reedprincess

[grandgeezer]

2 hours ago, reedprincess said:

St Thomas: Ship docks at Havensight aka WICO West Indian Company Docks. Right in downtown.  Always. Barring some serious overcrowding or an emergency of some kind.  

 

Great list above for Nassau.  

We were there last week and from Havensight to town is a little over two miles according to signage at the shop center at the port. It's a fairly long hike, for seniors, and not much to see or do.we did it there but took a taxi back. If 2+ miles is right in downtown, you are correct.

Crowne Bay is the dock used on the other side of town, and that is farther away.

[reedprincess]

4 hours ago, grandgeezer said:

We were there last week and from Havensight to town is a little over two miles according to signage at the shop center at the port. It's a fairly long hike, for seniors, and not much to see or do.we did it there but took a taxi back. If 2+ miles is right in downtown, you are correct.

Crowne Bay is the dock used on the other side of town, and that is farther away.

I guess you'd have to define what you mean by "downtown" . Its certainly much closer than Crown Bay. And There's multiple shopping strips right at port, Paradise Point tramway and view point is 5 minute walk, multiple other shopping centers, restaurants and bars literally steps outside the shopping area, etc.  

So, depending in what your consider "center" of downtown.... If you want the flea market, etc - it's a $5 cab ride, or 20-30 minute stroll.  

The OP mentioned nothing about their age or mobility.. 

[TrinaLC]

That is a great list for  Nassau!

 

Our “go to” is Fish Fry, a collection of local restaurants within (long) walking distance. Wonderful local offerings. Walk along and to the end of Junkanoo beach - stopping as you please for drinks along the way. Plenty of taxis if you want to ride back. Go to trip advisors to research the best restaurants there - the first several are more touristy. Also ignore the “runners” who try and steer you to these. 

Edited October 25, 2019 by TrinaLC

[jdvmd]

Seaside arrives at Havensight, which is not downtown.