I won a cruise!! Now what?!?

[Tstat]

Well, incredibly I won a cruise through my company. We fly down to Orlando, and take the Elation (Carnival) for 4 nights in March. First we stop in Freeport- all day until 4PM. Next day is at sea, and then Nassau (I think until 2PM). It is going to just be me and my wife.

 

We have never been on a cruise, but we love to vacation in warm weather climates like Florida and Maui. I really don't know what to expect from a cruise, so I would love some input and suggestions. It seems to me that the time on the islands is very limited, but luckily we really only want to do a couple things- mainly lay on a beach, and maybe do some snorkeling. We are not that into sight seeing, etc- especially since there isn't a lot of time.

 

So my questions would be:

Freeport- what is the best beach to go to that I could maybe do a little snorkeling? How close are the good beaches from the dock? How do you get to them (taxi, bus, etc)? What else do you suggest in (maybe Straw Market) in such a limited time?

 

Nassau- Same questions I guess. We leave at 2 that day, so I think it is 7-2pm on the island.

 

Basically, I'd like to get off the boat, get to a real nice beach (without having to walk or drive a long distance), lay in the sun, eat, drink, and maybe see some fish (we own snorkeling equipment).

 

Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone done this cruise before?

[lvtotrvl1]

In Nassau I would recommend getting a day pass to Breezes Bahamas..I believe they run 50-60 pp. It's an all-inclusinve resort with a great beach, activites, free alcohol and soft drinks and free food for the day. I think the passes start at 10..if you are leaving at 2..it may not be worth the expense.

[gumballz]

Congratulations on the win! You're going to love cruising and more than likely be addicted! :)

 

The straw market in Nassau is right off the ship, it's an easy walk. It's right next door to Senor Frogs. There's a horse drawn carriage ride that you can grab right off the ship as well. I believe that's $10 pp for an approximate 30 minute ride. If you read through the boards here you'll find a lot of very useful information!

 

Freeport........I haven't been there yet, but I'm going in January. From what I've read, there's nothing close to the dock at all. You must take a taxi anywhere you go. Here's a link to some information about Freeport that might help you. Compliments of Kingbobofthenorth:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=381327&highlight=Freeport

 

 

Be sure to ask as many questions as you want/need. Someone's bound to have an answer for you! Let us know what you thought of the cruise when you return! :)

 

Have fun!

[Tstat]

Thanks so much! i have spent most of my day today (at work) reading through this board. I think I have it narrowed down a bit!

In Freeport I am thinking of taking a cab to Lucaya and spending most of the day there.

In Nassau it's either Cable Beach or Cabbage Beach, then hit the Straw market on the way back. I wish we had more time in the 2 ports, but it's all free- so I am not complaining! I just want to know exactly what we are going to do before we step off the ship.

[gumballz]

I'm so excited for you!

 

A lot of people say they don't like Nassau, but I did. If you keep an open mind I think you'll like it too. It's a very colorful town with interesting people.

 

If you're interested, there's a link in my signature to some photos that I took while in Nassau. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but it gives you something to start with! :)

 

I'm guessing you have a booking number, since you know when you'll be sailing and all? If so, you can register on www.carnival.com. Once you're registered you can access your account. Carnival will have some excursions that you can purchase, if you're interested. It sounds like you know what you want to do....but that's another option that's available to you.

[volfan22701]

we were in nassau for two days, and really enjoyed our time there. first day did a walking tour around town, went thru the straw market, and spent a couple hours at senor frogs all before dinner. after dinner took a taxi to atlantis around 9 pm and stayed for about 4 hrs. the next day taxied to cable beach and spent the entire day on the beach, and at the wyndham pool. very nice area. would certainly like to return sometime.

 

freeport was not nearly as nice as you could not go anywhere by foot, and lucaya is about a 25 minute cab ride. the beach area is nice though once you get there. the whole island looks to still be suffering from the last hurricane. a lot of damage is still visible.

 

you will have a good time at each place, we did, we just liked nassau better.

[gumballz]

volfan22701, how was the water temperature at the beach in Freeport? And did you find that the taxis were easy to come by or was there a lot of waiting around?

 

Thanks!

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Gumballlz, the water temperature in January will be pretty chilly at Freeport. Grand Bahama Island is at the north end of the Bahamas. But if it's a warm to hot day, the water may feel good to you. You won't have trouble locating a taxi at the dock when you get off....they'll be lined up. On the return, if you're spending your beach time at Our Lucaya, you shouldn't have trouble locating a taxi there either. You might check with your outbound driver to see if he's willing to pick you up at a pre-determined time and take you all back.

 

Tsat, I think you will absolutely HATE cruising and request that you transfer your free cruise over to me. I'm only thinking of your welfare, of course.

 

BobK/Orlando

[volfan22701]

in early october, but the air temp was 95. we spent most of the time drinking cold beverages..........

 

taxis will not be a problem. our taxi driver told us when there is a cruise ship in port all the drivers are out with their taxis looking to make some cash. it was $5 in each direction per person. they will come back to pick you up if you work out a time with them.

 

enjoy.

[gumballz]

Thank you both!

[Tstat]

Yea, I wish we had 2 days in Nassau- I would do a lot more. I am still unsure exactly which beaches to visit- I didn't realize it was such a long ride to Lucaya. How about Xanadu in Freeport? I guess that is another option. I just want a really nice beach, and don't care about parasailing, jet skiing, etc. Just nice sand, clear water, maybe someplace to get a drink, and some lunch.

 

As for Nassau...what would be a better choice- Cabbage, or Cable? Is there ANY snorkeling at all off either beach?

 

Gumballz- nice pictures! I don't have a booking number yet- I guess my company will send that along soon.

 

Volfan- thanks for your input! We can't wait to go. We have looked into cruising many times, but opted for a nice hotle instead. Our favorite place is Maui (Sheraton), and we go to Siesta Key as well. This is going to be different, for sure! We are in RI, so the weather will still be cold here- a perfect time to head south, lay in the sun, and swim.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Tsat, the beach at Xanadu is the same beach as that at Port Lucaya, it's just a mile or so further west. I'm not familiar with the facilities there.

 

You may not find a taxi-driver willing to take you there for $5 per person. The driver needs a filled taxi or van to make it worthwhile to drive you to a place like Our Lucaya/Port Lucaya for so little money. Unless a bunch of you are heading to Xanadu, the driver may have to charge you a lot more. Port Lucaya is not a problem because that's where most people are going; not so with Xanadu.

 

BobK/Orlando

 

PS- Xanadu is relatively famous as the place where Howard Hughes lived in seclusion for so many years.

[Tstat]

Ah, Ok- thanks for the input! I am the type that loves to research everything before I go somewhere on vacation. This board has been a great resource- especially since I know nothing about the Bahamas, or cruising!

So, in Freeport, it looks like Lucaya is the top choice. Now, about Nassau...

We have from 7-2PM. Best beach for this short time period? Cable, Cabbage?? Others? =)

 

Next I am going to start asking qustions about being on the ship- best things to do, eat, drink, etc...Thanks everyone!!

[cruiseapril]

We also like Nassau- went to Atlantis and Ardastra Gardens last year and will go to the British Colonial Hilton this year- walking distance from pier. Nassau has so many options.

 

Have a great cruise!

[bfallen1]

Just a note be careful if you're on a budget onbroad cost can be quite high...

[gumballz]

Just a note be careful if you're on a budget onbroad cost can be quite high...

 

He's right Tstat. Has anyone talked to you about your onboard experience yet?

[Tstat]

No- that was going to be my set of questions!

[gumballz]

You have time to find out a lot of information. But, if you have a travel agent that you could get a Carnival brochure from.....that would help. They have a whole section in the back that goes over a lot of different things. You could read that and then kind of know where to go with your questions from there.

 

Carnival.com will have information as well. You can sign up for an account without your booking number. Just add that later. There are also reviews here on CC that you can read. Just remember that you can't always believe what you read. Some people get upset over the smallest things, while others let the small things slide and make the best of a bad situation.

 

Also keep in mind that on these boards there will always be someone that feels better when they're being rude to others. If you run across someone that posts a rude comment to you, just ignore them. There's more nice people than there are rude. :)

 

You'll have fun learning about your ship and all the things you have to look forward to!

[bfallen1]

http://home.comcast.net/~dr.crash/HomePage.html

 

;)

[broberts]

If you haven't already found it, http://www.e-travelbrochures.com/viewBrochure.asp?campaignId=492, is Carnival's welcome aboard brochure. Lots of good info.

 

Having just sailed on the Elation I know that you'll have a wonderful time. On my cruise it was apparent that the Elation had a hardworking crew and excellent management. The bedding is great, but she is an older ship and there will be some signs of wear and tear in various places.

 

Behind Tiffany's (aft, Lido deck) at the very rear of the ship are two small deck areas, one on each side, with some tables. Have breakfast on one of them, its a wonderful experience.

 

If you are up early enough, join the other early birds on the Sun deck forward, and watch the ship sail into port, any port. Take your camera with you. The small aft areas on the Lido or the aft Verhanda decks are nice to be on for sail away.

 

Check-out the onboard shopping (Galleria) on the first night, Atlantic deck just aft of the Mikado theater. This will give you a reference point when shopping ashore.

 

Nassau is interesting simply because its a relatively small port with lots of activity. One could spend a good part of the day just watching ships. There is a Starbucks with a balcony overlooking a tour bus & boat staging area, great for people watching and soaking up atmosphere. Once out of the ship terminal/shopping area bear right, its less than a two minute walk.

[Tstat]

Wow- thank you all so much for the info! I have also read 30 pages of posts in this thread, and have a pretty good idea of what to expect, and what we will be doing.

 

First stop is Freeport- we are going to Our Lucaya for most of the day, and do a little shopping.

 

In Nassau, we are going to head over to Cable Beachall morning, then get some lunch, shop.

 

As far as being on the ship. we have a full day in between at sea. Even though this trip is free for us, we still don't want to spend a fortune on drinks, and boat stuff. I am planning on packing a couple of bottles of what we drink for the room, and buying some nice rum or something when we are in port. Oh, and of course some Kalik. We will do some drinking in the bars, I guess- but I want to keep it to a minimum. We are not "drunks" but I do plan on having some fun!

 

From what I understand, all the food is free, and we are going to get a card with cash credit as a boarding gift to spend on the ship. Not sure how much $$.

 

I have 2 "events" that I have to attend- one is a cocktail party the first night, the other an awards dinner on the last night (black tie). In between, we just want to RELAX, eat, drink, and get a lot of sun!

 

Am I on target with all this? Any suggestions, etc!?

[gumballz]

Sounds like you're on the right track, for sure! It's nice that you'll have the card with credit. I hope it's a good amount! :)

 

Your food is included with the cruise and so are some drinks (water, lemonaid, tea, OJ). If you want to get a massage...or anything 'spa' related, that will cost extra. The gym is free, with the exception of some specialty classes (at least on some ships.....I'm not sure about the Elation specifically). They will be taking a lot of photos of you. The photographs can be purchased. The shows are included. The casino.....that's obviously going to cost you. ;)

 

You mentioned that you may do some drinking in the bars onboard. Drink prices vary and they add a 15% gratuity to each drink automatically. It's up to you if you want to tip more.

 

You will need to take care of the tips. That runs $10 per day, per person. So, count on a minimum of $80 for that. It's also good to tip if you get room service (room service is included in your cruise) and a lot of people give a little extra tip to those that have treated them well throughout the cruise.

 

It is possible to cruise without having any extra onboard expenses, with the exception of tips. It's all up to you. It really just depends on what you want to do and how much you're willing to spend.

 

You'll learn all of this......and a lot more.....from reading the boards. Are you guys getting excited yet? If you put a countdown in your signature then you'll see that every time you post and it makes you smile! At least it makes me smile to see mine! lol

[Tstat]

Yea, we are defenitly excited! My wife can't wait. I originally didn't know if I was excited to go. It is a work recognition type thing- something I am inherently leary of. I don't think that this cruise is something I would have chosen, I guess. It seems like not enough time in the 2 ports. But, after reading all the posts on this board, and doing some research- I can't wait to go!

 

I mentioned in my last post that I was planning on bring a bottle or 2 of alcohol for the room. THEN, I read the brochere that states this is against the rules. I also read some posts here- and it seems like a lot of people do it, and some other people get really upset about it. Seems like a hot topic of arguement. I didn't realize it was against the rules, I understand why it is, but I would probably do it anyway. I'll still be giving Carnival a l lot of business in the bars, but I would like to relax and have a drink in the room. Am I terrible for contemplating this?

[gumballz]

Tstat, you're not terrible at all! Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Just do what you want and have a good time. No matter what you do, someone won't be happy and they'll want to throw their opinion at you. I think some people just like thinking that they're right about everything. ;) My advice is to ignore those people.

 

Your cruise will actually be a good cruise for your first time. It's short enough that if you don't like it you'll be done soon and long enough to get a feel of what it's like to cruise. If you end up enjoying it, you guys can go on a longer cruise to ports that you choose. My husband and I started cruising with a 4 night to the Bahamas and we were hooked. We didn't want to leave that last morning. My daughter and I leave in two weeks for two different cruises back to back. :D

 

Honestly, if you go with an open mind and not take the little things too seriously, you'll have a blast. There might be worn carpet in a hallway or an overflowing trashcan in the bathroom.....or your waiter may be a little grumpy one night if he had a rough day. Those things happen anywhere. Just take a deep breath, look around you and remember that you're on a cruise, in the Bahamas, with no worries. It makes things look a little better. :)

 

Read the boards for the best ways to get your alcohol onboard, should you decide to do it. There are some very clever ideas floating around out there! lol

 

Remind your wife that she'll need a couple of bathing suits for the cruise. There are some great sales online right now because of the season. She should be fine with two suits. There will be towels onboard for you to use at the pool and in the ports, so no need to pack any! Have you seen posts about how people dress for dinners and the formal nights?

[Tstat]

Thank you, Gumballz- you have been very nice and helpful. I really appreciate it- as I said, we had no idea what to expect from a cruise. Everything you say is right- and we will certainly just chill out and enjoy the experience!

I'd like to pick up a few "stocking stuffers" for my wife- related to going on the cruise. That's all we talk about now, and we can't wait to go! Any ideas?