So what is there to see

[bubbles1209]

So what is there to see in Freeport/Nassau? This port isn't even listed in the ports of call section that I could find. What is there to do there? What is good, and what is not so good? Any ideas?

[mrdood]

...best 2 out of 3? There a lot of things to do in both, I suggest reading in the forum:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

[5668200]

That is one of our least favorite ports. We've been there twice and each time, it's been cold and windy. We spent the day, each time, at Atlantis. It's worth going there at least once. It's really beautiful. You can take a taxi there and just spend the day walking through the inside and outside of the resort.

[bubbles1209]

where is this casino I've heard of that is there, and is there access to gamble in it? DH would luv it. Also, can you do more than just walk through Atlantis?

[KroozFoolz]

So what is there to see in Freeport/Nassau? This port isn't even listed in the ports of call section that I could find. What is there to do there? What is good, and what is not so good? Any ideas?

Freeport and Nassau are NOT the same place - both are in the Bahamas but they are on two different islands. I believe the 6 day Liberty goes to Freeport.

[heyitsmejudy]

Freeport is Grand Bahama on most Port of Calls.... check that out. That might be your main problem.

Once you get out of the crappy "port" in Freeport, there is actually a lot to do. Ardastra Gardens is cool as is Lucayan National Park.

There is TONS to do in Nassau. They are two totally different places, though, as another poster has mentioned.

But as far as finding "Freeport", look, instead for Grand Bahama.

[bubbles1209]

Ok, so what is there to do in Freeport? Is Atlantis in Freeport, or Nassau? If it's in Nassau, how far away is it? Is it worth the trip? Can you play in the Casino without checking into a hotel? Looking for some ideas , is there anyone that can help?:confused:

[KroozFoolz]

Ok, so what is there to do in Freeport? Is Atlantis in Freeport, or Nassau? If it's in Nassau, how far away is it? Is it worth the trip? Can you play in the Casino without checking into a hotel? Looking for some ideas , is there anyone that can help?:confused:

 

What is there to do in Freeport (on Grand Bahama Island)?

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=109

 

Atlantis: http://www.atlantis.com/flash.aspx

 

Appears Freeport is closer to Miami than to Nassau:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=467494

[heyitsmejudy]

Ok, so what is there to do in Freeport? Is Atlantis in Freeport, or Nassau? If it's in Nassau, how far away is it? Is it worth the trip? Can you play in the Casino without checking into a hotel? Looking for some ideas , is there anyone that can help?:confused:

 

Atlantis is in Nassau. You can take a taxi or jitney (depending on the hour) to it... walking is a haul from the port. You can go to the casino without getting a room and can see part of the aquarium but to get to the beach, etc., you have to be booked there. If you go at night, I've heard the security goes home and you can sneak in what's closed to the rif-raf through the day. It's worth it especially if you've never been before. Frankly the Atlanta Aquarium puts Atlantis' to shame, IMHO, but to each his or her own.

What do you like to do, Bubbles and I'll try to help... I just got back from a trip that found me having to plan activities for 6 people with entirely different interest AND we were in Freeport on Christmas Day so much was closed.

We enjoyed kayaking at Lucayan National Park and wanted to do Ardastra Gardens but it was closed (both are part of the Freeport stop.) You'll not find much to do right at the port so in Freeport, you'll need to find some kind of an excursion.

Like I said, give me some 411 on ages, interests etc., of your crew and I'll try to lend a hand. There are any number of things to do, you just have to poke around a bit.

[KroozFoolz]

Ardastra is in Nassau. http://www.ardastra.com/contact.html

[sk8rfan]

I've stayed at Atlantis and will visit again while on a cruise next week. I'd like to go to their beach but can't remember if it's private or public...any one know?

[sk8rfan]

sorry, double post!!

[bubbles1209]

Atlantis is in Nassau. You can take a taxi or jitney (depending on the hour) to it... walking is a haul from the port. You can go to the casino without getting a room and can see part of the aquarium but to get to the beach, etc., you have to be booked there. If you go at night, I've heard the security goes home and you can sneak in what's closed to the rif-raf through the day. It's worth it especially if you've never been before. Frankly the Atlanta Aquarium puts Atlantis' to shame, IMHO, but to each his or her own.

What do you like to do, Bubbles and I'll try to help... I just got back from a trip that found me having to plan activities for 6 people with entirely different interest AND we were in Freeport on Christmas Day so much was closed.

We enjoyed kayaking at Lucayan National Park and wanted to do Ardastra Gardens but it was closed (both are part of the Freeport stop.) You'll not find much to do right at the port so in Freeport, you'll need to find some kind of an excursion.

Like I said, give me some 411 on ages, interests etc., of your crew and I'll try to lend a hand. There are any number of things to do, you just have to poke around a bit.

Ok, I'm :eek: 39 shhhhhhh, don't tell:p and he's 58. We're in Freeport from 7a.m. until 3 p.m. Not a lot of climbing or a long time walking, because DH will have to stop & rest. Don't wanna do something where we'll be sore for 2 days, but would like to take in some kind of sights. DH doesn't like the idea of jeeps/bikes, (a little much for him), kayaking's out, neither one of us crazy about that one. (Not to mention we're clueless about it) Snorkeling.........nah. Golf, he lovessssssss, Lucayan golf excursion 2 pricey though. For him it would be great, but I'm not a golfer, and we don't so much care to be seperated. Gambling he loves, drinks, I love;) :D There's gotta be something. Is there a horse & carriage ride there? How about parasailing? We both like that.

[vermonter16]

Ok, I'm :eek: 39 shhhhhhh, don't tell:p and he's 58. We're in Freeport from 7a.m. until 3 p.m. Not a lot of climbing or a long time walking, because DH will have to stop & rest. Don't wanna do something where we'll be sore for 2 days, but would like to take in some kind of sights. DH doesn't like the idea of jeeps/bikes, (a little much for him), kayaking's out, neither one of us crazy about that one. (Not to mention we're clueless about it) Snorkeling.........nah. Golf, he lovessssssss, Lucayan golf excursion 2 pricey though. For him it would be great, but I'm not a golfer, and we don't so much care to be seperated. Gambling he loves, drinks, I love;) :D There's gotta be something. Is there a horse & carriage ride there? How about parasailing? We both like that.

 

Don't tell anybody either but DH and I have 20 years between us ;)

[heyitsmejudy]

Ardastra is in Nassau. http://www.ardastra.com/contact.html

 

Ab. right, Krooz. My bad. It was closed when we were there so I associate it with the rest of the things closed Christmas but it was closed the day after in Nassau, Boxing Day. 1,000 pardons

[heyitsmejudy]

You haven't said what cruise line you're on, but have you checked out their offerings for excursions? I've gone through the cruise lines I was traveling on and I've booked independent excursions. I've found, of course, the cruise lines to be a bit more expensive and more time constraining BUT they try to scare you into going with their excursions as "insurance" that the boat will wait on you to get back should something happen. If you book independent, just keep an eye on the time, make sure your guide knows what time you need to be back and you should be fine. My boyfriend and I once had to make a mad dash from The Bull in Key West, leaving great company and drinks behind, to the port and BARELY made it, but that's a whole different tale.

Back to you: Here are some ideas of fun things I'd considered in Freeport, since that seems to be where you're having trouble.

Trikk Pony Adventures: Horseback riding on the beach ($80 pp). Forum laws won't let me give you their Web site, but google them. I've heard great things about them.

Ocean Motion Watersports: Parasailing, etc., (google 'em)... they have lots of offerings in addition to parasailing.

I don't know about carriage rides there.... I know they're offered in Nassau.

If you want to email me (also 39 BTW!) I'll try to help more that way: judy.green@gwinnettdailypost.com

[bubbles1209]

You haven't said what cruise line you're on, but have you checked out their offerings for excursions? I've gone through the cruise lines I was traveling on and I've booked independent excursions. I've found, of course, the cruise lines to be a bit more expensive and more time constraining BUT they try to scare you into going with their excursions as "insurance" that the boat will wait on you to get back should something happen. If you book independent, just keep an eye on the time, make sure your guide knows what time you need to be back and you should be fine. My boyfriend and I once had to make a mad dash from The Bull in Key West, leaving great company and drinks behind, to the port and BARELY made it, but that's a whole different tale.

Back to you: Here are some ideas of fun things I'd considered in Freeport, since that seems to be where you're having trouble.

Trikk Pony Adventures: Horseback riding on the beach ($80 pp). Forum laws won't let me give you their Web site, but google them. I've heard great things about them.

Ocean Motion Watersports: Parasailing, etc., (google 'em)... they have lots of offerings in addition to parasailing.

I don't know about carriage rides there.... I know they're offered in Nassau.

If you want to email me (also 39 BTW!) I'll try to help more that way: judy.green@gwinnettdailypost.com

I sent you an e-mail:) Gwinnet, as in Gwinnet County, around Atlanta? If so, we're not that far away from each other.:eek: :p

[scubagirrl]

I've stayed at Atlantis and will visit again while on a cruise next week. I'd like to go to their beach but can't remember if it's private or public...any one know?

 

Atlantis beach is private, but you can use the pubic beach just east of it next to the RIU.. there's no restrooms or amenities, not drink service, bar/grill etc. .. but the beach is the same. Just ask you taxi driver to drop you at the public entrance and walk the pathway over the dunes to the beach. You can rent a chaise.. i think they are $20 for the day.

[amalia830]

How do I book the RIU for the day or Atlantis? We'll be in Nassau from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We're going on the 2/17/07 sailing on the Elation. I'm (43) travleing w/my 15 year old daughter and 76 yr old mom. This is our first time there. I would REALLY, REALLY welcome any suggestions for how we should spend our day. My daughter and I would love to spend the day on a nice beach. My mom would like that too but would also like to do some shopping. By the way, is there good shopping there. Thanks for advice.:D

[mamamo65]

I believe I saw horse and carraiges lining up right at the port when we were there in March. That would be a cool way to see the city.

 

"Frankly the Atlanta Aquarium puts Atlantis' to shame, IMHO, but to each his or her own."

 

I think the Atlanta Aquarium was really cool. Sad to hear about Ralph. Even though the place was really crowded, the whale sharks were totally awesome.

[heyitsmejudy]

Yes, please note I made the observation about Atlantis vs. The Atlanta Aquarium BEFORE they started killing things there.

[heyitsmejudy]

Yes, please note I made the observation about Atlantis vs. The Atlanta Aquarium BEFORE they started killing things there.

[softballmom]

We were just in Nassau last Sunday. Alot of stores are either closed or open late on Sundays so it was pretty quiet by the port. We walked a few blocks down and went to the straw market.My girls each bought a few designer knock off purses. If you are interested in those or other souveniers - this is your place to buy them. I waited on getting a purse and found nothing in either St. Thomas or St. Marrten. Nassua had the most purses and the best prices. After we did the straw marker we were just going to return to the ship but we stopped to look at the prices of the water taxis and a nice taxi driver named Paul offered us a ride at nearly the same price so we took it and went to Atlantis. With the water taxi you have to walk quite a way when thet drop you off at Atlantis. Most of the aquarium is for paying guests but you can see some. Also we could not see the pool area or beach - just for hotel guests also. The casino was really nice - fancy - not like the ones we have at home. We walked the Marina and looked at the boats. The prices at the restuarants and snack shops were outrageous. I bought the kids a $4.00 can of pringles at the hotel gift shop to tide them over until we went back to the ship. I never saw where the other resort areas were or any other restuarants - just run down areas that we drove by. We weren't in port long and what we did was just enough and not very expensive.

[coachj]

The Casino on Paradise Island in Nassau opens about 10:00 am for slots and about noon for table games. It is housed in the same area as Atlantis. I am not sure about Freeport. Havent been there in 10 years. There were 2 casinos, one in the main town area and one in the Lucayan beach area. I am not sure whether that one is still open. I also do not know when they are open 24 hrs or what time they do open.