Freeport’s International Bazaar?

[Buffalofirsttimer4]

Can anyone give me any info on this- trying to save money so any help is greatly appreciated but I read on another site great shopping. :p

 

-what kind of shopping?

-transportation -bus or taxi & cost?

-In port from 7am-1pm on a Thursday- is this enough time to get there & back?

-tender or dock?

- Where to go to get passport stamped, does anyone know?

 

Also- does anyone know where to go to get passport stamped in Nassau?

 

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

You must be reading an old tour book. The International Bazaar was THE

premier shopping destination at one time in Freeport but it's been a decade at least. First competition in the form of the Port Lucaya Marketplace opened up at Lucaya. Then labor strife at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Casino which was adjacent the bazaar caused problems followed by back to back hurricanes which knocked out the hotel. So while some shops still exist there, the hotel remains closed and there is hardly any business at the Bazaar. Far better choice is to take a shared-taxi to the Port Lucaya Marketplace with everyone else from your ship. The taxi fare is just $5/per person each way even though it's a good 20-25 minute drive. You'll pass by Bazaar on your way there and back; recognizable by the bright red Japanese tori gate.

 

As for passport stamps:

Freeport: At the cruise port you'll see a 2-story building at the far west end of the port facilities and this is a port building where the Discovery Sun cruise ferry (Discovery Cruise Lines) docks daily from Fort Lauderdale. The ship arrives daily around 1:30pm and I know Bahamian Customs officials are there for the arrival. Try to get there before the ferry gets in and before your ship leaves and ask for a complimentary passport stamp. Not sure if Customs officials are otherwise there although their office might be in there too.

 

Nassau: As you come off the ship docks you'll be approaching the cruise terminal where everyone must pass to get out into Nassau. As you face that building to the far left outside the fence to the east is another building and Bahamas Customs has offices there.

 

Good luck.

BobK/Orlando

[Buffalofirsttimer4]

BobK- thank you so very much. That's why I asked the question- I have been reading these boards since I booked the cruise and hadn't heard about this shopping bazaar. But as I stated I have also been reading a lot of other sites too. :eek:

If I run up against any other advise- I will differently check it out here first. :p

 

My kids will be happy that they can get there passports stamped. :D

 

Happy Cruising :) MoniqueJ

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

You're welcome! Have a fun cruise.

 

BobK/Orlando

[pmfan]

Buffalofirsttimer 4

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

 

 

Enjoy your cruises. :)