Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

This worked for us!

goLC

By goLC,
in Bahamas

Recommended Posts

goLC

goLC

Posted
Posted

Just got back from Nassau... we had intended to do the walking tour, but the weather looked iffy. There will be several tour people when you get off the ship at the port - some just seemed annoying. Anyway, we took a van tour with a guy named Otis - he was awesome! There were 8 of us in the van and he drove us everywhere - over 2.5 hours worth. He is so knowledgeable (sp) and we feel like we really got our $ worth - he charged $20 but we all tipped him well. He was so interesting to listen to, we feel like we learned alot about the island and got to see tons of places.

 

When we got back, we shopped along Bay Street and area. We hated the Straw Market itself; it was stifling hot and crowded. Bay Street offered much nicer stores with reasonable prices. We also purchased a few things at the shops right there where you disembark.

 

We ate at Senor Frogs and it was the best meal by far of the entire cruise (but that's another story.)

 

Atlantis was nice to see, but I can't see spending $$$ to stay there. Otis took us through the casino and part of the aquarium, which was enough for us.

 

I'll be happy to answer any questions, while it's fresh in my mind (just got home last night.)

 

Just thought I'd share

Link to comment
Share on other sites
brnsofia

brnsofia

Posted
Posted
Just got back from Nassau... we had intended to do the walking tour, but the weather looked iffy. There will be several tour people when you get off the ship at the port - some just seemed annoying. Anyway, we took a van tour with a guy named Otis - he was awesome! There were 8 of us in the van and he drove us everywhere - over 2.5 hours worth. He is so knowledgeable (sp) and we feel like we really got our $ worth - he charged $20 but we all tipped him well. He was so interesting to listen to, we feel like we learned alot about the island and got to see tons of places.

 

When we got back, we shopped along Bay Street and area. We hated the Straw Market itself; it was stifling hot and crowded. Bay Street offered much nicer stores with reasonable prices. We also purchased a few things at the shops right there where you disembark.

 

We ate at Senor Frogs and it was the best meal by far of the entire cruise (but that's another story.)

 

Atlantis was nice to see, but I can't see spending $$$ to stay there. Otis took us through the casino and part of the aquarium, which was enough for us.

 

I'll be happy to answer any questions, while it's fresh in my mind (just got home last night.)

 

Just thought I'd share

 

do you know if there is anyway to directly contact the taxi and ask for otis? did he let you out at each place to look around or just drive by it? how far is bay st from ship? thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I don't have a contact phone number or anything. When you get off the ship and go out the doors of building (I think it's called "Festival Place") there were several tourist company men standing there wanting to take you places. Most, like I said earlier, were a bit overbearing and were hard to understand anyway. Otis was very polite and friendly, so we stopped and talked to him. He convinced us it would be worth it. In fact, he didn't want to be paid until the END of the trip... he didn't want any money upfront at all.

 

At the end, he told us if we came back or had friends going to Nassau, just to "ask for Otis" when you disembark, that he was the "only Otis out there." He is probably about 6'0 and thin, dressed nicely. He has a daughter who is 20 in college in Chicago, so I'd guess he's in his 40s. The van was nice and air conditioned, and we were able to open the windows when we wanted to take pictures.

 

He took us to the fort (Fincastle?) near the Queen's Staircase, which you really need to go down if you can. There is a beautiful waterfall down it. He told us many historical stories, as well as more current info about the Bahamas. We drove by beautiful homes and hotels, mostly near Cable Beach. We are teachers, so he took us past schools and the university. He is obviously well educated, as he speaks very well and knows so much about his country. He stopped anywhere we asked - not a problem at all. Some places we were satisfied driving through; he wanted us to see ALL of Nassau, the good and the bad. We saw how the rich and famous live, but we also went through the shanty-town areas where he grew up.

 

I know we got out at Cable Beach, the Queens Staircase and fort, a shopping area, and at Atlantis. At Atlantis, he took us through the aquarium and probably spent 30 minutes telling us all about the different species we saw in it. He told us about the glass sculptures in the casino, which were beautiful.

 

He told us about how the government works there and we went by Parliament House and the house where their leader lives (can't remember if they call him the President or what...) We saw the hospital where Anna Nicole Smith was; he was pretty disgusted by that.

 

He told us about the tax system there and how welfare just doesn't work - that if you are young and healthy or old and healthy, you're expected to have a job. Took us by the prison, but said their crime rate is low because penalties are severe.

 

He took us where the locals hang out - neat conch shacks and park settings.

 

I just felt like I learned so much about their culture in a short amount of time.

 

He said he is always working when the ships are in; I think he takes Sundays off and maybe another day if there aren't ships in port. He said "Just ask for Otis." i don't think you'd be disappointed!

 

When you come out of the port building, I think the first street is called Woodes Rogers Walk. If you turn right on this street, it takes you past several shops that we weren't impressed with. At the end of the street, right beside the straw market which we hated, is Senor Frogs, which is where we ate lunch and really enjoyed it. If you walk back toward the port, take any right and go up one more block to Bay Street. There are very upscale shops (which we looked in but didn't buy in) and many very reasonable shops for things like tshirts and straw products. I got a really nice purse for $50, which was my one big "splurge" on Nassau. We also went past a Hard Rock Cafe just between Bay and Woodes Rogers Walk.

 

We really enjoyed our day there; we didn't want another beach day, as we had spent the previous day at Coco Cay, so this was perfect for us!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm glad I can be helpful for once; it seems like I've asked a zillion questins of others on these boards!

 

He said it would be about a 2 hour tour, but it was a good 2.5 hours easy. He never rushed us and was happy to stop anywhere, plus he seemed to like us asking questions.

 

Again, I would just ask when you come out of Festival Place (the building you have to exit through to get from the pier into Nassau) - he said he was the only Otis! Tell him the teachers from Kentucky recommended him - don't know if he'll remember us, but he did seem to like it in the aquarium at Atlantis that "he was teaching the teachers."

 

It's weird - we bypassed 6 or 7 men who were wanting us to tour with them, for some reason Otis just clicked with us. It was $20 and we all tipped him because he was so good. I sure hope you enjoy him! I don't think you'll have any trouble if you just ask one of the men for Otis - he seemed to know everyone everywhere we went!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Otis had a fee of $20 per person. We weren't charged anything at Atlantis or anywhere else for that matter. Each of us tipped him $5 to $10 - he was that good.

 

If you come out of Festival Place, the first street that runs parallel to Festival Place is Woodes Rogers Walk - it runs with a sidewalk parallel to the water. If you cross Woodes Rogers, the next cross street up will be Bay Street.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
brnsofia

brnsofia

Posted
Posted

yes thanks for the info. we are doing the dolphin encounter at 1030 unil 2ish so hopefully he will be around after that. I will look for Otis. this is exactly what I am looking for as we will have our just 17 and 19 yr olds with us and I like them to be educated about other cultures instead of a "disney world" vacation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

brnsofia - Then this would definitely work for you! For example, I learned that it's cheaper for them to fly to Miami with empty suitcases and buy things than to purchase in Nassau - a 52% tax on purchases! It was neat how he showed us the very upper class neighborhoods, the middle class areas, and the "slums" - I think you'll like it!

 

beachykeen22 - I have "mixed reviews" on the Sovereign from our trip. We had a great time - Coco Cay and Nassau were fun for us. The breakfast in the Windjammer were very good; we ate there each morning. Lunch there was only so/so (but the lunch at Coco Cay was pretty tasty.) We ate dinner in the dining room the first 2 nights only; the food was not very good and the service was very, very, VERY slow. We ate at Johnny Rockets one night and that was the best meal we got on the ship. We ate at Windjammer the other night, and it was better than the dining room. The waiter even apologized repeatedly for it being so slow, so maybe it was an unusual event, but we didn't feel like wasting so much time in there.

 

We had soda cards, but the drinks were all really flat - no "bubbles" at all. Many times they were out of lemonade and ice cream. There were even drinks we ordered (frozen foo foo drinks) that they couldn't make because they were "out" of the ingredients. So all of that was a bummer. If I were going on Sovereign again, I would take my own sodas.

 

We had fun at karaoke and took some of the dance classes (salsa and country line) and had a blast at the deck party on the Nassau day. We climbed the rock wall and went to "name that tune" and team trivia. The pool area was VERY crowded on the sea day; couldn't get any chairs together so we were scattered around.

 

Our room was small as expected, but all of our group's rooms smelled funny. We had taken air freshener, but it didn't help much. Even the public rest rooms and some hallways had an odor. Didn't like that much at all!

 

I had a massage on the first day with Leah; it was TREMENDOUS! I scheduled another for Wednesday it was so good. But the Wednesday one was NOT good...it ran short and she kept leaving the room, so i don't feel like I got my money's worth. But the one Monday was exceptionally good - it was the "Body Blitz." The one I got Weds was "Ladys Night Special."

 

If you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to answer them! Between the 4 of us, I think we pretty much tried everything!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruiseapril

cruiseapril

Posted
Posted

goLC- Enjoying your many responses to people's questions. Thanks for the info on your tour. We have been to Nassau several times- are going again in 2009 and probably also in 2010- so it's good to read about the various excursions.

 

Nassau does get mixed reviews but we've found Nassau to have some great beaches, interesting buildings, and mostly friendly people.

 

We also have been on the Sovereign and had a good cruise- loved CoCo Cay for swimming. Also liked our meal at Johnny Rockets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
beachykeen22

beachykeen22

Posted
Posted

Thanks for such a prompt response. DBF and I went on Enchantment about a year ago and were less than thrilled with the food. I hope we're not let down by RCL again!!

 

Anything you'd say is a must see? Or specific tips about the ship? I'm trying to be prepared as possible!! (: As far as the soda card/bubbles, thankfully we're not much of soda drinkers... but I do like my sprite now and then... We're most certainly planning on taking your advice about the tour, and of course, we *MUST* do some shopping. How was your cabin otherwise? Still towel animals and tidy and quick service?? I've been worried about the smell, we're on deck 4. Also... the weather? I'm not sure what to pack!!!!!

 

DBF has no patience what-so-ever for terrible service and the man likes to eat... I am hoping and praying the food will be better. But, I do remember if all else fails we LOOVVEEDD the chorizo dip from room service.

 

THANK YOU SOOO much for all of your help and I do apoligize for my 57487583 questions. :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites
brnsofia

brnsofia

Posted
Posted
Thanks for such a prompt response. DBF and I went on Enchantment about a year ago and were less than thrilled with the food. I hope we're not let down by RCL again!!

 

Anything you'd say is a must see? Or specific tips about the ship? I'm trying to be prepared as possible!! (: As far as the soda card/bubbles, thankfully we're not much of soda drinkers... but I do like my sprite now and then... We're most certainly planning on taking your advice about the tour, and of course, we *MUST* do some shopping. How was your cabin otherwise? Still towel animals and tidy and quick service?? I've been worried about the smell, we're on deck 4. Also... the weather? I'm not sure what to pack!!!!!

 

DBF has no patience what-so-ever for terrible service and the man likes to eat... I am hoping and praying the food will be better. But, I do remember if all else fails we LOOVVEEDD the chorizo dip from room service.

 

THANK YOU SOOO much for all of your help and I do apoligize for my 57487583 questions. :P

 

whos ship is the soverign? or how ever its spelt! do you think the smell is a chemical cleaner smell?we recently sailed on royal carribean mariner and it was a great ship with wonderful food and service! we filled out the survey at the end and offered many suggestions to things. one thing I was mad about was the illness that went through the ship and hubby got it. luckly on the night before sailing back so not such a big deal BUT we went down to the doctor to get meds (stomach bug) and he AND I were quaranteened to the cabin! I DONT THINK SO! I wasnt sick and wasnt going to stay in a small space with him to make sure I got sick. no thanks!! never did get it. how stupid is that rule! I would not have been allowed off the ship either if we were in a port! that made me mad so I told them. told them if they wiped off elevator buttons very often along with the sticky rails etc people wouldnt have gotten so sick. anyway they ended up sending a coupon for 150.00 off for each of us on another cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

beachy: The service in the dining room is what was so bad (why we only ate there the first 2 nights.) It was very, very slow; everything from bringing the food to clearing away plates to refilling drinks. There were other things we felt like we were missing out on (we had late seating) so we just ate at Windjammer and Johnny Rockets the last 2 nights. Mainly for this reason, we probably won't travel RCL again - that combined with the horrible odors. Don't get me wrong; we had a wonderful time on our trip, but our last year's cruise on Carnival was a hundred times better. Hey, we even had nice dresses we didn't get to wear because we didn't go to the dining room!

 

We were on deck 6, but we smelled the odor in other rest rooms and hallways as well. We only got the towel animals 2 of the nights. Our room attendant did a good job, though; we never hardly saw him, which I think is the goal! Oh: our room was stuffy temperature-wise; we asked for a fan and he got it for us. That really helped - I can't sleep when I'm hot!

 

The "Movie Music" show was the best one, if you enjoy the shows. We went the last night, too, but it was only so-so. We enjoyed the dance classes and the karaoke. The piano bar guy wasn't very good. I got a coffee/liquor drink - I think it was called the Royal - it was an iced drink and was very strong - knocked me on my behind. The deck party on the sailaway from Nassau was lots of fun - I wouldn't miss that!

 

We snorkled in Coco Cay. I'd never done that before and it was a blast! The "Coco Loco" drinks are really tasty, too! Oh, on the ship, the Lava Flow drinks are good - especially the strawberry ones. I think the buckets of beer (5) are $25. You can mix what you get in them.

 

A friend got a manicure that looked really nice, and 2 did the teeth whitening treatments. If you're into a really great experience, do the "Body Blitz" massage. They do this ginger/lime exfoliant all over you, which felt great, then you take a shower and then get a great massage. I'd do that again in a heartbeat!

 

TARA & JAS: There are parts of Atlantis you can't get into unless you're a paid guest. However, we got to see a whole lot of the aquarium and walk around outside and went to the casino and shops area. Otis said there are tunnel-like parts of the aquarium, but I was amazed at what all we got to see for nothing.

 

Sofia: I don't think it was a cleaner smell - in fact, a cleaner smell might have covered it up! It was more like a sewer-y smell. I wouldn't have gone for quarantining either!

 

For any of you going on Sovereign, if you want 2 or more poolside chairs together, you need to get up there early! We ate breakfast at 9 or so (on the sea day) and went straight to the pool deck. There were no chairs left together. It was still fun. The pool was crowded and we never could squeeze in to the hot tub. And if you really feel the need for a yummy cheeseburger, go to Johnny Rockets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sterling36

sterling36

Posted
Posted

Hi,

You mentioned that there were 8 people in the tour van with Otis. Were there 8 people in your party? I am traveling in a group of 4 and this tour sound exactly like what we would like to do, but there are only 4 of us. Will Otis take 4 or will he wait for another 4 to fill up his van. Either way is okay with us, just wondering?

 

~Lilly

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Lilly - There were 4 in our party also, but he quickly had it filled with 4 others - a couple from California and a couple from Utah. I don't think he would've held it up for long, though. There was a steady stream disembarking at the same time, so they had plenty of tourist to choose from!

 

HoustonCruisers: Yes, there was "liquid" involved, but the cheeseburger and fries were quite tasty, too! The food on the ship to that point had been sorta lame, so we were excited to get something that actually had flavor! It was my first time at a Senor Frogs; enjoyed it immensely!

 

Jane

Link to comment
Share on other sites
goLC

goLC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=850924&highlight=nassau+map

 

Not sure if I did that link right; if I didn't, the last post on this was Oct 1, so it's not too far down; name of the thread is "Good map of Nassau." There are a few different ones posted; just see which one looks best to you. They will have maps in the Festival Place (the building you go through when you get off the ship) for free, those folding kinda maps. I think one of the women I was with picked one up.

 

The weather was great - temperature wise. PLENTY warm for snorkeling and laying out, and we were ready for cool refreshments at Senor Frogs. It was a little cloudy both days, but it didn't ruin anything.

 

I am so jealous that your cruise is upcoming and mine is past!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...