Just off the Freedom

[Payd]

.....don't feel the same negatives. Bargaining is fun and doable in straw market.....and we like the casino at Atlantis.

 

For those with interest, we've heard that the Atlantis Aquarium is very nice !

 

We heard the same about the aquarium at Atlantis. If we go again, we plan on Atlantis.

 

As for the bargaining - we weren't shopping for much. We heard some that loved it and others couldn't get out fast enough.

[Payd]

I am wondering if anyone in your group spent time in the Piano Bar?? If so i would love to hear how it was!!

 

We planned to spend a night there - but were often to sleepy. Next time....hopefully another review will answer your question.

[Payd]

Here's some video of you sailing out of St. Thomas. Warning - it's about 10 minutes long. :o

 

 

That was neat to watch! Our balcony was on the port side so we were talking pictures leaving port - it wasn't until we turned around that we got a look at your ship! We could hear all the noise though;).

 

Did you also see the Splendor leave?

[Payd]

As for Nassau, we always go to Atlantis. It is a great way to spend 3 or 4 hours and it can be practically free except for the taxi to get there (about $5). If you buy a meal or any thing in the shops, then it is pricy. There is plenty to see and the free part of the aquarium is amazing. You can walk all around the hotel at no cost and you will be amazed at what you will see (Fountains, murals, pictures, glass sculptures, etc). I never saw another Hotel like this. There is also a Casino.

 

That is what we'll do next time.

[ooulio]

We also go to Atlantis. We either take the water taxi or cab. It is a short ride with the water taxi. You can cut thru where all the yachts are. It is absolutely beautiful looking at them. Then we walk all around and see the casino and stores. It is such a beautiful place. We are on the ship enough. I like to see different things. Then we hit a few stores downtown in Nasau. Straw market is quick like you said. They sell some of the suff over and over again. We have been there 8 times. The aquarium is also nice.

[Payd]

I'm so happy to finally see a post from someone who was on the Eastern Itinerery! Wondering what you did during the evening in San Juan, and what did you do in Antigua and Tortola? Thanks!!

 

In San Juan (we arrived at 3pm - 2 hours early) we went to Fort Cristobal an our own. It was a nice walk there, we paid our entry fee ($3 each) and wandered the fort. Amazing views and history. Then we went on a segway tour (privately booked). This was a real highlight for us. We went on the 6pm ship time tour (7pm San Juan time). We booked the 45 minute tour for $45 each. We did about 5 minutes of training on the segways and then went on a guided tour. Luckily my husband and I got to tour with Jose (the owner) on our own. He was fabulous! Lots of history and the Segways are easy to ride (after the training session)! Highly recommended!! I'll try to load a few pictures later.

 

In Antigua - we grabbed a taxi and went to Darkwood Beach. Taxi was $56 round trip. You'll find countless cab drivers offering tours and trips to the beach. We found George - he took us to the beach, and arranged a pick up time with us. He also left a cell phone number we could reach him at if we wanted to change the time. He was back to pick us up at exactly 3 pm.

 

In Tortola, we read a gazillion reviews and decided on a vist to the Baths at Virgin Gorda. We didn't want to do the ship tour so we walked to the ferry terminal (about 10 minutes from the ship). One on line review said to leave the ship at 8 am to catch the 9 am ferry. I would suggest that you research the ferry times (converting local time to ship time) before you leave. We were disappointed that we missed the 8 am ship time) ferry (9am local time). We could easily have left the ship a little earlier. The Baths were amazing!! You have to see it to believe it! Of course the ferry was the biggest expense ($76 total for the two of us).

 

Let me know If you need more info!

[Payd]

How was the water temp in Nassau?

 

Didn't get a toe in the water, but we talked to a couple that said it was cooler than the other islands.

[Payd]

We also go to Atlantis. We either take the water taxi or cab. It is a short ride with the water taxi. You can cut thru where all the yachts are. It is absolutely beautiful looking at them. Then we walk all around and see the casino and stores. It is such a beautiful place. We are on the ship enough. I like to see different things. Then we hit a few stores downtown in Nasau. Straw market is quick like you said. They sell some of the suff over and over again. We have been there 8 times. The aquarium is also nice.

 

We already had two beach days - Antigua and Tortola/Virgin Gorda planned and thought a walking tour would help work off some of the calories we were accumulating!

 

Absolutely next time we'll do Atlantis! I like the idea of the water taxi at least one way - and the ride over that fabulous bridge the other way.

[vacruizer]

That was neat to watch! Our balcony was on the port side so we were talking pictures leaving port - it wasn't until we turned around that we got a look at your ship! We could hear all the noise though;).

 

Did you also see the Splendor leave?

 

Yes - it was awesome with all three of the Carnival ships lined up in a row!!! Very festive with everyone yelling and cheering for each others' ships. I didn't have the camera with me when the Splendor sailed so I ran back down and got it so I could do the video of you guys sailing since it was so impressive looking as the ship turned around. The video truly doesn't capture the moment.

[kcparrothead]

Thank you so much for the port info!! Was it really crowded at The Baths? It seems that's where everyone goes. We've looked at taking a ferry over to Jost Van Dyke, but would only have 3 or 4 hrs. to stop at the beach bars. Do you know of anyone from your cruise who tried that? Again, thanks for being here for us!! :D

[Payd]

Thank you so much for the port info!! Was it really crowded at The Baths? It seems that's where everyone goes. We've looked at taking a ferry over to Jost Van Dyke, but would only have 3 or 4 hrs. to stop at the beach bars. Do you know of anyone from your cruise who tried that? Again, thanks for being here for us!! :D

 

There is a pretty good crowd at the Baths. There is a walking trail that takes you to the caves and Devils Bay - take your stuff over there and the crowd is smaller (no bar or restaurant on that side through). However reallllllly crowded is if you think of a beach day at Megans Bay in St. Thomas.

 

Check cruisecal to see how many ships in port and how many passengers will visit Tortola and Virgin Gorda - might be a small number (relatively speaking).

 

Sorry I don't know of anyone that went to Jost Van Dyke.

[Sixtytwo]

Nassau...definitely Atlantis. Eat BEFORE you go, prices are horrible around Atlantis, though. Inside is a great place to go and just wander around. Grounds are great.

 

Antigua - nice but a bit "rustic". We did a beach escape which turned out to be an okay (nothing to write home about) day. Water was really nice but lots of vendors asking you to buy things. Not pushy, just there...frequently.

 

Tortola - A real gem! We did an island tour in an open air taxi and the entire place has some of the best views of any island we have been to! Neat downtown area and people seem really friendly.

 

San Juan - Love it! Been there several times. If you are there during the evening meal time, please go to Al Dente Italian restaurant! Easy walk from the port and super food!!! The owner is genuine Italian, has a great menu and the service is good.

 

St. Thomas - what can you say that hasn't been said?!?! My favorite of all. Just found the greatest little spot - Secret Harbor. Excellent snorkling with fish, rays, and turtles on the agenda plus clear water and no crowds! Super little bar with cold libations and lots of folks having a good time. Tho we didn't try it, looks like a good restaurant also.

 

There's the whole itinerary for the Freedom eastern 8-day cruise! Sorry to be so verbose!

[extcat]

What nights were formal nights? And is lobster one of them or a different night? Did you do the supper club?

Thanks

[SNJCruzers]

Is the Mexican food station located on the opposite side of the deli, where the oriental station used to be? Looking forward to Shrimp Ceviche....

[deputy836]

I am surprised to see somany negative comments about Nassau. Yes a bit dirty, but this was a great port for me. After thorough research on Nassau, I chose to see other parts of the island. I didn't do Atlantis due to price. We caught a cab from the pier and went first to Ardastra Gardens...this place was awesome! They have lots of animals: monkeys, boar, cheetah, lions, etc. Beautiful botanical gardens: I went crazy with photos! They also have a Flamingo March show a few times per day: a trainer walks with them and gets them to perform for a crowd. Very neat, and the fact they are all aorund you is amazing! You actulla walk among them in the gardens! I was amazed by this place..it wasn't like a zoo though...much different. I think we only paid $12 to get in and were there for a few hours.

After that we took a cab to the Radisson on Cable Beach. You are supposed to pay a fee to use the beach and stuff, but we simply walked into the hotel and went out the back door. No one stopped us, no one looked for armbands. The beach was beautiful! Very clean, sparkiling turqouise waters, water toys, tons of chairs. We spent a couple of hours here as well. Then off to the straw market! Now this was an experience. After having been in Jamaica the cruise before..I knew what to expect. Yes very pushy vendors! Very overcrowded! But I wound up haggling some great deals on the 'knock off' Coach purses that I bought as gifts for some friends back home. I just had to make sure to saya firm "NO" and continue to walk. They can tell who the weak are...

I plan on taking my daughter there on a cruise sometime in the future. I will take her to both places, and will definitely go back to Cable Beach area, is was very clean, very beautiful, and very big beaches...parasailing and jet skiing available too.

[Payd]

What nights were formal nights? And is lobster one of them or a different night? Did you do the supper club?

Thanks

 

Monday and Thursday were the elegant nights. Lobster was served on Monday. My husband and I both had the lobster and shared an extra - yum.

 

We didn't go to the supper club. This was a fairly port intensive cruise, and we were always tired...didn't feel like a 2.5 hour dinner at the supper club. Perhaps if we do another 8 day Miracle with 4 sea days we'll try it. We did talk to some people that were at the supper club - and they raved at how wonderful it was.

[Payd]

Is the Mexican food station located on the opposite side of the deli, where the oriental station used to be? Looking forward to Shrimp Ceviche....

 

Yes its on the other side. We never saw more than a few in line - a good spot for a quick bite if you are in a hurry.

[Payd]

I am surprised to see somany negative comments about Nassau. Yes a bit dirty, but this was a great port for me. After thorough research on Nassau, I chose to see other parts of the island. I didn't do Atlantis due to price. We caught a cab from the pier and went first to Ardastra Gardens...this place was awesome! They have lots of animals: monkeys, boar, cheetah, lions, etc. Beautiful botanical gardens: I went crazy with photos! They also have a Flamingo March show a few times per day: a trainer walks with them and gets them to perform for a crowd. Very neat, and the fact they are all aorund you is amazing! You actulla walk among them in the gardens! I was amazed by this place..it wasn't like a zoo though...much different. I think we only paid $12 to get in and were there for a few hours.

 

After that we took a cab to the Radisson on Cable Beach. You are supposed to pay a fee to use the beach and stuff, but we simply walked into the hotel and went out the back door. No one stopped us, no one looked for armbands. The beach was beautiful! Very clean, sparkiling turqouise waters, water toys, tons of chairs. We spent a couple of hours here as well. Then off to the straw market! Now this was an experience. After having been in Jamaica the cruise before..I knew what to expect. Yes very pushy vendors! Very overcrowded! But I wound up haggling some great deals on the 'knock off' Coach purses that I bought as gifts for some friends back home. I just had to make sure to saya firm "NO" and continue to walk. They can tell who the weak are...

 

I plan on taking my daughter there on a cruise sometime in the future. I will take her to both places, and will definitely go back to Cable Beach area, is was very clean, very beautiful, and very big beaches...parasailing and jet skiing available too.

 

 

I hope you weren't offended by my comments on Nassau. I don't want to be entirely negative. I guess in the end I was truly sad that Nassau has such interesting architecture and buildings that could be on the way to ruins.

 

We also did lots of research on the possibilities there. We will go to Atlantis next time. We have also heard very positive reviews about Ardastra Gardens and will go there someday.

 

Nassau may won't be my first choice to visit again, but I won't rule out going there again!

[kcparrothead]

So - formal night on Monday - that's when we're in San Juan at night? Did you have open seating or did they keep the set times for dinner? Thanks in advance!

[Payd]

So - formal night on Monday - that's when we're in San Juan at night? Did you have open seating or did they keep the set times for dinner? Thanks in advance!

 

Ohhhh no. I made a mistake....:o

 

So sorry!!:o

 

The first elegant night is Sunday (the first full sea day).

 

In San Juan dinner was open seating - I think from 6:30-8:30pm, and was only in one dining room. I have to say the service was far less than the usual. If that is an indication of any-time or flex dining service - I'm really worried!

 

Again sorry for the mistake.

[extcat]

Ohhhh no. I made a mistake....:o

 

So sorry!!:o

 

The first elegant night is Sunday (the first full sea day).

 

In San Juan dinner was open seating - I think from 6:30-8:30pm, and was only in one dining room. I have to say the service was far less than the usual. If that is an indication of any-time or flex dining service - I'm really worried!

 

Again sorry for the mistake.

 

So was Lobster on Monday or on Sunday? Thanks for your answers.

Also when at ports was port or starboard side facing port or was it perpendicular? We have a balcony on the starboard side on upcoming cruise and am curious.

[Payd]

So was Lobster on Monday or on Sunday? Thanks for your answers.

Also when at ports was port or starboard side facing port or was it perpendicular? We have a balcony on the starboard side on upcoming cruise and am curious.

 

Lobster is on the first elegant night - Sunday.

 

We were on the port side. Embarkation we had a port view rather than terminal view. St. Thomas a bay view of the town, Nassau we were all stacked together - ship views, Antigua and San Juan - I think were ship views, can't remember Tortola.

 

It all depends on how the captain chooses to sail into port though. In St. Thomas we were a neat line up, Freedom, Splendor, Glory. In Nassau some backed in, while others pulled in, maybe it depends on the day.