Atlantis Excursion ?

[Mommy0804]

Another CC member and I posted this question on the Port of Call board, but can't seem to find the answer. Maybe some "Carnival" people can help us...

 

In Nassau, we are planning to go to Atlantis. We are trying to determine the exact cost of booking the excursion through the cruise ship vs. planning on our own. In the excursion list on the website it lists an Atlantis Aquaventure that includes lunch for $121(adult) and $75(child). It also lists the same excursion without lunch for $109(adult) and $65(child).

 

Does anyone know what type of lunch is included? Are you allowed to eat at certain restaurants? Is is a meal voucher?

 

Thank you in advance to anyone that might know...

[tiggerman101]

Atlantis can be a little confusing. I was there on Christmas day. The Carnival excursion you are talking about is basically a day pass with access to the water park, pools, rapids, etc. You can also do an Atlantis Beach Pass which is basically a day pass, but you cannot go to the water park, pools, etc. You can walk around all the grounds, the entire "Dig"/aquarium or any of the three beaches. This is what we did.

 

Atlantis is basically cashless. You have to use a credit card or room key to buy anything at the food stands or bars. With the option of lunch they will give you a voucher for a meal at your choice of about 5 locations. Most of the time this includes a hamburger, hot dog, chicken sandwich, etc and fries and a drink. A basic fast food combo meal if you will. The prices can be a bit much so I am not sure how much you will save getting the excursion with the meal. However, if you do not want to carry a credit card with you then this would be a good alternative.

 

I enjoyed Atlantis. We had the beach pass but didn't spend to much time at the actual beach (it is pretty though). We spent a few hours just wondering around and looking at everything. The place is ridiculously big and there is a ton of stuff to look at all around the grounds. The excursion price you listed is a lot cheaper then the options we had over Christmas. We paid $85 each for the beach pass and the Aquaventure pass was around $170 per person. Have fun.

[pe4all]

Another possibility to save some big bucks is to reserve a room at Comfort Suites, rite across the street, especially if you have more than 2 people. Just hop a cab at the pier. For the room rate ($150-175, depending on time of year) you get buffet (cold) breakfast you can take with you for lunch, and full access to Atlantis's facilities for 4 people. (even towels) You do not get lunch. It saved us (family of 4) over $400 doing this - they give you the same wristband and charging priviledges of "regular" Atlantis guests.

[amio111]

Atlantis sells the day passes cheaper. You can not find this on their website. You have to e-mail them for the prices. The Aquadventure is $105 pp. They also have the day passes for just their beach and aquariums. I have read conflicting info on the Comfort Suites. I don't know if they still only rent for 1 day. Some people say now it is 2 days.Plus they have many extra fees on top of the room price. So you have to be careful to make sure it is worth it.

I also read if you buy a hamburger/fries it is $19.

[Maraprince]

Can you get to Atlantis on your own by taking the water taxi over to Paradise Island?

 

We are not beach people and would just be happy to walk around the grounds but not to spend a lot of time on the property. Is this possible?

 

From where the ship docks in Nassau, are we right in the downtown area with the Straw Market and close to the water taxis?

 

Thanks.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[LemurCat]

Can you get to Atlantis on your own by taking the water taxi over to Paradise Island?

 

We are not beach people and would just be happy to walk around the grounds but not to spend a lot of time on the property. Is this possible?

 

From where the ship docks in Nassau, are we right in the downtown area with the Straw Market and close to the water taxis?

 

Thanks.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

You can take a water taxi or a land taxi. You can tour certain parts of the grounds -- shops, the marina -- and hit their casino for free. I've never taken a water taxi there, but if you take a land taxi they'll drop you right at the front lobby of the main part of Atlantis.

[scubagirrl]

Can you get to Atlantis on your own by taking the water taxi over to Paradise Island?

 

We are not beach people and would just be happy to walk around the grounds but not to spend a lot of time on the property. Is this possible?

 

From where the ship docks in Nassau, are we right in the downtown area with the Straw Market and close to the water taxis?

 

Thanks.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

Without some sort of Pass, you won't be able to walk around the grounds, or view the property except the common areas.

 

You can check out the Casino, Lobbies and the Marina Village, but you won't be allowed near the pools, slides, lagoons, aquariums or beach. you'll need pass for those.

[reddi]

Does Carnival or Atlantis vary the price based on the date? We are going in late March and the Carnival tour price shows $159 per person. It shows a meal symbol but does not say you get lunch in the description. A bit confusing. If it's $19 for hamburger and fries, I'll have to add another $70 with tip to the cost of taking 2 teens there - makes for an expensive day!

[scubagirrl]

Does Carnival or Atlantis vary the price based on the date? We are going in late March and the Carnival tour price shows $159 per person. It shows a meal symbol but does not say you get lunch in the description. A bit confusing. If it's $19 for hamburger and fries, I'll have to add another $70 with tip to the cost of taking 2 teens there - makes for an expensive day!

 

I've been seeing these tours change price on a week to week basis.

Atlantis is having some problems with occupancy rates, so I'm guessing that they discounted their day rates to the cruiselines. They are hoping that things will be back to normal for Spring Break.. and will price the Passes accordingly.

 

I've seen this pass from $119 to $183. All with the same amenities.

 

The Atlantis price is still $105.. if you purchase it same day at Atlantis. Of course, noone knows for sure if they will be available on any given day.

[FlashbackAlternatives]

Best bet is booking a room at the Comfort Suites. We did this back in August for the four of us.

 

Although they post 2 night minimum, you can book directly on the main Choice Hotel site and avoid the 2 night minimum (most of the time as there are some periods where 2 or 3 nights are enforced - usually around holidays). Do not book by calling the hotel directly.

 

Even with taxes, housekeeping, energy fees, and the cab ride, we paid substantially less than the ship tour. If I recall, it was less than $120 total for the room (price does vary depending on day of the week, and time of year). Be sure to search this forum for info on discounts (there was a Choice Hotel/LPGA discount when I booked - not a member of the LPGA, but was able to join their group for free to get the discount).

 

Atlantis was amazing and we had a great time. The food was pricey, but I didn't think it was that outrageous. We just bought some drinks and fries, and that was enough until we got back to the ship. Honestly, we were just too busy to really eat anyway - there is so much to do.

[quest2best]

Does Carnival or Atlantis vary the price based on the date? We are going in late March and the Carnival tour price shows $159 per person. It shows a meal symbol but does not say you get lunch in the description. A bit confusing. If it's $19 for hamburger and fries, I'll have to add another $70 with tip to the cost of taking 2 teens there - makes for an expensive day!

 

When we were there Jan '08, there was some kind of "Family Meal Deal" offered at some of the food huts. It included 4 good sized burgers, 4 drinks, and 2 fries for $25 or so. Not too bad for a family lunch at a resort....

[AuTiger7]

If you book through the Comfort Suites, is there a fee to use the snorkeling gear at Atlantis?

[232271]

If you book through the Comfort Suites, is there a fee to use the snorkeling gear at Atlantis?

 

 

you get the same amenties as if you were staying at Atlantis, but I dont remember if you pay for snorkel gear or not? you might email the Atlantis and ask....or maybe someone else can help you...so if Atlantis guests dont pay you dont either and same if there is a charge....

[deeolasingh]

you get the same amenties as if you were staying at Atlantis, but I dont remember if you pay for snorkel gear or not? you might email the Atlantis and ask....or maybe someone else can help you...so if Atlantis guests dont pay you dont either and same if there is a charge....

 

so the use of everything is included? except of course food and beverages. and how does this work? I was just on the website for this hotel and it says that check in isnt till 3pm so how do we get our wrist bands. it is 13 of us traveling and we a just trying to save a few dollars..

[232271]

so the use of everything is included? except of course food and beverages. and how does this work? I was just on the website for this hotel and it says that check in isnt till 3pm so how do we get our wrist bands. it is 13 of us traveling and we a just trying to save a few dollars..

 

yes. They let you check in as soon as you get there, you just dont get your room, they can check you out as well so you dont have to come back.

[gnomes13]

If I have more than 4 in my party do I need to book more than one room so we all can go to the Atlantis?

[MemoryMaker2669]

Anyone know the cost of just The Dig and beach, if purchased directly with Atlants?

[Jeanne B]

Anyone know the cost of just The Dig and beach, if purchased directly with Atlants?

 

You can buy a pass to see the dig/aquarium (I think it's approx $35/pp) but to have access to the beach you'd need either a daypass which would include the pools and slides as well or you'd have to have a room booked at CS or Atlantis.

[dman1]

I just looked up the Comfort Suites for a room with four people and it was $400 for 2/26. Not much difference than buying the excursion. I guess it depends what time of year you go!!

[AuTiger7]

Do Comfort Suites guest get free access to the DIG as well?

[232271]

Do Comfort Suites guest get free access to the DIG as well?

 

yes

[scubagirrl]

If I have more than 4 in my party do I need to book more than one room so we all can go to the Atlantis?

 

You are only allowed up to 4 ppl in each room..

If you have more ppl, you can either book additional rooms, or purchase day passes from the cruiseship or Atlantis Royal Towers desk ($109pp-$75 kids)

 

Be aware that during high season (spring break), day passes may not be available thru Atlantis, since they are based on the day's occupancy rate.

[AuTiger7]

You are only allowed up to 4 ppl in each room..

If you have more ppl, you can either book additional rooms, or purchase day passes from the cruiseship or Atlantis Royal Towers desk ($109pp-$75 kids)

 

Be aware that during high season (spring break), day passes may not be available thru Atlantis, since they are based on the day's occupancy rate.

 

When checking into the Comfort Suites, do they just give you a four person voucher for Atlantis?

 

Do all members of the party have to be present so they can see you or

[gagirl14]

I just went on the Choice website (Comfort Suites) and they have a room for 254.00 plus whatever tax, etc. It also indicates that check in time is at 3:00. So, those that have gone this route, did they give you the bands to use the Atlantis Pools in the morning when you got there and then when you leave, you just drop off your room keys?

[scubagirrl]

When checking into the Comfort Suites, do they just give you a four person voucher for Atlantis?

 

Do all members of the party have to be present so they can see you or

 

All members of your party need to be present. Unless you are paying for 4 adults. If there are kids, they need to see them to determine whether to charge you for kids or adults. They are supposed to ask for ID.. some do, some don't.