The Bahamas

[cruiselover09]

What do you suggest we can do in the Bahamas for first time cruisers? Do we stay overnight on the ship of on land? Do we need to make hotel reservations in the Bahamas?

[cruiserbryce]

most lines dont have overnight stays in the Bahamas...you stay on the ship

[SoFetch]

What do you suggest we can do in the Bahamas for first time cruisers? Do we stay overnight on the ship of on land? Do we need to make hotel reservations in the Bahamas?

 

Depends. What do you like to do - do you like lounging on the beach, outdoor activities, shopping, etc? How old are you/traveling companions? Where in the Bahamas are you going? (Nassau, Freeport, private island?)

[Aquahound]

Do we stay overnight on the ship of on land? Do we need to make hotel reservations in the Bahamas?

 

Huh??? What ship are you on? If it stays overnight, then you stay on the ship.

 

As for things to do....well, Nassau is not very popular in terms of activities. Touring Atlantis is pretty much it. Blackbeard's Cay is also a nice beach getaway.

[NCTribeFan]

There's plenty to do in Nassau. I don't have the least bit of interest in Atlantis. Go to the Bahamas Port of Call board and do some reading.

 

There's a great walking tour you can do. There's plenty of shopping. There's the straw market. There are hotels where you can get a day pass and use their pool/beach. There are sights to see.

 

There are excursions to take. Check your ship's excursions or do a Google search.

[cb at sea]

Even if you DO stay overnight--you stay on the ship! You PAID for that cabin; why would you pay a hotel, too?

Personally, Nassau is one of our least favorite stops--hubby will wander the shops for a while, and I just stay on the ship and use the pool! It's nice having the use of the ship without the crowds! Everything except the Casino, onboard shops and possibly the dining room remains open while in port.

Do get a guidebook on the ports you'll visit, so you'll have an idea of the things that are available, how to get there, the costs, etc... The library has them for free!

[Cruzaholic41]

Overnight? I'm assuming you are on a Carnival Fantasy Class weekend cruise. I know Majesty of the Seas leaves at 1am, but I believe Sensation stays the night.

 

Another vote here for Nassau being my least favorite stop. Like another poster said, the number of excursions in Nassau are far less than many other ports. Atlantis is the highlight of Nassau, no doubt about it...and even there, they charge you to walk the lagoon area.

 

Just a warning about the straw market. They are very pushy. It is aggressive sales at it's worst. Walk in, look at the first couple of booths, than walk back out. Trust me....it is the same stuff at all the booths.

 

Since your ship stays late, there is a Senor Frogs next to the straw market. But to be honest, the night life on the ship wil probably be better.

[cruiselover09]

I'm on Carnival Imgination, that's the cruise we were thinking of taking.

[Prphan2]

Do get a guidebook on the ports you'll visit, so you'll have an idea of the things that are available, how to get there, the costs, etc... The library has them for free!

 

A few months ago I purchased "Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call" for our upcoming cruise in April & it's wonderful! There are so many great ideas of things to do, bits of advice (Stay away from the Straw Market. Low quality and alot comes from Asia. Not local at all!) It was definately a wise purchase.

 

Happy cruising!

[FrozenOne]

Or you can go to "Blue Lagoon" island for the dolphin swim- I am going in March and am really excited about it!

A few years ago, when I was in the Nassau last, I took the ship's excursion to Atlantis- It was a waste of money. Too expensive for a quick tour of the grounds and a walk thru the casino. While it was a lovely place to visit- you can get in a cab and go there on your own to wander thru the casino.