Inexpensive Fun in Key West, Nassau, Freeport?

[Rodeomomof2]

With the economy as unpredictable as it is, I am looking at other options for our Bahamas cruise port stops. (just in case ;)) If you were not really up for (or unable to)spend hundreds of $$ on excursions, what would you do in Key West, Nassau, and Freeport that is inexpensive, fun and safe? :confused:

[megnsamsgracie]

In KeyWest, we got a neat map of the area and walked! Sat at Blond Giraffe and had frozen Key Lime Pie on a stick (chocolate covered and all) then walked to the Southernmost Point in the US.

[Rodeomomof2]

Where did you get your map? Was it something you got in Key West or before you went? I have been trying to find area maps for all three ports (Nassau & Freeport too)to see what there is to see/do? :)

[megnsamsgracie]

I think I got it from the ship! We were on RCI

[Rodeomomof2]

I think I got it from the ship! We were on RCI

Thanks, I will keep looking online and try to find something...;)

[traci28]

there is a wonderful walking map of Nassau on the boards here. I think the thread is called "This worked for me". Nassau is filled with old history and there is a walking tour that can be done on your own. I have heard that if you walk through the building at the dock in Nassau and then to your left there are maps that can be used. Otherwise, I think Frommer's also has one.

 

I have read that no matter what you do in Freeport, you need to hire a cab as the port is in an industrial zone. I know that one of the ladies that lives in the area has posted a list of beaches - some secluded and some not. Freeport also has the Lucaya marketplace as well as a nature park somewhat near to there. Not sure of the price though.

 

Keep looking in this area and I think you will come up with something to do!

[BIG_Steve]

Found this on google. Not the best tourist map of Key West, but it should get you started:

 

http://www.keywestcondo.net/touristmap.htm

[Rodeomomof2]

Thanks Traci28, I did a search in that thread and found some maps for Nassau! :D

Also...BIG_Steve, that is a great start for Key West maps/ideas. Thank you! ;)

[kdrake1007]

Just returned from Freeport & Nassau. Never saw a map of Freeport, but didn't look real hard. When you exit the cruise ship, the taxis there will take you to the Lucaya marketplace, and the beach is just across the street. There are public bathrooms in the marketplace that weren't bad.

 

Nassau has maps just as you come out of the pier area. We went to Cabbage Beach which was crowded and the waves were pretty big. The girls liked it (17 & 18 years old), but there's not much in the way of amenities (no bathrooms, take your chances with the vendors selling drinks/snacks). The Straw Market is close quarters and very crowded. The girls liked it at first, but after 15 minutes were ready to move on - lots of vendors selling pretty much the same thing.

[Rodeomomof2]

Just returned from Freeport & Nassau. Never saw a map of Freeport, but didn't look real hard. When you exit the cruise ship, the taxis there will take you to the Lucaya marketplace, and the beach is just across the street. There are public bathrooms in the marketplace that weren't bad.

Do you mind if I ask you how long you spent in Freeport? Is it something that you can pretty much experience what there is in a few hours? We are scheduled to be there from 8-5 and typically we are off the ship as soon as it docks just to spend as much time in port as possible, this time I am thinking we can sleep in and just make an afternoon of it? :confused:

[sp29488]

As for a map of Key West and other information I found the chamber of commerce site on the internet and e-mailed them to please send me a map and any other information that would be helpful. Wasn't long I received the info. in the mail. No we are all set for our cruise in May.

[palmtre2]

I don't recall the Mel Fisher Museum in Key West costing alot but our family enjoyed seeing the salvaged items from the Atocha and other ships. Just walking down Duval St is an experience. We never made it to the southernmost point last time around we'll definitely hit that next year.

In Nassau you could stay in town and walk around or take the #10 bus ($1.25) to the bridge to PI, cross the bridge and off to your left you will see the Marketplace shops of Atlantis you can take your time strolling thru the shop area and checking out all of the huge private ships docked there. You can also stroll thru the casino and play a few slots.

[themarm]

the food network went to the keys and did a bit on their key lime pie. that is what i would do - enjoy a local tasty treat and take in the natural beauty. a walking tour would be a great idea!

[CruisinCrow]

In Key West, Hemingway House ($12pp) is well worth a visit. And the lighthouse is right across the street and open for climbing ($10pp).

 

In Nassau, you can take the #10 jitney that someone else mentioned to the Fish Fry and enjoy a real Bahamian lunch. We're hoping to do the walking tour on our next visit because I'd like to see some of the historical buildings.

[alphakitty]

Here's a free walking tour for Nassau from Frommer's:

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newprovidence/0251010008.html

 

And one from a fellow CC cruiser from a couple of years back...lots of pics here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=332656

 

Last time in Nassau, we took the #10 jitney bus to Arawak Cay a.k.a. the "fish fry" for a cold rum punch and some conch fritters. It was $1.25 for the bus each way and the drinks/snacks were inexpensive too. It was a fun way to spend some time. A photo from Arawak:

 

 

In Key West we enjoyed the Old Town Trolley tour for around $30pp, you'll get a great narrated tour of Key West and be able to hop on/hop off at your leisure. Don't get the tickets on the ship and save a few dollars.

 

Have a great cruise. :)

[bguppies]

In Key West, just walk off the ship and you are in Mallory Square, which has the shipwreck museums, aquarium, etc...

 

One block over is Whitehead St.

If you walk south on that, you will pass the Hemingway House, Lighthouse and wind up at the Southernmost Point buoy. (photo op)

 

Then walk one block east and you are at Duval St.

Head north on that and you will pass the Butterfly Conservatory and then every bar and shop in Key West, until you arrive back at mallory Square.

 

In Nassau, you can get a map at the Welcome Center at the bottom of the pier.

If you head away from the pier, just to your left, you will pass the Bahamian Congress, Library (the old Jail) and a couple of other interesting government buildings.

Just off a few blocks to the left will be the Queen's Staircase next to the hospital. If you walk through the gorge and up the staircase, you will wind up at the top of the hill and at Fort Fincastle.

The Fort is free (but the guides at the Fort do take tips) and from inside the Fort you can see most of the island and the cruise ships at the pier blocks away.

 

Ardastra Zoo and Gardens is a nice little zoo, just a short ride from the pier area. (you can catch a #10 Jitney (bus) or a cab there)

They have a marching Flamingo show that is pretty interesting and a feeding the Lory Parrots thing twice a day, that was a blast.

 

If you want an inexpensive pool day, the British Colonial Hilton (the big hotel to your right when you dock) offers day passes to use their little beach and nice pool area for $12. (it is a 10 minute walk from your pool lounger back to the ship when you are ready)

 

Just whatever you do, PLease do not jusy get off the ship, hit the Straw Market at the pier and then the overcrowded shops on Bay Street (right at the pier) and then judge Nassau, like all too many cruisers do.

 

In Freeport, just take a cab to Lucaya and enjoy the beach there and hit a few shops across the street afterwards. (you catch the cabs back at the marketplace across the street)

8-5 will give you plenty of time at Lucaya.

But I wouldn't sleep in too late, as it is a decent little drive from the industrial dock area, through town, to Lucaya. (probably 20-30 minutes each way)

 

Bill

[Rodeomomof2]

WOW! :) Thank you all very much for all the good ideas and advice. I am already looking forward to these ports even more. My sister has been to Key West many times and had already told me about the "Atocha" museum, I am looking forward to that even though she said that they do not have all of the bigger jewels and things that they had kept years ago, it sounds very interesting, I love history! I will be sending an e-mail to the Key West chamber of commerce for info. ;)

Nassau is our last port and we will be happy to just take the walking tour and experience a bit of what there is to see/taste/hear etc... Freeport as well.

I know having loads of money to spend on vacation certainly can make things easier; but even in a not so fun economy, I knew we could still go and have fun and not have to spend hundreds on tours etc.. and still make lots of memories! ;)

As always CC members did not let me down!:D

[Grannycb]

This looks interesting in Key West: http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html

[Gambler3]

;)Does anyone know the walking distance from the cruise ship dock to the southern most point in Key West???:confused:

[themarm]

I know having loads of money to spend on vacation certainly can make things easier; but even in a not so fun economy, I knew we could still go and have fun and not have to spend hundreds on tours etc.. and still make lots of memories! ;)

 

i think that with that positive attitude, you will have fun no matter where you roam, and that will be why your side trips will be a success!

[alphakitty]

;)Does anyone know the walking distance from the cruise ship dock to the southern most point in Key West???:confused:

 

According to Google Maps, it is 1 mile in a direct shot down Whitehead street. You can even "see" it on the street view. Very cool.

[Rowan555]

How much is the cab to Lucaya from the cruise pier in Freeport?

[bobsfamily]

How much is the cab to Lucaya from the cruise pier in Freeport?

$5pp each way in a shared cab.

[Rowan555]

$5pp each way in a shared cab.

 

Thank you! How much does it cost to rent chairs, etc at the beach? And are there restrooms to use?

[bobsfamily]

Thank you! How much does it cost to rent chairs, etc at the beach? And are there restrooms to use?

It depends on restrooms... If you can get a day pass (usually $15pp) you can use restrooms/pool/bars...

On the beach are some clamshells that are rented by the day. It's mostly guests but you can ask. There is a swim-up bar/pool right at the beach... I've seen people get in and buy drinks and not be hassled BUT drinks are not cheap!

This is in front of the Westin/Sheraton resort complex.

At the marketplace are restrooms/bars/food/shopping/etc.