what to do on your first trip to Nassau?

[guardcoach]

Hello everyone -

 

My DH and I will be in Nassau for one day via the RCL Sept 8th. I am trying to find things to do on that are inexpensive but we will enjoy and still get the most of our time in town. We are heading to Coco Cay so I don't feel like we "need" a beach day but I am still open to ideas.

 

I would love to see Atlantis because I know that I will NEVER be able to go there unless we win the lottery.

 

Thanks for all the great suggestion.

Jennie

[RunnerNic]

hey! the atlantis is absolutely gorgeous to see!!!!!! also, blue lagoon island has a dolphin excursion that is unbelievable (but it's a little pricey)... the shopping is ok, no great bargains.... there is a senor frogs right near the cruise port as well

[cruiseapril]

We went to Atlantis on our own in April- took a van cab for $5 pp-walked around the lobby and Marina Village (free) then later went to Cable Beach for the afternoon.

 

Another option is to go to Atlantis and then go to the British Colonial Hilton or just shop and browse in town on Bay St.

[guardcoach]

Hi

 

Thanks. i have heard and read about Cable Beach - is there a fee or is that one of the free beachs. I do wan to see the British Colonial Hilton -what is the charge for that.

 

I am okay not shopping. I have been Conzumel and St Thomas - done the shopping thing. Not really in the market for anything.

 

Thanks for hte suggestions.

[asylum575]

You can do the discover Atlantis tour for $35. Not too bad. It's like going to a cool aquarium.

 

Plan your time carefully. You don't want to get stuck breaking the bank for lunch on Paradise Island.

[Gilligan's Little Sister]

You can do the discover Atlantis tour for $35. Not too bad. It's like going to a cool aquarium.

 

Plan your time carefully. You don't want to get stuck breaking the bank for lunch on Paradise Island.

 

Hi there,

First time cruiser/visitor to Nassau next month and I think I'm a bit mixed up.

Paradise Island=Expensive Island where hotel and water park is?

Cool bridge hotel=waterpark?

Can you have a look at the hotel and surroundings w/o paying to go to a waterpark?--maybe the waterpark is something completely separate.

 

And does anyone know: if we take a tour that's in one of the air conditioned vans, are we able to get photos and the likes?

 

Appreciate any helpful responses.

[rednose83]

You can walk through public areas of Atlantis for free. You will not be able to use the beaches or get into the aquarium without paying.

 

You can take a cab or use a water taxi to get there if you are not on a ships tour.

 

Here's a walking tour/map:

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

[CruisinCrow]

If you want to see Atlantis, you can definitely do it without winning the lottery. :) Take a water taxi over to Paradise Island, that way you get a little boat tour too. You can see some parts of the hotel without paying anything. Once you get there, if you want to see more, buy tickets to the aquarium ($35 a person). The aquarium is actually spread out throughout the resort and you can walk from one part to the other and see a lot more of Atlantis. You can also walk over to the Marina Village and see the gorgeous yachts. There are probably some cheaper places to get lunch there too. BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES. There are no water fountains in Atlantis and they charge $4 for a tiny little bottle.

 

You could also walk to the Queen's Staircase and see Fort Fincastle. I think the fort is free but you can pay for a guide ($5). The fort is at the highest part of the island so you can get a nice view of Nassau. It's not a very big fort so it wouldn't take long to see.

[guardcoach]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I appreciate it.

 

Jennie

[stacimcc]

instead of spending $100/pp @ the atlantis or $150/pp through the cruise line, you could book a room at the comfort inn suites (www.choicehotels.com) that is right next door to the atlantis. you are given a guest pass that allows you to enjoy all of the atlantis (waterpark, casino, aquarium) and its much cheaper. for a room for 2 adults & 2 kids, we paid $180 for a one night stay and that includes the energy surcharge and the housekeeping fee. If you plan to stay a while and want to enjoy the water park, its worth it, even if it only saves a few $$. we went last year and had a blast!! word to the wise, though, the lazy river made my hubby a tad bit seasick - not the ship but the water park, go figure!! - so take some Bonine before you go!

[cruiseapril]

The British Colonial Hilton has been $20 pp for use of beach and pool. It is a relaxing place to be after being at busy Atlantis- if you just visit or go to the aquarium for the first hours of your port stay.

 

How long will you be in Nassau?

[CruiserBradFromKY]

We were at Atlantis about two years ago. It was after 6:00 PM and we walked into the aquarium free of charge. I think the staff that mans the entrance leaves around 5:00 PM.

Anybody know if this still works?

[newtravelers]

Guard Coach,

We will be there too!! I am so excited. It is our first cruise. I saw someone printed a copy of Nassau walking tour. I am thinking of that to save $$. I am planning on bringing my snorkeling gear. Need to find a good place to snorkel just in case we can't at CocoCay. Other people have said jet skiing was fun. So much research to do and so little time. This site is AWESOME!!

[bguppies]

Our first two trips to Nassau we did the walking tour.

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

 

The Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle above it, are NOT to be missed.

(amazing view of the island from inside the Fort.)

 

Our first two trips we also did the daypasses at the British Colonial Hilton. (which happens to be right at the end of the walking tour.)

A few years ago when we did it, it was $10 pp to use their beach and pool and their towels.

I've read that they had raised the price to $20 pp last year and just recently changed it to $30 or $40 pp with lunch at the poolside restaurant included. (which would still be a pretty good deal as island prices are a little steep)

 

If you are looking for quiet, relaxing, day poolside or on the beach there, the BCH is perfect. (plus it was great getting up from our comfy loungers and being able to walk back to our ship in 15 minutes)

 

I think our first two trips, we spent less than $50 for the entire day.

 

Our first trip, we took a cab over to Atlantis after dinner on the ship, (Atlantis food prices are INSANE. $13 for a tiny cup of Mac and Cheese, the size of one of those instant Kraft ones)

You can walk through the Rodeo Drive style Galleria for free.

Through the Casino and hallways on the first floor.

 

The guards at the Aquarium went home at 6PM, so by the time we got there, you could walk through the Digs Aquarium for free. (Saving $29.95 back then.)

 

You could walk through the Marina shops outside also.

 

But non-guest were NOT allowed to stroll the beach areas, pool areas and waterpark areas. (at least not without paying for an excursion)

 

Atlantis was OK.

If you've been to Vegas, you've seen better probably.

Just not our thing.

 

 

Our third trip to Nassau we tried Ardatra Zoo and Gardens and had a great time. (small zoo, but interesting as they let the trained Flamingoes wander the park between shows.)

The Lory Parrot feeding is not to be missed.

http://www.ardastra.com/index.html

 

Our next trip to Nassau (4th) in about 30 days, we are leaning to trying the Dolphin and Sea Lion excursions at Blue Lagoon, then enjoying the beach for free afterwards.

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/island-all.php

 

Hope this gives you a few ideas for cheap, but inexpensive ideas for Nassau. (a great port for those who actually leave the confines of Atlantis and the shopping on Bay Street or the Straw Market.)

 

Bill

[tjwinters]

Our next trip to Nassau (4th) in about 30 days, we are leaning to trying the Dolphin and Sea Lion excursions at Blue Lagoon, then enjoying the beach for free afterwards.

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/island-all.php

 

Hope this gives you a few ideas for cheap, but inexpensive ideas for Nassau. (a great port for those who actually leave the confines of Atlantis and the shopping on Bay Street or the Straw Market.)

 

Bill

 

 

Hi Bill,

 

Is this excursion done through the website you gave. Is it offered on the the boat (Carnival). We would not be going until April but I am getting ideas now. Is it very reliable sending money through that website. Sorry, I'm just very cautious lately. Thanks, enjoy your trip and let us know how it was.

 

Thanks

 

Julie

[jolivia]

Our first two trips to Nassau we did the walking tour.

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

 

The Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle above it, are NOT to be missed.

(amazing view of the island from inside the Fort.)

 

Our first two trips we also did the daypasses at the British Colonial Hilton. (which happens to be right at the end of the walking tour.)

A few years ago when we did it, it was $10 pp to use their beach and pool and their towels.

I've read that they had raised the price to $20 pp last year and just recently changed it to $30 or $40 pp with lunch at the poolside restaurant included. (which would still be a pretty good deal as island prices are a little steep)

 

If you are looking for quiet, relaxing, day poolside or on the beach there, the BCH is perfect. (plus it was great getting up from our comfy loungers and being able to walk back to our ship in 15 minutes)

 

I think our first two trips, we spent less than $50 for the entire day.

 

Our first trip, we took a cab over to Atlantis after dinner on the ship, (Atlantis food prices are INSANE. $13 for a tiny cup of Mac and Cheese, the size of one of those instant Kraft ones)

You can walk through the Rodeo Drive style Galleria for free.

Through the Casino and hallways on the first floor.

 

The guards at the Aquarium went home at 6PM, so by the time we got there, you could walk through the Digs Aquarium for free. (Saving $29.95 back then.)

 

You could walk through the Marina shops outside also.

 

But non-guest were NOT allowed to stroll the beach areas, pool areas and waterpark areas. (at least not without paying for an excursion)

 

Atlantis was OK.

If you've been to Vegas, you've seen better probably.

Just not our thing.

 

 

Our third trip to Nassau we tried Ardatra Zoo and Gardens and had a great time. (small zoo, but interesting as they let the trained Flamingoes wander the park between shows.)

The Lory Parrot feeding is not to be missed.

http://www.ardastra.com/index.html

 

Our next trip to Nassau (4th) in about 30 days, we are leaning to trying the Dolphin and Sea Lion excursions at Blue Lagoon, then enjoying the beach for free afterwards.

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/island-all.php

 

Hope this gives you a few ideas for cheap, but inexpensive ideas for Nassau. (a great port for those who actually leave the confines of Atlantis and the shopping on Bay Street or the Straw Market.)

 

Bill

Hi Bill

 

Read your information thank you, I do need to clear something with you, I was interested in just visiting the casino at Atlantis, and the beach area, Now is this an excursion or do you suggest going after 6pm from the ship, to get in free, I was not clear on what you meant concerning the later times.

Thanks

[scubagirrl]

Hi Bill

 

Read your information thank you, I do need to clear something with you, I was interested in just visiting the casino at Atlantis, and the beach area, Now is this an excursion or do you suggest going after 6pm from the ship, to get in free, I was not clear on what you meant concerning the later times.

Thanks

 

The casino is open to the public, you won't need a pass to enjoy the casino or lobby shops.

 

In order to use the beach, you'll need a day pass ($65pp). This includes a roped off area of the beach, just for day cruisers.

Otherwise, even in the evening, the beach is non accessible to outsiders.

(it's closed and unlit (read unsafe) at nite).

 

After 6pm (7 in the summer), the guards leave the entrance to the aquarium, so you are free to walk thru them and veiw the sealife.

[jolivia]

The casino is open to the public, you won't need a pass to enjoy the casino or lobby shops.

 

In order to use the beach, you'll need a day pass ($65pp). This includes a roped off area of the beach, just for day cruisers.

Otherwise, even in the evening, the beach is non accessible to outsiders.

(it's closed and unlit (read unsafe) at nite).

 

After 6pm (7 in the summer), the guards leave the entrance to the aquarium, so you are free to walk thru them and veiw the sealife.

Thanks Scubagirrl, you seem to be very informativie, this is my first time coordinating this , so you would suggest a day pass from the hilton so I can change from the beach and be able to spend some time in the casino.

would you know if there is easy access to the casino from the Hilton? Does that sound like a plan?

Thanks

[scubagirrl]

Thanks Scubagirrl, you seem to be very informativie, this is my first time coordinating this , so you would suggest a day pass from the hilton so I can change from the beach and be able to spend some time in the casino.

would you know if there is easy access to the casino from the Hilton? Does that sound like a plan?

Thanks

 

Don't know when you are planning on coming, but the beach at the Hilton will be disturbed by dredging for the next couple of months. We're hoping that they will be finished and things back to normal by December, but there's no telling. If it's after that time.. then Hilton is a nice relaxing location, just a few blocks from the cruiseships.

There really is nowhere at the Hilton to change except the restrooms. There's a large and clean restroom in the hotel itself (near the Portofino restaurant)..

 

You can have the doorman get you a cab to Atlantis Casino, or take the nearby ferry to Paradise Island and do the 5 minute walk. Either would be fine depending on your timing. Ferries run til 6pm and cost just $3pp.,

 

There is another casino at Cable Beach. The Crystal Palace is closed for refurbishing, but will reopen mid October. A cab or jitney will get you there.

[bguppies]

Hi Bill,

 

Is this excursion done through the website you gave. Is it offered on the the boat (Carnival). We would not be going until April but I am getting ideas now. Is it very reliable sending money through that website. Sorry, I'm just very cautious lately. Thanks, enjoy your trip and let us know how it was.

 

Thanks

 

Julie

 

On all of our previous 3 cruises to Nassau, Carnival did do an excursion through Blue Lagoon.

 

But from what I have read in here, in the past year, Carnival has basically whored themselves out exclusively to excursions to Atlantis. (including their dolphin excursion) and dumped the majority of their non-Atlantis, long time excursions. (which was proved, when I checked online for Carnival excursions. )

 

I haven't booked our excursion at Blue Lagoon yet, as we are still debating whether to do both Dolphin and Sea Lion or just one on this trip.

But I have read nothing but positive reviews in here. (especially from the ever reliable Scubagirl)

And when I e-mailed them some questions about refunds if the ship misses port due to hurricane threat and a few others, they got back to me in just a few hours.

Extremely professional as far as I have seen thus far.

 

I will definitely post a review in a month after we get back, if we get to go.

 

PS

Thanks Scubagirl for the quick answer on the Atlantis questions for me....

(we do our best to promtoe the wonderful aspects of Nassau as we repeatedly visit.)

 

Bill

[geocruiser]

bguppies,

 

thank you for the walking tour. I would like to know is it a safe walk to the fort?

 

Thanks,

 

Maria

[KBD1516]

We were at Atlantis about two years ago. It was after 6:00 PM and we walked into the aquarium free of charge. I think the staff that mans the entrance leaves around 5:00 PM.

Anybody know if this still works?

 

The aquarium is free after 6 PM all the time. We have been there many times. It makes a great inexpensive place to go in the evening in Nassau and is terrific. I usually tell everyone to go and they love it.

 

Also, you can walk out into the water park area and see some of the grounds. After 6 PM, they close the water rides and you dont have to pay to have a wrist band to get into that area.

[kapcruiser]

I was thinking of visiting the atlantis during the day, but now I am thinking of having an early dinner on the ship, take a taxi to atlantis an see the dig and water park area for free. Are you allowed in the lobby of the hotel area? Also, where should I have the cab drop us off at atlantis, which hotel area. I wanted to check out the atlantis in hope that we would take our boys back there next summer. Are taxi's easy to get back and forth?