Hi, We are going on our first cruise in Aug and I've heard quite a few negative things about the stop in the Bahama's. Would love to hear some idea's on what people have done while there. It will be myself, husband and 3 daughters (18, 16, 11 ) None of us are huge beach types. Is the dolphin experiences they have worth it?? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! :-)

I think that the Nassau port is much improved. When I first went there on Disney in 1999, it was a little seedy, dirty and unsavory. I was able to go back in January, 2006, and it's much improved. Efforts have been made to clean up the capital, and if it's taken for what it is, it's actually quite fun. The straw market, although at first daunting, has a certain charm, as do the surrey rides throughout the city.

If you don't want to experience culture shock or are otherwise tired of residents approaching you on the streets asking you if you want your hair braided, then take a water taxi (or land taxi) directly to the Atlantis resort. It is a beautiful hotel/resort/complex, with no shortage of things to do. The dolphin experience, Atlantis' beach and swimming pool and shopping within the resort are all very well worth it.

If you don't want to experience culture shock or are otherwise tired of residents approaching you on the streets asking you if you want your hair braided, then take a water taxi (or land taxi) directly to the Atlantis resort. It is a beautiful hotel/resort/complex, with no shortage of things to do. The dolphin experience, Atlantis' beach and swimming pool and shopping within the resort are all very well worth it.

I jokingly told my husband that we needed to get t-shirts with our new Nassau names on them: "Hey Buddy" and "Pretty Lady"... the whole thing with being accosted on the street to have your hair braided, buy a t-shirt, perfume, cigars, jewelry, etc. was a bit daunting.

We are booked for the Dolphin Encounter this trip and I'm looking forward to Atlantis!

Have you ever been to the Atlantis before?? What do they all have there?? I have been looking at the books and it really does'nt give you any good details. We are finially all paid and just waiting now!! Don't know which part is harder!! :-)

I went snorkeling at Nassau the year that Castaway Cay was messed up by Hurricane Jeanne. It was well run and a great time. However, I really did not like how the locals kinda swarmed the tourists. They were not rude or anything but you can tell that they were trying to compete for every tourist dollar.

At the same time Mrs.GusMan would rather enjoy the things going on the ship since there is so much to do with fewer people on board.

I'm with Mrs.GusMan....
The last time I was in Nassau was a DCL trip with my best friend. We were off the ship for about an hour and then went back on. I think if you want to see Paradise Island, it is a lot of fun -- but personally, the Wonder was so great that we didn't feel a need to stay off too long. :)

Thanks for the info!!! I'm leaning towards just going off for a couple hours rather then a longer period. Especially since it will be our first cruise ever. I think the kids will have just as much fun onboard as off!

Even if the ports don't really have anything that interests you, it is always fun to hop off the ship and look around in shops. Then, you can add it to your list of "Places I've Visited."

Yes, I'd probably go over to the Atlantis for a day trip. It is spectacular and SO much to do!

Have a great day!

Our first trip we went to Atlantis, they have amazing aquariums and it is a beautiful place. We live in Vegas so the casino was not much of a draw. Our last cruise we just stayed in the boat on the Nassau day, not crowded at all by the pools and very relaxing.

I used to live about 20 minutes from Nassau by boat - after 10 times of going it gets boring since we have the weather here year round. The thing is you can beat the scenery for the price. The area is gorgeous, relatively cheap and the people are extremely friendly. Its very laid back - enjoy!

Does anyone know if and where a Hardrock cafe is there. I know there's one listed but I don't know the area it's in. My daughters are HUGE fans and collectors of the pins and would love to go if at all possible. Thanks again for all the input!! :-)

It seems to me like I saw a Hard Rock Cafe in the downtown area. This is basically just a couple hundred feet away from the Straw Market area where you exit the Cruise Ship dock area. If you like Philly Steak and Cheese sandwiches, I strongly recommend taking a taxi over to the Atlantis hotel and having one in the Casino bar and grill. I can't remember the name of it but there is another popular restaurant/bar in the area where tourist like to have a drink. If anyone can offer additional information, I would be most delighted.

Thanks for the info!! The atlantis sounds wonderful. I think between that, the hardrock cafe and a couple shops we should be set.

Our plan is to do the Blackbeard Beach/stingray encounter. Has anyone else done this?

We went to Atlantis when we were there in 2005. We paid for the excursion, which I wouldn't do again. You can simply get a taxi and do it all on your own. We were on our own once we were there. Included in the price was a voucher for lunch, admission for the "Discover Atlantis" exhibit, and transportation.

Our first cruise starts April 27, 2008. We plan on spending the day on the ship when it docks in the Bahamas. The ship will be less crowded and we plan on enjoying the pool and Vista spa while most folks are off the ship.

Thought about doing that. But also how often do you get to the Bahama's???Don't want to spend all the down time there offsite.....but also want to see a bit. So we plan to explore just a bit!

My husband and I found Atlantis to be amazing. :)

It's HUGE. And just amazing. He gambled a little...I window shopped (and even bought a beautiful emerald & diamond ring there :D). The aquarium is very nice...and it's fun to look at all the pools/slides.

Beautiful place. I'd skip most of Nassau to visit Atlantis (my .02). :)

We were there at the beginning of may. Nassau is a pretty place to look at from the pier. when we decided to get off the boat and walk around we were less then impressed. we did not do the Atlantis thing, if we want to ever do that it will be a dedicated trip as I think it is much to much money and to little to get to do in one day.
so my impressions of the town...
hey pretty lady you want your hair braided, I'm the best in town.
hey mister want to take your pretty girls for a carriage ride?
hey mister, best cab in Nassau, take you anywhere cheep!

beyond that it was narrow streets and cheep shops. junk would be a better word then cheep IMHO. we were also less then impressed with the "shopping lecture" Disney gave before sailing. it was an effort to sell you a book with lots of "free stuff". my daughter fell for it and made us walk all over town going from shop to shop to get this junk that I bet cost considerably less then the book.

the one hi-lite was the the Del Sol shop. we like the shirts that turn color in sunlight that we got there, and the prices were very reasonable.

if we do another cruise that includes Nassau we will probably stay on the ship, having done that I see no need to go back. but I would still get off the boat if it was my first time there.

That is exactly what I've heard efoxx. We lived in Japan and traveled to many areas were the locals do this also so we're prepared for that. My girls want to go to the HardRock Cafe there and get a few things. Other then that I highly doubt we'll spend much time off the ship. I honestly can't see myself spending all that money for that time at the Atlantis. We will be at WDW for 6 days prior to this and really wanted to just try a cruise and Disney is the best!!