We are going on the Dream in Sept and I have not booked any excersions for Nassau, wondering what there is to do without paying for an excursion? I understand a lot of people stay on the boat, unless they are going to Atlanis. I would like to get off and do something. I understand there is a market how far away is this?
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Nassau Without Excursions
- Thread starter OwensFab5
- Start date
Magical Dreamer
Well-Known Member
Went to Nassau last November......I'll stay on the boat next time.
Seemed very lacking in security in regards to law & order.
Sure makes you appreciate the States.
Seemed very lacking in security in regards to law & order.
Sure makes you appreciate the States.
Disneyfalcon
Well-Known Member
I've walked to the straw market a few times. I enjoy it, but some people who were with me didn't like it at all. So it's definitely not for everyone. I wouldn't wander around Nassau too much.
I've also taken a taxi to the public beach by Atlantis. The taxi ride was cheap and the beach was gorgeous. We relaxed for a few hours and then caught the taxi back to the ship in time for lunch.
I've also taken a taxi to the public beach by Atlantis. The taxi ride was cheap and the beach was gorgeous. We relaxed for a few hours and then caught the taxi back to the ship in time for lunch.
jme
Well-Known Member
You couldn't pay me to go back to the straw market. Very agressive sellers (will physically grab you to lead you to their stalls, place necklaces around your neck and ask for money, etc.) And most of it was tacky faux-island stuff probably made in china, and lots of bootleg shirts, etc.
There is a small enclosed market right at the pier that you have to go through to get into/out of Nassua. This is not bad at all and has some nice stuff, I was informed by employees that they regulate it to make sure its genuine, etc.
A lot of people I have spoken to love The Fish Fry (a small food district, your taxi driver will know where you mean) and it has great reviews on trip advisor as well:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...Fry-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html
Nothing beats staying on the ship though
There is a small enclosed market right at the pier that you have to go through to get into/out of Nassua. This is not bad at all and has some nice stuff, I was informed by employees that they regulate it to make sure its genuine, etc.
A lot of people I have spoken to love The Fish Fry (a small food district, your taxi driver will know where you mean) and it has great reviews on trip advisor as well:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...Fry-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html
Nothing beats staying on the ship though
iloverags2
Active Member
We always get off in Nassau, and have several spots to visit. First and foremost, a stamp in our passports (which can be done right outside Festival Marketplace, where you exit once leaving the pier). We also like strolling over to Fort Fincastle (gorgeous views from up there) and Queen's Staircase (very beautiful spot). If you don't mind walking, it is about a mile walk there and a mile back. Very nice stroll, especially on a nice day. There is also a public beach (Junkanoo Beach) that is about a 12-15 minute walk from the pier (or you can take the jitney, I believe #10 there for 1.25/person). And of course, no trip to Nassau is complete without a visit to Tortuga Rum Factory for rum cakes! This is literally a couple of blocks from the pier. For those interested, Hard Rock is right across the street from the pier, as well as Senor Frogs.
If anyone wants directions to any of these places, ask away and I will provide!
If anyone wants directions to any of these places, ask away and I will provide!
iloverags2
Active Member
Forgot to add in my above post (that has tons of information...won't bore you again with that one!), the straw market is just a few blocks from the port as well. I much prefer the other sites listed in my previous post though.
Forgot to add in my above post (that has tons of information...won't bore you again with that one!), the straw market is just a few blocks from the port as well. I much prefer the other sites listed in my previous post though.
I always wanted to go...my husband keeps scaring me with stories though...jerk.
pcarathers
Active Member
ok, so now you all are scaring me into staying on the boat....I don't like to bombarded or hassled into buying things. If I want to buy something, I will, but I don't like to feel "pushed" into buying something. This trip will be my sister and her son, his girlfriend and her mom and me....not sure if we should get off and "explore" since the ONLY male in the group will be 19. Sounds like we would be better off just staying on the ship and exploring it!???????
iloverags2
Active Member
Yes, there are several people at the pier asking if you want something, but a polite "no thank you" or just even passing by will suffice (we find the polite "no thank you" works much better). Honestly, we have never been bothered by this.
As for safety, Nassau is like any other large, urban city. (I'm from Chicago, so nothing really bothers me!) As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you should be good to go. As I mentioned in a previous post, there are several places to stroll to that are within walking distance of the pier. Enjoy your time there!
pcarathers
Active Member
Thanks Cindy. We are probably going to do it anyway.......we're not easily "scared" by things, but being in a totally different country with different laws, customs, etc.....just more "cautious"....
ChuckElias
Well-Known Member
Last time we were in Nassau (last year on the Dream), my wife and I were thinking about going to the botanical gardens. We ultimately decided against it, and after reading the reviews on Trip Advisor, I'm glad we did! Sounds like they have not been maintained at all 
Fortunately, we did the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot after debarking 
Fortunately, we did the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot after debarking 
ImaYoyo
Active Member
We like to do a beach day at one of the resorts on the island. There are quite a few nearby in Nassau and further out on New Providence Island. Sheraton Cable Beach is a short taxi ride away or the #10 jitney goes by it. THey do a day pass for $25 per adult or $12.50 per child and it includes unlimited use of the resort, pools, beach access, reserved loungers, towels, bathroom usage, etc. They also do day-rooms avaible like 9-5 or something like that for $99.
The British Colonial Hiton has a similar program with beach access (no room) for $55 pp, but it includes a $30 F&B voucher pp to be used on site.
We also LOVE Compass Point Beach Resort. It's been featured all over travel channel and Conde Naste. Great bar with fantastic views on-site... here's the trip advisor write-up on that resort:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ort-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html
Nassau kind of gets a bad-rap because to be frank, the port area is not the greatest/cleanest. But once you get away from bay st/market st, you find that it's really a great island(s) with lots to explore. There are a lot of nearby private islands that offer excursion for beach days as well.
The British Colonial Hiton has a similar program with beach access (no room) for $55 pp, but it includes a $30 F&B voucher pp to be used on site.
We also LOVE Compass Point Beach Resort. It's been featured all over travel channel and Conde Naste. Great bar with fantastic views on-site... here's the trip advisor write-up on that resort:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ort-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html
Nassau kind of gets a bad-rap because to be frank, the port area is not the greatest/cleanest. But once you get away from bay st/market st, you find that it's really a great island(s) with lots to explore. There are a lot of nearby private islands that offer excursion for beach days as well.
pcarathers
Active Member
ExRoadie
Member
Always check the current State Department Travel Advisories when visiting another country.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html