nassau

[avalon]

Am sailing on the Wonder on 12/19 and have a question about Nassau. I have not read too many positive things about Nassau and am wondering if there are any public beaches that are close by. Thanks!

 

[macbasset]

We have done Nassau several times and I believe the prettiest beach and grounds is that of the Atantis resort complex on Paradise Island at Nassau. You can take a taxi or water taxi and they have a beautiful underground grotto, or "lost city of atlantis" which is extensive aquariums to view, swinging bridge, shark tanks, shark feedings, etc. You can tour these aquariums and grounds as an excursion or rent a day room at the comfort suites and use facilities and beach. There is also public access to the beach. I enjoyed it. Barb

 

[atigeg]

There is a public beach on Paradise Island that you can take a taxi to for about $4 to $5 per person. You can walk down to the Atlantis beach area from there (all of the beach in that area is "public," but of course you cannot use the resort amenities like chairs). Many people use the restrooms at the hotel that is adjacent to the public beach.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[sanela]

there is a public beach right next to Atlantis beach.it is called cabbage beach.it is beautiful.you can take taxi to Paradise island,and instead going to the right after the bridge you go left,and then second or third street on your left is going to be for cabbage beach.you can not go all the way with a car.you have to walk for 5 min.we did this with our kids,8 and 11 yrs.old.we rent a car and went all around the island.it was beautiful.

 

[Rhonda]

We weren't crazy about Nassau. We didn't go to the resort beaches though. We did some shopping in the morning, and by noon we were sick of the "in your face" merchants, so we went back and enjoyed the ship in the afternoon!

Oh, we went back to Nassau late afternoon/early evening and boy were we sorry! There were people selling drugs on the corners, and drunk people stumbling around in the streets yelling things at each other. It was kind of scary - so we went right back to the ship.

 

[toadman]

Originally posted by Rhonda
We weren't crazy about Nassau. We didn't go to the resort beaches though. We did some shopping in the morning, and by noon we were sick of the "in your face" merchants, so we went back and enjoyed the ship in the afternoon!

Oh, we went back to Nassau late afternoon/early evening and boy were we sorry! There were people selling drugs on the corners, and drunk people stumbling around in the streets yelling things at each other. It was kind of scary - so we went right back to the ship.

That pretty much sums up my experience although we did take one of the horse drawn carriage rides and lucked out and got a very informative and knowledgeable guide. He knew the history of all of the homes and the names of the plants and the history of the island. It didn't last very long but it was fun. Other than that, Nassau was pretty much a shipping touritst trap. When I was on the street alone, I was approached at least 10 times to buy drugs and/or prositutues. The best thing to do in Nassau is UTTERLY ignore the in-your-face street peddlers and proceed to your destination. Although my dd and friend did get their hair braided but I dont know if would have cost less onboard.

Do NOT accept anything from anyone even if they claim it is free.

 

[dahess]

We went to the Paradise Island public beach with our 3 kids. I was really scared, we were very uncomfortable there. I would never, never, never do it again or recommend it. I would however book a room at Atlantis. I know it is expensive but I think it is worth it. Have a great trip!

 

[dahess]

We were told to never get our hair braided in the Bahams because of sanitary reasons. I guess some people were afraid of getting lice or other cooties My dh got her hair braided on Castaway Cay. I think she got 6-8 corn rows & it was about $30.00, plus tip. You tip everything while on our cruise.

 

[sanela]

well,like I told you we had a great experience.if you going to enjoy life you need to take a little risk.however,I am from Bosnia and I was in a war for five years,and my kids were born in that time.but real war,like from the movie behind the enemy lines.so little trouble on the Nassau is nothing.well have a great trip.

 

[Gillian]

Our tablemates at dinner went over to Atlantis by taxi to use the casino. Part of the family used the beach and didn't pay, but we didn't think to ask for details. Can you just walk through Atlantis on to the beach? We don't need chairs!

 

[toadman]

Originally posted by dahess
We were told to never get our hair braided in the Bahams because of sanitary reasons. I guess some people were afraid of getting lice or other cooties

Arrgh. Didn't even think about that. I've had to deal with head lice before and it's difficult to eliminate once it becomes a problem.

My dh got her hair braided on Castaway Cay. I think she got 6-8 corn rows & it was about $30.00, plus tip. You tip everything while on our cruise.

Then that is far less than we paid. The only problem being that you have to wait until the last day of your cruise to get the braids. But I did notice a woman doing braiding on the decks on some days as well. The price difference alone is enough to seek out the braider on deck, I'm assuming the price is probably the same as at Castaway Cay.

 

[moonchild]

STAY ON THE BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!