[jessica m]

We have a Disney 4day land and 3 day cruise coming up and I was wondering if we should stay on ship in Nassau or get off and explore the beaches and town. Is there still ship activities going on since ship will be there most of the day into the evening as I understand. Ther will be 4 children ages 8 - 14 and my thought is we will be at Castaway Cay the following day and that will not be a lot of time to enjoy onboard activites as it is only a 3 day cruise. Any input on this will be appreciated.

[llama]

Welcome to MouseBuzz!

Hmm - well, from my experience Nassau is not one of my favourite ports - maybe because I've been there so often - but the Straw Market is plain scary - too huge and claustrophobic - the tours of the town are kind of a yawner, the shopping is mostly the regular "touristy" stuff. You could go to Atlantis - it's kinda cool and I think there's a tour where your kids get to swim in the waterpark,(but there's a waterslide on the ship) or you can visit the acquariums....but, honestly, a day on board ship is kinda nice. (I make it a spa day) Most everyone's gone, you get the pools to yourself, and pretty much everything else. Me - I'd stay on board. (You'll have TONS of fun at Castaway Cay).

[WishUponAStar]

I've only been to Nassau on other cruise lines but to be honest you wouldn't be missing a whole lot if you stayed on the ship. I did not like the CROWDED feeling at that market everyone visits, & Llama is right when she says everything is REALLY touristy. I remember ladies RUNNING after & nearly grabbing me trying to braid my hair for money. It really freaked my Grandma out 'cause I was really young & these people were practically mobbing me.

Otherwise, ehhh. If you are only going to be on the boat for 3 days I'd definately take that time to explore the boat to the fullest.

[jk8]

I would stay onboard for sure. There is so much to enjoy and only 3 days to do it.

[DisneyTeacher]

I would take that time to relax on the ship.

[mommyof2]

I agree with all the above!!

[iluvwdw]

I'm going to go against the grain here...if you have never been to Atlantis, you have GOT to check it out! The Straw Market is another story... .

I do have to agree, there's nothing more relaxing than a relaxing day on the ship. We just went on a cruise and stayed on the ship in 2 ports, and got off in one...Nassau. I am HOOKED on Atlantis!

[Dopey]

I was asking myself that very same question and came to the conclusion that I shall stay on board and pretend that it's a sea day, enjoy the ship with slightly less people on it and call it good.

[llama]

Originally Posted by iluvwdw

I'm going to go against the grain here...if you have never been to Atlantis, you have GOT to check it out! The Straw Market is another story... .

I do have to agree, there's nothing more relaxing than a relaxing day on the ship. We just went on a cruise and stayed on the ship in 2 ports, and got off in one...Nassau. I am HOOKED on Atlantis!

But the problem with visiting Atlantis on a tour is that you only get a TASTE of it - it's all so alluring and you don't have the time to enjoy it. Now STAYING at Atlantis is a different matter all together - that's heaven! But to just go and look around, maybe swim for a bit, it's too much of a teaser.

[rlcarmichael]

I would get off the boat then away from the tourist junk ASAP. Skip the excursions unless there is something you really want to do like a dive one. DO NOT waste your money on the glass bottom boat.

Might want to consider a scooter rental and roam the island or just make it a beach day.

[timkelmom]

I have to say that we enjoyed the Straw Market. It is huge, crowded, really hot, and some of the islanders were very rude. That being said, I loved interacting with the native Bahamians and bargaining with the ladies. It was a great place for knock-off bags and sunglasses if that's your thing.

I like the idea of scooter rentals. DH and I almost did this. We were considering it when we got a page from the kids club that DS needed us, so we left and went back to the ship.

A ship day can be really nice too. Usually on port day the ship is less crowded.

Have fun on your cruise!

[Cosmicwaves]

Just keep in mind that you will have to take a taxi to Atlantis if you decide to do that...it's not within walking distance.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by llama

But the problem with visiting Atlantis on a tour is that you only get a TASTE of it - it's all so alluring and you don't have the time to enjoy it. Now STAYING at Atlantis is a different matter all together - that's heaven! But to just go and look around, maybe swim for a bit, it's too much of a teaser.

I hear ya...but if you have never been there, what a great way to spend the day to see if you want to possibly spend a vacation there? A taste of it is better than NOTHING...it REALLY is a nice way to spend the day!

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by Cosmicwaves

Just keep in mind that you will have to take a taxi to Atlantis if you decide to do that...it's not within walking distance.

Taxi is $4 per person to Atlantis. There is also a boat launch that is $3 per person.

[nitaworm]

I'd suggest if you have never been to the Bahamas, Nassau or Atlantis, go at least once. We went, I am glad we did, and next time we won't want to ... we are doing the 3 day cruise next Thanksgiving and I know we will not be doing the Nassau excursions....