Leaving this frozen hellhole for a week and heading to Nassau and Freeport. What are the can't miss things to do down there?

1/13/2011 10:05:06 AM

post pics of boobs to tdub.

1/13/2011 10:12:42 AM

1. Brag about going to the Bahamas on the internet.
2. Go to the Bahamas.
3.


hmmmmm

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 10:15 AM. Reason : .]

1/13/2011 10:15:44 AM

This is the Lounge, not Chit Chat. If you want to do that shit, go back there and then fuck yourself.

1/13/2011 10:17:59 AM

[insert crappy Kenny Chesney Song here]

1/13/2011 10:18:39 AM

Obviously the beaches are first and foremost. And any toplessness on them will be well appreciated.

1/13/2011 10:24:16 AM

you going to be on the cruise leaving from jacksonville? Carnival I think? my wife and a friend of hers are going to be on it.....not too bad for an $80 cruise haha

1/13/2011 10:26:10 AM

Nah we're leaving from Charleston. Carnival.

1/13/2011 10:27:45 AM

thats cool too...a friend of ours won the cruise on a radio contest so all they have to pay is parking and taxes...$80 each for the two of them

1/13/2011 10:31:03 AM

smoke and drink and relax?

1/13/2011 10:34:31 AM

Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins were my favorite things in Nassau. Not sure what kind of time restrictions you're on though. You could always just visit Atlantis and go on their slides and casino.

1/13/2011 10:43:48 AM

Bahamas, mon. Bumbaclot! Be sure to have some jerk chicken and check out some live reggae.

1/13/2011 10:46:21 AM

Be prepared to get hounded by the locals once you step off the ship. We did the cruise from Jacksonville back in 2006. It was pretty fun, but definitely barter if you're going to buy anything. You can always get it cheaper. Check out Atlantis in Nassau. If you just walk through the hotel, they have a huge aquarium with some pretty big sting rays. Pretty cool. I remember laying on the beach, but there was a cool breeze which made it a little uncomfortable/borderline cold. Senor Frogs was giving out free shots all day if you're into that kind of thing. We also did some kind of river/canal cruise and they pointed out some sights including famous peoples' houses.

1/13/2011 10:46:50 AM

1) Get off the boat
2) Lay on the beach
3) ?????
4) PROFIT

1/13/2011 11:23:38 AM

Please report back on what you think of it. I was considering taking what is probably the same cruise you booked later this year, but am holding off for now.

1/13/2011 11:24:47 AM

Quote :

"Leaving this frozen hellhole for a week and heading to Nassau and Freeport. What are the can't miss things to do down there?"

check the weather before you go, that is for damn sure. they've had a cold snap there, too. went in dec...coldest its been since the 50s this winter. it was like 58 degrees while i was there. so make sure you see how the weather has been the past week or so before you pack. and prepare for mega disappointment if it is cold. i mean don't just check seasonal averages...see how it has actually been over the past few weeks. in mid december it was too cold to go on the beach and all excursions were canceled on the cruise due to cold and wind.



[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 11:58 AM. Reason : .]

1/13/2011 11:58:09 AM

Atlantis resort has casinos, aquariums and an AWESOME lazy river. The lazy river and the water slides are freakin awesome! You can slide past a pool of sharks. Pretty cool.

A few great dining options:
Nobu, which features sushi
Mosaic (Mediterranean)
Mesa Grill (I think it's overrated, but a few of my colleagues rave about it)

1/13/2011 12:18:05 PM

1. Brag about going to the Bahamas on the internet.
2. Go to the Bahamas.
3. Post pictures of the beach and fruity alcohol drinks on Facebook.
4.

1/13/2011 12:28:34 PM

We did this cruise from Jacksonville last year in September... had a good time on the islands. Hopefully your Carnival boat isn't as old as the Fascination.

We took a cab to Atlantis and were surprised how expensive the aquarium/water park were ... I think it was close to $200 pp for a day pass. We ended up on the public beach, which had lots of people peddling hand made goods, cigars and jet ski rentals. YOU WANT JET SKI? YOU WANT TO BE PUFF DADDY? We walked down the beach a ways and it was beautiful/peaceful.

We decided to get our own transport to the beach instead of using the cruise line excursions. Depending on your cab and how many people you can get to ride with you, its way cheaper.

So yea, if its warm enough, hit the beaches... Shopping was aight, people will definitely haggle with you.

1/13/2011 12:42:04 PM

^ Good point. I forgot to mention that the day passes to Atlantis are a bit pricey. But if you start searching now, you may be able to find a good online discount.

I get free entry for myself and friends when I go, thus why I forgot about the price point. Sorry about that!

1/13/2011 1:26:46 PM

hmmm thought they were closed mondays

1/13/2011 1:35:38 PM

is it the carnival fantasy that you're going on?? just asking cause i went in dec and we left on fantasy.

if you're leaving from cha on the fantasy, the boat is nice, but def old. i think it was remodeled in like 1998? which doesn't seem that old but then you're like, wow 12-13 years ago...yea, kinda old. but it was still fine. not my FAV boat i've been on, but whatever, it was a cruise/vacay/nice to do nothing.

but BE PREPAREEEEEEED for the weather. i'm telling you. check the weather and how its been the past few weeks. i checked seasonal averages before i went (oh 75-85, saweet) and talked to someone who went to the same places TWO WEEKS before me (it was hot for them) and i got there and it was cold as shit. so...yea...hopefully it is warm for you but it was freeeeeeezing for us. our last day at sea i think it was like 65 though so i laid out under a towel the wind was a little nippy. i didn't bring enough warm clothes so that is the only reason i reiterate this. luckily i went down there in jeans so i was able to wear those.......every single day. but having a sweater or long sleeve shirts would have been nice!

1/13/2011 2:07:33 PM

the market in Nassau is a fun thing to try

1/13/2011 2:07:55 PM

slang rocks

1/13/2011 2:12:17 PM

1/13/2011 2:41:28 PM

http://www.bahamas.com/vacation-planning/bahamas-weather

1/13/2011 2:49:47 PM

^^hahahahaha as ridiculous as that looks, I bet it would be fun

1/13/2011 3:15:08 PM

I just went on that exact cruise.
In freeport we got off the boat (the dock at freeport is a DUMP), and took a taxi to port lucaya where a bunch of shopping/restaurants/etc.. is

overall i'd give freeport a C in terms of grade

in nassau we went to atlantis which is freakin' awesome. we gambled, went to the waterpark, etc... it was a blast

On the ship, go see the rated R comedian (he is hilarious), and make sure you go in the cats lounge at night and listen to PS LIGHTS. that's the name of the band that plays and they cover classic rock, rock, etc.. and they are AWESOME

We left 2 days after christmas and it was snowing in charleston (that's the day we had a bunch of snow here in raleigh). it was FREEEEZING those first 2 days.

in the bahamas it was in the 60s which was still pretty chilly for the bahamas (i agree with kh above).
Luckily by the end of the cruise it started warming up and we could lay out on deck by the pool, but it was still a bit nippy when the wind blew...

and like someone said above, if your lady likes coach, luis vuitton, guicci, chanel, etc... purses, then go in the straw market at nassau.. it is kinda sketchy but you can get some cheap things there.
they are probably very very good fakes (some had the original certificate and everything with them) or stolen from somewhere and shipped there
and eat the melting chocolate cake every night

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 4:12 PM. Reason : yeah ]

1/13/2011 4:08:17 PM

OMG THE CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE IS LIKE THE BEST THING EVER EVER EVER EVER

lol @ the cat's lounge

did you not go to the discotheque? hahaha. the discotheque was where it was at.

and if you want just a plate of pretzels from room service, they will, in fact deliver it to you. but they might not be happy about it.

also we did sneak liquor on the boat. if you do that....enjoy the lemonade, lol. unless you are baller and shell out for soda.


p.s when did you go ^ ??

and is this cruise not going to key west, too?? ours did...

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 4:11 PM. Reason : .]

1/13/2011 4:10:00 PM

I just went on dec. 27, it only went to freeport and nassau

and discoteque was NEVER Packed. we were let down by that. it may have been the time of year we went.. with it being 2 days after christmas there were lots of families and kids... so at night the discoteque never really got going... we were disappointed... but the cats lounge stayed packed
there was this guy in the band who played the keyboard and he was insane... In a good way

once you get out to sea, they don't charge tax on drinks anymore, so your drinks will be cheaper
there is an automatic 15% gratuity on each drink...

the wife and I spent $193 in 5 days on drinks...
Beers are around 5-6 bucks a piece (for a bud light aluminum 16 ounce)
or you can get a bucket of 4 for $20

You also automatically get a $10 per person per day charge on your bill for gratuity for stewards, waiters, etc...
so that was $100 bucks for my wife and I
Don't be surprised when you see that on your bill.



[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 4:16 PM. Reason : sea]

1/13/2011 4:13:37 PM

yo kadwackle, I went on the Fantasy too, but this past July.

Agreed, the dock at Freeport sucks ass. It's a long ride through a wasteland to get to a decent beach. We were really disappointed with the beaches at Freeport at Our Lucaya or whatever, in comparison to Nassau (went there first, so expectations were high). The water was much dirtier and there was seaweed stick things everywhere.

But Nassau was great. We went to the old ass fort there, then took a taxi to the beach just down from Atlantis. There was a cheap beach bar not far behind us in the sand. I snorkeled and just relaxed. The water was beautiful.

The straw market everyone talks about is super obnoxious, unless you like cheap knock-off shit and haggling.

Sad you aren't going to the Keys too we did the cruise out of Charleston and went there as well.

Oh, and be a total tourist and go get drunk at Senor Frogs before getting back on the boat. I honestly think I was the last one to board.

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 7:03 PM. Reason : and sing karaoke. I did for the first time ever on the boat]

1/13/2011 7:01:53 PM

Yeah it's the Fantasy. The weather the last few days there has been mid 70s and last I checked the days we're in port are forecast for 77 and 73 degrees. Warm enough to sit on the beach with something to drink.

It's our first cruise, so we have no frame of reference. Everyone says that's a good boat to go on for a first cruise. We'll see...

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 8:57 PM. Reason : *]

1/13/2011 8:54:12 PM

Yeah it is a good boat, not overwhelming and smaller than a lot of other cruise ships, but it has all the main things on it. Even though it is old, you can't really tell. They have it remodeled and decorated really nice and modern.
what room are you in?

I was in R225 which is the lowest deck for passengers (deck 4) and 225 was near the back of the boat.
Those were the cheapest rooms

1/13/2011 9:11:28 PM

Nassau smells like a giant dumpster.

1/13/2011 9:12:36 PM

^^ Awesome! We're in U50 & U46. Deck 6 toward the bow, port side.

1/14/2011 8:45:37 AM

I agree that Freeport sucks.

1/14/2011 9:03:47 AM

Quote :

" if your lady likes coach, luis vuitton, guicci, chanel, etc... purses, then go in the straw market at nassau.. it is kinda sketchy but you can get some cheap fake things there."

1/14/2011 9:07:04 AM

Another Freeport note: We didn't want to shop, just wanted a nice beach. We went to Taino beach instead of Port Lucaya and had a BLAST there. It was completely quiet, hardly any people. Water (stereotypical caribbean blue/green) & sand were nice . Some patches with seaweed & rocks, but you can manuever around them. We convinced our cabbie to come back for us in a few hours, so we didn't have to struggle to find return transport.

1/14/2011 1:02:25 PM

If you want a great beach & seafood:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147419-d496242-Reviews-Bishop_s_Bonefish_Resort-Grand_Bahama_Island_Bahamas.html

In Lucaya, try La Dolce Vita for the homemade pasta and the Ferry House for French food & atmosphere. Disclaimer: we haven't been here since '04 so check recent reviews.

1/17/2011 10:09:30 PM

We made it back. It was a blast. Freeport was a complete dump aside from Port Lucaya. We didn't care about shopping there at all so we just hit the beach. The beach was awesome. It was a bout 80 degrees and sunny. The water was pretty cold so didn't really swim too much but layed on the beach and drank. There was a little shack right on the beach called Billy Joe's that had great seafood. We met and talked to Billy Joe while we at there and had the best Conch Burger ever.

Nassau was much nicer overall. Lots of things to see and go shopping. Took the ferry over to Paradise Island and went to Atlantis but didn't stay there long. They charge you 50 bucks just to breathe in Atlantis. They wanted $50 just to walk through there to get to the beach. Some of our folks found a path that wound around Atlantis and got there for free, but we just ended up going back on the ferry and hitting the beach next to Senor Frogs.

The ship was ok. You could definitely see it was built in the late 80s. The decor still screamed it even though they'd replaced a lot of the neon with LEDs. The food was ok too. It was better than hospital food, but not quite as good regular restaurant quality, but the ability to get it at any time was awesome. That melting cake someone mentioned was the best dessert.

We ended up spending about $130 on alcohol and we were taking it pretty easy. Those vouchers you get for $5 coupons at the casino worked in our favor. We turned a lot of our $5 bets into $10 bets at the blackjack tables with those. I ended up breaking even in the casino but my wife turned $20 into $100 and then quit.

We spent a lot of time at that Serenity deck on the boat with the 2 hot tubs and no kids allowed. We were amazed at how many kids were aboard even though it's in the school year.

Overall the trip was a blast and we'll probably do it again and go to more of the Caribbean countries.

1/22/2011 12:31:50 PM

^I agree with everything you said. They didn't charge me anything to walk through Atlantis though...well i take that back b/c we got robbed in the casino...those were the tightest machines i've ever played..

we did awesome in the cruise ship casino though... there was this short lady who worked in the casino (margarite i think was her name) and she ended up buying us free drinks in the casino b/c we were playing and winning so much...we limited ourselves to about $100 per night in the casino and we came out even at the end of the week, but had fun playing for long periods of time...

1/22/2011 12:40:35 PM

Claudette had the best food in Nassau. The conch salad was awesome, as were her conch fritters and jerk chicken. Not bad for working out of a converted Uhaul. Her husband was in a boat docked not 20 feet away pulling conch out of their shells and delivering them straight to the truck.

That's her kid and grandma sitting there and they were both happy as fuck.

A NY chef doesn't have shit on Claudette.

[Edited on January 22, 2011 at 5:58 PM. Reason : *]

1/22/2011 5:57:30 PM

Quote :

"OMG THE CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE IS LIKE THE BEST THING EVER"

haha, I went on a Carnival cruise last March, and my friend ordered that for dessert all 6 nights on the boat. lol.

1/22/2011 6:27:17 PM

I did too. Well one night we didn't eat in the dining room, but the rest I did. The last night I got 2.

1/22/2011 6:31:34 PM

yeah i always ordered mine with 2 scoops of icecream b/c they were pretty puny with the icecream scoops...

1/22/2011 6:59:23 PM

We are going on the cruise May 25th, any suggestions on how to sneak alcohol on board before the trip or from any of Nassau or Freeport?

1/23/2011 7:09:07 PM

We got some Rum Runner Flasks. You can find them here: http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com/

They are virtually indestructible. We had half a gallon of vodka in our suitcase that got checked in these things and they made it in just fine. If you use them, make sure the cap is screwed on good and tight. One of ours was just a tiny bit loose and a small amount (a few milliliters) leaked. The others didn't leak at all but luckily I had put them into ziplock bags as a precaution. Not necessary if you have the caps screwed really tight.

1/23/2011 7:18:26 PM

^^pro tip cause i recently smuggled alcohol on a carnival ship:

DON'T: Use a giant ass mouthwash bottle, as they do look scan your luggage and ours, which was filled with vodka, was confiscated. I guess they know nobody in their right mind needs a gallon of mouthwash for 6 days.

DO: Put vodka in a eye contact solution bottle. Its clear like the solution, the bottles are a bit smaller, and since it's something for your eyes the people scanning it more than likely wont screw with it. Also, convenient pour top! But make sure you don't mix it up with your wife's actual eye contact solution as this will have negative results.

1/23/2011 10:03:31 PM

3 for $10 T-shirts

1/23/2011 10:09:01 PM

i second the RumRunner bags. We had several of these on our cruise, one or two large ones and a couple of smaller ones, which i stuck in my beach bag for lounging on the deck. a great investment!

1/23/2011 10:36:24 PM