Are buying shore excursions ahead really required or we can buy when we get down the ship in nassaus,baham ?

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The Weasel

Buying excursions on the ship are not required and are a bit more pricey. However, you never know when some local is going to take your money and leave you on the side of the road. At least with buying it from the ship you are traveling with other cruise people and chances are you won't be left behind.

When you get to shore I'm sure you'll see a lot of locals hanging around the dock selling their excursions. They are likely legit but then again that's the chance you take. Have fun.

US_DR_JD

Buying shore excursions is such a personal choice that it is hard to advise someone else what to do. The Carnival web site will have a list and description of the excursions for your cruise, be sure to pay attention to the activity level required. Many sound great but they are more strenuous than someone in your party may be able to perform.

As far as booking ahead, there are some more popular excursions which sell out quickly, these many travel agents recommend booking ahead of time if you are really set on a certain activity. For example, swimming with dolphins is extremely popular and sells out quickly due to the limited number of spaces. Usually if you wait very long that excursion will be gone.

Some other excursions are less popular and if they don't get enough sales they cancel the excursion for the day. If you aren't sure, check with the shore excursion desk as early as possible.

Many people suggest that you can beat the price and get a better experience booking the excursions yourself. This can be true if you have some experience doing this. Remember that the cruise lines have people go on the excursions prior to adding them to their itinerary to make sure of the quality. Additionally, if the excursion is delayed and misses the departure time on a cruise line arranged excursion the ship will wait for your return. If, however, you book your own excursions and are delayed, the ship will sail without you. This did not used to be a problem. Now that you need a passport to fly but not to sail, if you get left behind in port, you cannot fly home.

Use caution in your privately arranged island experiences.

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

The prices are the same whether you buy before or after. You run the risk of them being sold out if you wait so that's a negative. Also if you pay at home then you ship account doesn't look so scary when you cash out at the end of the Cruise.

You can buy some things on shore but if the excursions run over your boat doest know where you are at and will leave you behind.

Ive been to Nassau a few times and have always had great luck with the snorkeling. I'm going again in September and probably kayaking and then the Yellow bird Party boat.

Have fun with whatever you do, its a good time

Shelley L

It would depend on the tour. Dolphin Encounters sell out quickly and will NOT be available to book at the dock.
Atlantis Day Passes are Cheaper onboard, but all others are a few $$ cheaper.

Snorkeling adventures, Yellowbird, Blackbeards Cay, Tiki Boat etc will all be available at the dock.

There's a welcome center that you have to go thru when you leave the port, you can sign up for tours at the center.

Taxis are waiting to take you to your destination. Beach Day Passes are available at the Hilton($15), Breezes ($60), Wyndham ($15), RUI ($80) and Atlantis ($150)

Public beaches can be access on Paradise Island (walkway next to the RUI) or just outside of downtown at Lighthouse Beach. EIther is a quick $4 cab ride away.

Here's a link to the tour desk:
www.majesticholidays.com

Tivogal

I would talk to people on cruisecritic.com
they would have "recent" experience on bahamas tours and cruise liners. I would also buy cruise insurance.(which gives you more if you need to compain to the cruise line for anything)
http://bestonbahamas.com/

kba1a

The trick about the excursions is that if you don't book them ahead there's the chance they will be booked up later. We waited to book ours and while we did not get the time of day on the excursions, we did get the ones we wanted. Another thing, don't count on doing more than one excursion per stop. You'll be cutting your time to thin to enjoy your time there. You'll also want to have some time to eat and shop. Remember that if you don't like your excursion, you can try something else the next time.

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Going to the Bahamas you are pretty safe not buying shore excursions in advance. There are not a lot of sightseeing places/attractions in Nassau besides going to Paradise Island and seeing the Atlantis Hotel. You can do that on your own by taxi.

If the ship has some booze cruises, where they serve unlimited drinks and take you to a beach area to swim, you may want to book that as soon as you are on ship. Usually the cruise ship will have a couple of activities that you cannot get on your own. But many you can get right at the pier; there will be plenty there offering activities.

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