What should I visit in Nassau, on a cruise?

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thequeen

Nassau can be a very interesting port if you take the time to explore a bit. Everyone complains about the straw market. Yes, the moment you enter, you will be surrounded by the sellers .... but I think that's part of the experience of what makes the straw market so famous. How boring it would be if you went in and no one said a word to you. The baskets all look the same, only the sales pitch is different. So be prepared for the fun-filled bargaining and know that you "asked for it" once you entered the market. If you want a basket but not the sales pitch, then there are plenty of places to pick up the same bag on the street. On the main street there is also a fabulous store which sells only table linens - beautiful pieces. There is a wonderful old fort that's an easy uphill walk from the pier. Great history behind it, easy and informative self-guided tour and the elevation is high enough for a wonderful overview of the island. On the way up, you can browse in the shop windows of stores "off the beaten tourist path" and plan which ones you want to visit on the return downhill walk. All of them are small and usually run by the artisans themselves. Because these stores and galleries are not on the main streets, the store owners are not pushy at all. We've always found them to be very generous, helpful and very proud of their work. Over the years, we've picked up several small original paintings, sculptures and jewellery pieces all made locally. Beautiful work and quite inexpensive. You'll see how the locals live, and feel that you are truly in a community. This is the REAL Nassau. Enjoy !

Lisa

I agree with Jess. I was just there in February and there's really not much inside the city. That's why the cruise ships only stay there for maybe 3-4 hours.

I went to the Straw Market, and I personally found it really crowded and overwhelming. If you even look at something, the vendors will be haggling you. However, a friend of mine did get a genuine Kate Spade handbag there for $25, so it's a good place to look for a bargain. The craftsmen and women all make the straw products in front of you--well, they customize them in front of you, and it is neat to watch. I just didn't care for the crowds.

Check out the official Bahamas web site for more info.

Soleil

My husband and I rented mopeds...and went all over the island.... we stop at Paradise Beach ......GORGEOUS... It was the best way to get around without walking.. or taking a cab. It cost us I believe 60.00 each for an entire day. ... (Nassau happened to be one of the Islands where we where docked until midnight).

hipporay523

In Nassau I swam with the dolphins one time - FUN!

And, on another cruise I took a water taxi around Paradise Island and I walked around the Atlantis Resort (the hotel that has the Michael Jackson suite for $10K a night). I went with a friend who lives in Nassau to Atlantis and we had lunch there. It was really good - buffet. They have a really nice beach at Atlantis and the aqaurium.

I never have made it to the shopping center because my Nassau friend told me to stay away - I prefer to be relaxed on vacation and didn't want to remember Nassau with all the high-pressurized sales tactics and being asked to have my hair braided every where I turned (this is what I remember from going to the market in Jamaica....).

jess

I've been there, there's really not much to look at, just relax on the beach

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