Cruise to Key West & the Bahamas

[LuvSouth]

Definitely check out these resources. Good info on what to see and getting around the islands. I can confirm good advice there for Nassau. At this port, there is a lot to see within walking distance (1 mile).

Thanks !

 

[LuvSouth]

Here's the warning from CruiseCritic.com

Quote:
Nassau's central location, just off the coast of Southern Florida, is one of its chief pluses, making it an easy mini-cruise port of call for ships passing through on the way to the Caribbean islands. One of the chief minuses, of late, has been a sporadic increase in petty crime (wallet lifting and such) that's been targeted to groups; two cruise line shore excursion groups were held at gunpoint in 2009, and 18 individuals were robbed of cash, cell phones, passports and personal items. Since then, Bahamian officials say they're focused on tourist safety, but be alert.

 

[LuvSouth]

Definitely check out these resources. Good info on what to see and getting around the islands. I can confirm good advice there for Nassau. At this port, there is a lot to see within walking distance (1 mile).

Could you give me more detail about "within walking distance (1 mile)" ?

So, walk around the port within 1 mile and sightsee ? What about taking a cab to the "historic site/place" ? Where is it ? What's it called ?

Thanks

LS

 

[LuvSouth]

Quote from Cruisecritic:
Visit Paradise Island, where you can find all manner of water-sports rentals and eateries. Some say the most beautiful spot there is Cabbage Beach, on the north shore. Another good choice is Cable Beach, with all the usual beach amenities and dazzling beachfront resorts along baby-powder-soft sand. For great snorkeling, try Love Beach near Gambier Village, about 12 miles west of downtown Nassau.

Does anyone know or have been to these beaches ? We have very limited hours while at Nassau, that's why I will need to plan it efficiently otherwise we will not have enough time to sightsee Nassau or spend some time at the beach ... baby powder white sand ... I love it !

 

[Dancer373]

I took that cruise 3 years ago and went to the Butterfly Conservatory for a shore trip. I booked through the cruise line and it also included the trolley tour. The Butterfly Conservatory was well worth the money and I'd love to go back some time.

 

[silentfaith]

KW,,,,DO not book anything ,,,get off the boat and walk one block and bingo your there. Best thing is to rent a bike for ten bucks and spent the day seeing all of old town and the historic seaport marina, stop at pepes for one dollar yengling.

Nassau,,,,DO not book anything,,,get off the boat and catch a boat ride to Atlantis resort for the casino and beach ,,spend the day there as there is nothing else in Nassau to do.

 

[Eder]

If you rent a bike in Key West go see their grave yard....unique.
See the tarpon school cruising the marina
Mallory Square at sundown ...(bit of a freak show)
Hit the Hogs Breathe and get an afternoon buzz on
Don't bother with the restaurants....you'll be sorry...eat on the cruise ship & pack a lunch.

 

[LuvSouth]

I took that cruise 3 years ago and went to the Butterfly Conservatory for a shore trip. I booked through the cruise line and it also included the trolley tour. The Butterfly Conservatory was well worth the money and I'd love to go back some time.

Could you tell me where it is ? Key West ? Nassau ? Freeport ?
Thanks
LS

 

[LuvSouth]

KW,,,,DO not book anything ,,,get off the boat and walk one block and bingo your there. Best thing is to rent a bike for ten bucks and spent the day seeing all of old town and the historic seaport marina, stop at pepes for one dollar yengling.

Nassau,,,,DO not book anything,,,get off the boat and catch a boat ride to Atlantis resort for the casino and beach ,,spend the day there as there is nothing else in Nassau to do.

Hi,

OK, DW, 2 daughters (11 & 14) and I can walk while in KW. We are planning to sightsee around Trolley stop #1, then walk along to other stops till we get to Hemingways house.

For bike rental: I don't know what to do as DW doesn't know how to ride a bike -
Where's the historic seaport marine ? Where's "pepes for one dollar yengling" ?

For Nassau: Where can we catch the boat ride ? Is there sign "Boat ride to Atlantis resort" near the port of call ?
Wait: How can we get back from Atlantis resort ? Do they have frequent boat rides back to the port of call in Nassau ?

Thanks

LS

 

[LuvSouth]

If you rent a bike in Key West go see their grave yard....unique.
See the tarpon school cruising the marina
Mallory Square at sundown ...(bit of a freak show)
Hit the Hogs Breathe and get an afternoon buzz on
Don't bother with the restaurants....you'll be sorry...eat on the cruise ship & pack a lunch.

Yep we are planning to pack our lunches so that we can spend as much time as possible to sightsee KW.

Now I know Mallory Square. But could you tell me where to see ... tarpon school cruising the marina ? Hogs Breathe ?

Thanks

LS

 

[Moemg]

Yep we are planning to pack our lunches so that we can spend as much time as possible to sightsee KW.

Now I know Mallory Square. But could you tell me where to see ... tarpon school cruising the marina ? Hogs Breathe ?

Thanks

LS

Hog's breath is a saloon in downtown Key West .IT is right in the midst of things . Sloppy Joe's was Hemingway's hang out and it's also right there . Duval st. is the main Key West Street and it is filled with bars & shops . You can not miss it . Mallory Square is where they have the sunset celebration every night .Key West IMO is the easiest port to just walk around and explore after the Conch train which I have to admit is better than the Trolley Tour .

 

[LuvSouth]

Hog's breath is a saloon in downtown Key West .IT is right in the midst of things . Sloppy Joe's was Hemingway's hang out and it's also right there . Duval st. is the main Key West Street and it is filled with bars & shops . You can not miss it . Mallory Square is where they have the sunset celebration every night .Key West IMO is the easiest port to just walk around and explore after the Conch train which I have to admit is better than the Trolley Tour .

Hi Moemg,

Thanks for all the tips !

Yep, DW loves to walk around and check out "bargains" - Is there any bargain in KW ?

LS

 

[Moemg]

Hi Moemg,

Thanks for all the tips !

Yep, DW loves to walk around and check out "bargains" - Is there any bargain in KW ?

LS

I think some of the art is a bargain . Also In Nassau several hotels usually sell day passes so you can use their beach for the day . We have been to the Nassau Sheraton a few times and it was a nice beach day . It is close to the pier . To find out what other Hotels offer this just Goggle Hotel day passes in Nassau or check out Cruise Critic they usually know the prices and give ratings . Have a great first cruise !

 

[LuvSouth]

Thanks !

Since it is our first cruise and it's only half a day in each city/town, I think I will just walk around or take the cab or boat ride to Atlantis as I don't want to miss the cruise ship and get stranded on the islands, it will be a disaster for all of us as we have to head back to Canada right after the cruise (kids need to go to school).

 

[FUEGO]

Could you give me more detail about "within walking distance (1 mile)" ?

So, walk around the port within 1 mile and sightsee ? What about taking a cab to the "historic site/place" ? Where is it ? What's it called ?

Thanks

LS

The historic places are right where you get off the boat - you are there! For details, check out that cruise critic website. I think I had a Frommer's/Fodor's/Lonely Planet/Rough Guides type travel book that had a little map of nassau with the sights to see. $10-15 from amazon or elsewhere online for one of those resources, or free from your library (which is where I got it from).

Seriously, I think you could fill your day with exploring on foot in nassau.

 

[LuvSouth]

The historic places are right where you get off the boat - you are there! For details, check out that cruise critic website. I think I had a Frommer's/Fodor's/Lonely Planet/Rough Guides type travel book that had a little map of nassau with the sights to see. $10-15 from amazon or elsewhere online for one of those resources, or free from your library (which is where I got it from).

Seriously, I think you could fill your day with exploring on foot in nassau.

Hi Fuego,

Thanks for the tips.
I will check out the library to see if I could borrow a book about the Bahamas.
I just started reading Cruisecrtic so it will take time for me to find out more about the Bahamas.
I will probably focus on exploring on foot in Nassau or take the cab or take the water ride to Atlantis resort but need to do more research on that.

LS

 

[Dancer373]

I'm sorry...the Butterfly Conservatory was in Key West. You walk through a screened areas with a stream, lush tropical vegetation, benches to sit on. The butterflies and moths light on you. There were some birds in there as well, and the obligatory gift shop

 

[LuvSouth]

I'm sorry...the Butterfly Conservatory was in Key West. You walk through a screened areas with a stream, lush tropical vegetation, benches to sit on. The butterflies and moths light on you. There were some birds in there as well, and the obligatory gift shop

Thanks !

I am currently in the library and just located 2 books, one is South Florida, the other is the Bahamas.

LS

 

[jayc]

I love sandy beach and would like to know how I could spend some time at the beaches in Nassau & Freeport ?

Where ? Names ? Taxi ? Close to ports of call or too far ? Is it near tourist attractions (We have only limited hours according to the cruise schedule) ?

Thanks

LS

I usually rent a scooter (50-90 cc) for 2-4 hours and cruise around the island. Easy to find secluded beaches.