Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

*I posted this in travel as well, but was hoping maybe some mommies could help out!*

My family and I are taking a cruise in March. My daughter will have just turned 2 and at one of the ports of call, Nassau, Bahamas, there really isn't anything else to do except Atlantis. My husband and I have been there before and its not one of our favorite ports, but we've never been to Atlantis, and now with my daughter, thought she would have a blast there.

We are taking the cruise through Carnival. the excursion to Atlantis is $189.00 per adult. My daughter is free. it includes a voucher for lunch and a bus to drop off and pick up. I'm not going to lie, $189.00 per person, for a 5 hour excursion is steep. I looked everywhere online to see if I could find it cheaper and the cheapest I could find is $145, just for the day pass to Atlantis. Lunch and transportation is not included.

Its my understanding that a taxi will run about $12-14 for both of us each way. I would assume we would pay no less than $30 for lunch at the resort.

Has anyone else booked the Aquaventure day pass at Atlantis not with the cruise company and found better deals? Any help is appreciated!

Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

I would do the whole thing on my own. Cab, lunch and the Atlantis passes. Call the do concierge at the Atlantis and find out about getting a day pass.

The perk about doing excursions through the cruise line is that if you're running late they won't leave bc they keep in contact with the vendors doing the excursions. I wouldn't be worried about that in the Bahamas though.

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

I would check out the other Bahamas excursions.

We went twice with our kids to the blue lagoon island that was great! It was a pretty, zero entry beach with no waves and lunch. It cost less than half of Atlantis and included vests and some water stuff. You take a small boat there. Kids had a blast.

We stayed at Atlantis with a 2 & 3 year old. The thing they can appreciate is a splash pool and a zero entry pool. Really not worth the $. You can do the Atlantis beach day for less, but it doesn't include the pool. The aquarium is nice, but again, it's a steep price unless you and your DH are going to be taking turns doing the water rides (when the ships come in, it becomes super crowded with teens). The way to get around the cost (potentially), is to book a hotel room at Atlantis for that day. Don't forget the taxes, though, which are really high.

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

while this may sound crazy, since we are going to the Caribbean, my husband hates the beach. He will endure it for me for short periods of time but that's it. On most of the cruises and vacations we have been on, i try to find a lot of history stuff that we both enjoy. He likes the pool and doesn't mind staying there all day. Hence, why were were looking at Atlantis. they have lots of kiddie pools her my DD to enjoy and the Dig sounds fun. Doing just a beach excursion is out. I was just wondering if anyone had booked this package on their own and not through the cruise line for cheaper.

3 out of 4 of our other ports of call are more history geared. the Bahamas and Roatan will be our only beach excursions

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

One thing to consider if you go on your own. We did not do Atlantis, but many on our ship almost missed the ship. I have spoken to family and friends who all said something about a bridge to get back. They said the traffic was awful and it took a while to get back bc everyone was trying to get back from Atlantis to make their ship. I remember they also made an announcement telling people to give themselves plenty of time because people get caught and miss the ship. If you plan to go on your own ask before you get off how long it generally takes yo get back so you are not stressed and stuck in traffic.

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

I personally think it's worth paying a little extra to book through your cruise ship. You get the comfort of knowing you're booking something legit. Also, as another poster said, they will hold the ship for ship excursions so you don't miss the boat, but if you're out on your own and run 5 minutes late, it's too bad for you. And finally, to me, it's worth the convenience to book through the cruise line to save myself the effort of having to research other options!

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post

I replied on your other thread, but I personally would just stay on the ship. Perfect time to explore, and take advantage of some of the things that are normally packed on a sea day. I don't know what line you are cruising, but we did this on Disney and practically had the ship to ourselves for several hours. Oh, I see Carnival.

Message edited 1/28/2015 10:22:48 PM.

Re: Cruise & Cruise Excursions X-Post