Nassau and Freeport via Cruise Ship

[Ksea]

We will be cruising to the Bahamas in May. Does anyone have any advice about what beach to hit while we are docked in Nassau and Freeport? I'd rather not do the cruise sponsored excursions. We'd rather take a taxi to a beach with a few ammenities like rest room, restaurant, bar, maybe some shopping. Any info will be appreciated!

[jayseadee]

In Freeport, we like the Port Lucaya area.

In Nassau, we did the beach at Atlantis; it was super crowded, but we hadn't done any research and that's where the taxi took us. If interested, you can get day passes to Atlantis through the Comfort Suites (less expensive than through cruise or direct).

Check cruise critic.com boards. They have all kinds of suggestions for cruise ports.

[cocosmom]

In Freeport go to the Westin Our Lucaya. It is across from the marketplace, so you can head there too. It is actually 3 hotels together.

[vi lover]

Nassau totally depends on your budget and if you are taking children. As mentioned, the day pass to Atlantis is a very fun day - especially for kids. Also very expensive. If you want to just relax on a beach, take a taxi to Paradise Island and the public access point. DO NOT TAKE THE WATER TAXI. I'm warning you that although a few dollars cheaper, once they drop you off on Paradise Island, you are on your own to find the public access location. You cannot access the beach through Atlantis - security will stop you and send you back to the street. Take the regular taxi and they'll drop you off right at the entrance. There will be "hawkers" as you walk to the beach. They do rent chairs - probably $10 each for the day. They'll offer hair braiding, jewelry, and to set you up on a jet-ski, parasail, or banana boat. Everything is negotiable and they will leave you alone if you are polite. It's the same beach as Atlantis (just a few hundred yards away).

Good Luck! Have Fun!