Yes!I think it's worth getting off the ship even if you prefer to skip the excursions (aka port adventures). Exploring on your own is a great way to spend the morning. But also take advantage of lower crowds onboard the ship.
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If you have never been to Nassau and want something free to do, your best bet is to get off the ship for a few hours and explore Downtown Nassau! Sure, you can book a walking tour through your cruise line, but most of the sites are easily accessible on your own and just 5-10 minutes from the cruise pier.
While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassau's historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.
In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
Buses, known locally as “jitneys”, run in downtown Nassau and Cable Beach several times a day. The cost for a one-way ride is approximately $1.50 per person, and exact change is required.
Though most foreign travel requires that you have a valid passport to come back home, cruising makes it easier to enjoy your vacation without worrying about this paperwork. If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport.
You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.
If you miss the ship, you'll have to either meet it in a subsequent port of call or call it a wash and head home. Your cruise line, travel agent or travel insurance provider might be able to help you make the plans; otherwise, you'll have to make arrangements on your own.
Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.
The best way to get around the Bahamas is by car, whether that's a rental or taxi. If you're staying at a big resort and plan to remain on-site for the majority of your trip, then taking a taxi to off-site attractions is more cost effective than shelling out money for a rental.
In the Bahamas, service staff and hotel workers expect to be tipped. The usual tip for service from a taxi driver or waiter is 15% and $1–$2 a bag for porters. Most travelers leave $1 to $3 per day for their hotel maid, usually every morning since the maid may have a day off.
You'll find that merchants on the island do accept most major credit cards, though we recommend some cash for smaller, local merchants and restaurants who may require cash. Taxis in The Bahamas will require cash.
While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassau's historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.
With three days in Nassau, you'll have plenty of time to hit all the highlights, from colonial sites to beautiful Caribbean beaches, and still have time left over for a couple of island day trips.
Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.