Day 7 – Oasis of the Seas arrives at Nassau, Bahamas
Friday, our last full day, Oasis of the Seas was scheduled to port at Nassau in the Bahamas. The previous night my wife and I picked out a spot just below the Solarium, it had a perfect 180 degree view of our approach to Nassau. And as the island appeared in the horizon, we were not disappointed. The ship neared Nassau and the Atlantis Resort towers on Paradise Island were plainly visible. Surrounded by the blue Caribbean Sea on the left and Nassau on the right, I new it would be a picture perfect moment!
It was a partly cloudy day, but the view was spectacular. Hundreds of other passengers were also watching as we slowly approached Nassau. For many others, they remained indoors at the Promenade area to watch a Bohemian festival-type parade, but for us it was all about the view outdoors.
As we approached Nassau, the Atlantis resort at Paradise Island was prominent on the horizon. When we entered the port I took some great pictures of the hotel towers. Also, there were three other ships and as we made our way towards where Oasis was to dock, the passengers of the other ships were all outside of their staterooms and along the decks watching as we arrived. I can only imagine the view they had as the largest cruise ship in the world sailed into the harbor! Walking off the ship and into Nassau, I took this picture of Oasis next to Carnival Sensation. Oasis was so large that my wide angle lens could not capture the entire ship!
In downtown Nassau we walked around Bay St. taking a few photos and buying souvenirs. After a quick stop at the courthouse and taking more pictures, we headed back to the port to purchase an island tour. In our case it was a mistake, we paid $50 for what the Atlantis Resort portion of the tour is something we could have done at no cost. The guide promised a full island and Atlantis Resort tour with admission to the aquarium. What we actually got was a drive around town in an old van, with a stop at Fort Fincastle. The Fort had some nice views, but more of a tourist trap for the local vendors. We then stopped at the local gas station because the van was out of gas. Finally we drove over the bridge to Paradise Island for a tour of Atlantis. I managed to capture this nice picture of Oasis of the Seas docked next to other cruise ships during the drive over. As for the “island tour”, it was more like a “drive by” on our way to Paradise Island/Atlantis.
Once at the Atlantis resort, the tour included a walk through the lobby, followed by a quick view of the Casino to see
the Temple of the Sun artwork. Our tour ended back in the lower lobby where a small portion of the aquarium is visible. This was not the actual full aquarium and when I asked if we were going to enter and view it all, the guide said no. Apparently he was only taking us to the free public areas within the hotel, something we could have done ourselves! I was disappointed and especially not happy when the driver on the way back to the port stopped to pick up his girlfriend and give her a ride home from work!
TIP: To visit the Atlantis Resort take a water taxi from the port. It only cost a few dollars and takes you directly to Paradise Island where Atlantis is located. There are areas that are free, like the huge artistic lobby, the halls with awesome art pieces, and the Casino area where the Temple of the Sun is located. You can also see a small portion of the aquarium and visit a few restaurants. Again all free, something that a guide will charge you $25 per person, but you can do at no cost. And if you want to see and use the rest of the resort, like swim in their pools, see the full aquarium or play in the famous water slides and river rides, a one day pass can be purchased in the lobby. Spend your money here instead of the overpriced “tour” offered at the port.
Continue reading Oasis of the Seas arrives at Nassau Bahamas and Atlantis Resort at Paradise Island