Carnival Nassau Bahama Tours
Dave Barron
The following information comes mostly from the TOURS IN NASSAU
shore excursion brochures that were handed out on Carnival's m/s
Fantasy on a cruise we took June the 15th 1995. Any item or comments
between slash marks are either my own or were obtained
from other sources (///////)
JUBILATION - Evening NightClub Tour
This fast paced, Las Vegas style, nightclub show features exciting
dancers with lavish costumes, brilliant sets and scenery and state of
the art lighting. It's a show which is sure to dazzle you. Special
guest DIRK ARTHUR will premier three new illusions, never before seen
on any stage, including comedy piece which features a member from the
audience, another where Dirk will magically appear 25 feet in mid-air,
and a spectacular feat involving a real two-ton helicopter on stage.
The helecopter illusion, which is Dirk's own creation, is the
culmination of three years work and is sure to be a show-stopper. In
addition, Dirk will also present his exotic rare white tigers and
other large cats. In addition to local Bahamian singer Cheryl Johnson,
and a lively and energetic cast, the show features a state of the art
lighting system, rivaling those used in Vegas. This system will send
hundreds of computer controlled multi-colored light beams dancing
around the stage and audience. The grand finale is a spectacular
Junkanoo number, with autentic Bahamian Junkanoo music and floats made
right here in Nassau by local experts Gus Cooper & Ronald Simms.
Please note: there are dance numbers that feature topless costumes.
Departure: First seating show starts at 9 pm - departs from the
gangway 7:45 - 8:15 pm
Second seating show starts at 11:00 pm - departs
from the gangway 9:45-10:15pm
Price: $33 per person: includes transportation, 1 drink &
gratuity & admission to show. (Return
transportation ticket good until 3:00 am)
BLUE LAGOON ISLAND
Your tour begins at "Prince George Dock" and proceeds throu Nassau
with the driver highlighting the following historical points of
interest: Rawson Square, House of Assembly, Straw Market, Government
House, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church,
Queens Staricase, the Chamber of Commerce, Doctors Hospital and
finally the main local fish and vegetable market on Potters Cay. On
arrival at the Calypso pier the live band on board the "Calypso" will
welcome the guests as they are handed a welcome rum swizzle. The
"Calypso" will then depart for a 30 minute scenic cruise though Nassau
Harbor and on to Blue Lagoon. Blue lagoon is a private get away,
where you can do as much or as little as you like. The afternoon at
the island can be described as your time in Paradise, the Home of
Flipper and movies such as "Splash", and "My father the hero". Blue
Lagoon's white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are among those
that made the Bahamas Famous. Walking paths cross the island to
secluded beaches and spectacular vistas of the turquoise sea.
Snorkeling equipment and underwater cameras to remember your
"underwater experience" can be rented at the snorkeling desk on
Empress Deck. Non motorized water sports including Aqua Cats, tubes
and paddle boats are available for rental on the island. The island
has fresh water showers, modern bathroom facilities plus bars and gift
shops for your convenience. The ride there & back is abroad the party
boat CALYPSO with dancing to live calypso band & a welcome rum punch
for the trip to the island. There is also a cash bar for your
pleasure
Pleae remember to obtain a towel from your cabin steward.
Price per person $25
Price per person for snorkel equipment $10
Departure: Universe Lounge 12:00
Boat to return back to the Fantasy departs island at 4:00 p.m.
/////// Note: although we did not take this tour those that we talked
to that went seemed to enjoy it very much . Blue lagoon is located 3
miles from the Nassau harbor /////
SNORKEL TOUR
You will walk a short distance to board a boat which will cruise
down Nassau Harbor to the underwater park near Athol Island. The boat
will anchor at a live coral reef for one and a half hours of
snorkeling. Instructions on how to use the equipment will be given to
those who have never snorkeled before. On your return journey, rum
punch will be served. //// Note : Sorry there was a little more to
this article but that part was cut out by someone in my party /////
Price: $25 per person
CRYSTAL PALACE BEACH PARTY... Fun in the sun
You will spend an excellent day at the best beach in Nassau !
Tour includes round trip transfers from the ship to the beach and back
to the ship or the shopping area. A chaise lounge and a beach towel.
(A $5 deposit will be required for the towel) Lunch consisting of a
hamburger, hot dog or a chicken sandwich, french fries and a soft
drink, plus gratuities ! You will also receive a $5 match play for
the Crystal Palace Casino
Tour departs at 11 am returns at 4 pm Price $26 per person
CORAL WORLD UNDERSEA ISLAND ADVENTURE TOUR
This is one of the best tours in Nassau! Board the Coral World
ferry for a scenic boat ride to the spectacular Coral world marine
park and underwater observatory, on a lush, tropical private island.
Unlike anything you've ever seen - great entertainment for all ages...
View Bahamian marine life in its natural habitat 20 feet below sea
level, without getting wet. In the unique Underwater Observatory, See
stingray, turtle and touch pools. Meet sharks face-to-face; daily
feeding and more. then take your time to explore the Pleasure Reef
snorkel tail, or swim sun and relax at the private white sand beach,
where hammocks, chaise lounges, showers and lockers are available.
enjoy a tasty Pick-Pack(picnic snack)and all the amenities - bars,
duty-free shops, restaurant, clean bathrooms and more. Stay as long
as you like at Nassau's number one attrraction. Price includes round
trip ferry, park admission, snorkeling, a picnic snack and use of
beach facilities. You are able to climb the tower for a great view of
Nassau, Cable Beach, Crystal Palace Resort & Casino and the
surrounding area. Pick up snorkel gear from the on board snorkel desk
& remember to get a towel from your steward.
Price per person $36 - Tour departs upon arrival, check your Carnival
Capers (/// daily activities newspaper ///) for meeting place.
Ferry's return to the Fantasy at noon, 3:00,3:30,4:15 & 5 pm.
//// Coral World will be visible in the distance from the ship as
you enter Nassau harbor. Look for a white structure. Looks sort of
like a flying saucer at the bottom with a needle type structure on
top. Nice tour. ////
CORAL WORLD TOUR
Enjoy a day or half day at the Marine Park. Price includes round
trip ferry & park admission only!
Price per person $20 - Last approx. 2 1/2 hours. - Departs upon
arrival & 1:30 pm. //// nice tour is if you don't want the extras
noted in the above excursion /////
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE
Experience the thirill of a liefetime on a real submarine adventure
cruising along in spacious air conditioned comfort, you'll pass
through breathtaking coral reefs alive with Sea Flora and Fauna.
Explore location sites that have hosted such movies as Never Say Never
Again, Jaws: The Revenge, Cocoon, Splash and Thurderball. The wrecks
of The Wilaurie and The Royal James complete your exploration of the
Subaquatic world.. Begin your Atlantis Submarine expedition when our
air-conditioned bus picks you up right beside the ship. A fully
narrated Island Tour covers the colorful history and culture of the
Bahamas as well as points of interest along the scenic route. Then
enjoy a relaxing cruise to the Atlantis dive site. The picturesque
coastline and famous Lyford Cay resort offer great photo
opportunities. Your exciting 50 minute journey aboard the high-tech
Atlantis Submarine follows. It's a captivating experience through the
Bahama's undersea world. You'll see the tongue of the ocean which
drops off to 6,000 ft. up close as your cruise 80 ft below the
surface, enhanced by expert narration & Bahamian marine identification
by a certified pilot & co-pilot. Then it's back to Prince George Dock
on another scenic Island route. Experience the Atlantis Submarine
adventure. It's a once in a lifetime thrill that you'll never forget:
Departure times 9:30 am & 1:30 pm Price per person $69
////// Price may seem a bit high but it's worth it. A submarine
costs millions:
Sub facts: Size 50 feet. Weight 49 tons Operating depth
approved to 150 feet. Certification U.S. Coast guard and
American Bureau of Shipping. Capacity: 28 passengers
Cabin pressure: Air-conditioned at normal sea level pressure.
Propulsion: DC battery powered electric thrusters . //////////
TROPICBIRD BOAT TOUR
You walk a short distance to board the catamaran "TROPICBIRD"
where you will float toward Victoria Beach listening to a live Calypso
band and the Captain narrating points of interest. You will be able
to swim and snorkel in the sparkling blue waters of the Bahamas.
Unlimited 151 - proof rum punch will be served during the tour.
Remember to get your towel from your cabin steward. A real booze and
Fun Cruise.
////// this is for real party drinking animals //////
Price per person $21 with snorkel equipment $28
tour approximately 3 hours.
NASSAU HIGHLIGHT TOUR
This tour features the main points of interest in Nassau, the
capital of the Bahamas. Your first visit is to Fort Charlotte - built
entirely of stone. The tour continues along to beautiful Cable
Beach and Crystal Palace Resort & Casino. Moving on to Fort
Fincastle, you will view the surrounding area from the battlements of
the fort, and then move on to the Water Tower where, for a small fee,
you can take an elevator to the top for a commanding view of Nassau
and New Providence from the highest point on the island. After
visiting the Queen's Staircase (composed of 66 stone steps and named
after Queen Victoria) you will visit Fort Montague. The tour returns
to the ship via Bay Street. Duration approximatley 2 hours.
Price per person $20
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR
///// that information had been cut out by someone in my group .
They told me the price per person was $21, and you see through a glass
bottom some of the underwater sea life and ship wrecks. I was told
that the underwater viewing window wasn't that big . This person
also told me that it was almost impossible to understand what the tour
person was saying ////
TWO SCUBA EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE
//// again most of this was cut out from my brochure and I don't
have the exact wording on most.
I went on the ADRIENE Scuba tour. You must be a certified
diver for this one. You are picked up at the ship and taken out to
the dive site of the wreck the ADRIENE a 160 foot long wreck that
lies in 65 feet of water. This vessel was used in JAWS: The Revenge.
I saw various tropical fish, the wreck of course, and lobster. On the
whole ship I was the only one who went on this dive after we arrived
at port. Price $41 for a one tank dive (with equipment) or $31 for a
one tank dive (without equipment). This was nice and I enjoyed it,
allthough if you just want to see lots and lots of fish do the fish
hotel dive described next.......
FISH HOTEL whiich is exactly as it says... a hotel for thousand
of fish inhabitants. Photography here is outstanding ! Towels and
complimemtray rum punch will be available after diving. You will be
returned directly to the ship by boat. (approximately 3 hours).
Price $41 for a one tank dive with equipment . $31 for a one tank
dive without equipment. /////
///// Note: There are certainly other things you could do, but the
above items were the ones that the Ship offered on their tour cruises
and should give you a good variety to choose from. You can purchase
the tours above right on board ship using your sail & sign card that
you will get when you board the ship. They really stress over the
loudspeakers etc. to make sure and book your excursions early or you
may be disappointed when they are sold out. This may be the case
sometimes but for the most part most of the tours didn't seem to be
full at all. See my note above about my being the only one on my
dive tour.
////// Note the remainder are some of my observations:
- Ship docks right in the harbor and you can walk just a few
blocks to the downtown area if you wish to shop. Some hawkers "Want
your hair braided pretty lady ?" Also as soon as you get off the ship
there will be a lot of hawkers at the bottom of the gangway trying to
get you to do something. My advice here is just to ignore them.
- Surrey rides (horse and buggy) Rides all start from Rawsom
Square (downtown Nassau) just a short walking distance from the ship.
Approx 25 minute buggy ride takes you by the Houses of Parliament,
Supreme Court and the Library and back via East Bay st. $10 per
couple.
- I recommend staying on the ship at night unless you are taking
the Jubilee tour. It's not recommended to wander around Nassau by
yourself at night. Also remember, the ship will leave with or
without you.
A brochure I picked up while in the Bahamas seems worth mentioning.
If I had known about this before my trip I probably would have ordered
it. I don't know how good the video is. I am just passing the
information along.
VHS VIDEO Nassau, Bahamas See it like a native. AT&T , A
Bahamian tour company, has recetnly compiled the most complete,
up-to-date and simplified information package on the Bahamas, with
special emphasis on New Providence and Paradise Island. This is a 60
minute VHS video. As a visitor, you can now watch what you came here
to see. Price if ordering from the U.S. 24.95 plus $5.50 shipping
and handeling. To order send Manager's checque, Bank Draft, or Money
Order for full amount in U.S. dollars to Alleluia Tours &
transportation,
P.O. Box N3882, Nassau, N.P. Bahamas.
Phone & Fax (809) 326-5432.
Hope this helps some of you planning a trip to Nassau in the
Bahamas. Sorry I was only on a 3 day trip and we did not stop at
Freeport. Bon Voyage.........
Ray Goldenberg
>
>
> The following information comes mostly from the TOURS IN NASSAU
>shore excursion brochures that were handed out on Carnival's m/s
>Fantasy on a cruise we took June the 15th 1995. Any item or comments
>between slash marks are either my own or were obtained
>from other sources (///////)
Hi Dave,
I, for one, would like to thank you for taking the time to type all of
that information. I am sure many of us found it useful.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
Fax 805-566-9305
VelmaRay
Appreciate the information on the tours.
Velma