sam3620@ (steve) wrote in news:4380-3FEBB1E5-9@storefull-
2316.public.lawson.:
> was looking not too impressed by any is there any not too miss on. salt
> water is very hard on the eyes goggles fog up bigtime love that
> freshwater
>
My wife and I have been to Atlantis & Nassau several times. The Atlantis
has many attractions, the pools, water slides, and aquarium and "The
Dig" Check out their Web site for more details.
The national Botanical Gardens are beautiful and only a few dollars to
visit. Also at the very top of the Gardens there is a large rock
stairway that leads up to a Fort Chariotte. Check it out sometimes the
gate is open (free fort tour). Also in the same area is the Ardastra
Garden and Zoo. They have lots of animals and a great flamingo show. If
you are up in this area Arawak Cay is just across the street. Here you
will find a little shopping area, but off season only a few places will
be open (Had the best fried fish in my life in a little 5 table café
there) Also Crystal Cay Marine Park is right there as will. Best second
choice Marine Park if not going to Atlantis.
When you get off the ship you will be Down Town. You want to see the
Straw Market and the down town shopping. If you have time, check out the
British Colonial Hotel, they have an afternoon tea that is suppose to be
quite nice. While you are down town, make sure you try the Conch at
Conch Fritters on Marlborough St.
If you want to see the Island you can take the Jitney Buses almost
anywhere, but you may want to do some research in advance because the
times and schedules can be confusing and you don't want to be somewhere
waiting for a bus while the ship sails. They are cheap and the best way
to get to around.
Here are a few tips on Atlantis. To get to the Atlantis from down town,
take the water Taxi over to Paradise Island. It's cheap and fast, when
you get off the water taxi, just go up the hill, you will see the
Atlantis (can't miss it). If you want to go and look around don't go in
the main entrance. Ask or go to the Beach Tower lobby (far right almost
over to the Sheraton. This is usually not staffed off season and usually
no one will stop you if you just walk in. Also you can go in through the
sports area. Go on-line and look at the maps. Once you are in you can
usually wander around without anyone saying anything to you. If they do
just tell them you want to go to the casino (they always want you to
gamble!) Also just down the road from Atlantis is a shopping area with a
local crafts mall that is quite nice on-season, off-season it's usually
empty or closed. Down from there is a small shopping mall. The News
Café has great breakfast and lunch very reasonable price. If you want to
take a quick trip around Paradise Island ask where you can catch the
shuttle. Atlantis runs a shuttle that goes around the island. It's to
pickup and drop off gambles from the other hotels on the island. It's a
nice little ride, but it runs on island time.
There are lots of charter trips and excursions on and around Nassau. My
wife and I have found that if you do some research and planning, you can
usually have more fun with less money on your own. If you don't want the
hassle of planning yourself, look at the ship sponsored trips. Some can
be pricy, but less chance of missing the boat.
If you have any questions or would like some more info send us an email
and we would be glad to send you some links and I can probably scan a few
maps for you if you want.
James and Shari (james.t.day@ameritech.net)
nassau bahamas shore trips 
