This morning we woke up early so we could be off the ship at a reasonable time. We watched from our balcony as we sailed into Nassau, Bahamas. It was a beautiful sight as the Sun shined behind the Hog Island Lighthouse, located at the tip of Paradise Island. This lighthouse was built back in 1817 when the island was previously known as Hog Island. Since this time it has welcomed countless Mariners and Cruise Addicts to Nassau Harbor.
We then got ready for breakfast and made our way up to the Lido Deck for Breakfast at Emile’s Lido Buffet. To be honest, I prefer the Main Dining Room for Breakfast. I knew it would be busy at this time but, we tried the buffet. Next time we’ll be sure to visit the Main Dining Room.
Land, Ho! – Nassau Day Passes
We have been to Nassau many times, so I wanted to do something unique and different. To my surprise, the prices of Excursions here have increased in my opinion. Maybe I’m just getting old? But it seems like they are expensive. I had read allot about Day Passes for cruise passengers as an alternative to the many tours offered by the cruise line.
I did allot of research and tried to make this a special day for the whole family. As our sailing date approached I still hadn’t booked anything. I doubled my efforts to find a Nassau Day Pass that would work for us. I heard excellent things about Breezes All-Inclusive Package but, it didn’t allow for Children under 14. So I then looked into the All-Inclusive RIU Palace Paradise Island. The offering was very enticing but unfortunately was Adults-Only. Early in my research, I had heard how the British Colonial Hilton was primarily for business travelers and offered a quiet, relaxing experience that was perfect for families. It also included many things other’s charged for like towels, non-motorized water sports equipment, etc. So shortly before our cruise, I purchased a Day Pass for three Adults and one child. Tickets cost $79 for each Adult and come with food and drink credit of $40. Child pass pricing applies to children ages 6-12 and cost $39 and include a $20 food & beverage credit. Children 5 and under play and eat FREE! Towels and non-motorized water toys included, so you don’t have to be bothered carrying them off the ship.
After breakfast, we exited the ship and took a short 10 minute walk to the British Colonial Hilton. This historic hotel location dates back to 1901 as the Colonial Hotel. It has changed names and brand’s but, is a real jewel of the Bahamas. It was used as a filming location for not one, but two James Bond films Thunderball (1965) and Never Say Never Again (1983 unofficial remake). Both of these movies Starred one of my favorite lead actor’s, Sean Connery.
If you have a Hilton Honors account you can even ask for the Wi-Fi Password and get FREE Wi-Fi that even works great on the beach and
Pool area. If you don’t have a Hilton Honors account you can buy wifi for the day for $10.99 when you check-in. If book this Day Pass, visit BahamasDayPass.com. When booking this online, you will make a deposit to reserve your tickets. On the day you arrive at the hotel, you will pay the balance at the front desk. Once checked-in you’re given a wrist band, and they apply a food and beverage credit to your account.
During our stay, everyone was very nice and friendly. The hotel and grounds were clean and inviting. We arrived early and had our choice of a shaded lounge chair and table by the beach. Later on we jumped in the pool and cooled off. Before long we were ready for Lunch and ordered Jerk Chicken Legs, A Steakhouse Burger, and Hot dog meal. Each meal came with fries and side salad. The food was excellent and the portions exeeded our expectations. The whole experience was fantastic. The hotel and grounds are simply beautiful.
Later in the day we returned to the ship and on the way back purchased a few Bahamas tshirts for the girls. We got back on board around 3 pm and treated ourselves to some pizza and ice cream. Soon we returned to our stateroom for a short rest and watched as sailed away from our staterooms balcony.
Tonight, Tonight
It was time to head out for the evening. On our way to Dinner, we went to the Video Arcade and had fun. We all love the family air hockey game (Four Can Play). After the Arcade my wife and I wanted to stop at Coffee Bar before Dinner. We both tried a Iced Vanilla Lattes. They were delicious and gave us a nice boost after a full day in the Bahamian Sun.
On our way to Dinner we stopped and looked at the many photos’ the ship’s photographers had taken of us so far. We then headed to the Main Dining Room for dinner. We weren’t seated before long before my youngest daughter requested Shah, the Table Artist. Soon he arrived and amazed us with another table-side magic show just for us. He is an incredible showman.
Dinner was incredible once again. A highlight for me was the Escargot, Conch Fritters and Pumpkin soup. I tried the Buttered Popcorn Pot De Creme’ for the first time. It comes in a small cup with a few pieces or caramel popcorn on top of a vanilla custard. It reminded me of a Creme’ Brulee. I would choose this over creme brulee because it had less of the thick sugar topping and more of the custard (my favorite).
It’s Showtime!
It’s moments like this where I just love cruising. We now have a choice of activities to do. Everyone chose to watch Hasbro the Game Show! During the show, my youngest daughter tried hard to become a contestant.
However, some of the questions were a bit tricky. The show was full of energy and excitement. Even though our family didn’t get picked, it is great to see other families participating. It’s just like your really on a TV Game Show set. Afterward, we called it a night after a busy day.
What Tomorrow Brings
Tomorrow we will be docking in Freeport, Bahamas in this morning. We will then be taking an excursion for a Beach Getaway. We are looking forward to another beautiful island and day in the Sun. We also have been invited to a pre-dinner event, so stay tuned.
Read our previous family cruise reports below:
- Carnival Liberty: A Family Cruise Preview
- Family Cruise Sail Away: Carnival Liberty (Facebook Live Video)
- Family Cruise Day 1: Carnival Liberty – Embarkation
- Family Cruise Day 2: Carnival Liberty – Day At Sea
