Nassau & Cocoacay

[SHANNON B]

Thanks to everyone for all the help so far!!! I think Cathy and I have decided on the Soverign of the Seas 4-day to the Bahamas. Could someone give us advise on which shore excursions to do in Nassau and Cocoacay. Anything to stay away from? How is the snorkeling/diving in Jan. THANKS

Shannon and Cathy

 

[cruzman]

Snorkeling is excellent in Nassau, but it could be a little cool in January. I would check the long range forecast before leaving before deciding to go snorkeling in Nassau in January, unless you have a wet suit. Average high temp for Nassau in January is 77F, low 64F. I wouldn't bother with a shore tour in Coco Cay, unless you want to parasail or do the seadoo thing, both quite expensive. The island is gorgeous, lots of coconut palms and hammocks. You can snorkel on your own or just wade out and relax in the crystal clear water. Just about any kind of water sports eqipment is available to rent. One other thing that you may need to prepare for; standard cabins on the Sovereign of the Seas are 117 sq ft; tiny even by cruise ship standards. Other than that the SOS is a fantastic ship.

 

[sailingrose]

I suggest you get water shoes for Coco Cay. Lots of rocks in the water. Snorkeling was pretty good there last I saw. Sovereign is an oldie (ship) but a goodie!

 

[hstrybuf]

I would avoid the Blackbeard's Cay Beach Break. There were at least 3 shore excursions going to the same place, including the Stingray and Yellowbird excursions. The swimming area was rocky and not the cleanest. They did have decent food at the snack bar though.

 

[jan mcchesney]

If you are not going to do much on Nassau..take a cab....$4.00 I think and go over to the Atlantis resort..fabulous place...much to see and do..plus Casino, Beach...etc....wonderful viewing of sea life in the underground tunnel...
Downtown is a tourist trap..stalls, markets etc...waste of good time...
Enjoy..

 

[Einstein]

Atlantis is the way to go in Nassau. As for Coco Cay there will be NO excursions as that is RCL's private Island. The BBQ is VERY Good and the beaches are decent. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and let U tender into Coco Cay. With the tender setup RCL has there at Coco Cay if the weather is rough its common for RCL to bypas this stop and spend the day at Sea. Enjoy!!!


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[ArkJudy]

We've visited Nassau twice, but not in January. The first visit we did the Snorkeling with the Stingrays shore excursion in the morning -- it was great! Then we walked into town to shop and visit the straw market. The second visit we took the ferry to Atlantis and hung out there for a few hours! That was great, too!

At CocaCay, I laid out on a great beach chair most of the day drinking Bahama Mamas, while my daughter snorkeled in the shallow water in front of me. My husband and son did a shore excursion, riding wave runners for a tour around the island. They were jazzed about that, and I got a great picture! Everyone that did that was happy! Then they went snorkeling out in the deep, deep water, and they loved that, too. The lunch on the island was like a picnic, nothing special but we were fed!

Happy cruising!

 

[WendyM]

Hey Shannon,

Thanks for the info you and cathy gave us for our Pride cruise this Sat.We are in Fort Meyers this week anxiously awaiting our departure!!!!!!

We did Nassau last New Years . The water was a bit chillier than I expected but when my kids threw themselves over board I had no choice but to follow!!!! Very glad I did -the snorkling was amazing!!!!!!!!!!

I would definately bring warm clothes for the boat ride back-people were FREEZING being wet!!!!!

We did Atlantis at night and that too was beautiful-if you go at night you don't have to pay to see the aquariums.

Have a great time Wendy

 

[Meredith]

We were in Nassau last Feb - the water was to cool to swim comfortably. Try going on a 7 -day - it was wonderful in St. Maarteen and St. Thomas. The water was perfect.