Let me explain a lil more for ya about why I feel this way about freeport. at the pier it's an ugly sight to see. abandon mines and cargo ships. theres even a sunken ship that sticks halfway out of the beautiful bule water right there at the pier. The closest thing to do off the ship is the little shop right at the pier. when I go out of the USA I want to be fairly close (usually walking or running distance) away from the Vessel that will bring me back to the great ol USA. At Freeport I think it's a 3 to 8 mile Taxi ride to get to the happening town. I got off the ship the first time and was surounded by people asking me if I needed any smoke or coke. Just as 144 out of 145 students aprove of Aruba for Vacations. I choose to give Freeport a big two thumbs down. for fear of my life.
Nassau The View is totally different still get the druggies as soon as you get off the ship. there seems to be a more comforting atmosphere there, maybe it's cause theres so many more people around. I grab a taxi to Atlantis. There is a fixed reasonable price. I tride the boat ride but it leaves you with yet a mile walk in the heat to get to Atlantis. The Taxi is door to door. I usually tell the cabbie to drop me off at the Beach entrance..take my back pack hit the beach for a few hours then walk a block to Atlantis Gamble then Grab a cab back.
I cruise alone each year and kinda just fell into a routine that is within my comfort zone for being out of the USA. I dont go for any excursions unless Im traveling with someone,
Thats my story and Im stickin to it.
Others will say they had a great time at Freeport and thats great I hope you find out for yourself and not rely on these postings. who knows you may just love it.... either way your still on a cruise and it's better than the best day at work.
I don't know if it is still there, but the Kings Inn was a great place to visit. It was a casino/hotel and I had the best Caesar salad I've ever tasted there. The casino was fun and the pool area was beautiful. I haven't been to Freeport in a long, long time. It used to be one of my favorite islands in the Bahamas, however, I've been informed that it's really gone down hill. That's why I didn't answer before, I haven't been there in over 20 years. Best wishes and have a wonderful cruise!
Cable-If you are interested in Scuba-you might try the quick dive with UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society) in Lucaya, Visit the peaceful Garden of the Groves, Shop in the International Bazaar (which has a very amenable Casino),try cocktails at the Xanadu Beach Hotel in Bahamia(where Howard Hughes once lived on the top floors)-plenty to do.If worst comes to worst there is still Harry's American Bar out on Deadman's Reef-not too far from the port! Go for it -I once lived there-there is plenty to do-not at all as dismal as some have painted it!
I feel the same way but did not want to say anything too negative. But it is or was all true. My first trip was 13 years ago and could not believe it when I looked out the porthole. I thought we docked at the wrong place!
As you said Nassau is much better. I never have any problems over at Paradise or Blue Lagoon. But 2 years ago made the mistake of taking the Water Taxi! Never Again!
Seriously, Freeport was the first island I ever sat foot on and I enjoyed my day. I went to some of the places Billy just wrote about and was an exciting day. Just not anywhere I want to re-visit if I have a choice.
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Posts: 5555 | Location: South Carolina | Registered: August 22, 2005
Can't help. I went to Freeport on my honeymoon (the MIL picked the spot and paid the bill, it wasn't my choice). It was not a good experience in a myriad of ways. I've heard much better things about Nassau, but personally don't care if I ever set foot in the Bahamas again.
I'm sure there are ways to enjoy yourself, though. There usually are.
---- Carnival Victory - Eastern Caribbean 5/13/07
Posts: 23 | Location: Oregon | Registered: October 11, 2006
I would like to go snorkeling while in Freeport. Does anybody have any recommendations on a good snorkeling expedition? (3 - 5 hours in length). Is there a particular reef or something I should be looking at with these tours?
I did see the 4 1/2 hour Sailing and Snorkeling Tour offered on Carnivals Shore Excursions page, and it looks nice. Is this tour any good?
It looks like we're in Freeport till 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday.
It also looks like we dock in Freeport at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday evening (in March). Is there any good bars around the dock area, and is it safe to walk around that area from say 9 – Midnight?
Hmmmmm. Okay well I'll mentally prepare myself for Freeport. We didn't enjoy Nassau much last time around but that had something to do with a mistake in excursions and a very long trip around the Island. I guess I'll do some more research on this port. The wife and I are going in Januarary on the Liberty. Then again with extended family in April on the exact same cruise. Hopefully we will have found all the decent things to do before having our New to Cruising parents join us in April. Thanks for the advise.
Was on the Carnival Glory last week that went to freeport on friday. Was not impressed with it. Was going to get a taxi but cost was $5 a person if the van was full if not full the charge would have been $15 a person. So a round trip could cost you $20 or $60. Would have been better if we had Nassu