Day 5: Nassau, Bahamas & Blue Lagoon Private Island
I have been to Bahamas before but never to Nassau – I knew enough to make sure that we had an excursion booked or we would stay on the ship.
We convened in the theatre, and it seemed like it took forever to get us onboard the ferry to Blue Lagoon. In retrospect I would have gotten to the theatre early (we arrived at the designated time) so we wouldn’t have been trapped inside the ferry, with the fumes and heat, for the 40+ minute ride to the island. (Lesson learned.)
Disaster strikes! (Not really.)
We arrive at the island and as we disembark the ferry I realize that the package I purchased did not include certain things – like life jackets for my kids to do the inflatables (which I should not have wasted my money on at ALL, more on that later). When I reached into my pack to grab my credit card, I realized I didn’t have it with me. I had left it on the ship in the safe. I had enough cash to buy each of my girls a life vest to do the inflatables.
However, when we got down to the area where the inflatables were, I was chastised by the lifeguard because everyone must wear a life vest in the inflatable area, including adults, even if you’re standing in 3 feet of water. (I get that it’s a safety issue, just wish I had known before we got to the water.)
UGH.
But here’s what happens! I have no more cash and no credit card. My oldest wants to do the whole course but my youngest is way out of her depth. Out of nowhere comes this mom. A beautiful, shining light of a mom who asks me if everything is ok (yep kids crying) and I tell her that I didn’t know that parents had to have life vests and I stupidly didn’t bring enough cash/credit card from the ship and I don’t know what to do for my kiddos.
This lovely woman took off her life jacket and handed it to me.
She told me they had bought the upgraded package, and she could get another life vest no problem. I was so incredibly grateful to this stranger who helped me. I don’t know her name but someday I hope she finds this to know how amazing she was and how she helped a fellow mom out of a tight spot.
BRAVO LIFE VEST MOM!!
The kids had a blast, but the inflatables were a bit advanced for my 8-year-old and the 6-year-old was having none of it. They used the life vests to float with me in the main swimming area and they loved it. It is a gorgeous location with clear shallow water, perfect for families.
Beach Loungers
We didn’t pay for special access to loungers and were lucky that when we were arriving the RCCL ship in port with us was departing so lots of folks were leaving the beach. We ended up getting 2 loungers about 4 rows back from the beach with great sun coverage.
Included Lunch
It was not good. Was it inedible? No. But for the cost of the excursion I expected something slightly more upgraded. We were lucky to arrive early (kids were hungry) so we missed the big, long lines and the staff were lovely. It’s basic BBQ fair – burgers, dogs, salads (which we didn’t have), French fries and one included non-alcoholic beverage (lemonade, juice etc.).
Return Ferry
We were able to get a good spot up top so there was lots of fresh air and we could hear the guide telling us about all the celebrities and famous athletes who own properties on the water. The sun was pretty harsh and both my girls were exhausted from all the days activities. We were all happy to get back to the ship.
Would we do Blue Lagoon Again?
When I booked it there was no option for the dolphin interaction as it was sold out. I don’t know that I would do this excursion again regardless. It is a picturesque spot, and my kids enjoyed the water and the beach – but the added expense of the life jackets ($18 per person) annoyed me as I was not prepared for it and the included lunch was not good. For over $200+ I expected just a smidge more. Next time we do Nassau I will probably spend the premium $$$ and go to Atlantis for the day.
Back on board we chilled out at the Bamboo pool and then hit our cabin for a little quiet time before dinner in the main dining room. It was White Night! We all dressed up in our best white dresses and we ended up getting photos taken by one of the many ship photographers. I don’t recall ever buying the pro photos on previous cruises but when I saw the ones taken, I couldn’t resist. They were such great pics that I knew we would frame them and remember this trip forever. They weren’t cheap but were 100% worth it.
