Atlantis Resort Bahamas: Excursions from Cruise Ships

Unlike other ports frequented by cruise ships, Nassau, the Bahamas, offers the option of an exciting day filled with the attraction of the Atlantis Resort. Shore excursions generally involve shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying the beach to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. Atlantis, however, features a 141-arce water park with several exciting waterslides and a relaxing Lazy River Ride.

In addition, the resort also features a massive aquarium complex with over 50,000 sea animals, including sharks, rays, and sawfish. Daily fish feedings allow children of all ages to watch the watch the animals being fed. The feeding at the predator lagoon is particularly popular with spectators. The Dig, an artistic rendering of what an archeological dig would look like after uncovering the Lost City of Atlantis, allows visitors to walk through strange underwater tunnels filled with recovered artifacts

Instead of trudging around downtown Nassau in the heat or bargaining for cheap souvenirs at the Straw Market, many visitors take the convenient Paradise Island ferry to the north side of the harbor or a taxi across the bridge and spend the day playing at Atlantis.

Different Packages
The Atlantis Resort offers three different packages for non-guests. The Shore Excursions representatives on cruise ships arrange tickets and transportation, but that may be a little more expensive that way.

1. "Discover Atlantis Tour" is a guided tour of the resort, aquariums, and grounds.
   $32 for adults
   $25 for children 4-12.
2. "Beach Day" guests have access to the grounds and beach but not the pools and water park.
   $60 adult
   $35 for kids.
3. "Aquaventure" gives you one day access to everything: pools, water slides, towels, deck chairs, and grounds.
   $110 per adult
   $80 for kids.
4. Another option is to rent a room at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island next door. You'll get full access to everything at Atlantis, and it could prove to be the most economical option depending on the number of people.

Visitors who are not interested in the water park and aquariums often enjoy the huge Atlantis Casino, the numerous restaurants and bars, and the exclusive shopping. The Marina Village has both a Starbucks and a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlor in addition to numerous colorful shops. The indoor Crystal Court Shops include Gucci, Cartier, Coles of Nassau, and other exclusive boutiques.

Getting to the Atlantis resort
When you disembark from the cruise ship, you can easily find the ferry to Paradise Island, and it's only $3 per person each way. Upon arrival, Atlantis's colorful Harborside Resort is immediately across the street from the ferry terminal. Once you cross the street, follow the sidewalk to the right which leads you past the small Club Land’Or resort into Atlantis's Marina Village, a delightful place for a stroll.

Walk through the Marina Village and pass the Marina Pizzeria and Murray's Deli. Go up the stairs and enter the main building of Atlantis. The casino will be to your left, and you can purchase tickets at the Temple of the Moon. (It's a large kiosk with an enormous moon over it in the middle of the casino)

You can also take a taxi, which should cost $10 + tip for 2 people, additional fees for more people. Tell the driver to take you to Royal Towers at Atlantis, and you can buy tickets downstairs in The Great Hall of Waters.

If you take the chartered bus provided by the cruise ship, be aware that the drop off and pick up point is next to the Bahamas Craft Center behind the Paradise Shopping Village, which is across the street from the Marina Village.

See The Atlantis Resort for more information about visiting Atlantis.