Replies

Thanks, DoughtyOne, for the magnificent photos! Wow! I wonder if everyone is getting as antsy as I to sail, sail away.

On the morning of our freeper beach party, we go at our own leisure to a designated salon on the ship where beach-going passengers wait for their number (or color) to be called. Thence to the deck where tenders are boarded for the trip to the beach.

I suggest wearing sturdy beach shoes. If the water is choppy, it's better to have some good sneakers on rather than thongs when transferring from the ship to the bouncing tender.

Also, while the cruise lines' beaches on the various out-islands off Nassau are manicured, the islets are basically rocky formations. This means that walking along the water's edge and into the water itself can be tough on the tootsies from stones and shell/coral pieces. You will be happy you brought some footwear you can wear on the sand and right into the water itself.

You can use your ship's card to purchase adult beverages on the beach. Your unlimited soda card is not good there. Bring a few bucks cash for drinks if you wish, and also for the native crafts displays if you see some little souvenir that you like. I hear there's native straw market stand or two with some interesting items. The native stands require cash.

You can use your ship's card at the kiosks and huts run by the cruise line itself. These shops sell touristy stuff and a lot of things sold on the on-board shops. I plan on looking but not buying at the company stores on the beach. The prices are too high, so I recommend by-passing them.

I hear the ice-cold Strawberry Daquiris on the beach are renowned and quite delicious. You may want to splurge on one in this beautiful, relaxed setting chatting with your freeper friends.

Beach towels are supplied by the ship so don't worry about packing any on this trip.

Your Bahama Mama will leave early to try to stake out a spot for our group. I'll see if I can find an area with some shade.....and with proximity to the buffet area, the washrooms, the steel band, and, of course, the tiki bars.

I'll attach the American flag I'm bringing to a chair or palm tree or something....so look up and down the beach for the good old Red, White and Blue.....'cause that's where we'll gather. I'm bringing duct tape with, of course, heheheh.

You don't have to stay all day at the beach. Sometimes it's better to get there early when it's a little cooler. Many people then have the tropical buffet and maybe a little swim....and then beat it back to the ship. The tenders run constantly.

We'll have a drawing for our FReeper Creatures prizes as we eat lunch in the pavillion. You don't have to be present to win. Then stay or go as you will.

I imagine a lot of us will stay at least a little longer because it's so much fun just lounging and talking on the beach.

I love the beach and the sand and the sun and the sea and will probably stay there under a date palm until the last sea gull is hung.

Bahama Mama