Excursions with Kids? Good or bad?

[bmalonef45]

We are going on a 3 day cruise the week of Thanksgiving. (the only 3 day that leaves on a Sunday) This is the first cruise for our kids DS 6 and DD 3 (4 at cruise date) but the second cruise for DW and I to Nassau. The first time we went we went snorkling and did lots of "adult" excursions and had a great time. We even took our own self guided tour of Atlantis (not sure if that was within their rules but no one stopped us). I guess my question is this. While in port at Nassau, which can be a creepy place, how many families took excursions or left the ship and how many just stayed on and enjoyed the activities aboard? With it only being a 3 day trip I'm sure there is enough to do on board to keep us busy so I would appreciate any help all you experienced travelers on DCL have to offer.

Thanks,

[DisneyNutMary]

I can't help you with Nassau, as I've only been on the 7-night cruise with my kids. But we didn't do excursions in port. We stayed on board- there aren't many activities going on, as some of the crew gets a day off in port, but we had the run of the ship to ourselves.
The kids got to go down the Mickey Water Slide as much as they wanted without lines, there were no lines at the food and ice cream counters, and the Goofy and Quiet Cove Pool, as well as the hot tubs were mostly empty.

My theory was, I cruised to enjoy the ship- I'll vacation on the island when I want to enjoy the island.

Oh, just so you don't think we're fools for missing out on duty-free shopping, we checked the kids into the club for a couple of hours in the morning, so we could shop in port.

[Stimpy]

We did the 4 day with DS in 2003. We did a short 2-3 hour excursion, enough to get off the ship for a little while, see the island and then have time on the ship without alot of people around. DS was 4 at the time. We did the Ardastra Gardens (?) and City Tour which was pretty nice. DS loved going to the big fort and going through the "secret" passages. We all liked the gardens with the animals. DS and DH got to be in a Flamingo Parade which was kind of neat...not something you find in NY too often ;)

DCL was still doing the Freeport stop. We decided to stay on the ship for the day. DS had alot of time in the clubs without crowds, we were able to go to the pools and it seemed like we basically had the ship to ourselves.

[DSNY FN]

We don't plan on doing any excursions in Nassau at all other tan maybe going to see Atlantis but I can't justify spending 30 bucks to walk around the hotel so we still have not decided on that one yet. At Castaway Cay we have the kids doing the kids activities other than the oldest one who will be coming to stingray beach or whatever it is called sorry having a memory lapse at the moment LOL.

[bmalonef45]

Thanks for the feedback. As far as seeing Atlantis I think you could save the 30.00 and just grab a cab and head over. That is what we did 3 years ago when we went on a RCCL 3 day. Make sure you have a little cash as you have to pay the bridge toll along with the cab fare. I think it was a 1.00. Anyway, we played some slots and such and then ventured out back to look around the grounds. Pretty cool. Lots of beautiful gardens and pools. We also spent some time walking on the beach until near sunset. I'm not sure if we were supposed to be back there but it was pretty easy access from inside the resort, just walk out the back doors! We also had Ice-cream near the marina, though it was somewhat depressing eating a cone while looking at all the millions of dollars worth of boats parked right next to us. Great place to explore.