Back to Atlantis- -best dining? fishing?
May 12th, 2008, 06:14 PM
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Back to Atlantis- -best dining? fishing?
Our family of four visited Atlantis about 6 years ago. Our youngest made us promise to go back when he was tall enough to enjoy the water slides, so here we go. Yes, we remember the long lines, the housekeeping that never came, the conflicting information, etc. But, we also know when to take a deep breath and make the most of a vacation- - the kids LOVE the pools. We don't plan to purchase a mneal plan, just for flexibility and reduced frustration. Which of the restaurants would you recommend for a dinner without the kids (best food, nice atmosphere) and which of the restaurants do you just like overall? Also, has anyone chartered a fishing boat there? Is early June a good time to fish? Thanks again, Fodorites!
May 14th, 2008, 12:32 PM
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With the new slides, your son will be in HEAVEN!! They are a blast. I am curious to know where you were staying that you didn't get housekeeping??
We love to eat at the Bahamian club without kids (they do have a kids menu, however) the food and service is fabulous!!
My husband and my dad chartered a fishing boat this last March, it is VERY expensive!! They dont put groups together to make it cheaper either-the boat is $1000 for 2 or 6 (as an example). They fished in March and didnt catch a thing. I dont know what June is like. We did not book a fishing trip ahead of time, we went down by the boats near the PoopDeck restaurant and talked to a captian to set up a time. Like I said, they did not catch anything, but they had a good time anyway.
If you like pizza Zio GiGi's in hurricane hole is the best!! The new Green Parrot is just over the bridge and it is very nice (much nicer then the one in Hurricane Hole!) Walk over the right hand bridge, it is closer and is a great view of Atlantis as you walk over!! Carmines is our favorite for pasta ~ and the most resonable price!! It is family style, so you get a huge plate of pasta!! Last time we were there we ate there twice!! Have fun!! Let me know if you have any other questions, I was just there in March and we go at least twice a year!!
We love to eat at the Bahamian club without kids (they do have a kids menu, however) the food and service is fabulous!!
My husband and my dad chartered a fishing boat this last March, it is VERY expensive!! They dont put groups together to make it cheaper either-the boat is $1000 for 2 or 6 (as an example). They fished in March and didnt catch a thing. I dont know what June is like. We did not book a fishing trip ahead of time, we went down by the boats near the PoopDeck restaurant and talked to a captian to set up a time. Like I said, they did not catch anything, but they had a good time anyway.
If you like pizza Zio GiGi's in hurricane hole is the best!! The new Green Parrot is just over the bridge and it is very nice (much nicer then the one in Hurricane Hole!) Walk over the right hand bridge, it is closer and is a great view of Atlantis as you walk over!! Carmines is our favorite for pasta ~ and the most resonable price!! It is family style, so you get a huge plate of pasta!! Last time we were there we ate there twice!! Have fun!! Let me know if you have any other questions, I was just there in March and we go at least twice a year!!
May 15th, 2008, 01:51 PM
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Thanks, Travelinfamily, for the great advice. Yes, the new tower of slides looks great. Your fishing trip reminds me of the $850 fishing trip with no fish we did in Costa Rica....
When I called the hotel to make some restaurant reservations, they told me that the only ones you can reserve are the "gourmet" ones, and we were thinking of going casual on our arrival day, which is a Friday. But, another poster here or on Tripadvisor said that some of the casual restaurants have huge waits, even if you get there right when they open (not sure how that's possible...) Has that been your experience? Maybe we should just leave the property and go to your pizza place instead. I was thinking that we would all go to Bimini Road or Carmines on that first night since they look fun and we would just have arrived, but I hate to have tired hungry kids (boys ages 15 and 12) and an hour wait.
When I called the hotel to make some restaurant reservations, they told me that the only ones you can reserve are the "gourmet" ones, and we were thinking of going casual on our arrival day, which is a Friday. But, another poster here or on Tripadvisor said that some of the casual restaurants have huge waits, even if you get there right when they open (not sure how that's possible...) Has that been your experience? Maybe we should just leave the property and go to your pizza place instead. I was thinking that we would all go to Bimini Road or Carmines on that first night since they look fun and we would just have arrived, but I hate to have tired hungry kids (boys ages 15 and 12) and an hour wait.
May 16th, 2008, 09:25 AM
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Rileypenny,
Our favorite restaurant in the islands (and overall) is Graycliff, located in downtown Nassau, right over the bridge from Atlantis. If you’re a wino like us, they have the oldest bottle of wine in the world (a dessert wine!) as well as the largest wine cellar in the western hemisphere. Ask for a wine cellar tour after your dinner. Great food, great atmosphere, and great service! Definitely a no kid place.
www.graycliff.com/
You could also take the fast ferry to a neighboring island if interested (Eleuthera, Harbor Island, Andros, Abaco) for a day trip.
www.bahamasferries.com
Enjoy!
Our favorite restaurant in the islands (and overall) is Graycliff, located in downtown Nassau, right over the bridge from Atlantis. If you’re a wino like us, they have the oldest bottle of wine in the world (a dessert wine!) as well as the largest wine cellar in the western hemisphere. Ask for a wine cellar tour after your dinner. Great food, great atmosphere, and great service! Definitely a no kid place.
www.graycliff.com/
You could also take the fast ferry to a neighboring island if interested (Eleuthera, Harbor Island, Andros, Abaco) for a day trip.
www.bahamasferries.com
Enjoy!
May 18th, 2008, 12:22 PM
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Hi! Yes, it is true you can't make reservations at the casual resturants (unless you are a party of 6 or more) and there is a line waiting to get in when they open. We did discover that you can eat at the tables in the bar area of Carmines. So, if it is late, you will have to wait. My mom waited in line at Carmines the second time we ate there and we got a table right away. We were there over spring break/Easter weekend so it was super crowded, maybe it wont be so bad while you are there??
The pizza at Zio GiGi's is 100 times better then the pizza at Atlantis (but at Atlantis you can buy it by the slice). Zio GiGi's is very thin crust ~ so if you have big eaters it may take more pies then you think!
Beachykeen:
No, the Green Parrot is not near the Poopdeck it is in the other direction. Cross the right hand bridge and turn right and it is right there. Poopdeck is on the left (quite a ways down). Poopdeck is still up and running and still YUMMY!
The food at the Point at Harborside is still very good and is not crowded if you are stuck for an alternative for your first night. There is usually live music too. Be warned, the prices went up since you were there last (they went up the first weekend in April) and it was a surprise (especially for us, we are there a couple of times a year)!
Kellybeaches suggestion of going to another island is a good one, we took the fast ferry to Harbor Island and we were pleasantly surprised, the beach was absolutly wonderful (and PINK!) and it was a blast zipping around the island on a golf cart!!!
Let me know if there are any other questions, I would love to give my in put!!
The pizza at Zio GiGi's is 100 times better then the pizza at Atlantis (but at Atlantis you can buy it by the slice). Zio GiGi's is very thin crust ~ so if you have big eaters it may take more pies then you think!
Beachykeen:
No, the Green Parrot is not near the Poopdeck it is in the other direction. Cross the right hand bridge and turn right and it is right there. Poopdeck is on the left (quite a ways down). Poopdeck is still up and running and still YUMMY!
The food at the Point at Harborside is still very good and is not crowded if you are stuck for an alternative for your first night. There is usually live music too. Be warned, the prices went up since you were there last (they went up the first weekend in April) and it was a surprise (especially for us, we are there a couple of times a year)!
Kellybeaches suggestion of going to another island is a good one, we took the fast ferry to Harbor Island and we were pleasantly surprised, the beach was absolutly wonderful (and PINK!) and it was a blast zipping around the island on a golf cart!!!
Let me know if there are any other questions, I would love to give my in put!!
May 20th, 2008, 10:50 AM
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Thanks to all. Glad to hear Point at Harborside is a good back-up because it looks good. Have a reservation at the Poop Deck, Dune (without kids) and Mesa. Really wanted to sub out Dune for Graycliff, but reluctant to leave the kids on property without us being there. We dined at Dune once before and enjoyed it, but I've seen some mixed reviews. Also, just wanted to try Mesa and we plan to bring the boys there with us.
I personally would love to try one of the other islands like Harbour Island, so a day trip there is on the maybe list. I'm thinking that after three days at the pool area, the kids MIGHT get bored and want to fish, snorkel, take ferry to Harbour I. etc. Is it something that is safe left to "play it by ear" status, or necessary to book ahead?
Thanks again.
I personally would love to try one of the other islands like Harbour Island, so a day trip there is on the maybe list. I'm thinking that after three days at the pool area, the kids MIGHT get bored and want to fish, snorkel, take ferry to Harbour I. etc. Is it something that is safe left to "play it by ear" status, or necessary to book ahead?
Thanks again.
May 21st, 2008, 12:23 PM
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Hi Rileypenny, I really dont think your kids will get bored (at least mine NEVER tires of the pools etc.) but it is nice to have a change of pace from the crowds of people at Atlantis. We did the fast ferry trip to Harbor Island during Thanksgiving week and played it by ear (no reservation, just went to the activities desk the day before we wanted to go to set it up) and we had no trouble. Something else to consider is the power boat adventure www.powerboatadventure.com it is a blast!! You go to Exuma on a 60ft jet boat, feed iquana's, feed sharks and stingrays and even snorkel with the sharks!! The beach is nice and the lunch they serve was terrific. I imagine your boys would get a kick out of the trip!! Just one more thing to think about!!
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