Sheri S

Can you tell me anything about the Princess Resort & Casino in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island? How about the cruise ships Discovery One or M/S Ukraine?

I'm thinking of doing the Bahamas Princess Cruise-N-Stay. You take a morning cruise out of Ft Lauderdale on one of the above ships to Grand Bahama Island, stay at the Princess for 3 nights, and then return on a "moonlight" dinner cruise to Ft Lauderdale. Have you ever done this?

Jean E. Bowers

I have not done this trip but have been to Grand Bahama Island many times. You do know that this hotel is downtown? It is a nice place but nothing special. If you take the bus it is 75 cents to the beach at Lucaya, or $8.00 for a taxi. The hotel will have transportation to the beach at the Xanadu Hotel, or possibly to the beach at the Lucayan Beach Casino and Resort. In the Lucaya area there are lots of shops and restaurants. You will also be able to book any water related acitvity you might want to do at the Port Lucaya Market Place or on the beach. If you decide to go and want more information e-mail me.

CD

That sounds EXACTLY like what I am doing next week. I am only worried about the trip because my friend bought it through some discount agency, and we have to tour a condo when we go to Ft. Lauderdale. I have been told that the Princess is a nice hotel; it's not so bad that it's not right on the beach. It is supposed to be right next door to the International Bazaar, which is supposed to have great shopping. I have made reservations in advance for a "dolphin experience" thru UNEXSO in Freeport, if you want to do something like that, e-mail me and I'll send you the number. I'll post again when I get back (June 2) and let you know how it went!

CD

A few days late, but...the trip was really nice! The Princess Towers provided first-rate accomidations. In retrospect, however, I think I would have gotten in more beach time if we had stayed in a hotel near or on the beach. The Princess runs free shuttles to and from Xanadu and Taino Beaches about every half hour, but the shuttles end at about 5pm, which turned out to not be very convenient. There are many stores and restaurants at the International Bazaar (right next door to the Princess), but the ones at Port Lucaya Marketplace (across the street from the beach) seem much cleaner. Be sure to spend as much time as you can on the beautiful white sand beaches and in the warm water (it really IS a shade of blue you would not believe!). Some things to be aware of that were a bit annoying: nearly every native person you see will ask to braid your hair or sell you something. The only way to avoid the braids is to have your head shaved bald, or get all of your hair braided the minute you get there. When buying things at the straw market, prices are negotiable, and everyone will say they are making you a "special deal"--shop around and offer what you think an item is worth. Also...this is important...be sure you come to the island with plenty of $1 and $5 dollar bills. You will want to have exact change for things, expecially drinks, because if you give a waitperson a $20, you may literally never see them again...they assume it's their tip! You also need $1 bills for the numerous times you will need to tip cab drivers, bellmen, etc. One last thing that is a must-do to plan in advance for: the Dolphin Experience through UNEXSO. It really is a unique experience and is as popular as it sounds--I made reservations about a month in advance. When we got there, it was booked solid about 3-4 days ahead. If anyone wants more info, feel free to e-mail!
CD

Michelle

Hi, let me know how it goes. It sounds like you are doing the same package deal that we are in April 1999. Are you going through Executive Travel & Tours? Please email me and let me know. Thank you so much.

Andrew Bond

In May my family and I visted the Bahamas by taking the the Discovery One and we hatted it!! We had an awful time on it there was nothing to do. I suggest you fly their. It only costs $55 one way from Ft. Lauderdale. Also, I reccremond staying at the Port Lucia Resort and Yacht Club. It is located on the other side of the Island in Saint Lucia and is inexpensive.