Shore Trip to Atlantis
 

Has anyone done the shore trip to the Atlantis Hotel for the beach and casino. Is it worth the money?

Kathy, We did it when on a Disney cruise...it was great! Walked right on the beach....they suppy towels and chairs....and lunch was included! Any more questions...just ask! Tim

Kathy-the beach is a public beach and the casino is accessable for free. My recommendation is to take a taxi to Paradise Island to the Marriott Resort which is right next to the Atlantis. The beach is obviously the same, the Marriott will let cruise passengers use their pool and changing facilities for free - you simply have to tip the pool boy about $5 apiece for a beach chair and towel. After a few hours in the sun, walk next door to the Atlantis, go to the Casino if you want, or walk out the back door to the acquariums and other outdoor spots. Also, make sure you visit their shops - very exquisite.<BR>You can do all of this for about $25.

You'll be able to gain access to the Atlantis from the beach, but the hotel now limits access to non-guests. You can walk through the shops and the casino, eat in some of the restaurants, however, non-guests can no longer visit the aquarium and other points of interest. Guess they got tired of sightseers.

Yes, you are correct. Before the new hotel addition and the multi-million dollar expansion of the water-park hundreds of ship passengers had free use of the water park. <BR><BR>Although there are some quite impressive aquariums to view free of charge around the hotel and casino area, the Digs cost $25pp for the excourted tour. If you have a large group the price is less. You may choose the ship's tour which is jaut about the same price and you will be allowed to use the beach and view the aquarium. Not the water park.<BR><BR>For a hotel aquarium it is well worth the $25. It is extraordinary. Nothing like the Mandaly Bay Aquarium in Las Vegas which is almost a total waste of time and not worth the exhorbitant price.<BR><BR>The shuttle to Atlantis and Paradise Island is located just off the ship's ramp. For $1.00 less you can take the water shuttle but they are using very old boats and do not look that safe. Also you would have to wait for the boat to fill.<BR><BR>If you take the shuttle do not let the driver charge you for the toll (he will ask). Some one will pay, but don't let it be you. It is included in the price.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul<BR>

I read a post once where, depending on the group's size, someone suggested reserving a room (in advance) at the Comfort Inn Paradise Island for $100-$125, which allows you full access to all Atlantis amenities, including the water park, once you get the wristband from the hotel. Plus, you've got a room to crash in if you want! Might be on this forum somewhere months ago?

Sorry Paul, but your "hundreds of ship passengers had free use of the water park" - this was NEVER true. They have always restricted the water parks to hotel (and Comfort Suites) guests.<BR><BR>The ships excursion will allow you to use the beach - but anyone can use the beach because its a public beach. The only additional thing you get with the $25 at the hotel or the ships excursion is the tour of the Digs. You can still wander around the gardens, outside acquariums and outdoor bars for free.<BR>

Peter, is your information on the Atlantis based on first hand experience of having really been there, or is it like the Carnival posts you make, based <BR>info. you pick up here and there and never really sailed on a Carnival ship?<BR>Just curious.

Peter you do not know beans.<BR><BR>Why are you so darn argumenatative?<BR><BR>I always swam at the water park free of charge in the past along with others that knew about it. They probably banned you since you complained so much.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Paul, you're showing your ignorance again - at least to those who have been to the Atlantis. What do I need, an email from the Atlantis Hotel Manager that states that wristbands have always been required and checked for water park admission. Anyone who has really been there knows this FACT. If you swam in the waterparks, you paid to do so. If you say you didn't- you're a liar.<BR><BR>And fish - yes, I've been to the Atlantis twice - once on a cruise and once on a land vacation shortly after it opened.

My parents went on a cruise a few years ago when they were still building parts of teh Atlantis. They told me that they did get to walk through the underwater tunnel and use the pool stuff. I have been twice in the last 2 years and both times, these 2 sections are expensive. You can either be a guest of the hotel (means that you pay for a room) or you can pay $25 and walk through the underwater tube. <BR><BR>Yes, anyone out by the pool/beach area has a wrist band on. If you do not have a wristband there are employees that will actually stop you and turn you away. <BR><BR><BR>But yes, you can see many great fish from the free parts of the Atlantis, and the slots are free to play. <BR>

We did the 3 day cruise over to Nassau twice (Dec '98 and again July '00). Both times we went over to Atlantis via taxi after our dinner on the ship. We walked into the casino and gambled (even won!) and shopped in the attached mall. From the casino, we walked out a back double door area and wandered around the grounds, including the impressive aquarium. The second time we arrived just in time for a free fireworks show. We did all of this at no cost (except our cab fare and our gambling $$). Nobody ever questioned us. In fact, there wasn't anyone stationed at the exits to stop us from exploring on our own. I know you have to have a wrist band to use the waterpark area, but we never had any problem at night. The aquarium is really something to see, but I would never spend $25 for it!

Peter why are you so arrogant. I told you I used the water park before the expansion. Why should I lie?<BR><BR>Also the underground "Digs of the Lost City of Atlantis" is not free and is worth the $25.<BR><BR>Geez!<BR><BR>

Lenore has found the only exception. Of course the hotel doesn't charge to use the water park area WHEN ITS DARK. Duh. Yes, if you head over to Atlantis when it is night, you will have run of the place for free. But who wants to do that?

Paul - where did I say the "Digs" was free?<BR><BR>When you say swam - did you mean the pools or the Water Slides? The pools were always there since the place was built in 1995, the Water Slides came after the Expansion in 1997.

My comments were about the aquarium and that both times we were there, nobody stopped us from wandering through it on our own. There was no fee.....we saw it for free! (But the last time was two years ago, so presumably things have since changed.)<BR><BR>As for who wants to go there at night....apparently plenty of people since the place was packed and I recognized lots of people from our ship.

The original water park was small. It did have small slides, tube ride and pools.<BR><BR>Lenore is the one that seems to think that the aquariums that are located in the casino and hotel area are the Lost City of Atlantis Digs.<BR><BR>Paul