We have been to Nassau numerous times in our past life, but this time was different, in a completely surprising way. When I worked on cruise ships, we used to visit Nassau almost every week. I would usually go to Dunkin’ Donuts, maybe taxi over to Atlantis’s casino, and that was about it. When visiting Nassau as passengers on more recent cruises, we did both the Dolphin and Sea Lion Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island, walked around downtown, and (again) went to Dunkin’ Donuts. So this time, we were really wondering if we would be able to spend four days at Atlantis Resort without going a bit stir crazy. Our previous experience there seemed very adult-oriented, so how would we fill the time with our just-turning-two-year-old toddler?
As it turned out, very easily. First, the logistics. We previously had always arrived by boat, so the airport was a new experience for us. We managed to pack for all of us in carry-on, so we made it to the taxi very quickly. The airport was $35 cab ride from the resort, and took about 25 minutes.
The VIP check-in lounge seemed about the same as the regular welcome, though when the receptionist discovered it was our little prince’s birthday, she sent cookies and milk to the room. The view and facilities were beautiful, and though it was raining when we arrived and everything on the first floor had flooded, we were very confused about how relaxed we felt.
Our offer included a suite at the Cove, food credit each day, and use of all the facilities including water parks and aquaria. As often happens, a seemingly free offer begins to get quite expensive. Food here is priced for a captive audience- a quart of milk purchased on grounds was $6.50. There is a small grocery and liquor store across the road that was slightly more reasonable, so we went there instead for our staples, and sucked up the cost for the rest.
The water park is awesome for parents and kids alike, for which they provide life jackets for free in all sizes. We took turns going on the scary rides while the other stayed with the baby in the kiddie playground, which he could have done 24 hours a day.
Their signature slides have clear walls which look into shark tanks as you slide through. The slower of the two (which requires a tube) was quite pleasant and allowed for a solid peek at the predators, but the fast one really may as well have gone through space- you see nothing at that speed.
The food is hard to critique, as we only ate in places that would get us in and out without major embarrassment. The prices also stung a bit, so we mostly loaded up on family-friendly room service, mac and cheese, deli quick-grabs, and one trip to Olives. The best meal at the Resort happened on the last day at Bimini Road.
After appetizers at Margaritaville, we strolled along Atlantis’s Marina Village for the umpteenth time and landed an outdoor table for dinner and drinks at Bimini Road. The food was fast but good, the servers were chatty in a fun way, and the sun was shining. A series of minor mistakes by one server finally prompted him to give us a completely different check from that which we had ordered. Full of strong drinks and shellfish, we paid for a few bud lights and a basket of wings.
But mostly, we just played. Mid-day nap times sometimes included all of us. We splashed with random kids on the sand, in the waves, going down slides, and bobbing down the lazy river. The word “shark” became a permanent fixture in the little one’s growing vocabulary. Every day, we found something that we hadn’t the day before, and the “Disney-ness” of it all made it much easier for families like ours. For one of the first times in a while, it felt great to just stay put.
Except of course to go to Dunkin’ Donuts.
So….I’m just wondering how much it cost to stay there for your trip? I’ve been there with cruise excursions but it seems like it would be really pricey to stay.
It would be if you paid rack price. The going rate through Atlantis for a day pass is $120 for adults and $80 for kids. I hear that there may be other ways to circumvent this fee if you stay in nearby hotels that include these passes… There are always deals that include various bonuses (some families we spoke to had food and beverage packages for half price, which could cut down on overall expense depending on how you roll. Since we were fine with eat and run with supermarket beer in the room, the water park and room itself were the most important to us.
What offer did you receive to go to Atlantis? Did Atlantis sponsor your trip?
We received a comp stay through mLife based on previous casino play, so basically yes. We had free room, food credit per day, but had to pay resort fees ($50 per day for 3 people).
How strict are they with the rated play? What do the mins for table games look like? TIA
We didn’t play.