Florida is Florida.  But overall the Port requires a taxi or bus to get to and fro the main strip.  I can't comment too much on this port since we had family pick us up, we went to the beach, and we did a little driving, and went out to eat.  As it happened, it was quite cool and very windy.  Still better than being in CT. As an aside, we did look at the option of going to Disney World,  or Sea World (which I heard from those who went learned that it is closing down) but the cost associated with purchase through the ship seemed very steep. If you want to go to Disney World - plan a trip to Disney World. You just won't have enough time to visit or see what you want to see in the park.  Disney world is easily a 4-5 day, minimum visit to get a good taste of all that's offered... and you still won't see it all!!  

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

We enjoyed the visit to Nassau and took an $8 cab from the ship to the Atlantis Resort. We then walked around Atlantis and looked at the Aquarium Tanks that were free.  There was plenty to see in the free tanks.  I guess they were asking $35 per person to see the other tanks but our kids were just as happy seeing what they saw... lot's of fish, stingrays, starfish, etc.  I'm sure there was more to see in the other tanks, but for all of us the forty minutes in front of the massive wall of tanks was enough to satisfy.  I think the resort wanted a booming $100 a person to use the facilities, slides and beachfront which I wasn't all that impressed by what I saw.  If you are honeymooning perhaps its worth it. $400 for the family is a little too much when they are happy seeing sand and sea anywhere.  

Moreover, if you are smart, walkthrough the resort and exit out as far as you can go, then take the easy path about 1000 feet from the exit of the parking lot to the free public beach.  Again, it was VERY windy and moderate air temperature (no one was in the water - to frigid and rough) and after our family roasting at Great Stirrip Cay the day before, we weren't ready to extend our burns!  But our kids ran around the beaches and enjoyed the experience.

Note: You can also take a boat taxi for a few dollars more to Atlantis, instead of a cab. 

Shopping was ok.  The natives aren't great business people and for whatever reason were not willing to negotiate as much.  They were a little rude actually.  One told my wife to go back to ship... nice.  Well, we can get the same towel at a local store for about the same price, so what's the point of paying more than you should.  We did pick up a few toys for the kids... which fell apart after mild use (two flutes and two drums).  They don't make 'em like they used to... even in paradise!

Nassau

Yuck! I think we went there to fuel up!  This port was awful! The biggest disappointment was the lack of time at the port... about four hours so you couldn't really spend time investigating Great Bahama Island to any extent.  So we opted on a one way $15 taxi ride to a hotel to sit on the beach for an hour and a half and play in the sand with the kids.  Again, warm enough to tan, but surf too rough and too cold to go in the water.      
Be Careful to remember that taxi pricing is group pricing.  If you make a mistake and miss your taxi, you could pay $30 or more for an 11 mile trip back to the ship.  Be warned! Luckily we were with our group!    
Freeport was a sad way to end the cruise.  Sort of disappointing.  I wish we had done this up front.  Great Stirrup Cay was the best day of the cruise.  You sort of want your best experiences toward the end.  

Freeport

Rooms are smaller than you may find on many other ships.  Small bathrooms.  Hallways are not wide enough for side by side strollers. Parents of small children - chose rooms close to elevators!

Things to keep:  * The Kids Club  * The dress code in the dining room (Thank God, some people are just slobs that don't know any better)  * Keep the 30 min standard for selfish people nabbing pool chairs at 7 am and coming back at 1 pm or whenever they feel like it.We also had one child who was just shy of the 2 year minimum but alas it was a no-go for the little one!

Norwegian Gem Review

Norwegian Gem Cruise to Bahamas - March 21- March 28 - OK

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