Excellence on the Ecstasy - Bahamas "Ports" Review by honeychile

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Home > Member Reviews > honeychile's Port Reviews of Freeport, Nassau, Half Moon Cay

honeychile's Port Reviews of Freeport, Nassau, Half Moon Cay
Carnival Ecstasy cruise in January 2013

Member Name:	honeychile
Cruise Date:	January 2013
Embarkation:	Port Canaveral
Destination:	Bahamas
Member Review:	honeychile's Carnival Ecstasy Review

	Freeport Port Rating: We did not plan an excursion for Freeport, but decided to enjoy the shopping available at the cruise port. There are quite a few options there ranging from well-known establishments like Senor Frog, to local vendors. A central area with picnic tables makes a nice spot to rest or have a snack and enjoy the view and music. After shopping in the morning, we returned to the ship for lunch and spent the rest of the time enjoying ship amenities. Apart from a bit of shopping, there is little to do in the port area without engaging a taxi or planning an excursion.
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	Nassau Port Rating: We decided to visit the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre. Carnival offers this as an excursion, but we decided to see a bit more and arrange this ourselves. We walked to the Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop just off Bay Street, a few blocks from the cruise ships. There we caught one of the #10 jitneys that runs from downtown to Cable Beach. Having told our driver where we were headed, he let us off within just a few blocks of the zoo. The jitney buses cost only $1.25 each way (have correct change and pay when you get off). The Ardastra Zoo is a little jewel in Nassau. Only $16 entry includes several shows and a lovely walk in a shady, protected area. We loved the marching flamingos and the lory parrots especially. We had lunch there, as well, my first "pattie," a pastry filled with curried beef or chicken and quite tasty. You'll be able to get lost of lovely photos here, too.
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	Half Moon Cay Port Rating: As mentioned above, I like the way passengers come to the lounge and get a tender ticket to get to the island. This was my third trip to Half Moon Cay and I was just as enchanted as the first time with the white sand and turquoise waters. We found a spot with a bit of shade and enjoyed the beach nearly all day. There are several geocaches on the island and that added to our fun. The beach barbeque is excellent, as well. I was surprised to see the new improvements in the port area -- it looks a bit like Grand Turk now with a central fountain bedecked with conch shells. There's a bit of shopping there, too.
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