Oct 26, 2010

We lucked out and got a Town Car back from Atlantis to the Epic. They wait in the taxi line with the other taxis. So it’s luck of the draw. Eleven bucks and we were back at the ship. We raced through the Straw Market to grab a few souvenirs and the best water ice I’ve ever had in my life before getting back on board. The former is packed with handmade items

Oct 23, 2010

We spent every minute we had  at Atlantis riding the slides again and again; checking out the aquarium exhibits; and wishing we had more time. I would certainly recommend coming for the day rather than not at all. But, if you can come and spend a few days, that clearly in the way to go. Mainly to have more time, but also to avoid the dreaded locker line where

Oct 20, 2010

At a friend’s suggestion, I decided to take my daughter to Atlantis for the day as the Epic would be docked in Nassau in the Bahamas. I could not have been happier with my decision. Unfortunately, the ship didn’t even dock until noon. So we were already off to a late start before we even got started. And we had to return to the ship my 5:30. So I knew it was

Sep 14, 2010

I am headed to Miami with my junior traveler in tow to take a spin on Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand new ship, the Epic. It is a ship of massive proportions with a rock wall, water slide, “ice” rink, two bowling alleys, a variety of restaurants and theaters, as well as cabins ranging from hip studios to private villas. I’m excited to check it out for

Sep 7, 2010

Nassau, Bahamas — Sept. 7, 2010 — Uncrowded beaches, eco-inspired lodging and blissfully tranquil surroundings may not sound like your typical all-inclusive resort experience; but travelers to The Bahamas can expect these simple pleasures in paradise on their next island getaway. Boutique resorts throughout The Bahamas are going above and beyond for

I’ve never been much of a Bahamas girl. Just the word itself makes me think of Spring Break and cheesy hotels. So you can imagine my surprise when I went to Abaco in the Bahamas and found myself in the most charming of beach destinations. I stayed at the Abaco Beach Resort which offers hotel room, suites, condos, and boat slips. The marina was quite full

While I was in the Abacos in the Bahamas, I had the happy occasion of going snorkeling. I had to search around for a good place to get in because the water was so rough that day. However, I was in excellent hands. Award winning guide Brendal of Brendal’s Dive Center found me a calm, clear location with lots to see. He then took me to a tiny, deserted shore

As I was on the tiny shuttle from the tarmac to the airport I spotted it. A tiny bag with a patch that read Man-O-War Cay, Abaco Bahamas, Norman Albury Sailmakers. I spent a lot of time on a sailboat as a kid and the brightly colored canvas brought back fond memories of lazy days on the bay and long tournaments of Yatzee. I asked the woman holding the bag where

Freediving is a very misunderstood type of aquatic sport, one that seems to be better known in Europe where world-class athletes descend to incredible depths of more than 300 feet. It can be risky at the professional level, cold and dark at exaggerated depths. True pros can hold their breath for an incredible eight (8!) minutes plus, and have physically

Please note that the common Caribbean electrical current is 110V AC, the same as what we use here in the United States. However, the electricity in the Bahamas is often up-and-down and not exactly “clean” current. Most power in the Caribbean comes from coal, and it does tend to surge up and down (you can often watch the lights dim and brighten).

This is a question that comes up a lot; the reason you see this in the Tips category is that fear of sharks (and other aquatic “monsters”) is not only blown way out of proportion, but drilled into most of our psyches by movies such as “Jaws”. There truly is no need to fear sharks in the ocean, although some education never hurt! There are

This question comes up a lot with travelers new to the Caribbean. The islands in the Bahamas tend to be safe for drinking, although you are still better off to consume bottled water whenever possible. Most savvy travelers know to limit or totally avoid getting local water in their mouths, eyes, etc., particularly in Mexico (known for its infamous

Part two of my interview with the Chief Councelor of Spanish Wells. So what is the chief counselor? From Jackie, “The chief counselor is like the mayor.” She’s right. The term was supposed to be mayor but our local government changed it. I lobbied the local prime minister and his cabinet to have it changed. I don’t like the word. I know my

On Harbour Island, it’s not the size that matters. As cool Atlantic Ocean mist hit my face, I sat on a $4 water taxi leaving North Eleuthera, Bahamas, excited at what I might find ahead. At only three miles long and half a mile wide Harbour Island (also known as Briland) looks barely more than a generous dot on most maps. I knew the island offers more than

Spanish Wells is a tiny island off the coast North Eluethera in the Bahamas. At the time, I remember reading Spanish Wells was supposed to be a spooky island with a closed German Menonite society of caucasian Bahamians. Of course, I was drawn to explore it and its people. I suppose it just goes to show that you can not believe everything you read. I found an