Cruising to fun in the Bahamas.

Hard Rock Cafe Nassau

Restaurant

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If there is a Hard Rock in town, you can bet you will find me there. John and I were taking the later shore excursion giving us plenty of time to get out and enjoy Nassau. We were in such a hurry to get into Nassau that we skipped over breakfast and made a beeline to shore as soon as we could. After walking around and enjoying this beautiful city, we were starting to get a serious case of the hunger pains. I had checked to see if there was a Hard Rock here and where it was. After getting directions from a police officer we were off. People come from all over to eat at a Hard Rock. It gives you a chance to get close to items that belong to rock legends and gives you a chance to ...Read More

If there is a Hard Rock in town, you can bet you will find me there.

John and I were taking the later shore excursion giving us plenty of time to get out and enjoy Nassau. We were in such a hurry to get into Nassau that we skipped over breakfast and made a beeline to shore as soon as we could. After walking around and enjoying this beautiful city, we were starting to get a serious case of the hunger pains. I had checked to see if there was a Hard Rock here and where it was. After getting directions from a police officer we were off.

People come from all over to eat at a Hard Rock. It gives you a chance to get close to items that belong to rock legends and gives you a chance to bring home some Hard Rock merchandise. That was you can proudly cruise around town sporting your new Hard Rock T, letting the whole world know you have been to Nassau. Making you an international jetsetter (even if only in your mind!)

We started our meal off with their Tupello Chicken Tenders. Strips of boneless chicken were breaded and fried until they are nice and crispy and tender. They are served with dippin’ sides of BBQ and honey mustard. Or double of one if you don’t like both.

I don’t know if it was being in a bathing suit or the islands themselves but I went with healthy. I had the Grilled Veggie Sandwich. Strips of zucchini, squash, and red bell peppers, all grilled to perfect, and were arranged atop of my whole wheat bun. Lemon Mayo comes with it, but I opted for ranch dressing instead. Jack cheese rounded it off though you can get guacamole and mushrooms if you like. I didn’t like. It comes with a side salad and choice of dressing. This was one huge side salad. John ordered the Hickory BBQ Bacon cheeseburger. This huge beef patty on a bun comes with onion, bacon, cheddar, and BBQ sauce. He got the season fires with his, but you can choose onion rings or a side salad for a small extra charge. When we were all done we were full and our tummies quite happy.

They have a Hard Rock shop as well where you can pick up everything from T’s, shot glasses, jackets, to a baby bib for the smallest Hard Rock fan. They are located near the cruise ship docks and are is not that hard to find. You can make advanced reservations at www.HardRock.com They do accept credit cards and US$. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 6, 2006

Hard Rock Cafe Nassau
Charlotte Street
Nassau, Bahamas
+242-325 7625

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Miami Seaquarium

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Attraction

John and I at the entrance Photo - Miami Seaquarium, Miami, Florida

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Since John and I had a later flight, we took the Miami Sea Aquarium excursion instead of sitting around the airport. There are a number of optional shore excursions offered to guests who have later flights. When we first arrived I was impressed with how clean the place was, and I enjoyed all of the lovely plants throughout the park. We checked our brochure to see if there were any shows or demonstrations starting soon. Sure enough, they would have a feeding demonstration at one of the tanks. We quickly took off, getting there just in time to see a diver start his program. He had an underwater microphone so he was able to explain what was going on. We watched as he fed the fish in the tank ...Read More

Since John and I had a later flight, we took the Miami Sea Aquarium excursion instead of sitting around the airport. There are a number of optional shore excursions offered to guests who have later flights.

When we first arrived I was impressed with how clean the place was, and I enjoyed all of the lovely plants throughout the park. We checked our brochure to see if there were any shows or demonstrations starting soon. Sure enough, they would have a feeding demonstration at one of the tanks. We quickly took off, getting there just in time to see a diver start his program. He had an underwater microphone so he was able to explain what was going on. We watched as he fed the fish in the tank all while explaining what kind of fish we were seeing and telling us about their diets and how they try to closely mimic the creatures natural habit so they will have a long and healthy life here at the aquarium.

At noon they would have the whale and dolphin show. Instead of Shamu, this venue features Lolita and 4 of her dolphin buddies. We got there in time to get a secure seat... not close enough to get drenched, but close enough to get a great look at these magnificent mammals. Lolita was already there getting warmed up and you could come close enough to see her, but no touching! The show was about 30 minutes long and I never tire of seeing these large beauties flipping and bounding in their air so graceful and effortlessly. What a show and it didn’t seem like we sat there 30 minutes.

The last show we could catch would be the Sea lion show at 2pm. We still had a while before the show so we walked around the park to see what else we could find. In addition to fish they have a manatee pool and have a place where you can see manatees that are being rehabilitated. They also have birds, crocs, deer, and much more.

As 2 o’clock was drawing near we headed over to the stage where the sea lion show would be. There were 4 very cute sea lions who balanced balls on their cute noses, jumped through the air, slide down slides, and a few other adorable tricks. The show was very sweet and entertaining for all family members. Afterwards you can have your picture taken with the star of the show, Lucky.

The aquarium offers group discounts and is a great place to hold any kind of meeting or large gathering. They do have gift shops and restaurants on the premises. They do accept credit cards and have ATM’s. They are handicapped accessible. They are open year round, though hours change seasonally. They do offer a swim with the dolphins program. For more information please visit them at www.miamiseaquarium.com Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 6, 2006

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149
(305) 361-5705

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Swimming With the Rays

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Story/Tip

Swimming with rays Photo - Nassau, Bahamas

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All of a sudden and much like Carnival, string rays have earned a reputation they do not deserve. First, and tragically, the late Steve Irwin was killed by the barb of a string ray. Then a few weeks later another person was barbed by a ray. So now they are moving up into shark status as man killers. Both of which is asinine. These are usually very shy and gentle creatures. Their barbs normally are not fatal to humans. Unfortunately Steve was barbed in the heart, and nothing is supposed to be penetrating the heart. It was a terrible loss of someone who only wanted to do good in the world. Somehow or another I would imagine Steve would have rather gone this way then slowly dying in a bed fro...Read More

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Highlights of Nassau

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Story/Tip

Soft pastel colors Photo - Nassau, Bahamas

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Before John and I headed out to our shore excursion we had time to walk around and take in the beauty of this amazing city. Over the years working in the travel industry I have heard some agents say some very unsavory and unkind things about this city. Yes, this is still somewhat of a third world country. Yes, locals do tend to swarm around visitors like bees to flowers. Yes there is some crime and bad elements. Tell me a city, especially a major city, that doesn’t have that. When out traveling just use your common sense. When pounced on by the locals, just smile and politely say no thanks. For the most part, they will leave you alone. US$ are accepted here, but use a major credit card for...Read More

Before John and I headed out to our shore excursion we had time to walk around and take in the beauty of this amazing city. Over the years working in the travel industry I have heard some agents say some very unsavory and unkind things about this city. Yes, this is still somewhat of a third world country. Yes, locals do tend to swarm around visitors like bees to flowers. Yes there is some crime and bad elements. Tell me a city, especially a major city, that doesn’t have that.

When out traveling just use your common sense. When pounced on by the locals, just smile and politely say no thanks. For the most part, they will leave you alone. US$ are accepted here, but use a major credit card for large or expensive purchases. Many of the major cruise lines now work with local vendors assuring you of their quality and reliability of the company. And if there is a problem the cruise line will be there for you. You will be offered drugs, again just say no thanks. Bring small bills for tips since often children will be around and want a tip. Lastly stay in well populated areas. Do this and you will find Nassau exciting and an inviting place to spend some time. Now on for my highlights.

As soon as we hit the docks in Nassau we had women waiting to braid our hair. Especially John with his almost waist length hair. Course he was having no part of that. Just off Rawlings Square is where the braider’s center was. Most women that come here, end up getting at least a few strands of hair braded. After all nothing makes you feel more exotic that braided hair and pony beads. I wanted my hair braided so I gladly told one of the women yes and she took me to her booth. The average is about $2 per braid. I got about a dozen braids in my hair. The women move with lighting speed and generally the braids will last for many weeks. Mine ended up lasting about 2 months. Also giving you another way to brag on your travels when you return. Several people told me they liked my braids and I made sure to mention "this? Oh thanks. I was just on a cruise and got this done in Nassau." In my mind? What a world traveler I am! These ladies only accept cash and make sure you tip.

After getting my new do we went and found the surries. These are horse or mule drawn carriage rides and can easily be spotted by the fringed tops. We hoped in and our driver and mule clip clopped through the streets of Nassau. We were taken by some of the beautiful and historical buildings, past grand hotel resorts, and by breathtaking ocean views. Our driver made sure to give us a history on the island and a history lesson on what we were seeing. Our 45 minute surrey ride cost $10. There was a young boy who offered to take our picture and then expected a tip (yes there is a small price to be paid in paradise). We were out of ones so we gave the driver a $5 tip and ask him to give the boy $1. Now whether he did or not, we will never know. The surries line up near the cruise ship docks and are often there bright and early to catch passengers before the shops open up.

After going to the Hard Rock I ducked into a spice shop that we had passed on the way in. The Bahamas are not among the spice islands of the Caribbean and not well know for their bountiful spices. What they do have is the famous Caribbean jerk spice. This is exactly what I wanted. Most places carry a variety of sized bottles and degrees of heat. You can get just regular jerk seasoning or as hot and spicy as you can stand. I also picked up a bottle of Jamaican vanilla extract. This vanilla is much smoother that what you find on the shelves here. It doesn’t have that metallic taste often left by commercial brands. I spent less than $20 for both and had two huge bottles. Just make sure that any food items you bring back are in sealed containers or bags. You are allowed to bring food stuffs back into the states; they just can not be opened.

Everyone who comes here also comes to go to the straw market which is legendary. This open air market produces local products and crafts. They turn out some really unique and one of a kind gift for your self and for friends back home. Part of the big drawl here is haggling over prices. That is something though I didn’t inherited from my mom. She is a great haggler. Me? I prefer to just know the price and be done with it. Some of the vendors know not every one gets in the barging spirit. Some vendors even post signs letting you know they don’t haggle. Giving those of us who also don’t a place to shop hassle free. I did find 2 ladies that I shopped with. One was a straw vendor and picked up several bags for family at home and picked up a lovely sarong from another.

John and I also took the time to just enjoy walking the streets. The buildings here are in soft shades of the island such as powder blue or soft pink, while others burst with bright colors such as orange and yellow. We passed by several old churches and several beautiful resorts.

Our last stop was a place called the T-Shirt Factory . It is directly across from Rawlings Square. This place is huge and they have souvenirs galore. You want it, they got it. Post cards, spoons, snow globes, coffee mugs, magnets, towels, and of course…T-Shirts. I loaded up on my co-workers gifts here and it didn’t break my budget. Inside the shop they also have the Bay Street jewelers . They have quality jewelry and great prices. I got a set of blacked string pearls for me and white for my mom. $30 each! Now this was one of the stores backed by Carnival so they back that you are getting quality goods. After returning home I had John to take it to a jeweler he knows to make sure they were genuine pearls. They were indeed. Value of the set? $300!

Make sure if your on a cruise to take the time and enjoy this great city and ignore the nay Sayers who say it is a slum or dangerous. The city is beautiful and so are its people. Every where we went people were kind and glad to help us. We were always greeted by those brilliant Caribbean smiles and that wonderful accent. Read Less

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