Deen on Deck. It's a travel blog.

Nassau is one of my all-time favorite ports. Now, how often do you hear THAT from a cruiser? You are much more likely to hear that there’s nothing in Nassau but Atlantis (and it costs a bazillion dollars per person), you’ll be assaulted by hyper-aggressive vendors and that, ultimately, it’s not worth getting off the ship. I used to think similarly, and I was dead wrong. As with any destination, you simply have to know where to go. So behold:

The DeenOnDeck guide to Your Perfect, Spending-Optional Day in Nassau — No Shore Excursion Necessary

Stop 1: Debark your ship, walk the looooonnnng dock to shore (approx. 10 minutes) and follow signs towards Parliament Square. It’ll be to your left, and takes you immediately out of the “market” area (aka – the aggressive vendors). Built in the late 1700’s by British loyalists from North Carolina, it’s a picturesque landmark that serves as your first taste of Nassau history. All of a sudden, we’re feeling like we’re in a real Caribbean city and not some horrible cruise-tourist trap, eh? At only two blocks from the port, it’s a great place to catch a cab to your next destination, or continue walking from here to:

Stop 2: The Queen’s Staircase (approx. 1.8 km from Parliament Square). I’m always shocked that I don’t hear more mention of this historical landmark, as it is so well worth seeing, in my opinion. Carved by 600 slaves out of solid limestone between 1793 and 1794, the staircase provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City and is a singular part of the island’s history. If your knees are up to the job, its 60 steps are still climbable today and there is no fee.

The Promised Land…

Stop 3: Your next stop is about a 20-minute walk (2 km) or short cab ride away to John Watling’s Distillery. Many have heard me wax poetic about their perfect, perfect rum (I’m not even usually much of a drinker, but somehow at Watling’s I turn into Jack Sparrow…) This Piña Colada…you’ve never had anything like this, please trust me. These are the coladas served in heaven. Just go. Please. I’m actually planning a trip soon just to replenish my Watling’s supply so that I can make them when I’m (regrettably) not physically there. Your visit here also includes a complimentary six-minute tour (which is actually interesting) and free piña colada samples. Best of all, there’s a gift shop and bar at the the end, but absolutely zero pressure to buy anything.

Stop 4 (and possibly 5-7): Once you’re all jolly and cheerful from your time at Watling’s, there are shops close by like the adorable and delicious Graycliff Chocolatier on the West Hill “umbrella” street. If Watling’s hasn’t yet done you in alcohol-wise, my friends and I DID happen to try the $1 shots for sale across the street from Graycliff’s and can… ahem… vouch for them. Dolla Chubby Bubby, you did not disappoint. There are some swinging chairs to sit in also, should you need a moment… From here, we head to Junkanoo beach!

Stop 5: Now, distance-wise, it’s not far from West Hill St. to Junkanoo Beach, but it is a pretty steep down-hill incline, so do be aware of that, should anyone in your party have physical limitations (or if you’ve had a few $1 shots). Junkanoo is a small beach, but the water’s clear, it’s free, and there’s some great food available there at the Tiki Bikini Hut. We once had the bright idea to go eat at Señor Frogs (Doooooon’t do it, my friends, that’s the bad place…) and sorely regretted not just going to our old favorite, the Tiki Bikini Hut for better prices, better service and better drinks and food.

We’ve made a bit of a loop at this point, and once at Junkanoo, you’re only a short 10-minute walk (or 3-minute cab ride) back to the port. I’ve also been hearing about the Pirate Museum and Fish Fry, but since neither one of these is free, nor have I even been to them yet, they’ll be saved for a future post, after my December rum-procurring trip. Hope you soon have your own chilled-out and completely spending-optional day in Nassau, my friends – let me know what else I need to see there!