Associate editor Kimberly Scholz visited Nassau, Bahamas, in
late summer. In late September, she spoke with several certified
Bahamas Specialists who were confident that Nassau would sell well
this winter, despite the tragic events in the U.S. Her report
follows:
assau, the centerpiece and
linchpin of a successful destination, has consistently ranked high
with agents as a hot seller for both package and independent
travel.
Although the pace of bookings throughout the Caribbean region
slowed after Sept. 11, several agents voiced confidence that Nassau
business will rebound to former levels.
They cited Nassau's proximity to the U.S. mainland, airlift
capacity, attractions, hotels, shopping and water sports as reasons
for optimism for the winter season.
Vivian Rollins of State Road Travel in Parma, Ohio, reported no
cancellations for the Bahamas. "Nassau is definitely OK," she said.
"We continue to recommend it to our clients, and they continue to
book it."
Although the agency had domestic cancellations following the
attacks, "we didn't lose our Bahamas business."
At Independence Travel in Cleveland, Stephanie Duran reported
that "Clevelanders love Nassau."
"Several nonstop charter flights to the Bahamas operate from here.
My clients can be on the beach in three hours or in the shops or
restaurants. That's what they want, that's what they book and are
booking," Duran said.
Penobscot Travel in Detroit had a number of domestic and
international cancellations after the attacks, according to
Larassie Britton.
However, bucking this trend were inquiries for the Bahamas and
Mexico as winter destinations.
"I think Nassau and Cancun will do well this winter," Britton
said. "There's plenty of scheduled and charter airlift. When the
apprehension about travel quiets down, these destinations will
sell," Britton said.
What do agents recommend their clients see and do in Nassau?
Here are their answers, which corresponded to several of my
activities during my visit.
• Ardastra Gardens. (See sidebar below.)
• Changing of the Guard at Government House. The stars of this
pageant are the members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force band,
decked out in starched white tunics and red-striped navy pants.
The ceremony is performed every other Saturday morning at 10
a.m.
• Dolphin Encounters. I sampled the Close Encounter program run
by Dolphin Encounters and it was a highlight of my Nassau
visit.
I got a kiss, a hug and a dance performance from Shawn, a
descendant of one of the dolphins who played Flipper in the
movies.
Shawn, a comedian as well as a Romeo (he spit at the men and
kissed the women), is one of 16 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at
Dolphin Encounters' facility on Blue Lagoon Island, about a
30-minute boat ride from the Paradise Island ferry terminal.
• Pirates of Nassau Museum. The facility was an easy walk from
the British Colonial Hilton.
The museum, which opened in 1998, traces the history of piracy
in Nassau.
Led by a costumed guide, my group meandered along the docks of
17th century Nassau harbor to a replica of the pirate sloop
Revenge.
We boarded the sloop and climbed down into the dungeons of
convicted pirates awaiting their fate.
After the 45-minute tour, we headed for Plunders, the gift shop,
and the Pirate Pub, site of happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every
afternoon.
• The Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Each of the 65
limestone steps leading up to Fort Fincastle represents one year of
Queen Victoria's reign.
A walkway at the top of the stairs leads to the bow-shaped fort,
which offers a panoramic island view.
• Shopping. Bay Street, the Rodeo Drive of Nassau, is an
attraction of its own.
Numerous shops sell everything from jewelry to hand-made
goods.
Although a fire destroyed the Straw Market on Bay Street last
month, vendors have relocated to a temporary tented structure about
one block from the original site and are eager to make deals.
The government plans to rebuild the market.
• Stuart Cove's Sub Excursion. To view marine life up close and
personal, this excursion fits the bill.
Participants wear a large breathing helmet that resembles a
glass bubble and descend 20 feet. The helmet is attached to
underwater scooters that help them maneuver close to the reef.
My group was split in their reactions to this experience.
Some found the scooter difficult to steer and the air bubbles a
source of distraction.
Others described the 40-minute trip an "awesome experience and a
perfect combination of a snorkel trip and a dive without the bulk
of a heavy air tank."
For details on the attractions and activities, call (800)
BAHAMAS or log on to www.bahamas.com.
Flamingos leave guests tickled pink
NASSAU, Bahamas -- They march with military precision, jockeying
for position at the head of the line.
They sport black-tipped beaks and bright pink feathers.
No, they aren't members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
marching band, but a troupe of 20 Caribbean flamingos that are a
popular attraction at Nassau's Ardastra Gardens, Zoo &
Conservation Centre.
The birds follow commands such as "parade," "muster" and "about
turn," bobbing their heads in unison during live shows performed
three times a day.
Ardastra Gardens, a five-acre park in west Nassau, also is home
to other bird species, reptiles, monkeys and tigers.
Back to article.