A long time Caribbean tourist destination, Nassau (on New Providence Island) in the Bahamas has something for everyone.

Your cruise ship will dock right downtown in the passage between the main island and Paradise Island (formerly Hog Island) where the Atlantis Casino/Resort is. As you disembark, be prepared to be swarmed upon by hordes of street vendors, mostly children, who will be trying to sell you everything imaginable, at highly inflated prices of course.

Knowing that many of the people from the ship are in Nassau for the first time, they will take advantage of you financially so resist the temptation. If you want to shop for some local souvenirs to take home (and I'm sure you will), head right down the dock to the open air market which is much like a flea market where you can find virutally anything. Shop around because prices will vary from stand to stand with everyone trying to exact the highest price they possibly can. And be sure to get your change in U.S. currency, not Bahamian!

There are plenty of things to do during your stay. You can rent a boat, jet ski, scuba or snorkling equipment, or fishing gear if water sports are to your liking. There's a shopping district for the shopoholics, casinos, and rental cars if you'd like to tour the island. Even though the Bahamas are no longer under British rule, they still drive on the wrong side of the road so be careful if you rent a car or scooter! Or you can take a carriage tour of Nassau (Negotiate your price!).

In addition to Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and most of the usual fast food restaurants (to please the kiddies), there are also many good local restaurants that feature fresh grouper and other seafood delights caught locally. Barkers will approach you on the street with menus in hand to lure you to their restaurant so your choices are plentiful. The Bahamian people are friendly and polite and you should have a very enjoyable stay in Nassau. Once you visit there, you'll definitely want to go back.