Carnival Sensation
Our ship is tied up at Prince George Wharf, across from Festival Place, Nassau, the Bahamas.
This time a year ago, my husband and I were on a big boat, on a very short trip from Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida, to Nassau, capital of the Bahamas.
You might ask why we were on what can only be described as a floating resort-cassino in the North Atlantic Ocean.
That’s a very good question, one we would struggle to answer without a very lengthy explanation. Suffice it to say, my husband is a glass-half-full kind of guy, the sort of person who doesn’t look a gift-horse in the mouth – and therefore doesn’t tend to look for attached strings or hidden Trojan soldiers.
Anyway… Never mind how we came to be there; never mind that our planned shore-trip had been washed out by recent flooding; never mind that it was still raining: we had only a few hours in Nassau, and we were going to make the most of it!
Paradise Island Lighthouse
It’s not exactly beach weather, but looking across Nassau Harbour from the deck of our boat, we can see the Paradise Island Lighthouse sitting at the end of Colonial Beach.
Family in the Rain
It rained off and on as people made their way off the large cruise boats docked on Prince George Wharf.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
A sprawling resort complex on Paradise Island, Atlantis includes accommodation complexes and water-park attractions. The Bridge Suite, in the Royal Towers, is listed at US $25,000 a night; apparently the 10th most expensive hotel suite in the world (2012), and – according to our guide – booked solid for months in advance.
Festival Place
Our entry into Nassau is through Festival Place, where we go through the usual customs and immigration rigamarole, and run the gamut of small shops before exiting out the other side.
Guide James
James, our Bahamian guide to Nassau points out the sights as he drives us through the wet cobbled streets…
Bay Street
… filled with cars, buses, pony traps and pedestrians.
Queen’s Staircase
Our first stop is at the bottom of the Queen’s Staircase.
Queen’s Staircase
Between 1793 and 1794, 66 steps were cut into the limestone and bricked up by slaves. The stairs, which lead up to Fort Finlay, were named for Queen Victoria who was the long-standing monarch of Britain – and therefore ruler of the Bahamas, which was not an independent nation until July 10, 1973.
Fort Fincastle Prow
Built on Bennett’s Hill by Governor Lord Dunmore around 1793, Fort Fincastle is shaped like a paddle-steamer.
Fort Fincastle Cannon
The fort overlooks the city of Nassau, Paradise Island, and the eastern approaches to New Providence. Our ship might be one of those in the water, in the cannon’s sights.
Banana Rock Cafe
Today, the fort is flanked by coffee shops, …
A Boy and a Puppy
… private homes, …
Saleslady with Attitude
… and tourist shops.
Braids in the Shops
Young women examine the goods on sale…
Crowding Shoppers
… while others watch and wait.
Plants on the Fort
Fort Fincastle’s Cannons
“It mounted two 24 pounders, two 32 pounders, two 12 pounder cannons and one howitzer.” Of course, I can’t tell you which ones are which.
Guardhouse
Sitting like the pooch from His Master’s Voice (HMV), a dog guards the guardhouse.
Columbus – Government House
After our visit to the fort, we take a short drive around the city, slowing down for sights of interest, including Columbus’ statue in front of Government House. Columbus’ first landfall in the New World in 1492 was in the Bahamas, so he is honoured all around the city.
Guide with the Seaworld Explorer
We get onto a boat with another guide, for a scenic trip through the waters around Paradise Island.
Ophah’s Homes
A number of celebrities own expensive properties in the Bahamas. These two belong to Oprah Winfrey.
Family
At the underwater marine park near Athol Island, we board a semi-submarine, and watch the sea life outside the windows.
Under Water
I always forget how little light penetrates the water. The fish are hazy through the thick perspex.
Upper Deck
Before long, we’re back aboard our boat, ready to head north.
I’d definitely go back – but the next time it will be on our own terms, with fewer strings.
I’d also opt for more time being there, rather than so much time getting on and off boats!
And, I’d prefer if it wasn’t raining.
Happy Sailing!
Photographs: 31May2013
