My Bahamian Vacation
May 2017, I went on my first official cruise/vacation to the Bahamas. After we got married, my husband and I didn't have the opportunity to go on our honeymoon. We had to postpone it for several reasons. Each year, we tried to make plans to make up for it and unfortunately, things kept happening that prevented us from going. Right before our third year of marriage, I got accepted into a residency program and I knew my life would be "over". Therefore, I pleaded with my husband that we do something before I start my residency program.
We had an 8-day vacation package that was purchased for a "great deal". Of course, they offered us all these extra "upgrades" that we decided to take. Unfortunately, they failed to mention the timeshare portion of the vacation that was "mandatory". We spent our first 2 days of our vacation sitting through hours long of presentations with these agents forcing down our throats the importance of having a timeshare. I'm not going to lie but some of the deals were quite enticing. However, we didn't see the need to purchase a deed for several thousands of dollars to live in a place for 2 weeks out of the year just to pay for a "cheaper" vacation. Which essentially you end up paying more because of the property you "buy" to begin with. We were determined to say no. Sad thing is that the more we said no, the more they pursued and wouldn't give up.
One guy had the audacity to tell us that we were absolutely crazy for not buying a foreclosed house in Palm Beach that they were offering us at just $50,000. Actually, I think it may have been less than that but we didn't care. Man, the disappointment in their faces when we wouldn't give in. Wasted half of our day... The free breakfast was great though. Not to mention the $100 cash they offered for just sitting there to listen to their sales tactics. But that's besides the point. We were there for vacation and it was a vacation we had once that part was done and over with. We totally had fun on the ship and at Grand Bahama.
We had an 8-day vacation package that was purchased for a "great deal". Of course, they offered us all these extra "upgrades" that we decided to take. Unfortunately, they failed to mention the timeshare portion of the vacation that was "mandatory". We spent our first 2 days of our vacation sitting through hours long of presentations with these agents forcing down our throats the importance of having a timeshare. I'm not going to lie but some of the deals were quite enticing. However, we didn't see the need to purchase a deed for several thousands of dollars to live in a place for 2 weeks out of the year just to pay for a "cheaper" vacation. Which essentially you end up paying more because of the property you "buy" to begin with. We were determined to say no. Sad thing is that the more we said no, the more they pursued and wouldn't give up.
One guy had the audacity to tell us that we were absolutely crazy for not buying a foreclosed house in Palm Beach that they were offering us at just $50,000. Actually, I think it may have been less than that but we didn't care. Man, the disappointment in their faces when we wouldn't give in. Wasted half of our day... The free breakfast was great though. Not to mention the $100 cash they offered for just sitting there to listen to their sales tactics. But that's besides the point. We were there for vacation and it was a vacation we had once that part was done and over with. We totally had fun on the ship and at Grand Bahama.
Anyway, check out my short video compilation of my trip to the Bahamas and some of the ocean life when I went snorkeling for the first time. I apologize in advance for the camera shakiness. It was my first time filming underwater.
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Otherwise, the food was great (all-you-can-eat on the cruise ship and at the hotel in Grand Bahama), the drinks were free, the scenery was beautiful, there was lots of activities available to do, and I would definitely go back if I had the opportunity too.
One of the things you'll notice is their vast array of beautiful conch shells that the natives will try to sell tourists all day, everyday. They polish them up beautifully after removing the delicious conch from the inside. We got the opportunity to watch how they remove conch from their shells and you can take a look at the video posted here. Haitians refer to this as "lanbi". If cooked just right, it can be one of the most delicious dishes ever.
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Have you gone to the Bahamas? What cruises would you recommend taking?
Let me know and comment below!
Let me know and comment below!