This was a port we were unsure of. The reviews were not that great. So, since We did a little research before, we booked an excursion. We booked the See and Sea through Carnaval. It was a good tour. The ride from the port to the first stop was about 20 min. We first went to a national park and learned about the trees, plants, and animals on the island and how it is used by locals. Then we drove to the dock for a glass bottom boat tour - approx. 1 hour long. The boat was amazing ~ we got to see dolphins, lots of fish, huge sea turtles, and sharks. It was the best part of the tour. On the way back to port we learned a little more about the locals and islands. Overall, to get off the ship and learn a little history and cultural about the island and to see sharks all in 4 hours, totally worth it. You definitely need to do an excursion or take a taxi from the port, there are no beaches, just shops set up at the port and some food vendors. The island has its poor section and it’s very wealthy side to it. I have read reviews stating the island was run-down and I have to say it is like any other island I have traveled to. They have everything imported so it is more expensive for regular household items and gasoline. It has its poorer side and the fancy side, and the locals count on the ships tourism to survive. The people of Freeport that I met on my time on the island were great and friendly and it made me remember how lucky I am to have what I do.
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We had a great time at Freeport. I took my daughter on her first cruise and this was her first cruise port ever. There is a lot to do right off the ship, but there is also a bunch of stuff to do away from the port area. We did not take an excursion, but we walked around and explored and talked to people and hung out. We had lunch at Señor Frog’s(my daughter’s first conch fritters👍), my daughter got her hair braided, we did some shopping...all in all it was a great day.
Freeport has a beautiful little diamond hidden on this tiny island! When you get off the ship, hop a taxi and take a cruise across the island to Port Lucaya! There is lots of shopping to be done and the beaches are beautiful! It isn't a well know destination so it's secluded and not too heavily populated by tourists. I found it a few years ago when my whole family took a cruise. My brother and I sat down in a taxi and the driver, Bear, said "where would you like to go?" I replied with, "take me to your favorite spot on the island!" And he took us straight to Port Lucaya. He told us where to find a taxi when returning to port and we were set! A full day of fun without the hoards of people that we faced at other destinations! It was a blast!! I hope this helps but let keep this our little secret! 😉
Played in the sun and napped at the beach. What more could you ask for.
Visited: Sep 24, 2017
We went to Freeport and it was all the way live on this island! I think the name of this place was count basie square stopped by senor frogs and got a margarita and there was plenty to shop from and many jerk/conch shacks and when no one was performing on stage, they would play music thru big speakers there was dancing even hair braiding and fun for all ages!
I can't say enough good things. We went on an excursion that was not a carnival sanctioned one. I was afraid after finding this out...(this was our first cruise.) We went to Paradise Cove. Transportation was included and they were very prompt and made sure we returned with plenty of time to walk around before having to board the ship again. Paradise Cove is an amazing experience. We snorkeled in the ocean and saw/touched wild sea turtles and swam near a nurse shark. Paradise Cove reminded me of what you would see on TV of a little Bahamian village. It was awesome...you must have them get a fresh coconut down out of the tree and have them it cut open...drinking the fresh coconut water straight from the coconut. Again, just like something from the movies. Try Paradise Cove and return to the ship around 12ish. You will be worn out. Have lunch on the ship for free and then disembark again and walk around the shops. Soooooo awesome, cant say enough good things!!!
I bought a coconut bad for $25 that I frigging love. Everyone laughed and called it my "man-purse" but I love. It could fit all my essentials, the string runs across my neck, and it's perfect for beach days. The Duty Free shop was awesome but the Senot Frogs entertainment and free shots are unmatched by any other location I've encountered this far. Amazing!!!
People say there's nothing here, but I found the little colorful shop huts right at the port to be delightful, and we enjoyed looking around and buying things. It was a charming little area, with lots of shopping for souvenirs. No one was pestering us for taxis or excursions there too!
Visited: Aug 14, 2017
We did not purchase our excursion in advance. Right off the ship there is a taxi stand and there are prices listed. Unfortunately you have to have a group of 12 to get that price. The beach we wanted to go to was going to cost us $50 each way because there were only 4 of us so we had to settle for something else. It ended up being a great day anyway; always be flexible and make the best out of it. Shopping at port isn’t anything too exciting but little trinkets and helps the locals. The island is beautiful. There are areas where you can see damage from previous hurricane season but mostly just missing trees.
