Posts: 131
From: PA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 03-21-2005 10:31               

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I thought I read somewhere that there was a ferry that runs between Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to the Bahamas. Has anyone done this?
Thanks,
Melissa

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wk 26 VA Beach
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"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching...." (Annoy.)

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Posts: 273
From: OR,
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 03-21-2005 16:36               

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I haven't been on it but It's called "The Cat" I cant find their website right now but you should be able to find it from google

I think that West Palm Beach also has one but I think they are both to Freeport only.

Susan

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Posts: 678
From: coral springs fla hgvc flamingo, jockey club,ore st george, 2 diks and marriott hh
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03-22-2005 03:33               

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Sea Escape and Discovery run day trips to Freeport. Leaves at 8 am or so from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades). Arrives around noon and leaves Freeport around 6 arriving back around 1130. Price is usually between 80 and 100 dollars with many specials. You can stay over. You can call for next day departures.

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Posts: 131
From: PA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 03-22-2005 04:03               

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I'm having trouble finding any info on this. Where would I find specials on these trips?
With the cost of airfare for 4 of us from PIT to the Bahamas, we thought we could get bargin fare to FT. Laur. and the kids would like the boat trip. So staying for 7 nights, returning wouldn't be a problem?
Thanks!!!

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wk 26 VA Beach
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"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching...." (Annoy.)

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Posts: 532
From: WorldMark, Louveld Lodge, Castleburn
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 03-22-2005 11:37               

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The Cat is no longer available--at least it wasn't working as of January this year. I checked into Discovery cruises (do a search on the Carribean forum...there is information there with a website). I almost booked with them, but decided to take a charter flight to save time (not recommended...it was not a pleasant flight or very together airlines!). I even called Discovery...didn't make me feel very comfortable with their responses to my interest in getting a clear reservation...I'd have to fax information, etc. but nothing was guaranteed...so, check them out carefully. I found it quite difficult to find a "cheap" way to get back to the States from the Bahamas. If you can do a round-trip, this would be MUCH better.

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Posts: 131
From: PA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 03-22-2005 13:08               

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i spoke with Discovery Cruises today. For the crusie to and from the Bahamas and 6 nights at Port Luchya resort the total would be $898. That includes all taxes and fees. I'm just not so sure about that hotel....

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wk 26 VA Beach
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"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching...." (Annoy.)

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Posts: 394
From: Scarsdale, NY
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 03-22-2005 22:30               

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I check hotels at http://www.tripadvisor.com

It has TUG-like reviews posted by travelers who have actually stayed at the place.

The Port Lucaya area is very nice--lots of restaurants, shops, nice beach, a caasino, etc... There are a few different hotels plus a timeshare or two in that section. SkyAuction.com used to auction off nights and weeks at the hotels--don't know if they still do. Also check out the IGT dining card web site for special deals.

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Posts: 124
From: Wilmington, DE
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 03-23-2005 13:15               

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as of Feb the ship was not in service here is the site http://www.portofpalmbeach.com/cloudX.htm

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Posts: 939
From:
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-23-2005 15:52               

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In December, 1997, my husband & I took a cruise ship from Port Canaveral to Freeport, Bahamas. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the cruise line. It seems to me that this cruise line advertised a lot in the Orlando area, so perhaps someone on the Disney Boards (www.DISboards.com) would have heard of it.

I think we paid less than $100 round trip each. The trip took a few hours each way. We reserved a hotel on our own in the Bahamas.

The boat ride was OK, but kind of boring, and the boat was old. Most passengers didn't have a cabin, and just sat on the deck all day. There was a small swimming pool, but the water really sloshed around (I guess the ship didn't have stablizers.) It was too cold to swim, anyway. There were some slot machines and a lounge singer, but mostly, it was pretty dull. On the way back, we were served a buffet dinner, which was pretty good.

This was OK as an inexpensive way to get to the Bahamas, but not something I really feel like doing again. I noticed while there that some of the casinos in Freeport have discount charter deals to people who stay in their hotels; this might be worth looking into.

I wasn't that all impressed with Freeport, and plan to try Nassau instead next time.

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Posts: 30
From: Woodstock,GA,USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 03-27-2005 00:58               

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We have friends who fly from PIt to Nassau every October and they always seem to get a better airfare deal than we do out of ATl to Nas...maybe our problem is that our timeshare is from Friday to Friday and that is not a cheap day to fly!!! they usually connect thru Charlotte on their flights and we fly Delta to Nassau, they are the only ones with nonstop direct flights from Atlanta to Nassau. You might try checking out www.chalksoceanairways.com they fly from Ft lauderdale and Miami to Paradise Island and Bimini. It is a seaplane that lands right on the water in front of Habourside timeshares.

[This message has been edited by Banker (edited 03-27-2005).]

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Posts: 104
From: Texas Owner:Piney Shores TX, Peregrine TX, Villas of Sedona AZ, Island Seas BH, Escapes to Bella Vista, AR
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 03-27-2005 06:52               

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http://www.discoverycruise.com/home/Home.aspx
This is the officail site for them. We have used them several times over the years from FT. Lauderdale to the Grand Bahama Island. Like other posters have said. It's not really a Cruise...to me it is just transportation to get there. Last year we took a flight on US Airway From Houston connecting in Charolette, NC that went into Freeport, Bahamas. The cost for our tickets where around $300.00 ea.

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Marilyn and Michael

[This message has been edited by MarilynA (edited 03-27-2005).]

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