A journey to the lost city of Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas featuring Freeport- Travel #14

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to the lost city of Atlantis.... or to the Atlantis Resort in Nassau Bahamas. The Bahamas is one of the world's most desirable destinations. How wonderful does it sound to say that you're off to the Bahamas for the weekend. The Bahamas is officially referred to as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is made up of over 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and is located north of Cuba and southeast of the United States. Nassau is the capitol and is located on the island of New Providence.

It is apparent that the fascination with the Bahamas started a very long time ago. In fact Cubans settled on the islands as early as 300 AD and the Lucayan people in 900 AD. They created a gentle and peaceful way of life yet advanced enough to develop viable political, social and religious structure. Christopher Columbus discovered the island of San Salvador on his journey to the New World. He named the islands surrounding San Salvador "Baja Mar" meaning shallow sea, this eventually became known as the Bahamas today. When Christopher Columbus made landfall in the Bahamas, there were already about 40,000 Lucayans residing there. Unfortunately the peaceful demeanour of the locals made them easy targets for enslavement. As seen many times throughout history, the abuse the first colonies inflicted onto the natives had grave consequences. A short 25 years after the arrival of Christopher Columbus's first fleet, all of the Lucayans were wiped out due to the slavery they endured.

to find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

The Bahamas

I had dreamed many times of relaxing in the sun on the beach in the Bahamas. Now I was actually here, I decided to immerse myself in its rich culture. Nassau is the largest city and also serves as the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and gets its name from William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau. This city is rich in pirate history as is most of the region, if you are a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, it may interest you to know that two of the world's most infamous pirates once called Nassau home, Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

Nassau

Another city of interest in the Bahamas is Freeport, it is second only to Nassau in population. Freeport is more of a trading port and also serves as one of the largest ship builders in the world. A lot of the major cruise ship companies will "dry dock" for a few weeks whilst doing upgrades, renovations and general maintenance on their cruise liners. However, Freeport offers a much more authentic experience as there is more of a native islander feel to it than Nassau. Lots of local craftsmen and women create plenty of unique artefacts, clothing and jewellery to take home as souvenirs.

Freeport

Getting to the Bahamas is relatively hassle free, Lynden Pindling International Airport formerly referred to as Nassau International Airport changed its name in 2006. It is the largest airport in the Bahamas located in Nassau and is the primary way tourists visit the islands. This modern international airport offers multiple services daily from major cities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other destinations within the Caribbean. Freeport also have an international airport, the Grand Bahama International Airport. This airport is privately owned and has far less options in terms of airlines that offer services. It primarily offers short haul flights to and from other destinations in the Caribbean with a handful of longer flights to the United States.

If you have read any of my previous travel blogs, you would realise my favourite mode of transportation is by cruise liner. Luckily both Nassau and Freeport are very popular cruise ship ports of call and are often offered within the same itinerary. I love the convenience and luxury of the cruise ship. Also being a solo travelling female, I get to go back to sleep every night on a ship protected by 24 hour security. This is a massive plus for me especially as beautiful as the Bahamas is, it doesn't have the cleanest crime record. The cruise docking terminals are located right in the heart of town, walking distance to almost everything, shops, bars, restaurants and tour desks. Another great appeal of travelling by cruise ship is the spectacular view on the sail in.

View sailing into Nassau from the Bridge

Apart from sun baking on the white sandy beaches, tropical cocktails in hand and endless amounts of shopping, what else is there to do. If you visit Nassau, the number one attraction is the Atlantis resort. Atlantis is the paradise once lost, now found. It is a mythical legend ocean themed resort on Paradise Island. It features a spectacular array of luxury hotel built around Aquaventure. Aquaventure is a 141 acre waterscape that features fresh and saltwater lagoons, swimming pools, marine exhibits, water slides and river rides. A truly magical place that invites you to rediscover awe-inspiring imagination with pulse-pounding thrills that leave you breathless.

Atlantis offers something for everyone, for the adults it hosts one of the Caribbean's largest casinos, most definitely the most luxurious one. The children will be occupied by the unbelievable water park that features a water slide that passes through a shark tank. This place has to be experienced to be believed. You can stay at Atlantis or you can purchase day passes and enjoy all the facilities.

Atlantis

The legendary tale of the lost city of Atlantis, this resort offers clues to the legend in the detailed architecture. Legend has it that over 11,000 years ago there existed an island nation located in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. It was populated by an extremely wealthy and noble race that held extreme clout over trade. Atlantis was home to the god of the sea, Poseidon. Poseidon fell in love with a mortal woman, Cleito and she gave birth to five sets of twin boys who became the first rulers of Atlantis. In the beginning, everything in Atlantis was perfect, generations passed with little to no disruption, only peace. But slowly things began to change when power and greed began to corrupt the once humble people. Zeus displeased with the corruption of the Atlanteans, executed a single but mighty violent surge upon the island of Atlantis. Then just like that its people, and its legacy were swallowed by the sea, lost forever.

The stunning detail in the Architecture

If gambling and water rides are not your thing, not to worry, Atlantis offers a unique and world class insight to life under the sea. There are underwater tunnels that journey you through marine life of all kinds from dolphins to sharks. The great thing about these underwater tunnels is being able to experience some of the wonders of our marine life without interfering with them. Children especially enjoy the shark tunnel.

One of the many underwater world attractions

Atlantis offers a world class casino, why not try your luck? I certainly didn't, judging by the number of luxury yachts docked outside, I say a lot of high rollers come here and they don't lose. Nobody said you can't enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying the entertainment provided by the intense high stakes games. Apparently some people not only place money on the table to gamble with but their Ferraris and yachts too. Imagine coming home and telling your wife you just lost your Ferrari in a game of craps, that would be pretty crap.

The casino

Merbulls

Luxury private yachts docked outside

After spending lots of magical time in Atlantis, it was time I headed off to Freeport. When we docked in Freeport, the ship pulls straight up alongside a shopping village. Immediately the feel to Freeport is completely different to Nassau. It feels much poorer in comparison. The talent of the local people is awe inducing, from weaving handbags out of straw to hand craving furniture with a single nail. I definitely recommend you get your Bahamian souvenirs from a local rather than a souvenir shop chain. You will bring home something unique, special and you know that the person who made it, gets your money.

Sarah and I in Freeport

Sarah showing off her new Disney bag made by a talented local lady

Davi, he craved my totem pole

I just love things like this

Sarah and I ready to head back on-board our ship

There are many activities to be done here as well as shopping. Beach going, water-skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, diving, snorkelling and hiking. You can book excursions through your cruise ship's shore excursion desk or from a local tour company on the island. I highly recommend booking an accredited tour or if you know someone who lives on the island to take you around. As gorgeous as these islands are, they can be unsafe. Always take precaution for yourself and your belongings.

Goodbye Bahamas through a port hole

There you have it. There is only one place in the world that has featured in four James Bond movies and hosted the pirates of the Caribbean (both the real swashbucklers and Johnny Depp), The Bahamas. So I hope that you end up venturing here at some point, it certainly is a destination not to be overlooked. I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Atlantis, Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!