Over the past few years, my profession in the yachting industry has allowed me to visit some unique destinations. One situation in particular, I worked aboard a private yacht for one month based in the Atlantis Resort Marina.
This world class resort is known as Disney World of the Caribbean. It boasts the world’s largest open air marine habitat, 141 acre water park, sandy white beaches, gambler’s casino paradise, and even onsite movie theatre.
Typically yachts will only spend a few days docked at the marina due to the expensive rates, leaving little free time for crew to explore when they have a break.
However, my boat was the exception since it was permanently based there. Somehow the central location justified the absurdly $25k monthly dockage fee, not including water hookup priced at 50 cents/gallon. (This often meant for short and expensive crew showers, and any other activities requiring water onboard)
Fortunately I had full resort access during time off. So I found plenty of opportunities to enjoy the amenities after my workday…which meant more free time than actual work.
So here are 3 things I learned while “living” at the Atlantis resort:
1. Food and resort amenities are extremely expensive
Yes, this is a world class resort destination, so products are expected to be overpriced. But since the Bahamas is an island nation, these expensive imported goods are subject to an additional 12% Value Added Tax on top.
However this doesn’t justify why a typical resort restaurant meal such as grilled fish, a side and drink costs upwards of $40-50. This quickly adds up when multiplied by the amount of meals and additional family members eating daily.
A dinner buffet isn’t any cheaper, setting you back $65. Even a two scoop Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cone costs $9. Conveniently, the Bahamas adds a mandatory 15% gratuity to food purchases, whether or not the service is satisfactory.
I’m glad I was able to eat all my meals onboard the yacht.
Additional resort amenities can be classified as highway robbery.
Water park day lockers cost between $20-40. Even upgrading a pair of lounge chairs is $120, and the added headrest with waterfall setting included isn’t worth it.
So bottom line, bring plenty of money along when you visit.
2. Resort attendants are extremely lax when verifying access to member areas.
Guests need to show a wristband to enter the main resort amenities.
But this is the Bahamas, a relaxed island culture known for its laid back, “no stress” vibe. And the Bahamian employees stationed at entrances follow this mentality when tasked with verifying guest access.
On numerous occasions I forgot my marina access card to enter these areas, only briefly explaining I was crew working aboard “such and such” yacht docked at slip #XX, and that I’d promise to bring it along with me next time. And every time, I was always allowed to enter and roam around the resort for the remainder of the day.
On other occasions the attendants appeared oblivious as I walked past.
Although I do not condone this, I could hypothetically understand the temptation to attempt a bluff past the attendants to save the cost of a resort day pass, costing upwards of $100.
Besides, what would you have to lose?
3. Atlantis is not the ideal resort for a single male
Vacationers typically visit Atlantis in three distinct settings: families, groups, or couples. Rarely anything else.
This resort is the perfect destination for families. Find a nice pool chair under some shade and allow the children to run wild at the water park. Or a newlywed couple can take onsite excursions including swimming with dolphins or hand feeding sting rays to create a romantic honeymoon.
However as a sole crew member, I often explored the resort solo because there were few single travelers vacationing to meet. And why would they be here? There’s plenty of hostel or hotel alternatives closer to downtown Nassau offering a more friendly atmosphere for solo travelers other than adult pool or Aura nightclub at Atlantis.
So bottom line, bring some friends along if you are planning to visit the Atlantis resort. Along with some extra pocket change. Prices here are not for the faint of heart.