GC Florida beach resort or non-rated Bahamas/freeport?

[bccash63]

Own at The Resort on Cocoa Beach and Wyndham Santa Barbara. Both are GC, heated pools, nice rooms etc. Was considering an exchange into the Bahamas for spring break instead of Florida as we have not been there. However, most of the resorts available are non-rated to silver crown, do not have heated pools, need 'updating' etc. We have been to Florida many, many times--do you think we would be dissapointed with Grand Bahama/Freeport??? Or do the beaches,sights etc make up for the lodging--
thanx for any insight, Dawn

 

[tschwa2]

I think overall the beaches, accommodations, and pool will be of lesser quality. Still with the proper expectations (different country, different culture) it's good to get out and see and experience something a little different. You may like it, you may hate it. I went almost twenty years ago. I enjoyed the trip. I haven't been back but I'm glad I went.

I would make sure everyone in the traveling group was on board with the idea of staying in a non luxury resort and if they are up for the adventure grab your passports and go.

 

[timeos2]

If quality of the resort & area matter a great deal to you (sounds like it does) then you will be VERY disappointed with Freeport. It is basically a rock with a few casino's & rather seedy "resorts". Unlike Nassau it is not an area with a long history & plenty to do/see - it is a tourist trap & really not much to look at or enjoy. No comparison to Florida or Nassau.

 

[chriskre]

Freeport is where Floridians used to go to gamble before we got legalized gambling. Not sure what else would draw most to the area. I've not been to Freeport but I used to go to Bimini alot a few years back and most people didn't think there was anything to do there either but we enjoyed it.

I guess you'd need to go and see for yourself.

 

[bccash63]

We are not a family who 'needs' a gold crown resort. Just didn't know if the 'experience' would outway the accomadations. The weather would be similar in temp. Checked trip advisor and there are several activites/sights that sound interesting. Basically we want a nice beach, warm weather and some activites to keep us occupied with a few places to explore. I thought Grand Bahama Island might offer some of these but it sounds like Nassau would be a better island to explore Dawn
Just very few exchanges available in Nassau

 

[funtime]

I would try to get a week at your own resort - Wyndham Santa Barbara is a really nice resort - and it would be cheaper re airfare etc. Funtime

 

[chriskre]

I would try to get a week at your own resort - Wyndham Santa Barbara is a really nice resort - and it would be cheaper re airfare etc. Funtime

You could always do a day trip on the Day Cruise lines if you really wanted to visit the Bahamas, that way you could get a taste of the Bahamas without the full commitment of your week.

Discovery cruise is no longer sailing but I think Celebration is doing a 2 night trip. I used to do the Sea Escape to Bimini years ago and it was a nice day trip. http://www.bahamascelebration.com/