Harborside Logistics Questions (hopefully) Answered

[clsmit]

I tried to pay attention when we were there this week to answer some logistics questions I've seen here.

• 
  Bring your own stroller. Lots of people did and it's a great way to carry stuff around. Be ready for lots of walking.

• 
  Don't bring a car seat. The taxis don't have shoulder straps or anything else to secure them the way you can in the US. Only lap belts. So they wouldn't work like you'd expect if there were an accident. If it's an infant get a sling, if a bigger kid, lap belt or double buckle (you and kid in same buckle) is your best bet.

• Lots of people had coolers and snacks with them at the pools and beach, regardless of the age of the people in the group. Just don't be obnoxious.

• As seen elsewhere on this board, food is really expensive onsite. Use all the tips for how to eat cheaply.

• The water the week we were there was calm. No need for boogie boards -- nothing to boogie on. I think the reefs keep the waves down. If it's choppy enough for a boogie board I don't think I want my kids in the water!

• So bring blow up floats instead. At home at the end of season sale we got 2 for $3 -- a tube and raft. The kids floated on them with their swim goggles to do a cheap version of snorkling.

• The Cove beach is the best. Get there from the Cove hotel. It's MUCH quieter than the beach near the Beach and Coral towers and less crowded. If you want to do parasailing or get hair braids go to the other beach. If you want a nice cove for snorkling, easy access to the mile long lazy river and a nice pool, and an easy walk to a shuttle, this is the beach for you. And the bathroom is only a few yards away from the beach.

• Make sure you get your taxi to the airport a good 2 hours before your flight. Or 2 1/2. On the way home you need to check in at the airline desk (your printed boarding pass isn't worth its paper), go thru Bahamas security, go thru US Customs and Immigration, then go thru US security with shoes off but no baggies needed. All with the potential for long lines and issues. We had no food or alcohol and only carryons so we probably had fewer issues than anyone else, and it still took a long time.

What else did I miss?

I'll post separately about Harborside II (aka Phase 3) and other rumors we heard there. Plus, maybe even a picture of SNAVicki and clsmit with the TUG banner!

 

[mariawolf]

Looking forward to all your rumors/news!

 

[DeniseM]

I tried to pay attention when we were there this week to answer some logistics questions I've seen here.

Don't bring a car seat. The taxis don't have shoulder straps or anything else to secure them the way you can in the US. Only lap belts. So they wouldn't work like you'd expect if there were an accident. If it's an infant get a sling, if a bigger kid, lap belt or double buckle (you and kid in same buckle) is your best bet.

This may be convenient, but it is dangerous. There are many car seats that will work with a lap belt only and they should be used even if not required in the country you are visiting. A car seat correctly installed w/a lap belt is far superior to no car seat at all. If you are not sure how to use your car seat with a lap belt you can call the manufacturer and you will find that number on your car seat.

 

[Whirl]

Thanks for the follow-up CLSMIT...very much appreciated and now just hoping the storms blow through before we head there.

Cheryl

 

[SDKath]

So what are the rumors??? Inquiring minds want to know. K

 

[calgarygary]

rumours - didn't hear any while I was there. Staff, including the management that I talked to, claimed ignorance about dates of renovations.