Latest news with #MandaraSpa
Boston Globe
30-05-2025
- Boston Globe
We avoided Atlantis for years. But with so many fans, what were we missing?
We know lots of friends, family, and acquaintances who have vacationed at the resort, returning with glowing reviews. So much to do! The kids are already asking to go back. Don't know why we didn't go sooner. Bucket list! Expensive, but worth it . Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Mayan Temple has five slides, including the five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide, the Jungle Slide, through jungles and caves, and The Leap of Faith, with an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. Pamela Wright Advertisement So, huh. Perhaps, it was time to lose our attitudes and check it out. We knew what we were getting into; this legendary resort is massive, spanning 151 acres with five separate lodging options, 20 swimming areas and 14 pools, more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, a 141-acre waterpark, an 18-hole golf course, 5 miles of beaches, a world-class marina, full-service spa, and the world's largest open-air marine habitat. We were exhausted (and, OK, excited) just thinking about it. Caveat: We went in the fall, off-season, and the resort was blissfully uncrowded, but we've heard that it can get packed in high season, and lines and wait times can be long. Advertisement The seashell roof gazebo at Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort, keeps up with the resort's nautical, ocean theme. Pamela Wright Let me live that fantasy Your first decision is where to stay. Rooms and suites at The Royal Towers are most popular and have recently undergone major renovation (starting from $290). They're spacious, light and airy, with crisp nautical blue and white hues, and large modern bathrooms. It's the closest accommodation to the waterpark and home to the resort's casino, the Mandara Spa, seven restaurants, and several bars. Prefer a little less action? The Cove is arguably the most elegant place to stay, with 600 upscale suites, a quiet adults-only pool, 20 private cabanas, and a poolside lounge (starting from $430). It also had our favorite bar: The Sea Glass, with ocean views, an outdoor patio, and bartenders who know how to concoct and give hefty pours, albeit for a hefty price. (Our two martinis cost $45, including an automatically added 15 percent tip and 10 percent VAT.) Remember, another 25 percent is added to food and drinks! Harborside Resort, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, located across from the marina, is a bit more secluded (starting from $270). It's a good choice if you don't plan on spending much time at the water park, or don't mind walking to the main attractions. (There's also an easy-to-use free shuttle bus that runs throughout the resort.) The Coral is popular with families and the resort's most economical place to stay, with a pool, lagoon with marine exhibits, theater, and casual restaurants (starting from $250). Here's where you can also snag one of the resort's recently opened Barbie rooms, decked out in hot pinks and themed décor. As a side note, Atlantis has gone all out with Barbie offerings, including special Barbie-themed dining events, Barbie pool cabanas, a Barbie-themed ice cream parlor, and the Barbie Boardwalk Adventure, a walk-through experience with a tattoo parlor, ball pit, bubble maze, and more. Advertisement We stayed at The Reef, a high-rise with studios and suites, with small kitchenettes or full kitchens (starting from $390). It's located next to the Cove and within easy walking distance of other attractions. We appreciated the facilities to prepare simple breakfasts, snacks, and beverages, which proved to be both convenient and money-saving. Pro tip: Make a quick shopping trip into Nassau for snacks and beverages, and you'll save a heap of money. Sea Glass Bar is a popular hangout for adults. Pamela Wright Living high on the hog There's no question about it, food and beverages are expensive, and one of the biggest complaints about the resort. But there are choices — 21 exactly — so if your food budget is a top concern, consider casual walk-up vendors, like Cascades (burger $12, pulled pork sandwich $16), Pita (falafel $12, chicken shawarma $19), Shark Bites (conch salad, crab cakes and chowder $18 each), and Shake Shack (cheeseburger $9.85). There are also several award-winning, fine dining establishments. And, what the heck? You're on vacation! There's internationally known Nobu by celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Silan by chef Alan Shaya, and Fieldtrip by chef JJ Johnson. We dined at Fish by Jose Andres, enjoying complimentary cheddar biscuits, an inventive shrimp mojo negro ($27), scorched conch with ghost peppers ($17), and striped bass ($59) and Caribbean grouper ($54) entrees. Another evening, we ate at chef Michael White's Italian restaurant, Paranza, dining on grilled octopus ($36), lamb ragu ($40), and a memorable seafood risotto ($46). If you're traveling with kids, we'd suggest the more casual, less expensive options. Maybe take the shuttle to Marina Pizza, where you can get takeout, sit at picnic tables, and ogle the mega-size luxury yachts docked at the marina. Advertisement There are artworks throughout Atlantis. Pamela Wright Water, water everywhere You could spend your days relaxing on the soft white sand beaches, lounging under the Bahamian sun, and swimming in the deep turquoise waters. But we didn't, and you probably won't either. Not when there's so much else to do. Top of the list is a visit to Aquaventure, the 141-acre, 20-million-gallon waterpark, with pools, rivers, and slides. Highlights include the 120-foot Power Tower with four slides; the Abyss, with a 50-foot plunge and a 200-foot-long body slide; the Surge with a drop through a cavern, and the infamous Mayan Temple, with five slides, including the five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide, the Jungle Slide, through jungles and caves, and the Leap of Faith, with an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. Yes, you read that right. The Leap of Faith has an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. GRAHAM DICKIE/NYT We opted for the Rapids River, a mile-long inner tube ride through waves and rapids and down drops, which was thrilling enough for us. Families with smaller kids congregate at Poseidon's Playzone, with slides, water cannons, fountains, buckets, bubbling jets, and a fort. There's water everywhere: pools, streams, waterfalls, lagoons, aquariums, and underwater tunnels filled with marine life. We appreciated the educational signage throughout the resort; just walking around was a feast for the eyes and mind. The dolphins at Dolphin Cay love to interact with trainers and guests. Pamela Wright Doing good Our favorite activity was a visit to Dolphin Cay, a 6-million-gallon open-air marine habitat, with pools, reefs, mangrove nurseries, lagoons, and sandy beaches. It opened in 2007, providing a safe and permanent home for dolphins and sea lions left stranded by Hurricane Katrina, and more than 30 other native species, including reef fish, sea stars, lobster, and conch. Dolphin Cay also serves as a marine rescue and rehabilitation center and has reintroduced more than 160 animals back to their natural habitats. Advertisement The dolphins looked exceptionally happy and healthy to us, and the trainers were passionate and caring. 'They're social animals, and we engage with them through play and positive interactions,' our trainer said during our Playtime with Dolphins experience. 'They don't do anything they don't want to.' You can sign up for a variety of Dolphin Cay activities, like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with dolphins, swimming with sea lions and stingrays, and learning to be a vet for a day. Is it worth it? A mom and her young daughter dressed in identical Barbie outfits sat next to us at dinner on our last night at Atlantis. They were celebrating her 8th birthday, staying in one of the Barbie-themed rooms. They'd spent an afternoon at the waterpark, had play time with the dolphins, and were looking forward to a Barbie baking class the next day. 'She'll remember this trip forever,' her mom said, as she pulled a credit card out of her tiny pink Barbie clutch. 'I'll be paying for it forever, too,' she joked, 'but it's worth it.' 888-877-7525, Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Cision Canada
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S SUMMER CRUISE SEASON IS IN FULL SWING WITH BUCKET-LIST ITINERARIES TO ALASKA AND EUROPE ON ITS NEWEST AND RECENTLY REVITALIZED SHIPS
With summer in full swing, Norwegian Cruise Line is inviting guests to "Experience More at Sea" with the freedom and flexibility to design the cruise vacation of their dreams and sail to bucket-list destinations such as Alaska and Europe on newly revitalized ships as well as fun-in-the-sun itineraries in the Caribbean and Bermuda that are perfect for a summer family vacation. "In anticipation of this summer season, we have invested significantly in new and newly renovated ships to give our guests more to do, more to enjoy and more value for their vacation in some of the hottest destinations this summer," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Summer travel season is here, and with the ability to unpack once and enjoy multiple destinations in one vacation, a cruise is the best option for travelers looking for incredible value. Whether you are dreaming of an adventure in Alaska, a cultural discovery in Europe or dipping your toes in the sand on a beach in the Caribbean, NCL has a great vacation for every type of traveler this summer." THREE REVITALIZED BREAKAWAY-PLUS CLASS SHIPS PURPOSE BUILT FOR CRUISING ALASKA SAILING THE LAST FRONTIER THIS SUMMER Through October 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line will boast the youngest fleet sailing to Alaska with five ships cruising to the region from convenient departure ports in the U.S. and Canada including Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offering guests more opportunity to enjoy one of the most scenic destinations in the world. This summer, guests can enjoy three of NCL's recently renovated Breakaway-Plus class ships, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore ® and Norwegian Joy ®, which were custom-built to cruise Alaska. The vessels feature expansive observation lounges for sweeping vistas as well as the Waterfront, the outdoor promenade designed to enhance guests' connection to the sea with al fresco dining, bars and lounge spaces. Additionally, just revitalized this year, Norwegian Bliss offers a brand-new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, a versatile, gathering space providing a variety of experiences from lawn-style games such as cornhole to giant Jenga and reclining loungers for optimal views of the Last Frontier. Sister ships, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, also feature refreshed spaces from recent dry docks such as the new addition of Spice H2O, the adults-only, complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck, and a spacious and newly expanded Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, respectively. In addition to offering guests newly enhanced ships purposely built to sail Alaska, the brand provides adventure seekers and wildlife lovers with the most departure sailings from Seattle this summer season. Through October 2025, NCL offers guests round-trip, seven-day cruises every Saturday or Sunday aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore visiting some of the most beautiful locations in Alaska including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings also include a stop in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the largest Native Tlingit village in the state and a true wilderness experience where the landscape is teeming with whales, bears, otters and more. Aboard Norwegian Joy, guests can enjoy a variety of round-trip nine and 10-day itineraries from Seattle with six to seven days in port to truly immerse themselves in the lush landscape and wildlife of the Last Frontier. For more time in the Alaskan region, guests can also take advantage of NCL's incredible Cruisetour offering which provides travelers with more days to explore the destination including a visit to the Denali National Park; a riverboat cruise and city tour in Fairbanks, Alaska; a tour of the Iditarod sled dog musher's camp; and so much more. ENDLESS EUROPEAN ADVENTURES AWAIT GUESTS ABOARD NEW AND RECENTLY ENHANCED SHIPS When cruising with NCL, guests have the freedom and flexibility to design the European summer vacation of their dreams with a variety of port-immersive sailings with almost no days at sea and an average of 10 hours at each stop. With over 150 unique itineraries for guests to choose and eight ships visiting the region, including two ships that were renovated just this year, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic ®, and two of NCL's newest ships in the fleet, Norwegian Prima ® and Norwegian Viva ®. While sailing through the Mediterranean on the newly enhanced Norwegian Breakaway, guests can experience the all-new Silver Screen Bistro, an immersive movie and dining venue for the whole family to enjoy and the brand-new Horizon Park, an outdoor recreation area on top of the ship to bring guests beautiful 360° views of the ocean. Additionally, guests can kick off their European adventure on the revitalized Norwegian Epic, which just recently left her dry dock on May 8, 2025. Norwegian Epic features more expansive spaces for guests including a reimagined Kids' Aqua Park and a newly expanded Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor oasis, with more lounge chairs and private cabanas. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic will sail a variety of nine, 10, 11 and 12-day cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Venice (Trieste), Italy to some of the most historic cities in Europe including Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Salerno, and Messina (Sicily), Italy; as well as visits to the beautiful Greek Isles such as Santorini, Mykonos and Olympia (Katakolon), Greece. In addition to sailing aboard refreshed ships, guests can embark on their European dream vacation aboard some of NCL's newest ships in the fleet, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, sailing a variety of Baltic, Northern Europe and Greek Isles cruises. These bucket-list itineraries feature visits to Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden; Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Amsterdam (Ijmuiden), Netherlands; and Brussels / Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium. While school is out for the summer, NCL is offering guests more opportunities to experience the perfect vacation for the whole family with multiple ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bermuda including the Company's newest ship in the fleet, Norwegian Aqua. Complete with the first-of-its-kind attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, the fastest and longest slides at sea, and the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that transforms into a nightclub, as well as incredible entertainment and spa options, Norwegian Aqua provides guests with more of what they love about NCL and something for everyone in the family to enjoy while sailing fun-in-the-sun itineraries. Norwegian Aqua is currently offering round-trip, seven-day Caribbean cruises from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida, one of the busiest home ports in the United States, before sailing a series of five- and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. In the fall, the ship will return to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026, visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay will debut new family-friendly amenities in late 2025, including a multi-ship pier, a large heated pool and a swim-up bar. In addition to the all-new Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Getaway ® and Norwegian Jewel ® will also offer round-trip seven-day cruises to the beautiful island of Bermuda, with these ships sailing from New York and Boston, respectively. Perfect for guests who are looking to soak up the sun on the sand this summer, these beach-bound itineraries feature overnight calls to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, providing guests with more time to enjoy and discover the island's turquoise blue waters and pink-sand beaches. FEEL FREE TO EXPERIENCE MORE WITH NCL'S VALUE ADDED PROGRAM – MORE AT SEA™ For guests planning their next cruise vacation this summer, the company's program, More At Sea ™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea offering, visit For more information about the company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit About Norwegian Cruise Line As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line ® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit
