Going on a cruise or Nassau or staying on the island for a vacation? Maybe looking for a luxurious hotel to spend the day at? This post will go over everything RIU Palace in Nassau, Bahamas offers in their day pass and if it’s worth your money.
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Is the RIU Palace day pass worth it?
If you’ve looking for a luxury resort experience without having to commit to staying at the hotel, a day pass at RIU Palace in Nassau, Bahamas might be just what you’re looking for!
This hotel has stunning beachfront views, two amazing pools, unlimited food, drinks and more. This all-inclusive resort offers the taste of paradise you need for your next cruise or vacation.
But is it really worth your money? In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with the RIU Palace day pass, what to expect, the pros and cons, and whether it’s a good fit for your next trip to the Bahamas!
This post is all about the RIU Palace day pass.
What does the day pass cost?
If you want to indulge in luxury, it will cost a pretty penny. At the time of writing this post the day pass for RIU Palace in Nassau, Bahamas is $160 per person.
I booked my experience at this hotel through Resort for a Day. They offer day passes to so many different places at a multitude of ports making it perfect for your next cruise.
If you want to check the current price of this excursion click here to be taken to Resort for a Day’s website.
While the RIU Palace day pass offers an outstanding experience, I personally feel the price is a bit on the steep side, especially considering you’re only getting access for a few hours.
It’s 100% a splurge for a short-term visit, so it’s worth weighing whether the perks justify the cost for your day in port or if you’re staying elsewhere in Nassau.
Looking to book a stay at RIU Palace? Here’s the link to their website.
Not sure what to wear on your cruise? Click the photo below to see the best options on a curated list!
What is included in the RIU Palace day pass?
What’s included:
- Access to the resort from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Unlimited food for lunch and snacks
- Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol) including premium brand cocktails & wine
- Beaches, pools, whirlpools
- Lounges, umbrellas, towels
- Fitness center
What’s not included:
- Guest rooms/accommodations
- Transportation to/from your cruise ship or anywhere else on the island if you’re already staying there
- WiFi is not included but can be purchased at arrival for $10 USD
- Lockers are not available
The major standout if you are coming from a cruise ship is the fact that the taxi to and from is not included. You will need to go into port from your ship, find the taxi stand which is to the right after you enter and ask for a ride to the resort.
Prices will vary and are always changing but I believe it was about $20 each way.
It’s also nice you don’t have to carry a towel from the cruise ship. They will give you a card at check in that you will exchange for a towel. Just be sure to turn your towel in at the end of your stay to get your card back. You will need to turn it back in so you don’t get charged for it.
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Check in/Check out process
Check In
This process was pretty easy, although if it is a busy day you may be waiting in line for awhile.
When you arrive to RIU Palace you will go up to the check in desk with your paperwork from your day pass reservation, you will pay the remaining balance and give them your ID.
They will supply you with a day pass wrist band, a card to be able to check out a towel and the wifi password.
Check Out
When you are ready to leave or if it is the end of the day you will need to go to the check out side of the desk.
Be sure to have already given your towel back to the station and receive your card back. You don’t want to get charged for keeping one of their towels.
They will cut your wristband off and give you your ID back. The process is very simple. Be sure to ask the staff to call you a taxi so you can get back to the cruise port.
Food & Drinks
Included with your day pass will be access to unlimited food and drinks for the day.
Food
Your options for food will be snacks at the indoor coffee bar and the outside buffet station.
I did not end up getting any snacks from the coffee bar but they did look good!
The buffet outside had chicken, pork, mixed vegetables, rice, hamburgers, hotdogs and lots of sauces and toppings!
I enjoyed the food from the buffet, we had a little bit of everything. The chicken, pork and rice were the standouts for me.
They don’t include a ton of choices for the price of this day pass but it is definitely enough to get you by.
Drinks
The drinks were one of the highlights of my day at RIU Palace!
You are able to get an endless amount of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks for the duration of your stay.
The cafe inside in the lobby has an assortment of coffee drinks! (You can even make this irish)
There are two bar outside. One is a swim up bar at the infinity pool and on the other side is a walk up bar that has a shaded area and seating.
You can get frozen cocktails, on the rocks, beer and wine. The bartenders were very friendly and made fantastic drinks!
Beach & Pools
Beach
The beach at RIU Palace is nothing short of stunning. Beautiful blue waters and soft sand.
The hotel does have chairs you can lounge in or if you’re looking to have a little fun, they do have a volleyball net as well.
Compared to the free beaches in Nassau, this one was well maintained and a nice piece of heaven to spend your day at.
Pools
This resort has two pools. One large pool towards the back that is lined with chairs and cabanas. The pool in the front of the resort was my favorite and where we spent most of our time.
It has an infinity edge that overlooks the beach, a swim up bar, in pool tables and loungers. Everything you need to have a perfect day by the ocean!
The pool really was a highlight for me and what made me book the resort.
The temperature was perfect in the pools and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Walkthrough Video
If you want to know what the resort looks like before you book, here is a complete walkthrough video of the property!
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I would 100% recommend this resort if you are looking for a little bit of luxury while in port for your cruise or if you are staying in Nassau and want to try out a different location for the day.
As I have stated above, it is a bit of a splurge and that is the only downside in my opinion. If you want to or have the means to spend the money though, this is the place to go!
I was very happy with my time at RIU Palace and would absolutely return in the future whether that is with another day pass or staying at the hotel on vacation.
This post was all about RIU Palace day pass.
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