We've been to Atlantis a few times over the years and it is amazing to see how it has grown. This time, we actually got lost for a few minutes just looking for the casino!
Luck was on our side, though, not because we won at the casino, but because we found a really nice Starbucks downstairs. After being on the water for a couple of days, we were starting to develop symptoms of Starbucks withdrawal!
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7, the predecessor to the excellent a6300.
One of the greatest things about the islands of the Caribbean is that beauty is all around you, even in rusty old ticket booths. Sure, this ferry "terminal" serves some of the highest-end real estate in the Islands, but why bother painting the rusty bars on the windows of the ticket booth when they're just going to rust again? The patina that is continuously covered up at most resorts is worn like a badge of honor in the Caribbean. And that's exactly how most people like it.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
We've almost made it through Shark Week and paradise — or at least Paradise Island — is in sight. This little, run-down lighthouse perched at the far end of the island belies the glamor and splendor that lies beyond.
Seen in the background is the incomparable Atlantis Resort and Casino. This really is an island fit for a Bond villain — or hero.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
When we docked in Nassau, it was really neat seeing and comparing all of the other cruise ships to ours. Each had a unique vibe and the design was drastically different from one to the next. This ship was docked next to us and they were throwing quite the embarkation party! The peacefulness of this photograph belies the craziness that was going on just an hour before.
A dozen Norwegian crew members were dancing and generally throwing a welcome party right on the dock as their passengers were arriving. They even had one of those giant blow-up figures that you see at car dealers — I'm not sure what the deal was with that thing! It was a really great marketing tactic for the people aboard other cruise lines. It may have been my imagination but I swear they were making people do a shot of tequila before they were allowed to return. We might have to check out Norwegian next time!
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
I was surprised to find that the gardens surrounding the marina on Paradise Island were clearly inspired by Barcelona's most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. Not exactly the first thing you'd expect to find while walking through a high-end outdoor mall in the shadow of the ultra-modern Atlantis Resort.
In hindsight, it makes a lot of sense, though. Gaudí's unique style was heavily inspired by the ocean and to say everything he did was way over the top would be the understatement of the century. Sounds like a certain pink hotel that can be seen peaking out from the back of the Gaudí-inspired mosaic in this photograph.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.