2004  Grand Bahama Island

March:  I have been to both New Providence Island (Nassau) and Paradise Island many times in the past, but until this year, I had never had the opportunity to test the tropical hospitality of Grand Bahama Island.  At the time of my visit, there are now two active casinos on the island;  The Royal Oasis, and the newly opened Isle Of Capri.  



The Isle Of Capri opened their new 38,000 sq. ft casino December 15th, 2003 on the property of the Westin and Sheraton Resort at Lucayan Beach.  Or, as they say on the island: "Our Lucayan".   The casino boasts 350 slot machines and 33 table games.   Table games include Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, 3 card Poker and Caribbean Stud.





Shopping is plentiful at the Port Lucayan shopping Bazaar


inside the Port Lucayan shopping Bazaar

There was no logo gift shop at all for the casino, but the place has only been open for four months.   Chips presently in play are all Bud Jones type, in denominations of $1.00, $2.50, $5.00, $25.00, $100 and $500.   Tokens are $1.00.   A scan of the chips and token is displayed, however due to my lack of attention, there is no $2.50 chip shown.   Perhaps getting more then 3 hours of sleep per night would help my lack of attention to details.


The Royal Oasis Casino was formerly the Bahamia Casino (Princess Casino before that) which is located on the grounds of the Royal Oasis Golf Resort and Casino in Freeport.  There are actually two resort hotels operating side by side and sharing many of the amenities: The Crowne Plaza and the Holiday Inn Sun Spree.



At the present time, the new Royal Oasis chips had not reached the tables, and the old Bahamia chips were still temporarily being used.  I was told that the new chips should arrive any day now.   That statement really made me laugh, because I totally and fully understand the concept of caribbean time!  


The entrance to the Royal Oasis has no sign


The outside of the Royal Oasis Casino


The beach and pool area with the resort hotel

The Royal Oasis Casino was formerly the Bahamia Casino (Princess Casino before that) which is located on the grounds of the Royal Oasis Golf Resort and Casino in Freeport.  There are actually two resort hotels operating side by side and sharing many of the amenities: The Crowne Plaza and the Holiday Inn Sun Spree.


The casino floor is roomy and has 465 slot machines and 42 tables.   Be fore warned, the slots are anything but loose here.   The dealers are for the most part very friendly as are the casino hosts and dealers.   Drinks were very slow in coming, but because the drinks were so darned strong, I think it was a real good thing!


Hibiscus are everywhere


The resort grounds has a beautiful japanese garden where the flora and fauna are well manicured.


Another helpful sign


Telephone booth clearly shows the British infuence here


The "Island Restaraunt" where I had quite a few lunches and cocktails.


A small shopping area on the resort grounds


The International Bazaar


The International Bazaar


Local bus stop with the bus pulling up


Local police station is sure a lot different then ours!