Happy New year, Karen!
You're already starting off the new year with an awesome action plan... planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation is definitely something that your whole family will look forward to!
On our last Bahamian voyage, we chose not to disembark at Nassau as well. Our kids really wanted to enjoy more of the ship without too many people onboard. I can tell ya - the line to the
AquaDuck was surely short. My kids must have been on it 7-8 times without much waiting time. My hubby and I were "busy" at the
Spa and we had the whole relaxation room and jacuzzi area all to ourselves (for a good amount of time) -- it was so nice and quiet!
While docked at a port, the shopping areas on board will be closed. Everything else will be open for enjoyment. Your family would likely enjoy a day onboard while docked at Nassau - just so that you can really take the time to explore the ship. Make sure you check out the
Personal Navigator for any onboard activities and schedules for the day. There will be character meet & greets, games, kids' activities, movies and more. The Youth Clubs will all be open, so if the adults want to spend some quiet time at the adult-exclusive areas on board - this would be a perfect day to do that too! The Youth Counselors do such a great job with the kids in keeping kids engaged and entertained each day. They'll likely be around the ship, on an organized activity enjoying their own adventure.
I hope this helps, Karen. Let us know if you need additional info... we're always glad to help!
~ Dolly