Jan 8th on Explorer, w/ kids and 80 yr. old mom, advice?

[kmf777]

Hello, a total rookie here :confused: , 1st cruise for family, taking mom in wheelchair and 10 & 11 year olds. Looking for tips on making sure we get into shows, ice shows and advice on getting around ship w/ chair, take on spirits for room, ports that are easy to maueuver w/ Mom and which ones she should stay on ship. Also want to do best beaches at St. Maarten, Thomas and Nassua, snorkling and maybe rent jetskis at one of the ports without having to pay for RCI excursions. We are very experienced and seasoned travelers, just first time on large cruise ship. Help!:eek:

Thank you!:o

Kevin

[smokester]

I suggest Coki Beach in St. Thomas. You can either rent snorkeling equipment or bring your own. You can also rent jet skis across the street. At first glance, when you pull up, it looks a little run down, but the beach is beautiful. We hopped in a cab on our 1st time there & told the cab driver to take us where he would go. He took us to Coki Beach, & we have been there every time since. Everyone says "Meagan's Bay", but try Coki Beach you'll love it!!!

[Travelgrrl]

Hi Kevin,

That's a lot of questions!

 

Ice shows: You line up (during the day, at a specified time in front of the ice rink) to get tickets. Only one member of the party need go and can get tix for all. Show up 20 min early for your show and an usher will find you wheelchair accessible space. This goes for the other shows, too. There is an accessible spot near the back of the lower level of the theater. Staff are great at helping with accessibility.

 

Great Bay Beach is terrific at St. Maarten. You take the watertaxi to the second stop, and right off the pier, folks will escort you to chaise lounges right alongside the crystal clear water (I think $10 a day rental, includes one drink). When you are done sunning, the shops of Front Street are literally half a block away. You can shop your way down to the first watertaxi spot. Cheap, fun, easy day! The knock off purses in St. Maarten are the best!

 

In St. Thomas, there are many beaches (as St. Maarten, too) that are just a taxicab away. You needn't pay for a ship's excursion. Ambitious folks get themselves on the Red Hook ferry (?) to St. John but with your mother, that might be too difficult.

 

Nassau, I'm not as familiar with. You can get passes to Atlantis, which might offer something for everyone in your diverse group, or just visit the straw market near the dock, or take a horse and buggy ride.

 

Generally, the ship's personnel are happy to help with accessibility issues if you just ask ahead of time, or many times they jump right in and anticipate your seating concerns. They do have accessible staterooms in almost every category, in case you haven't considered that.