St Kitts with 88 yr old mom

[Kaibocan]

Our cruise stops in St Kitts in November. Anyone have any suggestions for something to do with my 88 yr old mother? She doesn't swim at all.

[marynjohn]

Be careful.  We've been to lots of ports and just went to St. Kitts in October.  We had three experiences that made us decide never to go back.  

First, the hawkers are worse than anywhere else we've been which includes Cozumel and Bahamas.  NBD just an annoyance.

We went to see the church and it was pretty, but coming back some guy who we could SMELL from 4 feet away started harrasing us.  Ok, nbd 2.

We got back to the shops area and 2 guys surrounded us trying to get us to pay for pictures with their monkeys.  Mary was screaming.  I went and got a cop which was useless.  He just said they keep chasing them and they come back.  

The cop came over and one of the guys started getting aggressive with me, saying it wasn't him.  I told the cop to check the security camera which was right behind him and grabbed Mary and got back onboard.

At home, it's trivial but in another country you can never tell.  If you get off, just be wary.  The usual watch your belongings applies, and be prepared for people harrasing you about the tours.

[Kaibocan]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the warning! My mom would freak out!

[shipgeeks]

We've been to St. Kitts once; had the train excursion booked but walked around the port beforehand.  We didn't get any of the harassment mentioned above; actually, we thought it was cleaner, less crowded and less pushy than Nassau or St. Lucia.  We did give the monkeys a wide berth, as I don't like them at all.

 

Is your mother able-bodied enough to enjoy the train?  It must be booked through the cruiseline.  It does involve climbing into a van, and stepping up into the train.

[OCruisers]

Also think your mother would enjoy the Sugar Train Railway excursion.  It's an EASY way to see parts of the island you would not otherwise.  

[newmexicoNita]

We have been there twice, but not for about 4 or 5 years: never had a problem. In fact one of the nicer ports we thought. 

[marynjohn]

It was our first time, in October.  Maybe the hurricane made things more tight economically so they have to hustle, I don't know.  But, we won't be getting off the ship again there.  
You only get one chance to make a first impression.

[konthego]

I have been there twice and there have been no problems whatsoever.  Its a pretty laid back island and never felt the harassment or hawkers like other places. took a tour to the fort and castle, the batjik and gardens tour and later to a beach. enjoyed it all.    The second time all guys did the ATV ride which was a lot of fun. unless  your 88 year old mom can walk well and climb steps, I would think the fort is out. if not its a nice place and great views. (my soon to be 88 year old Mother-in-law could do it.) Haven't done the train but that may be a good option. The ships dock right in town so just checking out the shops is nice and there are plenty of outdoor restaurants/bars.  If she likes to gamble there are a couple casinos at port.