cruise port accessibility on 4 day

[LindaDVC]

Hi--

we cruised on the 4 day in 98 in an inside stateroom and the 7 day in 2000 in an outside stateroom with a verandah

We have been planning to cruise agian on another 7 day outside !
However have psotponed due to the $$

Finally considering a compromise and doing a 4 day with verandah! Much more affordable!

So my question is have there been any improvements to the accessibility in Nassau. When we were there before no accessible excursions were offered.

Linda

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by LindaDVC


So my question is have there been any improvements to the accessibility in Nassau. When we were there before no accessible excursions were offered.

Linda

Went on 4-day in May '04. No accessible excursions for me, scooter, Service Dog...
Bummer.

 

[LindaDVC]

I had hoped disney had an accessible van by now!

Also how did your service dog do on the ship.
Dan left his dog Ned at home last trip due to concerns about "potty" breaks etc!

Linda

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by LindaDVC
I had hoped disney had an accessible van by now!

Also how did your service dog do on the ship.
Dan left his dog Ned at home last trip due to concerns about "potty" breaks etc!

Linda

Cash did very well. Disney has some experience in accommodating service dogs according to the handlers abilities and preferences.... No need to leave dog at home. PM me, if you like.

 

[dclfun]

There's now an accessible shopping area in Nassau since 98 vs. having to go into the downtown area where none of the shops are accessible. If you do a search on your own you will find a company that will pick you up in an accessible van and either take you to Atlantis or to do another beach day experience. DCL doesn't offer any excursions that accomodate wheelchairs in Nassau. The tram is accessible at Castaway Cay. For a service dog they will set up an area for you to walk him for potty breaks if you have an inside or ocean view stateroom or if you have a verandah they will set it up there. I just spoke with someone regarding this for one of the transition cruises since we will have an inside stateroom ( all that they have...sold out!). One of the things to be aware of is that the ramp leading off the ship in Nassau can be very steep depending on the water level however in CC it's a much gentler slope.

 

[LindaDVC]

Thanks!

We found a private company in St Thomas but was very disapointed that Disney didn't offer much assistance.

I had hoped they had improved this area by now--
How far is it from the Atlantis to the dock??

Linda

 

[dclfun]

Linda- It's only about a 15-20 minute ride to Atlantis which is on Paradise Beach- you can see Atlantis when the ship is docked. They have a nice beach there as well as the aquarium, shops, and casino. I've never been but have heard from lots of people who spent a nice day there. I doubt I would ever get off the ship again in Nassau after my experience with the ramp but the more able of the disabled would probably be just fine. Nassau itself was improved with that new shopping area which also acts as a security checkpoint- no one but cruise ship passengers are allowed in the area between the building and ships. They had an accessible restroom there as well as all the shopping being enclosed inside the very large building. I ventured out into Nassau just to see if I could do it but found myself having to drive my chair on the streets and if you recall what the traffic is like there...well, it was pretty "exciting"! Kathy

 

[LindaDVC]

We hated Nassau when we were there before

It was August and even at 9am HOTTEST place we have ever been and we live in NC and always head to Florida in the summer without any problems! We saw drugs being sold on the streets and the vendors were pushy about buying this and buying that. We were on the 4th sailing of the magic and stupidly wearing disney shirts which were magnets to the vendors!

Then the traffic that was beeping at Dan as if a power wheelchair could just jump onto the sidewalk! We might just stay on the ship but I'd like it to be a "choice" not an accessibility issue!

I have heard nice things about the Atlantis but also would have a concern about getting the taxi back to the ship if private.

I used to do some clinics in Peurto Rico and the time of scheduled meetings meant nothing to the folks there! Not sure if NAssau is the same but I would hate to miss the sailing and be stuck there!

Linda

 

[dclfun]

Linda- If you went to Atlantis via the company that does the accessible excursion then you'd be able to schedule a return time to the ship. I'd speak to the vendor in advance. The ship doesn't leave until 11 PM that day so you'd have plenty of time. ---Kathy

 

[LindaDVC]

We finally are booked for our 3rd cruise

We will be taking the 4 day during spring break!

Linda