Walking

[Mom2Go]

I'm taking my Mom on a much needed cruise. Neither of us have been on a cruise before and know nothing about them. I've been exploring this site for about a week. The more I read, the more questions I seem to have.

 

I have booked Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas next June, sailing from Miami and stopping in Key West, Nassau, and Cococay. My mother has trouble walking long distances due to many previous foot surgeries in her life. Could anyone provide any advice about any of the mentioned ports? Specific questions would be...

 

We are toying with the idea of flying to Miami a day early if we can't get an early enough flight. Do any particular hotels have a shuttle to the port with minimal walking? Would a cab drop you off right where you need to go at the port? What about on each of the stops? Is there any activity you might suggest that would give us a nice view/tour/experience that might include minimal walking? We have a 4th floor cabin booked near the staircase. We don't care about noise, we're good sleepers. Any tips about the ship that may help out my mother in her quest to have an enjoyable but not exhausting vacation? Mom is fine walking around, just can't be on her feet for extended periods of time without a break.

 

Thanks for any help.

Hallie

[mrsfuzzmo]

Hello, sounds like you are in for a great time. I've sailed the Magesty and loved it.

 

Key West has two specific "island tours" that are offered to you easily. The Conch Train and the Trolly. I can't say which one is which, but one circles the island in an hour and half tour stopping to see many of the historical places on the island. Tour guides are supposed to be terrific! I think this is the Conch train tour and it is in open air cars pulled by a jeep looking like a little train! CUTE! The trolly runs on a route throughout the day and you can get on and off as many times as you like at different points throughout the island. I'm sure if you go into the Key West board on here, many people can help you!

 

Cocoa Cay is very nice. You will have to tender into the island (about 5 minute ferry ride) then you just find a chair and plant yourself for the day. If you stick to the area near the restaurant/eating, you'll be central and not need alot of walking.

 

On the ship, you should be fine. There are many stairs, but many elevators as well. There are also many places to sit and watch the world go buy if you need a rest.

 

Enjoy yourselves.

Mrsfuzzmo

[mrsfuzzmo]

Oh yeah, if I can make the most important suggestion of all......definitely fly in the day before if possible!!!!!! So often nowadays, flights are held up and people have to run to catch the ship.....worse yet miss it all together. Better safe than sorry. There are many hotels right near the port and if they don't have a shuttle, the'll be within a $5.00 cab ride. The cab will drop you off right at the gate! Easy as pie.

 

Sorry, I can't help with Nassau.

 

Mrsfuzzmo

[MartiniMama]

We took the same Majesty cruise. We live close by so I can't answer your questions about flying in but I agree that it's best to get here a day early. As far as Coco Cay -- I would say the same as MrsFuzzmo -- short tender ride to their own private island. They had alot of little shops/kiosks as you get off the boat -- perfect for souvenirs. The buffet was nice and there are lots of beach chairs just a short walk away. We just enjoyed the water -- very shallow and warm and then sat on the chairs. I loved the island because it was just our ship, not crowded, very nice.

As far as Key West, we took the tram car that picks you up at the ship and takes you into downtown Key West. We went to the little acquarium -- it was nice. And then we walked around to a couple of shops. Not alot of walking. Then caught the tram back to the ship. One big thing -- make sure you take your picture ID with you. I did not bring mine -- just my ship card. I got lucky, the person inspecting our half of the tram saw my son on my lap and was a nice old guy and said "I see you have your hands full, don't worry about it." Other people on our tram who had the other inspector and did not bring their picture ID had to get off the tram, go through I don't know what rigamoral and then had to walk back to the ship!!!

As far as Nassau is concerned, you have to walk a short distance from the ship to go through their "welcome center" and then do whatever you have planned. Once we went for a horse buggy ride through the town - very nice but try to bargain a better price than they offer. We did that on our own. Another time, we did an excursion through the cruise line (Royal Carribbean) to the Atlantis Resort/Casino. Would never do that again. I would just get off the ship and get a cab. The boat that took us to Atlantis took forever to board, it was hot and then we had to march in line with everyone on a LONG walk up to the casino. For the same money (or less) we could have just caught a cab and been dropped off at the hotel. The hotel is very nice and the aquarium is nice but you don't need to go through the cruise line. Coming back we decided to skip the boat ride back (and the long walk to the pier) and just caught a cab. We also walked around the downtown area. Lots of overpriced stuff, terrible sidewalks, not alot to see. The famous "straw market" is just a bunch of cheap t-shirts/baskets. It is just a big tent, very hot, small aisles that you have to squeeze through(beware of pick pockets). Sorry to make it sound so bad -- maybe there are other excursions but none that were suitable for a family with a little one.

The Majesty is a nice ship, good food, good entertainment. You'll have a great time! :)