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My family and I, which includes my brother and our two elderly parents are cruising to St. Thomas around the first of May on Carnival Glory. Can anybody tell me about how far the sites such as Blackbeard's Tower, etc. are located from the cruiseline docks? So many of the tours I have seen offered are using the safari buses, which my parents would not be able to get into due to their health (knee replacements, heart conditions), so we thought if these sites were within a good walking distance, that we would just take our time and walk to the various locations. Or, if anybody has any other suggestions, we would sure appreciate them. My father is 89, and I think this will probably be the last trip we get to take as a family.
If they can't get into a safai bus, then a walking tour wouldn't be a good idea, either. Instead of a safari, get a cab that is a van or car.
Bonnie,
The ship docks in Havensight. You'll have a great view of Charlotte Amalie. your parents might like staying on the boat and looking at the Harbor.
If not, the dock at Havensight is like a small mall. Within a couple of blocks from the cruise ship there are more stores than you could want. There's liquor, fine jewelry, souviners, pretty much everything, and it's all duty free (your Cruise Director will explain the limits).
The shopping is great. Last time I was there I bought a nice diamond.
Whatever you do, have fun. That's why we all go to the islands.
John
Thanks for your suggestions. I've got something to consider now. I am learning these cruiselines/shoretours don't offer much, if anything for the less ablebodied person.
Shopping in Havensight is a good idea. They have pretty much everything that the town does...except me as the salesperson! Haha! J/K. They also may enjoy a half-day sail aboard one of the many offerings. They won't be able to get into the water to snorkel, as getting out may present a problem, but just the boat ride and merriment might be attractive to them. The tram up to Paradise Point is always a good idea. The Atlantis submarine might be a little too difficult to get in/out of, but maybe the BOB Underwater Adventure (www.bobusvi.com) might work., It'd still be difficult for them to get out of the water, but the crew would help and you only have to get out once. It's stern platform is only about a foot above the water and the crew could pull them up, instead of having them use the ladder. Coral World is another option. Lessee, what else for the mobility challenged? Anyone?
Bonnie,
Quite by accident I just found this site and thought of you and your parents. http://www.accessvi.com/
From their website:
"Our tours are designed for those individuals and traveling companions that may be restricted in their mobility, including wheelchair patrons, or people just wanting to experience St. Thomas at a leisurely pace. Accessible Adventures' tours are open to all cruise ship passengers as well as visitors staying on the beautiful island of St. Thomas."
Their phone number is 340 775-2348
I hope this is a help in having your parents enjoy St. Thomas. You are lucky. My folks are 83 and 85. I wish they would consider a vacation there with me, but they won't.
Gerie
