Atlantis for senior citizens
Apr 29th, 2002, 07:09 AM
#1
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Atlantis for senior citizens
Hi - we are sending my folks to Atlantis for their 50th anniversary.<BR>We booked the Beach Tower for 3 nights.<BR>Any tips for helping them get around?<BR>Mom does not walk too well anymore but really tries and is incredibly excited to go somewhere so exotic. She loves pools and casinos etc. Dad hates eating exotic so we booked the modified meal plan - he eats just limited food anyway.<BR>Also - how do they get into Nassau to the straw market etc, to do a tour of the island without having to walk over a big bridge.
Apr 29th, 2002, 08:04 AM
#2
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What a nice gift! We were just there with my 82-year-old father who also does not walk too well. Because it is so spread out, the Beach Tower is the furthest away from the casino. You should consider moving them to the Coral or Royal Towers and call the hotel a few days before to book a room near the elevator so they won't have to walk too far once they get off at their floor. The modified meal plan is mostly buffets and I'm sure your Dad will find something he likes. There are tours that will take them around the island in little buses, or they can take a taxi if they feel comfortable finding their way around. I'd probably opt for the tour though just to be on the safe side. I don't have the phone number of the tour people, but the hotel should be able to put you through to them if you want info ahead of time. <BR><BR>I also think you should go with them ...<BR
Apr 29th, 2002, 09:03 AM
#3
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Hi Cindy,<BR>Were there any little golf cart type transport around the complex?<BR>Mom can walk for things like grocery shopping, but if she tries to walk the length of a large shopping mall without sitting down, she might have a hard time. But at Christmas she did some walking looking at lights and windows.<BR>I will look into moving them to Coral towers.<BR><BR>Also - was there a ferry from Atlantis to town?<BR>Wish we could go too - my folks would love it - but school gets in the way...
Apr 29th, 2002, 12:44 PM
#4
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The only carts I saw were used by the workers. It's not like your mom will have to walk non-stop. There are restaurants and bars around the property and chairs by all of the pools. Inside there are couches and seats around. We stayed at the Coral Towers which worked out well because it is in the middle of the property. <BR><BR>We took a ferry to Blue Lagoon Island for swimming with the dolphins. The ferry terminal is about a 5-10 minute walk off property, before the bridge. While it was nothing for me & the kids, Dad found the walk to be very tiring (perhaps because it was also hot outside). We should have taken a cab there to make it easier for him, but I think you'd need to tell the driver what time to pick you up because I didn't see any taxis sitting around at the ferry terminal when we returned. If your parents want to go into Nassau itself it would be easier for them to take a taxi directly there - there's always plenty of them at the hotel (or they will get one for them). <BR><BR>School always gets in the way - but you'll have your chance for fun when its over!
Apr 29th, 2002, 06:00 PM
#6
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Perhaps she could bring one of those canes with the fold out seat for a rest in the middle of nowhere! Also, those little push-carts are very helpful for walking distance, yet more compact and lightweight for travel. It's like a walker with four wheels and a little bike basket for carrying magazines, sunscreen, etc.<BR>They should use a cab to get to and from the Straw Market since it will provide door-to-door service.<BR>Please do try to move them to the Coral or Royal Towers, to a room near the elevator.<BR>
Apr 30th, 2002, 05:29 AM
#9
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I also think that this is a wonderful gift to your folks....They will be the best judge of what activities they want to participate in, My dad loves the Caymans...his idea of heaven is sitting on the beach with a book and a cold beer and just relaxing, he also has limited mobility but just getting away from the general pressures of life seemed to do him good. I suspect your folks will have a great time whether they become consumate tourists or lazy beach bunnies.....I would make sure that the hotel knows that there may be special needs associated with your folks stay and second the suggestion to move them to the closest building. This place is huge.
Apr 30th, 2002, 01:00 PM
#10
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Thanks everyone,<BR>They are definitely going to Atlantis - too excited to go anywhere else.<BR>What I was really looking for was tips on how to get around. I am sure my Mom is not the first person who is not wheelchair bound, or using a cane, that can't walk huge distances. At other resorts I have stayed in the Carribean and other parts of the country, and there are many, they always have little shuttles that drive folks that can't make the trip across the complex. I just expected something similar here.<BR>I will recommend they either take a cab or similar to go into town for the one day. Thanks...
May 6th, 2002, 09:07 AM
#11
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Hi - as a followup - I checked out www.atlantis.com and read the 21 pages of FAQ that was posted. The DO say hey have a shuttle service around the complex. And they DO have free wheelchairs available at the nurses station if Mom gets that bad. Lastly, we did take everyone's suggestion and for $20 each per night, moved them to the Coral Towers - hopefully they will be right in the center.<BR>I will let you know when they come back if this was all true.
