Expert: Linda - 6/25/2000

Question
We`re taking my 75 yr old mom on a birthday cruise on Royal Carribean at the end of July.  Were wondering what to expect at stops in Nassau and Cococay.  Thanks

Answer
First off, you've chosen a great cruise line.  We love RCCL, the staff is friendly, service is great and the young servers etc, really seem to enjoy the pleasant elderly.

As for Nassau, you will dock at the port.  It will be easy for your Mom to get on and off the ship.It's a close short walk into the main area of Nassau.  You can take her on a horse driven surrey though town to see the sites, or if you'd like, hail a cab from the sidewalk anywhere and take her to Paradise Island.  I don't know where you're from, but if you haven't been there, it's great.  There is a lot of walking though.  There is a huge casino, as well as many tunnels you walk though that are plexiglass and you see the fish, lobster, sharks above and all around you.  There are many places to stop and sit awhile and many shade trees should Mom want a rest.For CocoCay, you will tender, which means your Mom will need to get on another boat to go ashore.  It's not bad, just walk down the steps to the boat and board.  There are PLENTY of people to help.  You then are taken to RCCL's private island.  Lots of sand and sandy beaches.  Don't sit close where the beach starts, it's very crowded.  If you can, walk further into the island, it's a path that is paved.  You'll find chairs, lounges, trees and lots of waiters to bring you what you want.  there's also some souvenier shopping if you're interested.  there are 2 pavillions that serve lunch, buffet style and lots of covered pavillions for eating.  There are several bars on the island as well.  It tends to be very hot in July, so you may want to disembark early in the morning, spend some time on the island, then return to the ship.  It's great to be back on the ship because there are no crowds.  Maybe Mom might like to try the Jacuzzi, it's usually empty when everyone is on shore trying to get burned.  Yourother option would be to hang out on the ship, eat lunch and then take a tender later in the afternoon when it's not so hot.  Again, how much the heat will bother you will depend on what heat you're used to.  We're from FLA. and hate the heat, we go early, lay around, eat lunch and come back to the ship and lay around, do some reading.  If you have any other questions, just ask away.  What a neat daughter you are to think of Mom this way...you must be very special.

Linda