Accessible Transportation to Atlantis

[jdh]

My hubby uses a scooter for mobility and we are hoping to be able to go to Atlantis for a few hours. I have heard a few different scenarios regarding getting to and from Atlantis from the Port. Any info would be appreciated.

[krisnme]

We went in 2008 with a group of 10, 1 in a scooter and a teen in a wheelchair, just grabbed a van type cab at the port, it was a little tight but got everything in just fine, at the Atlantis, had to wait a few minutes while doorman called for a van to take us back. Have a great time!

[sheas mom]

We are cruising on sept 4 going to atlantis on sept 8. We booked a taxi with a HC ramp:

Courteous Transfers & Tours

Nassau Bahamas

Gerard

Tel. 242 4683900

They charged $55 each way.

Did not want to take a chance that the Taxi will have a ramp, so we reserved a taxi in advance.

[vickila]

I've used Gerard before with my scooter -- he is IT. He's a terrific person, very caring. gerardblewis@hotmail.com. Tell him "New York Minute" said Hi -- should get a chuckle out of him.

 

Yes, the price is high, but will accommodate all of you and with the situation in Nassau being so packed with cruiseships, the regular vans have no trunks -- seats to the max and no room to even fold a stroller up inside, much less a scooter or w/c.

 

At Atlantis, you can book "The Dig" for approx. $35pp -- at the front desk of Tower and use elevator to get down to it -- completely accessible. To get to the other end where shark tank is -- an overhead aquarium, you must go through casino to other end using a (manned one person elevator) BECAUSE OF STEPS between towers (easy) and keep going to the back -- security guards will direct you. It's worth the effort.

 

Also, you can scooter down to the Marina area (more shops and restaurants outside). An enjoyable day and we do it every time we go to Nassau. Vicki:)

[rascalrider]

Vicki, is there any reason why my friend and I cannot scooter to Atlantis on our own? It does not appear to be very far from the cruise port.

[rangeley]

Vicki, is there any reason why my friend and I cannot scooter to Atlantis on our own? It does not appear to be very far from the cruise port.

 

 

Atlantis is not as close as you might think. It's a few miles away over a big bridge and through some scary streets. Get a ride!

[nausetms]

We've also used Gerard and recommend him.

[kayakstef]

About how much does Gerard cost? We will be 6 - 1 on a scooter, 2 in a double stroller, and 3 able bodies.

[vickila]

About how much does Gerard cost? We will be 6 - 1 on a scooter, 2 in a double stroller, and 3 able bodies.

Gerard has 3 different types of vehicles -- 2 with lifts, 1 with a ramp -- as far as I know. He can accommodate your group. He charged us $40/each way for 2 of us in the van -- don't know how he would charge you. Yes, it's pricey, but SAFE -- DO NOT GO THERE ON YOUR OWN VIA THE SCOOTER -- areas are not safe. Perhaps some van would take the stroller -- but doubt the scooter -- even if disassembled. Ever hear the expression -- whatever the market will bear -- well in Nassau -- it's how many ships are in ---- the market ----- imo -- I want to go there -- I pay the price -- safety, convenience comes at a price. E-mail him and tell him "NewYork Minute"says hi. gerardblewis@hotmail.com. Vicki:)

[raindropsalways]

Could you please be more precise as to why someone should not scoot to Atlantis on their own. It is only two miles, open roads and day-light hours. What are we not understanding?

 

 

Thanks,

Betty

[vickila]

Gerard has 3 different types of vehicles -- 2 with lifts, 1 with a ramp -- as far as I know. He can accommodate your group. He charged us $40/each way for 2 of us in the van -- don't know how he would charge you. Yes, it's pricey, but SAFE -- DO NOT GO THERE ON YOUR OWN VIA THE SCOOTER -- areas are not safe. Perhaps some van would take the stroller -- but doubt the scooter -- even if disassembled. Ever hear the expression -- whatever the market will bear -- well in Nassau -- it's how many ships are in ---- the market ----- imo -- I want to go there -- I pay the price -- safety, convenience comes at a price. E-mail him and tell him "NewYork Minute"says hi. gerardblewis@hotmail.com. Vicki:)

 

 

I'm from NY and wouldn't try it!!!! As in all the islands -- think safety -- and don't put yourself in a bad position -- traveling there on a scooter would be a prime target. nuf said. V.

[raindropsalways]

Thank you. I would be hesitant about making the trip alone, but with a couple of us, it should be OK. There were some problems a few years ago around the Queen's Staircase. I have not heard of any problems since then.

 

 

Betty

[vickila]

Thank you. I would be hesitant about making the trip alone, but with a couple of us, it should be OK. There were some problems a few years ago around the Queen's Staircase. I have not heard of any problems since then.

 

 

Betty

Not my choice, but good luck. One year ago - November -- 2 sets of tours from cruiselines on segways were held up on an ecological trail -- at gunpoint and if you go out shopping on the main steets in Nassau very early -- you will get my drift -- been there, done that --- BE SAFE!!! V.

[nausetms]

What's the range on your scooter? 2 miles out, 2 back and how many within Atlantis. Not me, man.

[xxoocruiser]

Vicki, is there any reason why my friend and I cannot scooter to Atlantis on our own? It does not appear to be very far from the cruise port.

 

Think about this .... What will you do if you run into problems with the scooter(s) while attempting to roll to Atlantis? It's not as if an accessibile taxi is just going to happen to drive by to assist the two of you. You could very well be sitting along side the road waving goodbye to your cruise ship. Than what will you do ? Do not chance it, arrange for accessible transportation.

[raindropsalways]

I am positive that you all have our best interest at heart and my sincere thanks for your input. But the totally negative attitude does not make any sense.

 

We have been around the world on our scooters. I will admit that some of the places we scooted through were a bit questionable, probably the same as neighborhoods in our own communities that we should avoid. We have sought assistance a few times and the locals were always helpful. If you want some hair raising experiences try a couple weeks on trains in Europe or the roadway getting from the docks to the sights in Mumbai or the streets of Beijing or Alexandria.

 

I have been to Nassau at least four times. They have open roads (no dark alley ways) and the people are wonderful. Sure, there are bad apples every place but we do not go looking for them. As far as distance; don't you carry a spare set of batteries?

 

We fully understand the hazards of traveling on scooters. That is the main reason it is difficult for me to understand the negative attitude of other experienced scooters. Are there any of you that has actually made the trip on a scooter? Guess that I am reluctant to give up my independence on speculation.

 

Betty

[nausetms]

No - we don't carry a spare set of batteries or the tools necessary to install them or a power source to charge them. Bon chance.

[raindropsalways]

I'm sorry, guess I just assumed everybody had scooters with the battery packs. No wiring to fiddle with, no special charger just plug into appropriate electrical outlet. I do have to use a converter if I go abroad, however Ruth's works with both 110 and 220. Last trip I had a bum shoulder so we would ask someone on the streets to switch packs. Seems like everyone was willing to help. The second set of batteries gives us more independence and the freedom to see a bit more.

 

 

Betty

[xxoocruiser]

I am positive that you all have our best interest at heart and my sincere thanks for your input. But the totally negative attitude does not make any sense.

 

We have been around the world on our scooters. I will admit that some of the places we scooted through were a bit questionable, probably the same as neighborhoods in our own communities that we should avoid. We have sought assistance a few times and the locals were always helpful. If you want some hair raising experiences try a couple weeks on trains in Europe or the roadway getting from the docks to the sights in Mumbai or the streets of Beijing or Alexandria.

 

I have been to Nassau at least four times. They have open roads (no dark alley ways) and the people are wonderful. Sure, there are bad apples every place but we do not go looking for them. As far as distance; don't you carry a spare set of batteries?

 

We fully understand the hazards of traveling on scooters. That is the main reason it is difficult for me to understand the negative attitude of other experienced scooters. Are there any of you that has actually made the trip on a scooter? Guess that I am reluctant to give up my independence on speculation.

 

Betty

 

Think perhaps you're being too sensitive and mistaking overall concern as negativity.

 

The underline message is that everyone on this thread is concerned for one's overall safety and does not want to see one left stranded. It's not that we don't want you to enjoy your trip or intentionally put a kink in what you want to do. Most people do not travel with spare batteries and tool kits as another poster stated. In addition there are far more people that appear to rent the scooter than bring their own on board ( if they even own one at all ) I am one of those people as I do not want the airlines to damage mine. The rental companies do not provide extra battery kits and the renter is personally responsible for the replacement cost should something happen. Thus the reason why many have suggested against scootering to Atlantis.

[Quampapetet]

Can the scooters you have make the incline of the bridges between New Providence and Paradise Islands? That's the thing I'd be worried about. The area is pretty safe; you won't be going down any back roads or into the ghetto (as the Bahamians call it), so I wouldn't be too worried about somebody trying to rob or hurt you. I've had family and friends who have walked that route (and longer) on foot. I'm not sure what the incline limits of a scooter are, though, for the bridges.

[raindropsalways]

Thank you so much. It is really refreshing to have someone look at things with a willingness to do. The bridge is definitely a concern. However, we have traveled both ways on the bridge to the ships in Barcelona fully loaded and the incline looks similar, so we do not anticipate any problems. At present, we plan to check out the water taxi for going to Paradise Island. Will cross the bridge on the way back so we can stop at Potters Cay.

 

 

Betty

[Quampapetet]

The water taxi is in no way accessible, sorry. It is a huge step/jump into the boat and a big climb out of the boat. You have to be pretty mobile to get in and out of the boat. It isn't like in the U.S. where most water taxis would use real docks and ramps to get into boats. (I also wouldn't recommend them for other reasons, but they are definitely not accessible anyway.)

[nausetms]

Have you been to Atlantis yet? How did the trip go?

[raindropsalways]

We are not leaving until September 1st and will not get home until mid October, and will have two stops in Nassau. Ruth and I are rather adventurous; if you want to see things you have to make the best of what is available. The water taxi sounds very similar to some things we have been on. A couple bucks tip to a couple locals and those guys are very eager to assist. In the event we have to cross the bridge both ways, we both have an extra set of batteries (battery packs / no wiring involved, just lift in and out).

 

 

On our first stop we plan on going to the Ardastra Gardens. It is slightly less than two miles from the ship and I think (hope) mostly level ground.

 

 

Will let everyone know what the trip to Atlantis is like when we get back.

 

 

Betty

[vickila]

We are not leaving until September 1st and will not get home until mid October, and will have two stops in Nassau. Ruth and I are rather adventurous; if you want to see things you have to make the best of what is available. The water taxi sounds very similar to some things we have been on. A couple bucks tip to a couple locals and those guys are very eager to assist. In the event we have to cross the bridge both ways, we both have an extra set of batteries (battery packs / no wiring involved, just lift in and out).

 

 

On our first stop we plan on going to the Ardastra Gardens. It is slightly less than two miles from the ship and I think (hope) mostly level ground.

 

 

Will let everyone know what the trip to Atlantis is like when we get back.

 

 

Betty

Flamingo march is at 2:30 p.m. -- remeber to adjust your time accordingly. Have fun. Vicki