St. Maarten Ideas?

[samiam43094]

My husband & I are going on our first cruise on Carnival Glory 5/13 -- 5/20. I'm a quadraplegic. The cruise was a gift from my sister. I've found some info on things we can do in Nassau & St. Thomas (would welcome more), but what about St. Marteen? Of all places in the world, that's the one my husband has dreamed of visiting for years! He wants to take photos of the "heavies" (airplanes) landing at the airport, swim to the wrecks, deep sea fish...everything. Unfortunately, I'm in a heavy electric wheelchair & can't use a manual for more than a few minutes. He does sometimes put me in the front seat of our car to drive around. We could possible do that, but only if there was some way to get my chair back onboard while we were gone & back to me when we return. Is there anyone on the ship who can do that? Also, I spend hours by myself here at home, but never have in a "strange place". What's your advice about him leaving me onboard alone while he snorkles or something? Would the crew help me with things like opening doors, elevator, etc.? I also have a leg bag (urine). If it got full while he was gone (rare, but.....), would the nurse/dr. or somebody be able/willing to help me? My husband works so hard at his job, as my only caregiver, taking care of our home, etc. I want him to have a great time! (& me too!) This adventure is exciting, but also a little scarey. Any help on any subject would be greatly welcome!

[boomerSexyK]

My wife and I were on the Constellation last Nov. when we visited St.Maarten. I am also in a wheelchair. Thankfully, for short distances I can get around on 2 forearm canes, but use a manual wheelchair for any sort of distance at all. I too had always wanted to visit St.Maarten. So we had the Concierge call ahead and book us a Tracker (sort of a small Jeep) at the local rental agency. I think it ran about $80 for the day. I do almost all the driving in our family and we found it was a wonderful way to "see" the island. There is really only one main road that circles the entire island and we went around it in about 3 hours, stopping at Orient Beach and Grand Case on the French side, the casino and a neat little bar on the beach at Buccanneer's Bay (the airport in the distance). So what I am saying is that the island is small enough to see see lots in the time allotted.

We caught one of the "golf cart" rides to the rental agency and back to the ship afterwards for a couple of bucks. I found the Celebrity staff to be very helpful and willing to do most anything in their power to accomodate. I am sure (if arranged ahead of time) that they could care for your power chair while you were ashore.

As far as your leg bag I would assume that is something that should be arranged through the medical facilty (be aware that the medical office is almost like a separate entity onboard and they charge for most things they do). Hope this helps. and relax...have a great cruise.