Written by Chillie Falls, December 5, 2022
I am on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam this week and our first port of call was Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. We landed there about 9 AM on December 4, 2022. It was announced earlier that tender tickets would be available in BB Kings Blues Club at 8:30 AM. I was there about 8 and asked one of the crew if this port was accessible. “Absolutely,” was the response. So I got in line for the tickets.
Most tenders are two decks, and since I am on a Scootaround scooter, the only time I have been able to tender was when the embarkation deck was the same deck as the disembarkation level at the port. Since I can not do steps, over the years I have missed out on numerous ports thinking that was the only way. Dumb me, I was wrong.
My first inkling was when Nieuw Statendam staff told me I had to wait for the next tender as the first one was not accessible. That left me totally confused.
My confusion would be erased in five minutes. The same staff person came to me, said “Follow me”, and parted the mob of people and led me to the front of the line. My scooter easily went up the ramp, but keep in mind, the ramp from my ship was moving up and down, and swaying side to side due to the pitching and rolling of the tender. My heart immediately found its way to my throat. I am sure my blood pressure went nuts. But, I made it on the tender.
A huge man that was on the tender crew, said, “Turn this way” and directed me to the aft of the tender where I was lead down a narrow, steep ramp with three turns that took me to the first deck. And the crew member assisted me all the way down until I was safely parked. Then, they loaded the tender.
Getting off the tender in Half Moon Cay was dicey, but not nearly as frightening. And soon, I was on solid ground once again. And my breathing began to get back to normal.
I rolled around the “touristy” area for a few minutes and sought out a restroom. I was shocked to find a wheelchair accessible mens room and an accessible stall that was not in use.
The only thing I was interested in doing was the Island BBQ put on by Holland America. Following the signs, I found a “cobblestone”-like sidewalk. The ride was a little bumpy, and uneven in places but nothing I couldn’t handle. It was about a half mile ride through the mangroves and since the BBQ was not quite ready, I found a bar and enjoyed an adult beverage.
When I arrived at the BBQ, before I could even pick up a plate, someone was there to assist me. So, I let him. Armed with napkins and silverware, he filled my plate and lead me a to an easily accessible table.
Since I am solo, I had no interest in any beach activities, and headed back toward the ship. I stopped on the way and checked out the Lobster Shack. It is down another fairly steep hill to a large deck. I made it down and back up without need of assistance so I will probably try that next time I am here.
The tender operation back to the ship was just the reverse of the first one, and almost as scary. With my fat butt and the steepness of the ramp, my scooter was pushed to the limits. But it made it. And, with only a little assistance over the “bump” between the ramp and the ship deck, I was back aboard and heading for another adult beverage to calm my nerves.
Seriously, Half Moon Cay was accessible, and knowing that a tender is a bit challenging, I recommend going ashore.