Lauren Kristy

Description

The Lauren Kristy is a 65 foot paddle-wheeler, docked at the Bay Shore Marina. There are many accessible parking spaces in the large, marina lot.
A ramp from the wooden dock gets you onboard. One must step over a "lip" to get inside. There are 12 steps to get to the upper level.
The main level has large windows, in a spacious area with tables and chairs.
The upper level has plastic windows that can be rolled up.
The single-occupancy restroom is located on the main level. It is quite small and not accessible.

Checklist

Attraction Type:  boating
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  depends on where you park
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  flat
Places to rest:  there are benches along the concrete sidewalks
Paths and walkways:  concrete
Doors:  this is a ship
Number of floors:  two
Elevators:  no
Ramps:  ramp to go aboard
Steps and staircases:  12 steps to the upper level
Width of aisles:  adequate space
Places to sit:  tables and chairs
Location of restrooms:  main level
Type of restroom:  very small, single-occupancy, - not accessible
Ease of entry and exit:  ok
Baby changing station:  no
Available food services:  our cruise had a catered lunch
Friendliness of staff:  everyone was exceptionally friendly and helpful
Notes:  * there are many accessible spaces throughout the large, paved, marina lot

Read More

An invitation to a luncheon cruise brought me to the Lauren Kristy, a 65 foot, turn-of-the-century style, paddle-wheeler. 

Metered parking was easy in the very large, paved lot at the Bay Shore Marina. There are many accessible spaces. 

Walking towards the boat gave me a feeling of stepping back in time. The ramp to get onboard seemed a bit scary, but there were people to give me a hand and make me feel secure. I might add that this might be a bit uncertain for a wheelchair user, but someone told me that her wheelchair user friend went aboard with no problem. 

Once onboard, you can remain on this level or go up the 12 steps to the upper level. The lower level requires stepping over a “sill” to get inside (all boats have this when entering). I would call this level, “indoor” with large windows. This is a spacious area with tables, chairs and a service bar. This level is also where the single-occupancy restrooms are located. They are small and not accessible. There is some outside space.  The upper level offers a more outdoor experience. Although there is a roof overhead, the “windows” are plastic and can be rolled up. Since we had a gorgeous day, the windows were up and we felt as though we were outside. For those that want to be truly outside, there is room for some chairs at the stern and also room to stand at the front of the boat. This level had well-spaced tables and bar. 

Since we were a group, there was a specific lunch menu. It was quite good. We must say that everyone on board was very pleasant and helpful They seemed genuinely happy to have us.

Of course, the highlight of the afternoon was the cruise around the Great South Bay. Having perfect weather made our trip even better. I’m not exactly sure where we went, but it really didn’t matter. It was just lovely to be out on the water for the afternoon.

We would suggest that if you have any questions about accessibility or anything else, give them a call (631) 321-9005. Based on our conversation, I’m sure they will try to accommodate you as best they can.

We had a lovely time. We hope you do too!

As always, we at Destination:Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, http://www.laurenkristy.com">www.laurenkristy.com, when planning a visit, to “know before you go,” 

Location

Nearby