Vision of the Seas -accessible review part3

[Branchan]

Ports

Roatan, Honduras

**This cruise line offers one Level 2 excursion at this port**
I decided to book an excursion through the cruise line and access it for the accessibility. The accessible excursion offered by RCCL was not something Shawn was interested in doing. This excursion, Maya Key Private Island Retreat, Shawn did not come on because we were not sure what it would be like. First off, a power chair user would not be able to participate because you take a small boat right from the pier to the island. It would be fine for someone that is able to at least take a few steps to get into the boat with a folding chair. The island itself I found very accessible so it is a shame that there couldn't be some way that they could make the boat ride accessible. Even the use of a small ramp from dock to the boat is all they would need.

[Branchan]

Belize City, Belize

This is a tender port and we were advised that Shawn might not be able to get off the ship. Only if the tender boat had roll on capabilities. There are no Level 2 wheelchair accessible excursions available at this port. We decided not to book any excursions and I went on the tender myself to check it out and see what the port was like. I took the tender boat in the early morning, which are considered peak hours. The boat they used at this time was easily accessible for a wheelchair and had roll on capabilities. The problem would be that we would only be going to check out the port because there is no private wheelchair taxis or excursions in Belize. The port itself was fairly accessible but a wheelchair would have problems getting into most stores because even though there were ramps they were at such ridiculous steep angles you would almost get wedged between ramp and sidewalk. There is not a ton to do other than a few shops and bars. The tenders that run during non peak hours is small and has several steps to get in and out. So the only accessible tender boat going back would be at peak hours so you would have to kill at least 4 hours in the port. Keep in mind it is very hot and no AC in any places we went into. Not really ideal. I would say that if we ever went there in the future that Shawn would still not get off. Cozumel, Mexico

This port the ship does offer a level 2 excursion. We decided to book our own private excursion through a company called This is Cozumel. There is something called a Cozumel Bar Hop and that tour is not accessible so we asked to go to the same bars with our private driver. In booking on own, we would not get the free T-shirts or the free shots but we didn't care cause we wanted the experience. Two out of the four stops on the official Cozumel Bar Hop are not accessible so our driver improvised. Upon meeting our driver, we were offered a wheelchair accessible van that was so low that we could no get Shawn in. This would work for someone that is able to lower his or her head so low as to avoid the low ceiling but definitely did not work for us. We had our driver call another wheelchair taxi with a higher roof. This was not a vehicle that was part of This is Cozumel, but our driver just wanted to help us. It was a regular taxi service and the number was taxi 192. If we were to go back we would just book this one. I can't see how any adult could ever get in to the other company's taxi. Another thing to keep in mind is that they do not use any Q straints or fasteners of any kind so you need to be comfortable with that if using accessible transportation in Cozumel. So we were a bit late getting going and therefore only had time for 3 bars instead of the 4 we hoped to do. The first bar we stopped at was The Money Bar. It had a nice atmosphere and was completely accessible to sit waterside and have a few drinks. The next stop was Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. This was a great spot and the restaurant was accessible and we had some drinks and appetizers here. This is a great spot for families as well because it had a beach and pool and it would be easy for Shawn to sit and watch the kids swim. We would return to Mr. Santos again as a family excursion in the future. The last stop was Punta Morena. Once again an accessible spot. This is the only one that I can comment on the bathroom situation. There is a ramp to the washrooms but there is not a stall big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The area were we sat and had drinks was another great spot to go with the kids since the pool and beach were close enough for Shawn to sit and watch them.

Money Bar

[Branchan]

Mr Sanchos Cozumel

 

Punta Morena

[Branchan]

Costa Maya, Mexico

There are no Level 2 wheelchair accessible excursions at this port. This port has a lot to offer without ever leaving the port area. There is 2 bar/restaurants Carlos and Charlie's and Señor Frogs. For a fun time with lots of loud music and people dancing go to Senior Frogs but for more a typical bar which is quieter go the other. We ate at Carlos and Charlie's but went to Señor Frogs for drinks. There is a large pool area, not accessible and a man made sand area. There is accessibility down onto the beach to see the dolphin encounter and over look the water. Just test the sand though because some areas are not as hard packed as others. It can get really tight getting to the sand beach area going around by Carlos and Charlie's so I would recommend going through Señor Frogs and taking the ramps around the pool area. A lot more room and not as many people crowded into one area. Shops were all accessible and many different types of Mexican souvenirs and crafts.

 

Disembarkation


Very easy and smooth. Our time was 9am and by the time we got to the Masquerade Ballroom at 8:50am, they had already called our number and we just immediately got off the ship. The lines getting off the ship and at customs went very quickly and it was an easy smooth process. My only complaint would be that once you get outside there is people constantly yelling at you to keep moving but there is no signs where to go to catch the cruise line shuttle and there is no RC representatives telling you where to go. It seemed a bit chaotic and when you are trying to walk around with 3 children, 4 pieces of luggage and a power chair you don't want to be wandering all over the place amongst crowds of people trying to figure out where you should be.