Wheelchair accessibility in Cozumel, Belize and Roatan

I already posted this in the first time cruisers section but I will put it here also in the hopes of getting even more responses.

I'll be going on my first cruise ever in the spring of 2012 on the Mariner Of The Seas to the Western Caribbean, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I'm in an electric wheelchair full time, cannot get out of it and walk a few steps and I understand that in Cozumel and Roatan the ship will pull right up next to the dock and I can just drive my chair down the plank onto the dock and go have fun. At Belize there is a tender involved and I will just stay aboard the ship that day. How wheelchair accessible is Cozumel and Roatan? Will I have trouble finding a minivan or full size van taxi with a lift to get around? Is there a web site somewhere that will list these that are available to rent? I would like to go of some kind of shore excursion if I can find some that will accommodate me.

Maybe I can offer a little info.

In Cozumel you should not have any problems. They have accessible taxis.

If you cannot walk with assistance, it is very unlikely that you could get ashore in Belize. We have the light weight scooters. Depending on weather and a bundle of other factors, the crew may load our scooters and assist us onto the tender.

I have not been to Roatan since I started using a mobility scooter. I do not remember it as being wheelchair friendly, however it is doable. First of all, do you know where you are docking? Most ships dock at Coxen Hole and Carnival ships dock at Mahogany Bay. Hopefully, you will dock at Coxen Hole. I did not find any “accessible” vehicles as such. However, we have booked a couple tours there with Rony Bennett who is willing to remove a seat in the vehicle and transport our scooters. Just do a search for his name and you will find him. On one of our trips we are going to a number of different places. On another trip we are just doing a mangrove tour. Since we have not yet taken the trip, I do not know what kind of service we will receive, except that I believe it will be very good. If you are docking in Mahogany Bay, getting to a private tour could be a bit of a problem. Let me know where you are docking.

Betty

I can let you know how Belize and Honduras are after I go this November.

Sounds good. Like I said, I cannot get out of my electric chair and walk any so I was just planning on staying aboard the ship in Belize. But on Roatan and in cozumel I will take all the information I can get about a minivan with a ramp or a full size van with a lift and also just the general accessibility of the sidewalks, shops, Et cetera. Thanks

I'm confined to my manual chair as well. I have found a accessible tour in Belize and I know Cozumel has a bunch of wheelchair van taxi's at the port if they dont they will call for one. If you do a search in this forum someone posted a number for a guy in Cozumel

I'll go ahead and bump it up in case anyone has any new information

hahahahaha

You must be on death row!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use a power chair, the electric chairs are for people who get the death penalty.

Sherry

Which date for the Mariner? I'm on the March 25 sailing. My wife uses a manual wheelchair but can walk for short distances. The Mariner is similar to the Voyager. Most public restrooms on the Voyager of the Seas have the automatic door opener for both the main door and the stall door. I remember only one true "handicap" public restroom where someone of the opposite sex can assist, and this was in the casino on deck 4.

Cozumel: I remember the public area just outside the ship was accessible. Some shops might be hard to get into, but the outside area was fine. We went to Nachi Cocom once, and it is not (repeat, not) accessible. I suspect most beach areas probably are not accessible. Frankly most of the time we stayed on the ship at the ports of call -- It is a great quiet time.

I already posted this in the first time cruisers section but I will put it here also in the hopes of getting even more responses.

 

I'll be going on my first cruise ever in the spring of 2012 on the Mariner Of The Seas to the Western Caribbean, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I'm in an electric wheelchair full time, cannot get out of it and walk a few steps and I understand that in Cozumel and Roatan the ship will pull right up next to the dock and I can just drive my chair down the plank onto the dock and go have fun. At Belize there is a tender involved and I will just stay aboard the ship that day. How wheelchair accessible is Cozumel and Roatan? Will I have trouble finding a minivan or full size van taxi with a lift to get around? Is there a web site somewhere that will list these that are available to rent? I would like to go of some kind of shore excursion if I can find some that will accommodate me.

44Minimum:

We were in Cozumel and Roatan this past January on the Celebrity Equinox. I am disabled and use a mobility scooter. Before I give you any information regarding the ports of call, please be aware of this: I don't recommend that you embark or disembark the ship while riding your chair or scooter. The ramps are so steep that you can easily turn over or run into something. I recommend that you have the staff take your chair off the ship and have them wheel you down the ramp in a wheelchair. the same goes when getting back on the ship. I almost turned my scooter over on me on a prior cruise while trying to get back on the ship. There are plenty of staff onboard to help you.

As far as the ports, here is what I have experienced:

1. Cozumel - I think there are two different ports here. I have been twice and each time at a different port so I don't know where Mariner of the Seas docks. Either way, both ports are great for using a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There is a lot to see and do at this port.

2. Roatan - This port is fairly safe while inside the fenced area. I highly recommend Cynthia's Tours for seeing the sights. They have several vans with plenty of help to place your chair inside the vehicle. The tour guide took us to both the wealthy and poor sections of the area. We also went to the local "Zoo" and fed the hundreds of iguanas that were roaming freely. Then we were taken to 'BananaRamaVille' which is a local beach bar and outdoor restaurant. The tour was great and we had ample opportunities to stop and take pictures. This port of call was the most picturesque of our cruise. The tour guides work for tips also so they bend over backwards to make sure that you enjoy your tour. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we tipped the guide a $20.

Since this is your first cruise, you want it to be both memorable and enjoyable. One further thing, when you first board the ship you might want to go to the dining room and look for your table assignment just to make sure you can access it in your power chair. If not, the maitre d' will be able to help you.

Enjoy your cruise!!! :D

44Minimum:

 

We were in Cozumel and Roatan this past January on the Celebrity Equinox. I am disabled and use a mobility scooter. Before I give you any information regarding the ports of call, please be aware of this: I don't recommend that you embark or disembark the ship while riding your chair or scooter. The ramps are so steep that you can easily turn over or run into something. I recommend that you have the staff take your chair off the ship and have them wheel you down the ramp in a wheelchair. the same goes when getting back on the ship. I almost turned my scooter over on me on a prior cruise while trying to get back on the ship. There are plenty of staff onboard to help you.

 

As far as the ports, here is what I have experienced:

 

1. Cozumel - I think there are two different ports here. I have been twice and each time at a different port so I don't know where Mariner of the Seas docks. Either way, both ports are great for using a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There is a lot to see and do at this port.

 

2. Roatan - This port is fairly safe while inside the fenced area. I highly recommend Cynthia's Tours for seeing the sights. They have several vans with plenty of help to place your chair inside the vehicle. The tour guide took us to both the wealthy and poor sections of the area. We also went to the local "Zoo" and fed the hundreds of iguanas that were roaming freely. Then we were taken to 'BananaRamaVille' which is a local beach bar and outdoor restaurant. The tour was great and we had ample opportunities to stop and take pictures. This port of call was the most picturesque of our cruise. The tour guides work for tips also so they bend over backwards to make sure that you enjoy your tour. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we tipped the guide a $20.

 

Since this is your first cruise, you want it to be both memorable and enjoyable. One further thing, when you first board the ship you might want to go to the dining room and look for your table assignment just to make sure you can access it in your power chair. If not, the maitre d' will be able to help you.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!! :D

Hi,

My boyfriend and I would like to take a cruise on Norwegian to western carribean. My boyfriend is in a power wheelchair. Il would like to know how much was your tour in Roatan. Also, what did you do in Cozumel?

Thanks.

Melissa

Hi,

 

I would like to know how much was your tour in Roatan. Also, what did you do in Cozumel?

Thanks.

 

Melissa

Melissa: The Roatan tour cost us about $20.00-$25.00 p.p. in a van that held six people. We each tipped the tour guide about $20.00 from each couple because he went out of his way to ensure that we had a great time. I think you can find "Cynthia's Tours" on the internet.

As far as Cozumel goes; the 1st. time we were there, we went into the town square where all of the tourist traps are. It is easily maneuvered with a W/C or other mobility device. This past January, when we were there, we did the "Cozumel Bar Hop". You pay a small fee for a driver and he takes you to the remote part of the island (no electricity) where the beach bars are at. It is like having your own designated driver. Even if you don't drink alcohol, the food is great and the fact that you are right on the ocean makes for great photographs and memories. You both should have a great time.

Hi,

I will be in all the same places and my husband and I would like to do a tour in Roatan. we just need a company that could take his 3 wheel pride mobility scooter. Can you give me the web site for the one you guys used that was able to take the scooter?

Thanks

Hi,

I will be in all the same places and my husband and I would like to do a tour in Roatan. we just need a company that could take his 3 wheel pride mobility scooter. Can you give me the web site for the one you guys used that was able to take the scooter?

Thanks

The tour company we used was through Cinthia Hynds of Roatan Cab Tours. Her email used to be Roatancabtours@yahoo.com.

She gives you all of the necessary information prior to the tour. When you disembark the ship, you proceed just outside the fenced area and your driver should be waiting for you. The local police are good at keeping the flow of traffic away from you while you load into the van. I also had a Pride 3-wheel scooter and was able to have it unloaded whenever I needed it. Roatan is beautiful so be prepared to take lots of pictures. We plan to revisit in June/12.

Does this tour company have a van equipped with a lift for loading someone in a wheelchair? Or they just help you into the van and then take your scooter or chair around to the back and load it up themselves?

Does this tour company have a van equipped with a lift for loading someone in a wheelchair? Or they just help you into the van and then take your scooter or chair around to the back and load it up themselves?

I didn't inquire about a van with a lift since there were six of us that traveled together on the tour. The scooter was not that heavy and two people could lift it into the back of the van. The driver, of course, did provide assistance any time it was needed. Although I have my own scooter at home, I prefer to rent the scooter versus an electric wheelchair as I find, being a big guy, it seems to be more stable especially at some ports of call to which some excursions may have rough terrain, inclines, etc.

Mariner is similar travelers. Ocean Voyager most public toilet stall doors and door automatic doors open. I remember only one real "obstacle" public toilets of the opposite sex who can help, which is on the deck of the 4 casinos.

We were on Voyager (sister ship to Mariner) in Feb 2011 and went to Cozumel. I use a Pride mobility scooter that breaks down into 5 parts. I can walk short distances and climb a few stairs if necessary. DH, DD and I had independently scheduled a Swimming with the Manatees at Chankanaab Park. When we got off the ship, the crowds were pretty thick getting in the Taxi Lines so DH had to run interference for me so we wouldn't get seperated. There are two lines, one for handicapped assistance on the right so bypass the longer line and head for that one. They contacted a van with a wheelchair lift. We had to wait a few minutes (not too long) and I just rode the scooter onto the lift. Wasn't the most comfortable ride in the world (I remember having to bend a little and keep my head down) but it worked out OK. I was very worried that I would not be able to do the Manatee swim but it worked out GREAT. The immediate area around the entrance is nicely paved and they even let me ride the scooter all the way out to where the steps led down into the Manatee enclosure. I sucked it up and took my time and managed the steps into the water. I'm sure if you are able to be lifted down the steps that the attendents there will be glad to help. It was the most FABULOUS experience of my life. They are so gentle - just like big old slobber dogs (Saint Bernards):) There were a few other areas that I could access on the scooter. We didn't try doing the beach or any other water activities but had the Taxi attendent call for a lift Van and went to a local off the beaten path restaurant and had the same taxi pick us up at a predetermined time and went back to the ship. Great day!

Concerning tender ports - on our last cruise I had read on cruise critic that I would probably not be able to get off the ship so when we got to Grand Cayman I waved goodbye to DH, DD, MIL, SIL, BIL, NIL, NPHIL and cruised around the ship on my own. At about 10:30, I thought I would just check and see if I could tender. I went to the information desk and asked and the girl looked at me like I had asked a crazy question and said "Of Course". It was easy to board, I just rode the scooter onto the tender. There was a slight bump in the ramp and the attendents had to lift it a bit to get over it. On the way into port I just sat on the scooter. On the way back they asked me to sit on a bench. I took off on my own, cruised around the shops near the port (paved sidewalks - very scooter friendly) then got in line to do a tour of the island with another group of ladies that had a member on a scooter too. A van with a lift picked us up and took us on a tour with a few stops here and there. I know Belize and Grand Cayman are totally different but I'm not going to rule it out completely.

I was so nervous about doing a cruise with my limited mobility issues, but having my scooter made it the best vacation we have had in a long time. You will love the ship and the crew. My DH liked the fact that he didn't have to load and unload the scooter all the time like he would normally have to do on a land based vacation.

We are cruising again in April 2012 on Mariner (Cozumel, Rotan and Belize). Would love to hear more suggestions, especially Rotan.

My DS uses a travel chair, so we had no trouble getting it into a regular car as it folds nicely. The taxi driver in Cozumel told us that for my DS to get around good, that Paradise Beach would be best as they are the most accessible of the beaches. I think I read that at Paradise Beach or they have sand wheelchairs available for use. The taxi driver let me look around Paradise and I thought it looked pretty accessible, but my DH was on a snorkeling tour and we had agreed to meet at Mr. Sanchos so we had to go there.

Shopping in the port was very nice and most places accessible. I don't think we went into any store that wasn't.

We are going to Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan and Cozumel in November. I will be sure and take notes on accessibility. DH is going on a tour to the ruins in Belize ... too expensive for all of us to go. The other 3 of us are either going to just ride the tender in and do some shopping or if they transfer direct to Bannister Island, we might do that but cost is again a factor.

We are traveling with a friend who is in a wheelchair (folding) and he can also walk some. Does anyone have any suggestions for what to see in Cozumel? We are thinking of hiring a private driver with a van for a the day. Not sure what all we should see or do that he may be able to participate in, bar hopping is not high on our list at all though. We appreciate all information, Thanks

bump:o

My family is going to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Costa Maya in December. I have to tell you good luck with your search. I have been searching forever and it is difficult if you are confined to a wheelchair (can not walk at all). We are going to use Victor Bodden in Roatan for an island tour. Both tour companies that I found do not have accessible vans they say they will have help to place your wheelchair in the van but that does nothing for you. People that have to transfer into a vehicle can not do this in a van or svu due the the height. However Victor is going to provide us with a car instead of a van so that my husband can easily transfer to front seat and then his foldable quickie wc can go in the trunk. I have found that this is our best option.

Like you my husband will stay onboard in Belieze due to the tender.

Cozumel has posed no problems for us. Very easy to get around.

I have yet to find anything in Costa Maya that could accomidate him so I am still looking

bump

We just did some cruises that included Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Costa Maya. There were two of us, both requiring the use of mobility scooters. I can walk very short distances, however Ruth requires assistance or crutches.

Roatan: I had contacted both Rony Tours and Victor Bodden in Roatan. Their prices were the same and they appeared to offer the same... until Bodden started reneging and questioned our need for the scooters. That worried me, so I booked two separate tours with Rony and was very pleased with his services.

Cozumel is very accessible. When you get off the ship, just ask for an accessible taxi. A taxi will take you anywhere you desire to go at a reasonable price. They also offer some tours. Since they added a stone walkway with steps at the ruins, San Gervasio is no longer very accessible.

Belize: Getting into Belize depends on which cruise line you will be on. Carnival would not allow us on the tenders. On NCL, personnel did not know if we could tender or not since the port was doing the tendering. They took both of us with our scooters on the tender and even lifted Ruth on. The roads / sidewalks were not exactly wheelchair friendly so we did ride in the street a lot. The cars were very courteous and we did not experience any problems. We just wandered around Belize.

Costa Maya: We were not able to find any tours that could transport us, so we just scooted to the fishing village on our own.

Betty

My husband and I are going on a cruise to Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya and Belize city in January.

For Belize city, I've found "Experience Belize tour" that offer a wheelchair accessible tour for Altun Ha. Il is a group tour and for 50$ per person you get the entrance fee, a lunch, a tour guide. I think it is a good price. Has anyone went on a tour with them? Do you think we can take the chance to book the tour in Belize city even if it is a tender port? Has anyone experience that NCL did not accept to put them in the tender?

Thanks.

Mélissa

Raindrop, I wonder if you would share more specific information about your tour in Roatan. Did you just stay in the car or were you able to go to any of the attractions using your scooter? Thanks.