I'm in a wheelchair, which ports can I visit?

Welcome aboard, fellow wanderlust souls! If you're dreaming of cruising the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, get ready for a thrilling journey as we delve into the enchanting world of Cruising the Caribbean!  Embrace the adventure and excitement as we uncover hidden gems and blissful destinations while offering important accessibility information.

Let's set sail on a captivating adventure showcasing the beauty and charm of the Caribbean!

There’s something magical about a Caribbean cruise—the glimmering turquoise waters, warm sun, and endless possibilities for relaxation and adventure. Caribbean cruises offer something for everyone, whether you're a family with young children, a retiree looking to see the world, or a solo traveler seeking meaningful connections. And with modern accessibility options, including wheelchair access and dedicated services, it’s easier than ever for all travelers to experience the beauty of the Caribbean.

For families, a Caribbean cruise is the ultimate vacation. Parents and children can both have an incredible time.  Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival go above and beyond to ensure kids have an unforgettable experience. These ships offer age-specific kids’ clubs, complete with supervised activities, from arts and crafts to video games, scavenger hunts, and even character meet-and-greets.

While children are safely entertained by qualified staff, parents can retreat to serene, adult-only spaces on the ship. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or sipping cocktails at a quiet bar, these moments of peace allow parents to recharge, knowing their kids are having a blast.

For retirees, a Caribbean cruise provides the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and convenience. The beauty of cruising lies in its simplicity: unpack once and enjoy multiple destinations. There’s no need to navigate airports or constantly pack and unpack—just step off the ship each morning in a new port and explore the culture, cuisine, and landscapes of the Caribbean islands.

Cruise ships cater to retirees with various amenities, such as elegant dining, cultural performances, enriching lectures, and onboard activities like cooking classes and wine tastings. For those looking to relax, there are ample opportunities to enjoy leisurely days by the pool, scenic views from the ship’s deck, or a quiet moment in the library.

ACCESSIBILITY

Modern cruise ships are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that guests with disabilities or mobility challenges can fully enjoy their vacation. Many ships have:

• Accessible cabins with wider doorways, roll-in showers, and adjustable furniture.

• Elevators with large, easily navigable interiors.

• Ramps and level access to public areas such as pools, dining rooms, and theaters.

• Wheelchair-accessible gangways at most ports of call.

Many cruise lines also offer assistance with embarking and disembarking, as well as priority access for guests who need extra time. Let your travel agent or cruise line know of any mobility issues!

While most cruise ports are designed to accommodate passengers with mobility needs, some destinations require passengers to transfer from the ship to the shore via smaller boats, called tenders. This can present a challenge for guests with wheelchairs, as not all tenders are accessible. However, many cruise lines are improving their tender services, offering more accessible tenders to ensure that everyone can experience the beauty of the Caribbean.

When booking a cruise, it’s worth noting which ports require tenders and checking with your cruise line or travel agent about the accessibility of the tender boats.

If a port is a tender port, there is still a chance a wheelchair user can access the port city. Many ports have wheelchair-accessible tenders which have a ramp to access the tender. Ultimately, the condition of the seas will dictate if you can use this tender. If the seas are rough, there may be too much movement, and swaying of the ramp for a wheelchair to safely transfer. Even with wheelchair access tenders, you are not guaranteed to access the tender! This is not the fault of the cruise line. The captain is ultimately responsible for the safety of every passenger and will make the final decision for the use of the wheelchair ramps to the tenders, If you use a collapsable, manual wheelchair and can take a few steps, you can generally access any tender.

Here is a list of known tender ports. Some are NOT accessible for wheelchairs (those who cannot take a few steps), and some are possibly accessible depending on outside conditions and your mobility. Always check with guest relations on board. Cruise ships are continuously improving guest experiences which may include options for wheelchair users.

CAPE CANA, Dominican Republic: ***** NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

CASTRIES, ST.LUCIA:  Multiple piers in St. Lucia. Most cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port in Castries, but some smaller ships may dock at La Place Carenage. Mega-ships may use tender boats to transport passengers to La Place Carenage.

COZUMEL, MX: There are three cruise terminals in Cozumel. You will likely dock at a pier, but,  at the height of the Caribbean Season - between November and March, the port of Cozumel may be visited by over 8 cruise ships. When this happens, cruise ships will anchor close to both the Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminals and passengers will be tendered by local boats to adjacent, smaller piers on one of the terminals.

DEVIL’S ISLAND, FRENCH  GUIANA There is NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS on the island. A pathway runs around the island and takes about 45 minutes to walk around the entire island!

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS *** WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE TENDERS

GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS **WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TENDERS

GREAT STIRRUP CAY, BAHAMAS ***** WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TENDERS

GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTS***NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC*** NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

ROAD TOWN(TORTOLA), BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS*** NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

ROATAN, BAY ISLANDS, HONDURAS ***WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TENDERS

SAINT JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS *** NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

Remember, just because a port offers wheelchair-accessible tenders DOES NOT mean you will be able to use it! Be flexible! Your safety comes first! If you want to ensure you can access EVERY port, do not book a cruise with the above-mentioned ports. There ware many more ports that ARE accessible than are not.

If your port is not listed here, it likely docks at a pier and will be accessible. It is always a good idea to verify each port.

Most importantly, PLAN and know your cruise! Unfortunately, those of us with mobility issues have more to think about when planning our trips than the average cruiser. But that does not mean we can't have fun! Cruising is still a wonderful way to travel and can be stress-free with just a little planning!

I am a certified disability travel advocate and would love to help you plan your trip! I can help ensure your trip is stress-free! I will handle the details that usually cause the travel stress! Contact me with any questions!

HAPPY SAILING!