Top 5 Accessible Caribbean Cruise Ports
Best Ports for Accessible Caribbean Vacations
If you’re planning on travelling to the Caribbean in the near future, you might be wondering how accessibility-friendly the region is and drawing up your own list of the best and worst Caribbean cruise ports. A breathtaking destination filled with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and colourful architecture, the Caribbean is an incredibly popular cruise destination that millions of people venture to each year and one that you’ll want to visit without worrying about how wheelchair-friendly the islands are – and whether you'll find yourself visiting wheelchair accessible Caribbean resorts when your cruise ship stops, of course.
A variety of different cruise lines offer accessible Caribbean vacations, from P&O Cruises to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, with getaways starting from destinations including Miami, Bridgetown and even no-fly cruises from Southampton. However, there are definitely some destinations that are more accessible than others when it comes to what accessible attractions they offer, the transportation and the proximity of the cruise terminal to the centre.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the most accessible Caribbean islands, in terms of these factors and other useful information. Keep reading to find out more!
1) Antigua Cruise Port, St. Johns, Antigua
First up on this list of cruise ship ports in the Caribbean is the Antigua Cruise Port. Located in the heart of St. Johns, the cruise port is less than 1 km from the city centre. Cruise ships will either dock at Heritage Quay or at the nearby Redcliffe Quay. There are dropped curbs and easy access to the sidewalks in Heritage Quay, however Redcliffe Quay does have some steps along its historic buildings.
You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants and more within the port with ramps or flat entry into them. You can also find accessible toilets located within the casino that’s in the port. There are a variety of accessible tours available in Antigua, from tours of the nearby Nelson’s Dockyard to highlights of Antigua, with stop offs at destinations including the likes of Betty’s Hope Plantation; both of these destinations are wheelchair-friendly.
Whilst the dock is within easy reach of the city, those of you on any one of the wheelchair accessible cruises available should keep in mind that some but not all of the sidewalks and roads around the town itself are accessible for wheelchair users. Taxis and buses are also not the most accessible; although you should be able to enjoy the top attractions on adapted shore excursions booked privately or through the cruise line.
2) Port of Bridgetown, Barbados
Next up is the vibrant capital of Barbados, Bridgetown. A hugely popular destination to visit on a Caribbean cruise, several cruise lines with accessible cruise ships – from Marella Cruises to Seabourn Cruises – start their cruises from there.
Due to its popularity, people often wonder just how accessible the port is, how far it is from the main city centre and what facilities are available in the port. Catering for up to 8 ships, within the terminal, you’ll find over 60 vendors selling an array of products from clothing to jewellery and other souvenirs. It’s approximately 2 km from the port, therefore it’s worth booking private transportation if possible, if you want to visit the city centre.
There’s a wheelchair-friendly shuttle service that you can get between the ship and the cruise terminal, and the terminal and port is flat with dropped curbs. There’s also ramps and grab bars throughout the port along with an accessible bathroom.
Due to the size of the port you won’t have to worry about getting a tender boat as the ships can easily dock. If you want to venture outside of the cruise terminal, there’s accessible vans/shuttle buses throughout the island, taking you to a variety of attractions (which you’ll need to book privately).
Accessible attractions include the viewpoint at Cherry Hill Top, Brandos Beach, St. Nicholas Abbey and Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
3) Port Zante, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Often thought to be one of the most scenic cruise ports in the Caribbean, Port Zante in Basseterre is the ultimate gateway to this breathtaking destination. Once you leave the ship, you’ll be greeted by mostly flat pavements (with ramps and dropped curbs in places) that lead into a shopping village that sells the usual souvenirs and duty free items. At the port, there’s also accessible bathrooms with flat or ramped access in several places.
Keep in mind, however, that the National Museum is not accessible, and there are shops just outside of the terminal that have steps. The pavements into downtown Basseterre are also uneven and narrow, making it more difficult for wheelchair users to get into the centre.
However, there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly tours with accessible transportation that will take you to a variety of scenic viewpoints away from the port, alongside attractions such as the Batik Factory at Romney Manor and Brimstone Fort which have been adapted with ramps.
4) Port Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Welcoming a variety of small, mid-sized and large cruise ships, the cruise port in St. Maarten’s capital has two piers and is visited by an array of cruise lines from Holland America Line to Princess Cruises. In the cruise terminal, like other destinations on this list, you’ll find souvenirs and duty free goods to purchase.
The cruise terminal is step free, with some restaurants around it that either have a flat entrance or ramped access. Several shops around the terminal also have wheelchair ramps. If you want to venture outside of the terminal it’s advisable to book an accessible shore excursion or request a wheelchair-friendly taxi to take you around the island as it’s very hilly.
The town is just under 1 mile from the cruise terminal and the path to it is flat with dropped curbs; however, keep in mind that some of the shops and restaurants have steps into them. Whilst some guests may opt for a water taxi, this is not a step-free option.
Great Bay Beach and the oceanfront boardwalk in Philipsburg is accessible for wheelchairs, and there are often accessible catamaran trips available on the island.
5) Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port, Castries, St Lucia
And last, but not least is Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port. Situated in St. Lucia’s capital of Castries, the terminal and exit to the port both have flat pavements, wide doors and ramps. There’s also a local market located next to the port that sells a range of local art, crafts and more with a wheelchair-friendly route around it. If you wish to venture into the centre of Castries, you’ll find flat paving in most areas, but there are uneven pavements in some places.
There is accessible transportation available throughout the island and the country has several wheelchair-friendly attractions including Anse La Rayes (a fishing village) and the Diamond Botanical Garden. Keep in mind that the main attractions aren’t within easy reach of the port, so transportation will be needed to reach them.
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