Silversea Cruises demonstrates its commitment to taking guests closer to the authentic beauty of the world with the introduction of accessibility-enhanced shore excursions. Through its partnership with Accessible Travel Solutions, a company devoted to expanding opportunities for disabled and senior travellers, the cruise line is offering new accessible excursions in nine destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, and additional shore excursions will be developed for the Mediterranean in 2019.
The new partnership enables Silversea’s disabled and senior guests to travel deeper in each destination, offering immersive shore excursions that showcase a destination’s history, culture and natural beauty. The collection of shore excursions incorporates such enhancements as vehicles with wheelchair lifts or ramps; trips to sites and attractions that have step-free access, accessible restrooms, and routes that avoid steps; and guides who are experienced with accessibility issues.
The following is a sample of some of the tours currently available in the Caribbean and Central America as part of the partnership with Accessible Travel Solutions:
Accessible Pitons & Waterfalls – Castries, St Lucia
St Lucia’s natural wonders and cultural riches are unlocked during this fun, full-day exploration of the island. Highlights include a visit to the charming fishing village of Anse La Raye, a special stop to witness and photograph the majestic Pitons, and access to a step-free garden path in Soufrière’s Diamond Botanical Gardens – from which guests can admire its signature attraction, the Diamond Waterfall.
Monkey Sanctuary & Iguana Hideout for Limited Mobility – Roatan Island, Honduras
This adventure is a fun way to experience fascinating Roatan wildlife and nature first-hand. Participants interact with playful primates at a local monkey sanctuary, browse crafts at a local flea market, pet-friendly iguanas at an iguana and marine wildlife park, and enjoy an inspiring scenic island drive.
Accessible St Kitts – Basseterre, St Kitts
The colourful, colonial charm and untouched natural beauty of St Kitts can be easily appreciated during this accessibility-enhanced experience. Highlights include the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress, a visit to the historic Romney Manor, and a special stop to marvel at spectacular ocean and island vistas from the Timothy Hill Scenic Outlook.
Accessible Mayan Experience & Scenic Drive – Cozumel, Mexico
Traveling deeper to discover authentic Mayan culture is the focus of this tour. A comfortable, guided drive around Cozumel stops at a cultural centre for a taste of ancient Mayan life, ceremonies and foods, including tortillas and chocolate. Then, a visit to the ruins of El Cedral offers a fascinating insight into the island’s oldest community. A tequila tasting and free time to relax on an accessible beach provide further immersion into the charm of this tropical isle.
Accessible Grenada – St George’s, Grenada
Grenada’s cultural and natural treasures are easily discovered on this enriching exploration of the Caribbean’s quintessential spice island. Participants savour the aromas of fresh nutmeg, cocoa and vanilla at a local spice market; visit a local nutmeg factory; learn about the origins of the spice trade at the historic Dougaldston Spice Estate; and complete their adventure with a panoramic drive through a tropical rainforest to experience the Grand Etang National Park.
“We never stop searching for ways to unlock amazing deep travel experiences for our guests, while also delivering exceptional comfort and luxury,” said Adria Bono, Director of Shore Excursions, Silversea Cruises. “From up-close encounters with sea turtles in Grand Cayman to exploring UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks in San Juan, these new accessible experiences are sure to bring the world closer to our disabled and senior guests.”
“Accessible Travel Solutions is excited to collaborate with Silversea Cruises to make cruise vacations more accessible and more enjoyable for all,” said John Sage, Owner and Founder, Accessible Travel Solutions. “We appreciate Silversea’s dedication to serving all guests regardless of their accessibility needs. We look forward to enabling Silversea’s guests to travel deeper to enjoy amazing onshore experiences.”
For information on Silversea’s Caribbean itineraries, visit: www.silversea.com/destinations/central-america-caribbean-cruise.html
