Luxury Cruise Line Silversea Introduces New Accessible Shore Excursions

(3:23 p.m. EST) -- Cruisers with mobility issues now have more ways to explore the Caribbean and Central America, on Silversea. The luxury line has introduced new accessible shore excursions in nine destinations throughout the region; additional shore excursions will be developed for Mediterranean itineraries in 2019.

The new shore excursion program is designed to ease and enhance the experience for both disabled and senior cruisers, with new options that do not require the use of stairs, as well as improvements like the use of vehicles with wheelchair lifts or ramps and guides who are experienced with accessibility issues. Accessible restrooms also will be available on all Silversea tours.

"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 for 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."

Silversea's accessible shore excursions were developed in conjunction with Accessible Travel Solutions, a company focused on providing fully-accessible vacation packages, tours and transfers.

"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 of Accessible Travel Solutions. "We appreciate Silversea's dedication to serving all guests regardless of their accessibility needs. With our first-hand accessibility knowledge and years of experience, we look forward to enabling Silversea's guests to travel deeper to enjoy amazing onshore experiences."

The tours are already available on Caribbean and Central America itineraries. Below is a breakdown of the offerings:

• Accessible Pitons & Waterfalls (St. Lucia), $169 per person: This full-day tour includes visits to the charming fishing village of Anse La Raye, Soufriere's Diamond Botanical Gardens and a vantage point for witnessing the Pitons (volcanic mountains).

• Monkey Sanctuary & Iguana Hideout for Limited Mobility (Roatan, Honduras), $129 per person: Designed for nature lovers, this tour allows visitors to interact with monkeys at the sanctuary and iguanas at a marine wildlife park. It also includes time to browse the local flea market.

• Accessible St. Kitts (St. Kitts), $139 per person: Highlights of this tour include the chance to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Romney Manor, and the Timothy Hill Scenic Outlook for spectacular ocean and island views.

• Accessible Mayan Experience & Scenic Drive (Cozumel, Mexico), $139 per person: On this Mayan culture-focused tour, passengers can get a glimpse of local life in Cozumel, while trying delicacies such as tortillas and chocolate. Other highlights include a visit to the ruins of El Cedral, a tequila tasting and time to relax on an accessible beach.

• Accessible Grenada (Grenada), $129 per person: This tour kicks off with a stop at a local spice market selling fresh nutmeg, cocoa and vanilla; passengers then head to a local nutmeg factory and the historic Dougaldston Spice Estate to learn about the origins of the spice trade at the historic, before enjoying a scenic drive through Grand Etang National Park.