The promise of a cruise is very exciting, but for those with mobility scooters, there are a lot of other factors to consider. You have to think about each of your excursions and whether or not the ports themselves will even accommodate the scooter. If they don't, the cruise may have a lot less to offer for mobility equipment users.
Luckily, there are a lot of ports out there that are highly accessible for mobility scooters.
What Makes a Cruise Port Accessible?
Accessible cruise ports are defined by a few key features. They include:
- Step-free docking that doesn't require the use of tender boats.
- Smooth, wide pathways in both the port and the area around it.
- Shore excursions and transportation options that accommodate mobility scooters.
- Nearby public bathrooms with mobility accommodations.
Each of the ports we're going to talk about offers these accessibility features for mobility scooter users.
Top 10 Mobility-Friendly Ports
We are going to break each port down into four basic categories — terrain, accessible excursions, private transportation, and packing. Together, these categories will help you get a sense of a port's appeal and how you can navigate it.
1. Bridgetown, Barbados
The first of our 10 cruise ports with exceptional mobility scooter accessibility is Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados.
- Terrain: The port and the city are flat and paved for the most part, making them perfect for mobility scooters.
- Accessible excursions: The Barbados National Botanical Gardens feature paved pathways. You can also venture outside Bridgetown on a scenic driving tour of the island.
- Private transportation: If you want to travel around the island on your own, there are scooter-accessible driving services available. You will need to pre-book them, though.
- Packing tip: The sun will be hot, and Bridgetown is sprawling, so be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat and an extra scooter battery.
2. Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is one of the most popular cruise stops along the Inside Passage in Alaska.
- Terrain: Many of Skagway's streets are paved, but there are a number of wooden boardwalks in the downtown area as well. Both are accessible for mobility scooter users.
- Accessible excursions: Don't miss the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. The train features wide, accessible cars and a special lift for mobility devices that ensures everyone gets a chance to behold some of Alaska's most beautiful sights.
- Private transportation: Skagway is small enough that you can see the main sights without needing to drive to them.
- Packing tip: Alaska is cold, so pack warm! Layers are best, but you should also bring a poncho in case of rain.
3. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands
Grand Turk is a popular cruise destination and one of the most accessible Caribbean ports.
- Terrain: Most of what Grand Turk has to offer can be found in the Grand Turk Cruise Center right next to the dock. This entire area is interconnected with paved paths perfect for mobility scooters.
- Accessible excursions: Grand Turk's main attraction is the cruise center, so excursions tend to take a backseat.
- Private transport: Additional transportation typically isn't needed on Grand Turk.
- Packing tip: Make sure you bring a bag to protect personal items from sand and water. A waterproof control panel cover for your scooter can also help keep your day moving.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the best mobility scooter cruise destinations in the world. Here's why.
- Terrain: Barcelona's port shuttle is mobility scooter-accessible, and its streets are smooth and flat. They also have curb cuts.
- Accessible excursions: Barcelona is full of attractions, like the Gothic Quarter and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which recently became the tallest church in the world. These sites and more can be visited via hop-on hop-off buses, some of which can accommodate mobility scooters.
- Private transport: Hop-on hop-off buses are a great way to get around town, but you can also pre-book a local driver with a mobility scooter-compatible vehicle for the day. Depending on the type of scooter you rent, you may also be able to disassemble the device for easy transportation in a taxi.
- Packing tip: Barcelona's grid can get complicated, so pack a sturdy phone mount or additional storage basket for your scooter. That way, you always have access to your GPS.
5. Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is beloved for its beautiful white beaches and Mayan ruins.
- Terrain: The Puerta Maya port and shopping village is extremely modern, with flat, smooth pathways that are easy for scooters to navigate. The pier is step-free as well.
- Accessible excursions: Options include the Discover Mexico theme park and local tequila-tasting experiences, both of which are mobility scooter-friendly.
- Private transport: Cozumel has accessible taxi services that can accommodate mobility scooters. Just be sure to book them in advance!
- Packing tip: Cozumel can get crowded when multiple ships are in port, so a scooter visibility flag is a good idea.
6. Long Beach, California
Long Beach is home to a beautiful oceanfront and some of the most exciting activities on the West Coast.
- Terrain: The Long Beach port is very accessible and modern, as is the city itself. It can get crowded, though.
- Accessible excursions: The Queen Mary Hotel and the Aquarium of the Pacific both have ramps and elevators for mobility scooters.
- Private transport: Ride-sharing services allow you to select vehicles that support mobility scooters. The public transit system also accommodates scooters.
- Packing tip: Keep your phone and a portable power bank on hand. This way, you can always navigate the city and make arrangements.
7. Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Philipsburg is known for its duty-free luxury shopping and beautiful views.
- Terrain: The Philipsburg port is step-free, and its boardwalk is made of smooth wood. The town itself also has paved pathways.
- Accessible excursions: The water taxis that take you into town proper have room for mobility scooters. The staff will also help you get in and out of the taxis. Some guided island tours will also have vans that are compatible with scooters.
- Private transport: Some drivers have vehicles that can handle mobility scooters, but you will need to book them in advance.
- Packing tip: A portable threshold ramp can be useful if you encounter a high curb or stairs into Philipsburg shops.
8. Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán is known as the pearl of the Pacific for its beauty and high-quality seafood.
- Terrain: Cruise accessibility reviews note Mazatlán as one of the most accessible cruise ports in Mexico. The disembarkation process is well organized, and the port itself is smooth and level. The city itself can be narrow in places, though.
- Accessible excursions: The Golden Zone is home to a modern boardwalk with many shops and reputable seafood restaurants.
- Private transport: The port terminal has an official accessible taxi stand that can make city navigation much easier.
- Packing tip: Keep a scooter basket or a large bag on hand for souvenirs!
9. Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is home to many historical sites and an expansive shopping center.
- Terrain: The dock itself is short and level. Many attractions, like the Pirates of Nassau Museum, are designed to be accessible for mobility scooters.
- Accessible excursions: Nassau itself offers many accessible activities, including a robust shopping center. Accessible transportation is also available for tours of the island, but you will need to pre-book it.
- Private transport: Accessible taxi services are available in Nassau proper. Just make sure you book one with a reputable local company.
- Packing tip: Nassau gets crowded, so a flag or other marker for your scooter can help you stay close to friends and family.
10. Bonaire
Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands known for its unique architecture and shopping.
- Terrain: Bonaire's port is level and has clearly marked pathways. The main towns are also easy to navigate for mobility scooters.
- Accessible excursions: Accessible tours of the island can be booked with local tour operators. Just make sure you research and book them in advance.
- Private transport: The same tour operators can provide accessible private transport around the island.
- Packing tip: It can get hot on Bonaire, so bring a cooling towel and extra water to stay cool.
Find Mobility Wherever You Go With Scootaround
Renting a mobility scooter for your cruise doesn't have to be complicated. Scootaround provides mobility equipment rentals for over 20 of the top cruise lines in the world. We also serve more than 50 ports in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Book your rental online or give us a call at
