Passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, dementia, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety disorders and hearing or vision disorders will be able to discreetly signal that they may need additional support at Saint Lucia Cruise Port under a new accessibility initiative.
Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) announced last Friday that the implementation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, a global initiative aimed at making travel more accessible and inclusive for people with non-visible disabilities.
Under the programme, passengers who choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin can indicate that they may require additional support, assistance, extra time or understanding while navigating the port.
The initiative comes as SLCP prepares for the 2026/2027 cruise season.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme was created in the United Kingdom in 2016 and has since been adopted by more than 330 airports, healthcare centres, government agencies and other organisations in more than 90 countries.
The sunflower was chosen as the programme’s symbol because it represents happiness, positivity, strength and confidence.
SLCP said many disabilities and chronic illnesses are not visible, although they can still significantly affect a person’s travel experience, confidence and sense of inclusion.
Other examples cited by the port include lupus and Crohn’s disease.
The programme provides a way for individuals to indicate that they may need assistance without having to disclose specific medical details.
General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Lancelot Arnold, said the initiative formed part of the port’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for cruise passengers.
“Saint Lucia Cruise Port is dedicated to delivering world-class service through our cruise tourism product, and that can only be achieved by creating an inclusive environment for all passengers who visit our shores,” he said.
Arnold said SLCP hoped the initiative would extend beyond the port and be embraced more broadly across Saint Lucia’s tourism sector.
“We will champion this cause and work to foster an inclusive environment for everyone across the tourism sector,” he said.
As part of the rollout, SLCP said port-related agencies will receive comprehensive training, while signage will be installed at all berths to raise awareness among staff and passengers.
The measures are intended to help port personnel and supporting agencies better recognise and respond to the needs of passengers who may require additional assistance.
SLCP said the goal is to ensure that visitors feel welcomed and valued while travelling through Saint Lucia.
