San Juan Cruise Port Joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network
The initiative will strengthen awareness, understanding, and support for guests with non-visible disabilities throughout their journey through the port.
In August 2026, San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network as part of a broader Global Ports Holding (GPH) initiative to create more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming passenger experiences across its international cruise port network.
The program introduces an internationally recognized symbol that individuals can wear voluntarily to indicate that they may need additional time, patience, understanding, or assistance.
For SJCP, joining the network represents an important step in strengthening how port personnel recognize and respond to the different needs passengers may have while navigating a busy travel environment.
Recognizing Needs That May Not Be Visible
A disability, neurological difference, or medical condition is not always immediately apparent.
Guests with autism, dementia, anxiety, sensory impairments, chronic illnesses, and other non-visible conditions may encounter additional challenges when moving through crowded terminals, completing passenger processes, following instructions, or adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings.
These needs may not be obvious to port personnel or others interacting with the passenger. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides a discreet and widely recognized way for an individual to communicate that additional consideration may be helpful.
How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Works
Individuals may choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or another item displaying the program’s sunflower symbol.
Wearing the Sunflower is entirely voluntary. Guests are not required to disclose, identify, or explain a disability or medical condition to participate in the program or request additional understanding.
The symbol does not define the type of support a person may need. Instead, it encourages trained personnel to approach the interaction with greater awareness and allow the guest to communicate what would be most helpful.
This may involve providing clearer directions, allowing additional processing time, offering reassurance, or assisting the passenger as they navigate the terminal.
Preparing SJCP Teams to Provide Informed Support
As part of the program’s implementation, San Juan Cruise Port personnel will receive awareness training on non-visible disabilities and the meaning of the Sunflower symbol.
The training will help employees recognize when a guest may need additional consideration and respond in a respectful, appropriate, and service-oriented manner.
The objective is not to make assumptions about a passenger’s condition or abilities. It is to create an environment in which personnel are prepared to listen, communicate clearly, and provide assistance based on the individual’s stated needs.
Sunflower lanyards and informational materials will also be made available at designated locations throughout the port as the program is implemented.
Supporting the Complete Passenger Journey
The passenger experience extends across multiple points of contact.
From arrival and check-in to security procedures, embarkation, disembarkation, transportation, and movement through the destination, guests interact with port employees, cruise line personnel, tourism representatives, transportation providers, and other customer-facing teams.
SJCP will work with these partners to increase awareness of the Sunflower and encourage a consistent, informed response when interacting with guests who choose to wear the symbol.
This coordination is essential to creating a more inclusive journey that extends beyond the terminal and continues throughout the visitor’s experience in San Juan.
Part of a Global Commitment to Accessibility
San Juan Cruise Port’s participation forms part of Global Ports Holding’s broader commitment to improving accessibility and delivering consistent passenger service across its international network.
By introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at its ports, GPH is helping build greater awareness of non-visible disabilities among port personnel and industry partners.
The initiative also creates a common framework that can be recognized across different ports, destinations, and stages of the cruise journey.
As General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port and Regional Director for Latin America at Global Ports Holding, Clarivette Díaz emphasized that providing a positive passenger experience requires recognizing that each guest may have different needs.
Through training, awareness, and collaboration, SJCP is strengthening its ability to respond with patience, understanding, and respect.
Creating a More Inclusive Port Experience
Accessibility includes both the physical environment and the way people are welcomed and supported.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program provides SJCP with another resource to help reduce barriers and create a port experience in which guests can request consideration without having to disclose personal medical information.
By joining the network, San Juan Cruise Port continues advancing an approach to passenger service centered on dignity, inclusion, and individual needs.
A more inclusive journey begins with awareness—and with people prepared to respond.
