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The ferry drops you in the middle of 14 miles of unspoiled pink shell beaches -- including one that used to be a favorite of Princess Diana; it's now named in her honor. Bun and cheese is a sweet raisin bun served with a slice of salty cheese, while Johnny Cakes are crisp, deep-fried patties with a soft, fluffy inside. Antiguans eat a lot of pork, including souse, a soup made with all the leftover parts of the pig. But if this is a little too rustic, it’s just as easy to find a good pizza, a burger, or freshly squeezed juice in St. John’s.
Top East and South caribbean ports
Be it on the mega-ships of Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, or the intimate luxury of Regent, Crystal, Seabourn, or Silversea. Both offer soft white sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. With 365 different beaches to choose from – one for every day of the year – each offering its own unique charm and beauty.
Falmouth Antigua tours, shore excursions,
With the new berth set to complete by the end of 2020, Antigua Cruise Port will be able to welcome all the ships in the industy. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World - disembarking/embarking can be at times frustrating but there are some good insiders tips to discover.
Water Sports and Activities
As a former British colony, Antigua maintains the practice of driving on the left. There can be traffic backups in downtown St. John's, particularly if it rains or during evening rush hour. If you're docked at Deep Water Harbour, allow extra time to get back to your ship. And if all those beaches aren't enough, Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, is accessible by ferry for day-trippers.
Night Eastern Caribbean WayfarerDetails
This capital city has many landmarks such as St. John’s Cathedral, a magnificent Anglican church. St. John’s is perfect if you want to learn about the island’s culture and past. If your ship is at Deep Water Harbour, count on the fare into town running around $10 to $12. That can average as little as a dollar or two per person if a driver is trying to fill up a van. Christopher Columbus spotted the island in 1493 and named it after a saint worshiped in Seville, Santa Maria la Antigua. But he didn’t land here; the island was not occupied by Europeans until 1632.
One of the best things to do in Antigua on a cruise is get day passes to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. You can feed, pet, and snap photos with the pigs while enjoying the stunning beach and crystal-clear waters. The bay is also lined with different beach bars, restaurants, and resorts. The dockyard now includes museums, shops, restaurants, and galleries, creating a lively atmosphere. From the cruise port, you can easily reach Dickenson Bay or take a short drive to scenic spots like Fort James Beach.
There’s something undeniably romantic about riding a beautiful horse through the surf along a deserted beach. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of St. John’s Harbour on this ride as you explore the area around Fort James, which used to protect the city. The highlight of the trip is unsaddling the horses and riding them bareback into the sea, a thrilling experience for rider and horse alike. Learn about the history of the island on a fascinating tour created by the Historical Society of the Museum of Antigua. Explore streets in St. John’s that date back to the late 18th century, and learn about the architectural detail on the Georgian and Victorian buildings that are dotted around the city. You’ll see historical Redcliffe Quay, Market Street, and the Fish Market, as well as the Methodist Church, the Cenotaph, cathedral grounds, and the museum itself.
History at the Antigua and Barbuda Museum
By participating in these activities and engaging with the local community, you’ll create memories that go beyond the sun, sand, and sea, leaving you with a truly authentic Antiguan experience. With its prime location, friendly atmosphere, and diverse range of attractions, the Antigua cruise port serves as the gateway to an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and explore in this tropical oasis. Close to the Antigua cruise port, you’ll find various restaurants with jerk chicken and fresh fish on the menu.
Antigua Cruise Port set for best cruise season since the pandemic - Cruise and Ferry
Antigua Cruise Port set for best cruise season since the pandemic.
Posted: Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Visit Nelson’s Dockyard
You’ll see lots of fish and sea animals like turtles and rays because the water is so clear. This spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities. English is the main language on Antigua, although in some of the smaller villages around the island you'll find Spanish as well.
Antigua’s cultural experiences provide a deeper understanding of the island’s heritage and enable you to form a closer connection to the vibrant traditions that shape the island’s identity. As you explore Antigua, keep in mind the various shore excursions and tours available, allowing you to make the most of your time ashore. From snorkeling and sailing excursions to rainforest adventures and helicopter tours, there’s a wide array of options to cater to your interests and preferences. These cultural experiences offer a deeper understanding of Antigua’s rich heritage and provide a glimpse into the island’s vibrant traditions.
If you are not on a budget you can choose to book a Day Pass at this resort to enjoy their amenities and meal included. The distance between Antigua Port (St John’s) and Carlisle Bay Beach is around 20 km/12 miles, and the ride takes around 35 minutes. Once you arrive at the site, your guide will give you a briefing and you’ll take a short boat ride off the coast to a shallow natural pool surrounded by coral reefs. Here you will have the opportunity to touch, feed, kiss, and play with stingrays while learning about these amazing and captivating animals. Outside the Heritage and Redcliff Quays, you will find yourself in downtown St. John's. This small town (with around 30,000 souls) has a charm of its own and safe to walk around and explore on your own.
When the port has scheduled more than 4 vessels at a time, some of the ships are berthed at Deep Water Harbour Terminal. Sometimes, smaller-sized ships anchor at English Harbour (on the island's southern coast). Antigua’s fascinating past is revealed in its capital city, St. John’s, build by British traders. Most of the ships dock at Heritage Quay, a place that has almost all the attractions nearby, with no need of other transportation means. Antigua Cruise Port features a new pier that will allow the largest cruise ships to easily berth. With a terminal that will serve both transit and turnaround operations, Antigua Cruise Port also offers its own shopping mall Heritage Quay.
We live in English Harbor and absolutely love heading to Nelson’s (as its called by locals), to have a drink and people watch as the yachts come and go. You can have a wander and see most of the main attractions in less than a couple of hours. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. Make sure to check the availability of your cruise line excursions before your cruise.
Be aware that port security will check your boarding pass at the gates to the piers on your return. The Antigua Cruise Port can accommodate up to five cruise ships at a time. Whichever one you choose, you’ll explore the beautiful bays, barrier reefs and crystal clear waters. Antigua uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (E.C.), although most vendors in town will readily accept U.S. dollars. A small Scotia Bank ATM kiosk is located right on the water, between Heritage and Redcliffe quays, and you'll also find an ATM at King's Casino, just off of the pedestrian area at Heritage Quay. A bit farther away (about a five-minute walk), you'll find Scotia Bank, RBC Bank and CBC First Caribbean Bank -- all with ATMs -- at the intersection of High and Market streets.
These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that await you in Antigua. Each one offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the island’s rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, these top attractions will surely captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression. This is one of the most prestigious tax-free shopping areas in the Caribbean with a variety of different shops to choose from. It comes alive when there are cruise ships docked, and you can watch steel bands and enjoy other local entertainment as you browse. One of the best beaches in Antigua is the long sweep of Dickenson Bay, an expanse of pure white sand and turquoise water backed by lush greenery, just three miles from the cruise terminals.
She loves exploring the world with her sons and giving them big adventures, whether that’s hiking or skiing, sailing or surfing. She and her family spend the winters in Antigua in the Caribbean, where her boyfriend works as a yacht captain. Since living in Antigua for the last 3 winters we have never experienced or heard of anything that makes us think that it’s unsafe. The Pillars of Hercules are geological formations rising out of the sea at the end of Galleon Beach.
