Cruise to Antigua, Antigua And Barbuda - Ports of Call
Antigua, Antigua And Barbuda Cruises
Antigua is one of the best cruise ports in the Caribbean. Are water sports thrilling you? Embark on an intriguing adventure on serene turquoise seas by kayak, sail, paddleboard, or snorkel.
One of the most awe-inspiring views over the bay is from Shirley Heights or gaze at Nelson's Dockyard-WORLD HERITAGE SITE through eyes of wonder. Shoppers will fall in love with the vibrant markets and duty-free shops of St. John's, the capital of the island. There are cultural events, hiking trails, and scenic tours across Antigua. Sail the island on a catamaran or the drive on Fig Tree Drive to taste a little bit of everything, including stunning rainforest views.
Best Things to do in Antigua
Considering a trip to Antigua is great place to wander in town or find that perfect site to enjoy watersports. There is enough to keep one busy in tropical paradise. The famous pink sand of Antigua Beach and the miles and miles of salmon beaches of Barbuda Island are all there for your delight. Would you want to learn more about activities and places of interest?
Devil's Bridge
It is said that waves from the Atlantic Ocean formed Devil's Bridge on Antigua's east coast hundreds of thousands of years ago. You will witness geysers and blowholes throughout the Devil's Bridge and the coastal rocks. According to legend, during Antigua's slave period, enslaved people jumped to their death from Devil's Bridges. Since Devil's Bridge is slippery from the crashing waves, swimming there is not permitted. You should therefore take care while walking over the bridge. Devil's Bridge is fun to see and to get to. Antigua has five national parks, including several coastal parks accessible via a mile-long potholed road.
St John’s
In Antigua, when tourism is invited, St. John's will be the location for the big events, shopping and everything else in between. While tucked away in some little alleys, you would find cute small cafes, restaurants, stores, or even a renovated colonial building, the town itself metaphorically stands for the power of the island. When you get there, find some souvenirs to take along or splurge on local treats like fungie, ducana, and seasoned rice.
Antigua Eco Tour
Some of the 51 islands lying off Antigua are accessible from the mainland via small boats. It is quite easy to get any tour firm to ferry clients to a nearby beach or even for an ecological orientation about an island. An eco-tour on Antigua sails forth and back while explaining the history and ecology to the visitors.
Nelson's Dockyard
And still, Antigua is another place where thousands of forsaken sugar mills cast their shadows. Nelson's dockyard, for example, was a ship repair and maintenance institution for the Royal Navy in Antigua situated at English Harbour beside Fort Berkeley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is presently home to restaurants, bars, and museums. Plus, the place gets jam-packed towards the end of every week for the Seafood Friday!
The City of Stingray
Antigua's waters provide an environment wherein Southern stingrays, or one of the strangest in the aquatic animal world, may grow up to 150 cm wide. A few minutes by a boat from the mainland to Stingray City would give you a ray close-up. These wild stingrays may co-exist with humans! They will glide up to you in the water, and you can feed them shrimp from your own hands.
Top Cruise Line to Antigua Cruise Port
Are these correct options when deciding on and such an antiquated cruise: luxury, adventure, and family fun? Let us list the best cruise lines to Antigua & Barbuda.
Royal Caribbean
The passage is about mixing relaxation and highs of adrenaline. Climb on a rock wall, hop in a surfing simulator, catch some live entertainment, and many more things are available on Anthem of the Seas or Rhapsody of the Seas. From St. John's, one can visit Nelson's Dockyard, sail into some hideaway coves, or cruise along a colorful reef.
Carnival Cruise Line
It is for people that appreciate a lively atmosphere. Water parks, miniature golf, and many food outlets on board Carnival Legend and Carnival Venezia. In Antigua, glory waits-go catamaran cruising, beach days, and shopping duty-free at Heritage Quay.
Princess Cruise Line
Plan your days on the all-white beaches, behold Shirley Heights, or treat yourself to a scenic journey down Fig Tree Drive.
MSC Cruises
Imagine the touch of Europe on cruise waterways. A family-oriented show, international cuisine, and posh interiors mark ships like the MSC Seaside and MSC Virtuosa. Sail across a turquoise sky, taste some rum, and snorkel in Antigua.
Holland America Line
As for Holland America, it stands for arts, culture, and reasonable comforts. Onboard Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, it's about great fare, grooving tunes, and talking the talk. Taste the local eats while on dock, go explore colonial history at Nelson's Dockyard, or chill at any one of the 365 Antigua beaches.
Best Time to Visit in Antigua
With the pleasant weather competing with time to sit and watch life pass, some gorgeous beaches remain dazzling all around the year to be etched into memory. So when is best to visit? Depending on your motive, there are good days, big crowds, or bargain prices. Use this information below to chalk out the perfect time to head for an Antigua cruise.
Winter in Antigua (December to February)
It is the peak or high season in Antigua. The island is truly on its friendly phase having sunny skies, in pleasant breezes, and temperatures averaging in the low to mid-80s. This time, being quite busy, is not too good to plan a cruise as prices go skyrocketing with guests pouring in-beaches for sailing competitions, nightlife, etc. The crowd numbers peak around the holidays, especially around Christmas and New Year's!
Springtime in Antigua (March to May)
Good statement in favor of springtime cruises to Antigua-the weather while it is not too warm is considered agreeable. Are there fewer people than wintertime? Therefore cruise packages and excursions are often available for bargain prices. April and May should be the best time to sail around the island once more and check out its historical sites before the wet, rainy months set in.
Summer in Antigua (June to August)
The conspicuous weather season of Antigua runs from the months of June, July, and August. These days are hotter and humidity is fairly high. The rains are torrential but last very short, interspersed with gorgeous spells of sunshine. It is during this time that the best discounts are available for cruises and hotel stays.
Hurricane Season in Antigua (June to November)
Hurricane season spans from June into November in Antigua, with the peak gale days said to be during September and October. Sunshine breaks spells of easy rain, sometimes heavy cast. Such days, however, will almost never end without spells of extreme humidity. Try catching discounted tours and cruises just at this time. In fact, for any budget, it is a very low-cost way to see the splendor of the island!
Packing Tips for Cruises to Antigua
Any cruise will also be pleasant because it makes smart packing possible with this simple checklist of additional mandatory items:
Clothing: Known as light and air clothes for the hot sun, sundresses and shorts will be worn most during the day along with comfier, t-shirts, bathing suits, and light cover-ups. Some-or-more evening dresses should be packed for the ship to dock at ports.
Accessories: A tote bag can almost guarantee a very light burden down those walks, while a very useful water bottle will take care of hydration. Don’t forget your flip—flops or sandals, sunglasses, and sunhat.
Documents: Place all the documents relating to travel insurance, along with the passport and cruise boardings, in an envelope or pouch. It's a good idea to have printed photocopies at the back just in case your phone runs out of battery or there is no Wi-Fi available.
Health and Safety: The first aid pack should contain adhesive bandages, medication for carsickness, aloe vera for sunburns, and some kind of sunblock, preferably reef-safe. Wipes will come in handy both on board and ashore, as will hand sanitizer.
Technology: Bring you earphones, mobile, and charger; also packed probably is a power bank. While out in the water, the phone needs a waterproof cover.
Finance: Most establishments will accept credit cards locally, but it is better for you to have a little local cash on hand for tipping, cab fares, or small purchases.
General Overview of When Cruising in Antigua
Markets and Shopping: Picture-perfect markets and duty-free shops sell handicrafts, spices, and rum. The best places near the port to cross off your list are Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay.
Cuisine: Once in the South, try dishes such as saltfish, grilled lobster, fungee, and pepper pot. On the fun side, try rum punch and one of those short black pineapples.
Travel Safety and Scams: Antigua is quite safe; nevertheless beware of pushy salesmen and tourists-about-to-get-ripped-off taxi drivers. Authorized cabs and reputable tours will be an easy ride.
Currency Information: U.S. currency is best accepted, though the local currency is Eastern Caribbean dollars. A few small bills go a long way with tipping and purchasing in a market.
Language Suggestion: English is official, so anyone can speak it. Yet "Antiguan Creole" may also be spoken in informal situations.
Phone and Wi-Fi: Ask your provider, as roaming fees may be high. Free Wi-Fi is offered at various cafes and beaches, but it is not necessarily fast.
Antigua Cruise Port Facilities & Amenities
Cruise ships dock in the capital, St. John's. Disembarking from the ship brings one before a profusion of eateries, shops, and lively markets. The port is a few minutes' walk from town, and with all the hustle and bustle of taxis and guided tours readily available, one might find it hard to know where to begin.
The facilities offered at Antigua Cruise Port (St. John's) include:
- Tourist information kiosk for the dispensation of maps and directions
- Restrooms and a shaded awaiting area
- Duty-free stores and local craft markets
- ATMs and currency exchange booths
- Private tour companies and official taxi services
- Restaurant and café outside terminal
- Wi-Fi is available at nearby shops and eateries.