What to Do in Antigua on a Cruise Port Day

Table Of Content

• Night Eastern Caribbean WayfarerDetails
• St. Johns Shore Excursions
• Within walking distance
• Ritz-Carlton unveils 2024-2025 winter Caribbean cruises for the ships Evrima and Ilma
• Antigua Cruise Port Guide, Things To Do, Shore Excursions
• Night Fort Lauderdale To San JuanDetails
• Beaches

The relentless rain, wind and crashing waves have over time carved them out. They’re impressive to see and one of our top locations for some great snorkelling. Antigua is one of the only places in the world where you can take a tour out to a sandbar in the sea to swim and interact with stingrays. You don’t need to be able to swim and kids of all ages are welcome (under 5’s are free).

Night Eastern Caribbean WayfarerDetails

Here, you can shop for unique souvenirs, designer clothing, jewelry, and much more. Using our local knowledge and experience we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Antigua (St John’s) cruise port. And all the things you’ll want to know to explore the Caribbean island of Antigua on a cruise. We’ve also selected the best 22 things to do in Antigua for you to choose from to show you what a great place it is. The tour starts on Fig Tree Drive road, located around 14 km/8.7 miles or a 30-minute drive from Antigua cruise port. If you have any medical issues, or back/neck problems, you shouldn’t select this tour as it is considered a strenuous activity.

St. Johns Shore Excursions

Antigua and Barbuda's Government has long-planned "to develop Fort James facility and its precincts into a daytime leisure activity to support the cruise tourism business". Following the project's completion, a water taxi service will be introduced to transport cruise tourists from Port St John’s to Fort James' facilities. RCG completed the building of the new (5th) cruise berth in February 2021. The passenger traffic increased by scheduling regular visits by Oasis-class boats (world's largest passenger liners) each with max capacity 6300 passengers (plus 2150 crew). For the first year of operation (October-December 2021), Antigua Cruise Port's newest Pier 5 (USD 30 million project) had projections for ~285,000 ship tourists. In mid-March 2019, CCL-Carnival updated its website removing all scheduled voyages to Antigua (St Johns) from November 2019 onwards.

Within walking distance

However, as you walk in you can feel the atmosphere which helps to bring it to life this historic site. Fly over Monserrat, the island devastated by the Soufriere Volcano in 1997, and get close to the still-active volcano. See the devastated areas evacuated and off-limits that are only accessible via aerial tour. Besides Shirley Heights, Obama Mount (aka Boggy Peak) and Ridge Trail are other popular hiking spot – With an elevation of 402 m (1,319 ft), this is the highest peak of Antigua. The hike is more of an easy/moderate walk up the hill through the lush forest and National Park that lasts 1-3 hours. On the way to the reef, you’ll cruise along Jolly Harbour, Valley Church Beach, Coco Beach, Ffryes Beach, Darkwood Beach, and a few others.

Antigua beaches are ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The island has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and all of them are open to the public. Located only a 5-minute walk south of the cruise port, this imposing monument commemorates Vere Bird, the first Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Antigua. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 37 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 38 cruise excursions.

Together with Nelson’s Dockyard, Dow’s Hill Interpretive Centre, and Clarence House, Shirley Heights makes up the UNESCO Heritage Site known as the Antigua Naval Dockyard. It is the location of the barracks at the time that Nelson’s Dockyard was an active Naval base. Once inside you’ll get a chance to learn more about the origins of the island through to its independence in 1981. The cathedral was built in 1845 to replace the one that was destroyed in an earthquake. The interior woodwork has recently been restored to all its former beauty. The Rec, as it is affectionately known, is now run-down and more of a relic than a sports field.

Cruise ships dock on a beautiful bay known as St. John's harbor, although many times referred to as Heritage Quay, which is, in fact, the name of the cruise terminal of the Antigua cruise port. Until recently, the port only had two piers perpendicular to the city of St John's (the Capital of Antigua). Antigua was an important naval base thanks to the deep water harbor at St. John’s and the protected bay of English Harbour, where Horatio Nelson built Nelson’s Dockyard in 1784. St. John’s, already the most populous town on the island, was heavily defended in those days, and you can still see the old forts and arsenal that protected the harbor. Slavery was abolished in 1834, an event celebrated at Antigua’s annual Carnival.

You can comfortably wander around on your own, taking in all the sights and sounds. St. John’s is easy to explore on foot, and you will most likely be docked right by the downtown area. Taxis are also available in town and will wait to pick up passengers at a taxi rank outside the cruise port. Drivers often offer to act as a tour guide for the day, but be sure to settle on a fare before you set off if you choose this option.

Antigua prepares to celebrate 500,000 cruise passenger arrivals Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean

Antigua prepares to celebrate 500,000 cruise passenger arrivals Loop Caribbean News.

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Beaches

If you’re looking for a break from the beaches and love being at one with nature then Devil’s Bridge is great. You can sit, relax and watch the Atlantic Ocean crashing in its natural limestone Arch. We love going on Easter Monday when it’s host of the Annual Kite Festival. Many of them will offer to pick you up at a specific time to take you back to the port. Make sure you check the official taxi rates approved by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda before taking a taxi. The cruise line also offers a variety of beach transfers that include amenities and lunch.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the island’s origins, exploring these sites will help you develop a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Antigua’s history. These are just a few examples of the numerous breathtaking beaches you can explore in Antigua. Remember that many of the beaches are public, allowing you to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

If you're looking for things to do in Antigua, there's no shortage of options. Some of the top attractions include visiting beautiful beaches like Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Jolly Beach. At Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, guests can purchase day passes for access to their beautiful beaches, inviting pools, and all-inclusive amenities. Heritage and Redcliffe Quays are in the heart of St. John's, the capital city. You'll find shopping, restaurants, bank machines and transportation when you step off the pier.

The distance between the port of Antigua and Ffryes Beach is around 12.3 km/7.6 miles and the ride takes approximately minutes each way. Take a short drive from Nelson’s Dockyard to Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout and gun battery. You can stroll around the military fortifications and admire the magnificent views of Antigua from the lookout point. The 18th-century Georgian dock still in operation was built by the British Navy in a strategic location to keep their fleet safe during hurricanes and monitor French naval activity. In 2016 Nelson’s Dockyard has listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-stop when visiting Antigua.

And the beaches of Antigua are unanimously rated among some of the best in the Caribbean. The island was an important colonial base of the Royal Navy, with English Harbour serving as its headquarters. In more recent years, English Harbour has become the capital of international yachting and sailing, and those activities are responsible for a surge in population during the winter months.

Local specialties to look out for include sweet Barbuda lobster and the delicious Antigua black pineapple. Traditional dishes include saltfish and chop-up, which is a mix of callaloo, eggplant, and okra. This imposing Anglican cathedral has stood in its hilltop position since 1845, on the site where two previous places of worship existed. It was built in the Baroque style, with two white, 70-foot towers crowned by gleaming cupolas.

Cruise ships sail right into the heart of Saint John's, the largest town on the island of Antigua. Capable of welcoming four large ships at a time, the small town can get very busy at times. If you’re arriving by cruise ship to Antigua cruise port then there are lots of fantastic options of things to do. Or, you could head off and explore some of the best things to do on the such as taking a tour, relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches or taking in some history at Nelson’s Dockyard.

Complete Mississippi River Experience

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• THEME CRUISES
• UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise
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For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Rooms average over 300 square feet, with our newest ships having rooms well over 600 square feet. That compares favorably to most other riverboats around the world where rooms can be approximately 180 square feet due to physical limitations on rivers in Europe. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. This sailing yacht, the Arabella, may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes.

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Admire the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians. Cruise through the smooth waters of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands as you view the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. From a charming fishing village take part in a whale watching cruise and kayak excursion, where you can also view eagles and seals. Enjoy the freshest regional cuisine and learn about the Norwegian cultural influences.

UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise

Relish the stretches of undeveloped land, beautiful little towns, and magnificent wildlife. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ.

Night Canadian Contrasts And The Vast Expanse Of The Atl...Details

That’s why an American River Cruise™ with American Cruise Lines is the perfect vacation opportunity for the discerning traveler. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.

Here, you can enjoy the kind of southern hospitality you thought only existed in storybooks. Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble. Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South.

North America River Cruises

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down - MinnPost

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Experience the national parks of Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, Maine, Tennessee, and Florida on our Land & Cruise packages. Explore dramatic landscapes, from mountains to meadows, glaciers to waterfalls, forests to lakes and streams and be astounded by the numerous habitats that support the species who live here. Interactive experiences engage our guests in the history, geology, wildlife, and culture of these iconic American locations. This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley  –  swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow.

Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges aboard the riverboat. Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Mississippi River from Hannibal to Muscatine. Times have changed, but not in Downtown Tunica, with Main Street buildings just as they were at the turn of the century. Explore unique boutiques, antique shops, a fully restored courthouse, and Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park.

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Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as along the legendary Mississippi River.

End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits.

The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co.

This information can help you make an informed decision about which river cruise itinerary will best suit your interests and preferences. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. From the paddle wheeler, you’ll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria. History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler.

Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking.

Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. Experience the charm and hospitality of the South with its delectable cuisine, rich history, warm people, and amazing wildlife. Travel through the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay to the impressive Intracoastal Waterway of the Carolinas and Georgia, and the great rivers and turquoise waters of Florida. American Cruise Lines travels on more than 20 rivers on the East Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway of the Southeast, and along the shores of New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska.

Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. Welcome to US River Cruises, your gateway to exploring the serene and majestic rivers that flow through the heart of America. With over 25 years of excellence in river cruising, Cruise Genie's specialists are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable journey that blends luxury, history, and natural beauty.