Port Focus: St. John's, Antigua
Cruise Circle
With its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, the Caribbean island of Antigua is a top spot for folk who like to feel the sand between their toes, with St John's acting its main cruise port. Plenty (not just beaches) await cruisers with a day ashore...
History & Culture
You can’t visit Antigua without seeing British naval history in Nelson’s Dockyard, a cultural centre in picturesque English Harbour, the Royal Navy’s Caribbean base during the 18th and 19th centuries. There’s the house where Admiral Nelson lived, a museum, art gallery and lovely views over the harbour
View from the top
For an even better view of English Harbour, the south coast, and Antigua’s neighbouring islands, round off the dockyard visit with a trip to Shirley Heights, some 500 feet above sea level.
Don't look down...
Play at Tarzan for the day on a thrilling zip wire adventure sliding between the treetops of Antigua’s rainforest. You can do six, eight or 13 ziplines plus an aerial walkway and two suspension bridges. Remember to pack a head for heights!
Beach baby
With all those beaches to choose from, it would be shame to miss out on a few hours of sun, sand and sea. Darkwood Beach and Fort James Beach are favourites within easy reach of the cruise port. Dickenson Bay, 15 minutes from St John’s, has a floating Kon Tiki bar and free boat to take you there.
Retail therapy
For one so small, St John’s has plenty of colourful shops to occupy those looking to exercise their credit cards. There are two indoor/outdoor shopping centres by the waterfront - Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay – which sell everything from designer clothes and high-end jewellery to t-shirts and local arts, crafts and souvenirs. They are also plenty of restaurants for those who fancy trying some local fare.
Like what you see? Here's some great options for visiting St. John's in Antigua:
A new Caribbean island nearly every day with MSC Cruises
This epic 39-night sailing right after Christmas with Ambassador
Mid-January fly-cruise bargain with P&O Cruises
Classic cruising with Cunard, sailing from Miami
