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Located in the West Indies, Antigua is the main island that makes up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The region’s history and geography have made it internationally known as a sailing and yachting destination, and Antigua Cruise Port is one of the most popular stops on cruise itineraries. Ships dock in the capital city of St. John’s.
Locals boast that Antigua has 365 different beaches, one for each day of the year, and the island’s rich naval background fascinates history buffs, as Antigua was once an important colonial base of the British Royal Navy. Take a guided tour of the island’s top historic sites, such as Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Or, stay in St. John’s and book a shore excursion that explores the city’s vegetable market and duty-free shopping spots.
Antigua’s peak season is November to May, so expect to encounter more cruise ships and crowds then.
Plastic bags are banned in Antigua and Barbuda, so take a tote if you plan to buy souvenirs.
Antigua Cruise Port has two terminals: Terminal I and Heritage Quay, both of which offer taxis and Wi-Fi. Heritage Quay also has restaurants, duty-free shops, and bars.
St. John’s has a large and deep harbor that perfectly accommodates big cruise ships. The town’s main attractions are all within close walking distance of the pier. The Heritage and Redcliffe quays offer shopping opportunities directly next to the port, and downtown St. John’s isn’t far away. At the Heritage Quay Terminal, you’ll find a taxi dispatch kiosk with posted rates.
Most major cruise lines stop in Antigua. The country’s official currency is the East Caribbean dollar; however, most businesses list prices in and accept United States dollars. The population is predominantly English speaking. As many as four ships can dock in Antigua at a time, but this isn’t a regular occurrence.