Cruise Ships In Barbuda: An Island Paradise?

Antigua and Barbuda is a popular cruise destination in the Caribbean. The capital and largest city, St. John's, is a common port of call for cruise ships, with its nearby volcanic island, Montserrat, and colourful skyline dominated by the white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral. Barbuda, part of the twin-island nation, is also a destination for cruise ships, with its pink and white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Barbuda Express offers a 90-minute journey between St. John's and Barbuda, allowing cruise passengers to explore the natural beauty and cultural offerings of both islands.

Cruise ships sail into St. John's, the largest town on the island of Antigua

Cruise ships do sail directly into St. John's, the largest town on the island of Antigua, which is also the capital city. The town is capable of welcoming four large ships at a time, and most cruise ships dock at Heritage Quay, from where most of the town's attractions are within walking distance. Some ships also moor at the adjacent Redcliffe Quay, which has old Georgian buildings housing cafes and boutiques. When several ships are in port, some dock at the Deep Water Harbour Terminal, 1.5km from St. John's, or at English Harbour on the south coast.

St. John's has a cruise ship calendar that shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates, as well as information such as how crowded the port is and the ship's next port of call.

The town is known for its candy-coloured architecture, lively markets, and a beautiful baroque cathedral. It is also a hub for shopping and dining, with two indoor/outdoor malls for duty-free shopping, Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay, as well as several stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs. There is also a vibrant farmers' market on Friday and Saturday mornings.

The currency accepted in St. John's is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) and US Dollars (USD) are also accepted by most vendors. English is the main language.

St. John's is capable of welcoming four large ships at a time

St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, is a popular destination for cruise ships. The city is capable of welcoming four large ships at a time, with most cruise ships docking at Heritage Quay, right in the heart of the city. This makes the small town quite busy at times. Some ships also moor at the adjacent Redcliffe Quay, which offers a more atmospheric experience with its old Georgian buildings housing cafes and boutiques. When several ships are in port, some may dock at the Deep Water Harbour Terminal, located 1.5 km from St. John's, or at English Harbour on the south coast, which accommodates smaller vessels.

The cruise facilities in St. John's provide easy access to the city's attractions. Most of the city's landmarks, including its colourful architecture, lively markets, and the beautiful baroque St. John's Cathedral, are within walking distance of the cruise terminals. The city also offers a range of dining and shopping options, with Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay providing duty-free shopping experiences.

St. John's has a rich history, dating back over 300 years. The city showcases a blend of brightly coloured buildings and stately old structures, including solid forts. One notable historic site is Nelson's Dockyard, a centuries-old British naval base built by Admiral Horatio Nelson, which is now the only working Georgian dockyard in the world.

The city also serves as a gateway to the rest of the island's charms. Visitors can explore the aquamarine seas, kayak through mangroves, hike rainforest trails, or join horseback tours along the beach. Antigua is known for its 365 white sand beaches, offering a variety of options for relaxation and water activities.

With its recently completed cruise ship dock, St. John's is well-equipped to handle multiple large cruise ships simultaneously, providing a vibrant and convenient starting point for exploring Antigua and Barbuda.

Most cruise ships dock at Heritage Quay

Antigua, located in the heart of the Caribbean, is a popular destination for cruise ships. The island offers a unique blend of charming English culture and irresistible Caribbean sunshine. With its colonial past, high tea, and cricket, Antigua provides a sunny island vibe for visitors. The capital city of St. John's is a colourful gateway to the island, with its candy-coloured architecture, lively markets, and beautiful baroque cathedral.

Heritage Quay is not just a shopping destination; it also provides a glimpse into the history of the island. The nearby Nelson's Dockyard, a centuries-old British naval base built by Admiral Horatio Nelson, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts sailing and yachting events and boasts beautifully restored stone buildings, art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants set amidst lush green lawns.

Antigua's 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, are a major draw for cruise ship passengers. The clear, warm seas and white-sand beaches offer a relaxing tropical experience. The long sweep of Dickenson Bay, just three miles from the cruise terminals, is a popular spot with its lively beach bars, food trucks, and water sports concessions.

With its convenient location, Heritage Quay serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the island's charms. Visitors can sail through aquamarine seas, kayak through mangroves, hike rainforest trails, or even join a horseback tour along the beach. Antigua truly offers a diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant culture of its capital to the serene beauty of its natural wonders.

A new cruise pier has been completed to accommodate Oasis-class ships

Antigua, the largest town on the island of Barbuda, is a popular destination for cruise ships. The town of St. John's, in particular, is a hub of activity, with its charming architecture, lively markets, and panoramic views. As of July 2020, a new cruise pier has been completed to accommodate Oasis-class ships, further enhancing the appeal of Barbuda as a cruise destination.

The new cruise pier is a welcome development for those wishing to explore all that Barbuda has to offer. With its ability to accommodate larger Oasis-class ships, the pier opens up a range of new possibilities for visitors. These ships, including the likes of Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, and Oasis® of the Seas®, offer a multitude of onboard experiences, such as multiple dining options, entertainment, and unique attractions. The pier's completion means that visitors to Barbuda can now take advantage of these exciting features.

The Oasis-class ships are known for their size and the variety of amenities they offer. With over 16 decks and 20 restaurants, these vessels provide a wealth of choices for dining and entertainment. The ships also feature distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and attractions, ensuring that every visitor can find something to suit their tastes. The addition of the new pier in Barbuda provides an opportunity for travellers to experience the best of what these impressive ships have to offer.

The completion of the new cruise pier is a significant step forward in accommodating the growing demand for cruise travel to Barbuda. By catering to larger vessels, the pier not only increases the capacity for visitors but also provides a more diverse range of options for travellers. This development is a testament to the island's commitment to becoming a premier cruise destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern conveniences.

The new cruise pier in Barbuda is an exciting development, not just for the island but also for cruise enthusiasts seeking new and exciting destinations. With the ability to accommodate the impressive Oasis-class ships, Barbuda has opened its doors to a world of possibilities, inviting travellers to explore its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean.

Antigua has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year

Antigua is known for its 365 beaches—one for each day of the year. The majority of these beaches are located on the tranquil, protected waters of the island's Caribbean coast and are open to the public.

The National Park of Half Moon Bay, located in the southeast corner of the island, and Long Bay, at the easternmost point, are good choices for family outings. Half Moon Bay, with its semi-circle of pristine white sand, has been voted the best beach in the world several times and is arguably Antigua's most beautiful beach.

For a more secluded experience, Doigs Beach at Rendevous Bay is quiet and well worth the trek. Getting there requires rough travel, and you'll need a four-wheel drive, a boat, or even a horse to reach it. Darkwood Beach on Cades Bay is another quiet spot backed by a wild bird-filled lagoon and a rustic beach bar. It's usually empty except when cruise ships are in port, as it's a favourite for shore excursions.

If you're looking for a lively, resort beach with busy bars and music, Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay on the northwestern coast are ideal. Runaway Bay is also a great spot for spectacular sunsets, while Dickenson Bay offers a wide range of water sports.

There's a beach to suit every taste in Antigua. Whether you're seeking secluded spots, vibrant resorts, or stunning natural scenery, you're spoilt for choice with a different beach for every day.

Frequently asked questions