Exploring Antigua And Barbuda: Where Do Cruises Dock?

Antigua and Barbuda is a popular destination for cruise ships, with its capital city of St. John's serving as the country's main seaport. The cruise port is located on the northwestern coast of Antigua, in the heart of St. John's, and is capable of welcoming up to five large ships at a time. Most cruise ships dock at the Heritage Quay pier, within walking distance of the terminal and the city's attractions. Some ships also moor at the adjacent Redcliffe Quay, which offers a more atmospheric experience with its old Georgian buildings. When the port is at full capacity, some ships may dock at the Deep Water Harbour Terminal, located 1.5 km from the city centre, or at English Harbour on the south coast. With its year-round sunny weather, charming architecture, vibrant markets, and natural beauty, Antigua offers a diverse range of attractions for cruise passengers to explore.

Cruise ships dock at Heritage Quay

Heritage Quay offers a sizeable open-air terminal with over 30 duty-free shops, a food court, and a casino. It's a shopper's paradise, with stores offering jewellery, watches, electronics, designer clothing, swimwear, sporting equipment, fragrances, skincare, and souvenirs. Connected by a boardwalk, the adjacent Redcliffe Quay is a quaint and elegant spot with handicraft shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants serving Caribbean delicacies and international cuisine.

St. John's attractions are within easy walking distance of Heritage Quay. The city boasts colourful architecture, lively markets, and the impressive St. John's Cathedral, with its white baroque towers. The city is also a gateway to the rest of the island's charms, including its 365 beaches, catamaran sailing, kayaking through mangroves, hiking rainforest trails, and horseback riding on the beach.

Redcliffe Quay is a short walk away

Today, Redcliffe Quay is a shopping district with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and cafes housed in beautifully restored 19th-century buildings. The buildings are painted in a variety of colours, including cotton-candy shades, and are linked by courtyards and landscaped walkways.

Redcliffe Quay is known for its local goods and unique shopping experience, in contrast to the more typical cruise port shopping found at Heritage Quay. You can find local crafts, jewellery, arts, and clothing here. It is also home to Mama Lolly's, a fantastic vegetarian cafe, as well as C&C Wine Bar, which has an excellent wine list.

If you are looking for a more authentic Antiguan shopping experience, Redcliffe Quay is the place to go. It is also a great place to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the cruise ship passengers.

Deep Water Harbour Terminal is 1.5km from St. John's

Antigua and Barbuda is a famous cruise destination, with several ports and natural harbours. The Port Authority of Antigua and Barbuda oversees the maritime ports on the island. Antigua's main commercial port and the centre of tourism, trade and commerce is the Deep Water Harbour in the capital city of St. John's. This port handles all imported cargo, and its Nevis Street Pier and Heritage Quay accommodate cruise ships.

The Deep Water Harbour Terminal is located 1.5km from St. John's. It is one of several terminals that cruise ships dock at in Antigua and Barbuda. The island's economy relies heavily on tourism and increasing agricultural production, so it is set up to welcome tourists from cruise ships. The Deep Water Harbour Terminal is a short walk or taxi ride from St. John's.

The Deep Water Harbour Port has recently been redeveloped by the Chinese construction giant China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The redevelopment cost $90 million and will help Antigua and Barbuda achieve its goal of becoming an Eastern Caribbean transshipment hub. The port features a new cruise berth, cargo and logistics facilities, and more amenities. The redevelopment also includes offices to house Customs and Excise, the Plant Protection Unit, Immigration, and other services.

Cruise ships also dock at Heritage Quay or Redcliffe Quay, both of which are right next to downtown St. John's. These terminals offer tourist information, taxi ranks, and restrooms. Smaller cruise ships sometimes dock at Deep Water Harbour and at Falmouth Harbour.

English Harbour is for smaller vessels

Antigua is a popular destination in the Eastern Caribbean, attracting cruise ships all year round, with peak season between November and May. The island is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and historical landmarks, making it an appealing destination for all types of cruisers.

Most cruise ships dock at the Heritage Quay pier in St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, which is within walking distance of the terminal. However, when several ships are in port, some may also dock at the adjacent Redcliffe Quay or the Deep Water Harbour Terminal, which is located 1.5 km from St. John's. A few smaller vessels drop anchor at English Harbour on the south coast.

English Harbour is a protected bay on the southern coast of Antigua. It was once an important naval base and is now a popular tourist attraction. The harbour is home to Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only working Georgian dockyard in the world. The complex includes beautifully restored old stone buildings, a museum, art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants set amidst lush green lawns. The presence of gleaming yachts adds a touch of glamour to the harbour.

English Harbour is a great option for smaller vessels as it provides a more intimate and tranquil experience compared to the larger cruise ports. It offers easy access to some of Antigua's top attractions, such as Nelson's Dockyard and the nearby Shirley Heights Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the harbour. The harbour is also known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.

English Harbour is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the island. Visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to nearby attractions or venture further afield to discover Antigua's diverse landscapes, including its 365 beaches, tropical rainforests, and historic sites. The harbour provides a charming and picturesque setting for smaller vessels, offering a unique and memorable experience for cruisers looking to explore all that Antigua has to offer beyond its stunning beaches.

Up to five ships can dock simultaneously

Up to five cruise ships can dock simultaneously in Antigua, at the beautiful bay of St. John's Harbour. The ships dock at the Heritage Quay pier, which is within walking distance of the terminal. The Heritage Quay Terminal has over 30 duty-free shops, a food court, and a casino. Connected by a boardwalk, the adjacent Redcliffe Quay is also a popular spot for its old Georgian buildings housing cafes and boutiques.

The bay of St John's has three piers, accommodating up to five mega-ships. All piers have walking access to the cruise terminal, which is just a stone's throw away from St. John's, the capital of Antigua. The exit gates of all three piers are around 500 feet (150 meters) from the cruise ships' gangways. Port security will check your boarding pass at the gates to the piers on your return.

The capital city of St. John's has charming candy-coloured architecture, lively markets, and a beautiful baroque cathedral. The city dates back more than 300 years, and you can find brightly coloured buildings alongside stately old buildings and solid forts. St. John's is a great gateway to the rest of the island's charms.

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