Imagine cruising to a tropical paradise where you can enjoy sun, sand, and sea in a colorful and vibrant setting. Welcome to St. John’s, Antigua, this Caribbean island nation’s capital city and main cruise port.
St. John’s is nestled in a stunning bay that offers spectacular views of the harbor and the surrounding hills.
In this guide, we will give you some key facts and travel tips about the St John Antigua cruise ship dock, including shore excursions and things to do in St. John’s.
About the Port
The port of Antigua is located in the island’s capital, St. John’s, and is situated in the West Indies, specifically in the Leeward Islands area of the Caribbean Sea. It can accommodate up to four large cruise ships at a time, offering passengers convenient access to numerous attractions and exciting activities within walking distance.
The port also includes several amenities, such as free Wi-Fi spots and charging stations, that make for a smooth experience onboard one’s cruise vessel before enjoying their stops on land.
Cruise Terminal Information
The St. John Antigua cruise ship port is a modern and efficient facility with the capacity to accommodate up to four large ships at one time. The modern cruise terminal provides travelers convenience as it is close to the town center, providing exploration opportunities beyond just cruise excursions.
Taxis are readily available outside the port, consisting of reliable drivers that charge fixed rates for transportation throughout different destinations on the island – making navigating around much easier and more comfortable for visitors.
How to Get Around
Getting around and exploring Antigua’s St. John Port is easy and convenient. Walking is one of the popular ways to explore; it will give you a chance to admire the local buildings and culture or just read store signs at your leisurely pace.
Taxi drivers are also plentiful, but be sure to agree on a rate before setting out. You can always flag them down in front of many businesses or public places if needed, too.
The closest beach to the cruise port in Antigua is Dickenson Bay – take advantage by spending some time there either relaxing or taking part in various activities like kayaking! Kayaking allows visitors to explore secluded coves, uninhabited islands, and visit other popular beaches that may make for an incredible day trip experience – perfect for making memories with family or friends!
Things to Do
St. John’s, Antigua, is packed full of fun activities and attractions tailored to cruise tourists! From historical sites such as Nelson’s Dockyard and Betty’s Hope Plantation to tourist attractions like Shirley Heights Lookout and Devil’s Bridge—a natural rock formation that rises 130 feet above the Caribbean Sea—there are plenty of things to do in this port city.
After docking at St. John’s Cruise Port, you can also explore the port capital or tour its vibrant streets, enjoying traditional cuisine from local eateries along the way.
Beach Pass Information
Cruise travelers in St John Antigua can take advantage of the local beach passes, which allow access to many public beaches along the coastline. Beach passes are usually easy to obtain and provide entry into some of the most scenic areas on the island.
The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re a resident or a non-resident. For non-residents, it is simply a matter of applying at any tourist information office when arriving in port and showing proof of identity, such as your passport.
Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat
St. John’s, Antigua, is full of delightful culinary treats, making it a great destination for foodies to explore the island’s traditional cuisine. Roti King and Cuties are two popular restaurants known for their delicious local dishes that visitors should not miss out on.
Aside from this, Al Porto, Abracadabra Restaurant and Disco-Bar, Big Banana, The Admiral’s Inn, Le Bistro Bay, and Papa Zouk are all highly recommended spots near the Caribbean cruise port area to indulge in some savory delights.
Shopping Opportunities
St John’s Antigua offers many shopping opportunities for cruise passengers visiting the port. Jolly Harbor and St John’s are two of the main shopping neighborhoods in Antigua, providing retail outlets and craft shops to explore.
Furthermore, Heritage Quay is a popular shopping area located along St John’s waterfront featuring a duty-free shopping area with jewelry, perfumes, electronics, and alcohol, among other items.
Cruise ship visitors do not need to look far for these stores as they are within walking distance from the cruise terminal. Additionally, there is a variety of products ranging from clothing and accessories to souvenirs crafted by local artisans and gift stores selling traditional handicrafts that can be found chartering through this cityscape.
Shopping enthusiasts looking for an authentic experience will find plenty of treats while browsing around this vibrant tourist destination.
Local Currency
The official currency of this Caribbean island is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). It’s widely accepted throughout the country, although many businesses also accept US dollars.
To get the best exchange rate when using a credit card or exchanging money, it’s better to stick with XCD since there may be some discrepancies between different places in terms of their USD-to-XCD conversion rates.
Fortunately, ATMs and banks are commonplace here, allowing you to access your bank account directly so that it will remain secure no matter where you spend your money in Antigua.
Safety Tips
The government of the port prioritizes the safety of crew members, cruise ship passengers, and the community by providing a comprehensive interim public document with safety tips for visitors.
It emphasizes important guidelines for tourists, such as only exploring places with good foot traffic or noting local customs/laws to stay safe while visiting.
Other recommended precautions include:
- Carrying emergency contacts.
- Avoiding uncovered food and drinks from strangers.
- Sticking to well-lit spaces at night.
Additionally, US citizens are encouraged to register their travel plans with the US embassy upon arrival at St John’s Antigua Cruise Port in case of an emergency during their trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St John Antigua is between mid-December to mid-April. This period marks the peak season for perfect weather as well as good crowd management due to cruise ships.
During this time, visitors will find a wide range of walking tours that are available in both small and medium sizes for individuals and groups alike, allowing an easy exploration of the popular destination with minimal stress.
Popular Cruise Lines that visit St John Antigua Cruise Port
RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are two of the major cruise lines that visit St. John’s Antigua, one of the Caribbean Sea’s iconic ports of call. Both offer high-end vacation itineraries to travelers looking for an unforgettable experience in a naturally fun country.
FAQs
Get your questions answered before visiting St John Antigua cruise port so you can plan a hassle-free vacation!
What is there to do in Port St Johns Antigua?
From snorkeling and yacht charters to beach hopping, sightseeing, and even canoeing around the nearby coves – there’s something for everyone when visiting St. John’s Antigua cruise port! Diving in the turquoise water near Falmouth Harbor is a must-do activity to add to one’s itinerary, allowing visitors to appreciate a range of colorful marine life up close.
Of course, don’t forget to sample some local cuisine before heading down to explore nearby white sand beaches with crystal-clear oceans freshly licked by Caribbean waves! Shopping opportunities are also abundant here, so grab yourself an authentic souvenir before boarding your ship once again!
Is St John’s Antigua walkable?
Absolutely! St. John’s, the capital of Antigua, can be easily explored on foot. The city’s layout features streets that are easily traveled by pedestrians and locals who prefer to walk around their beloved city.
What is the closest beach to St John’s Antigua cruise port?
Located just a few minutes away from the international cruise terminal in St. John’s, Antigua, lies Fort James Beach – the closest beach to the port. This long stretch of white sand is teeming with attractions and is perfect for visitors coming off cruise ships.
Booking Information
Tripadvisor offers a wide variety of tours and excursions in St John’s, such as scenic tours, snorkeling cruises, eco-tours, food tours, and more.
Best Antigua is a local website that features a range of tours and excursions in Antigua, such as hiking, sailing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St John Antigua cruise port boasts a mixture of vibrant attractions and activities to enjoy. From the historic sites around town to the stunning beaches that line the shore, there is something for everyone here.
Guests can take part in countless shore excursions or explore The Dock at Heritage Quay by foot, both offering unique convenience and adventure throughout their visit.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting day of sightseeing or just want to relax on the beautiful beach with your family, this island paradise has it all! So don’t hesitate any longer – book your St John Antigua Cruise now and start exploring!
