ANTIGUA - ST JOHN CRUISE PORT

Before the trip, I had done a little research on each port and, in the back of my mind, had ranked them based on what I thought would be the most exciting. For some reason, Antigua ended up at the bottom of my list. Why? I’m not sure—maybe it was because I hadn’t heard as much about it as the other islands.

After returning to the U.S., I’m happy to report that my assumptions about Antigua were completely wrong. In fact, it ended up tying with St. Lucia as my favorite Caribbean island.

Stepping off the ship in St. John’s, Antigua, it’s easy to see why. The cruise port is right in the heart of the city, with its colorful waterfront buildings, bustling shops, and charming harbor views. Pastel-painted shops line the pier, and the historic church towers in the distance add a touch of old-world charm. Whether you’re planning to explore the local markets, relax on nearby beaches, or simply take in the scenery, St. John’s makes for a vibrant and welcoming first impression.

Antigua has a beautiful cruise port, filled with colorful shops and plenty of locals offering tours of the island. My advice? Take a tour—Antigua is simply too stunning to miss.

St. John’s, Antigua – Quick Tips

Step off the ship and explore Heritage Quay and nearby Redcliffe Quay for shops, restaurants, and local charm. My top tip? Take an island tour! Doing it independently is easy, affordable (around $20), and lets you set your own schedule. Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then head out to beaches, bars, or scenic spots—locals are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to show you the best of Antigua.

Advice

Safety is always important when getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t know. When choosing a taxi or tour company in Antigua, look for operators wearing a uniform, like the ones pictured above. When we were there, there were two main companies—one in orange shirts and one in white shirts.

Since my daughter and I were traveling alone, we looked for another group who also wanted a tour so we could ride together. We approached a group talking to a tour operator and listened in to see if we were interested. Most tours cover the same points of interest, so you’ll likely see other passengers from your ship along the way. It’s a fun way to meet new people—some friendships can even last a lifetime!

A quick note on “taxis” in the Caribbean: this term can refer to a van, an open-air bus, or even just some seats in the back of someone’s truck.

Always agree on the price before getting in. Most operators will include their price in their sales pitch, but if it feels too high, politely walk away—this often prompts them to lower it. While many countries post standard taxi rates to popular destinations, tours are a bit different and prices can usually be negotiated. You’ll typically pay for your tour after returning to the pier. We never paid in advance unless we booked with a company before the cruise.