Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
Antigua
Passengers disembarking at Deep Water Harbor Terminal find the capital St. John’s a quaint city with cobblestone streets, weathered houses, and a colorful open-air market.
Diversions
Taxis meet every cruise ship arrival and tours are easily arranged with drivers who also double as guides. While taxis don’t have meters (the government sets the rates), it’s a good idea to negotiate the fare before you set off. If your destination is the beach, arrange for your driver to return in plenty of time to get back to your ship.
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, one of the eastern Caribbean’s finest attractions, is often compared to Colonial Williamsburg. Admiral Nelson, who headquartered here from 1784 to 1787, would feel at home in the restored naval buildings. Admiral House, circa 1855, is a nautical museum. Explore the park with its beaches and nature trails that wind through lush tropical vegetation.
Shopping
Duty-free shopping centers are located near the dock at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. For a locally made bead necklace, don’t shop—just head for the beach where a “bead lady” will soon find you.
Beaches
Antiguans boast that their homeland has a beach for every day of the year. While this is somewhat of an exaggeration, the sugary white sand beaches are lovely and all are open to the public. Half Moon Bay and Runaway Beach are popular for swimming and sunning; Morris Bay is a desirable snorkeling spot; and Dickensen Bay Beach north of St. John's has water sports concessions, beach chair rentals, and numerous beach bars.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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