Welcome Ashore
to Antigua
Over 300 cruise ships call at St. John's Heritage Quay every season. Step off the gangway into duty-free shopping, world-class beaches and Caribbean adventures — all within easy reach of the pier.
8+
Cruise Lines
300+
Ships per Season
Nov–Apr
Season
800K+
Passengers/Year
St. John's Cruise Port
Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay — Antigua's cruise terminals are located right in the heart of St. John's, the island capital.
Heritage Quay
Duty-free shopping complex right at the cruise terminal. Designer brands, Caribbean crafts, jewellery and souvenirs.
Redcliffe Quay
Historic waterfront area with boutique shops, cafés, restaurants and art galleries. A 5-minute walk from the pier.
Taxi & Tour Desk
Government-licensed taxis and tour operators available at the port. Set fares to all major attractions.
Information Centre
Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority information desk at the terminal with maps, guides and recommendations.
Cruise Season Schedule
Antigua's cruise season runs from November to April, with peak months seeing up to 45 ships per month.
November
15–20
ship visits
December
30–40
ship visits
January
35–45
ship visits
February
35–45
ship visits
March
30–40
ship visits
April
15–25
ship visits
Cruise Lines Visiting Antigua
Major cruise lines from around the world include Antigua on their Caribbean itineraries. Browse each line for ships, schedules and shore excursion options.
Royal Caribbean International
Heritage Quay, St. John's
World-leading cruise line with innovative mega-ships and frequent Antigua port calls.
Carnival Cruise Line
Heritage Quay, St. John's
The world's most popular cruise line with fun-filled ships visiting Antigua.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Heritage Quay, St. John's
Freestyle Cruising pioneer with no fixed schedules and modern ships.
Celebrity Cruises
Heritage Quay, St. John's
Premium cruise line blending modern luxury, culinary excellence and Caribbean destinations.
Popular Shore Excursions
Make the most of your day in Antigua — from beach breaks and snorkelling trips to historical tours and adventure activities.
Catamaran Snorkel Cruise
Sail along the coast, snorkel over coral reefs, and enjoy a beach BBQ at a secluded bay.
Nelson's Dockyard Tour
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore restored Georgian buildings and climb Shirley Heights for panoramic views.
Island Safari Jeep Tour
Explore Antigua's rugged interior, visit Devil's Bridge, Betty's Hope sugar plantation and hidden beaches.
Stingray City Encounter
Wade into shallow waters and interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.
Beach Break — Dickenson Bay
Relax on Antigua's most popular white-sand beach with sun loungers, water sports and beachside service.
Zip Line Rainforest Adventure
Soar through the canopy on zip lines at Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour with suspension bridges.
Tips for Cruise Visitors
Currency & Payments
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards work at most shops and restaurants. ATMs are available near the port.
Getting Around
Licensed taxis wait at the port with government-set fares. Island tour (3-4 hours) costs $100-150 USD. Public buses run along main routes for EC$2.50-3.75. Car rental is also available.
Best Beaches Near the Port
Fort James Beach is a 10-minute drive from Heritage Quay. Dickenson Bay (15 min) offers sun loungers and watersports. Jolly Beach (25 min) has over a mile of white sand. Explore all beaches.
Duty-Free Shopping
Heritage Quay offers duty-free jewellery, watches, electronics and spirits. Redcliffe Quay has local art, crafts and boutiques. Bargaining is acceptable at craft stalls.
Must-See Attractions
Nelson's Dockyard (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Shirley Heights lookout, Devil's Bridge, Betty's Hope plantation, and the stunning 365 beaches. Browse activities.
Stay Connected
Free Wi-Fi is available at Heritage Quay. Local SIM cards can be purchased from Digicel or FLOW near the port. Most restaurants and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Plan Your Day in Antigua
Make the most of your port call with our travel resources.
Planning a Caribbean Cruise?
Let us help you find the perfect cruise that includes Antigua. Tell us your preferences and our team will recommend the best options — cruise lines, cabin types, itineraries and shore excursions.
8+ cruise lines with Antigua itineraries
From budget-friendly to ultra-luxury
November to April cruise season
Peak months: December through March
Heritage Quay dockside access
Walk straight into downtown St. John's
Questions About Cruising to Antigua?
Our team can help with cruise line recommendations, shore excursion planning and everything you need for your Antigua port call.