One day in paradise

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” And when it comes to cruise travel, first impressions are everything. Luckily, Antigua & Barbuda is a true standout when it comes to wowing passengers. But what would you choose to do if you had just one day to spend in paradise?

For many cruise passengers, their first stop is the bustling Heritage Quay, where a myriad of high-end duty-free shops can satisfy even the most demanding of shopaholics. Alternatively, the nearby historic Redcliffe Quay offers a range of independent shops, art galleries, and charming restaurants. Few islands can boast the history on display on this paradise island. With that in mind, many head off directly to Antigua’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard, undoubtedly the island’s jewel in the crown. As the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard, you can roam its magnificent, restored buildings, shops and restaurants for hours. A visit to the equally iconic Shirley Heights is usually combined with this experience, and most visitors leave with a selfie taken in front of Antigua’s most beloved vista.

To understand the heritage of the local people, both in Antigua and the wider Caribbean, a visit to Betty’s Hope is a must. A former sugar plantation built in the 17th century, the site is now a fascinating museum and historic landmark that provides a glimpse into the unimaginable hardships experienced by enslaved workers during colonial times.

Visiting Barbuda is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. The island is often overshadowed by its larger sister, but it certainly shines just as brightly.

For some, the beach is the draw! With some of the finest in the Caribbean, if not the world and with enough options to visit a different one each day of the year, unsurprisingly, large numbers of passengers make a beeline to the glistening white sands and turquoise waters of Antigua’s coastline. Just a hop, skip and jump away from the port in St Johns are the popular Fort James and Dickenson Bay beaches, with their array of watersports and shallow, calm waters. Those who wish to venture further can find the paradisical Valley Church, Ffryes and Darkwood beaches – all spectacular and the perfect place to beachhop between the three.

For the more adventurous, how about zip-lining through the trees in Antigua’s rainforest? This exhilarating experience can be easily combined with a visit to Stingray City, a chance to get up close and personal with these friendly, gentle creatures in the most stunningly transparent waters imaginable. Or what about scuba diving at Cades Reef or snorkelling over the shipwreck at Galleon Bay? For those who prefer to remain above the waves, a catamaran sail or a speedboat tour that circumnavigates the whole island are unforgettable experiences.

With Caribbean cookery classes, rum-tasting tours, hiking, quad-biking, fishing trips, and so much more, the attractions of Antigua are far too numerous to outline here. But one thing is for sure, Antigua’s endless charms mean one visit will simply not be enough – cruise passengers will be left craving more of this paradise island.