WHERE NEXT
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PORT OF CALL
FAST FACTS
St. John’s
Currency East Caribbean dollar
Languages English, Antiguan Creole
Step ashore to explore Antigua’s historical forts, bustling markets, weekly parties and 365 beaches — one for each day of the year. By Claire Sibonney
Tipping 10% is often added to your bill, but for good service add another 5% or more.
Temperature Average daily high of 82°F/28°C
AN TI GUA
HISTORY
2400 BC
Antigua is first settled by the Siboney (“stone people”).
1100
The Arawaks, who succeeded the Siboney and lived here from roughly 35 AD, are banished by the Caribs.
1632
S
pend a few days in Antigua and you’ll soon discover both its sides, what esteemed local archeologist Reginald Murphy aptly describes as two worlds: breathtaking landscapes and haunting history. Antigua’s luxurious resorts, pristine beaches and picturesque harbors, bays and coves draw hundreds of thousands of visitors (and famous part-time residents, including Oprah) every year. But don’t miss the other half of the story: A former colonial hub of sugar and slavery, the island has layers of history and rich culture, touched by the Siboney, Arawaks, Caribs, Spanish and British. The perfect place to start is Antigua and Barbuda’s lively capital, St. John’s.
76
RANGE BY ENSEMBLE
British colonizers arrive on Antigua, and St. John’s is established. (The Brits colonized the nearby island of Barbuda in 1678.)
1981
Antigua and Barbuda gains independence from the United Kingdom but remains a constitutional monarchy.
CRUISE SHIP ILLUSTRATION: CLAIRE M c CRACKEN. PHOTO: INDUSTRY AND TRAVEL/ADOBE STOCK (HISTORY).
ST. JOHN’S
