The island of Antigua is part of the sovereign state known as Antigua and Barbuda - and you can find out all about the country’s fascinating past at its eponymously-named museum. Set in a former courthouse dating back to 1750, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda’s exhibits include tools, pottery and basketry. The building is also home to an extensive research library which is open to the public, so you can spend as much time as you like learning about the island’s history on your cruise to Antigua.
One of the jewels in the island’s crown is Nelson’s Dockyard which is nestled in a 15-square-mile national park. This historic harbour was developed as a base for the British Navy and acted as the headquarters of the Leeward Islands’ fleet in the late 18th century. In recent years, it has been completely restored and is now the world’s only working Georgian dockyard.
If you fancy a trip off the beaten track, pay a visit to Indian Town Point National Park. This remote and wild part of the island is home to the intriguingly-named Devil’s Bridge, a natural arch carved by the sea. Enormous geysers are forced through rocks near the bridge at high tide - an amazing sight not to be missed.
For vistas that will take your breath away, make your way to Shirley Heights, one of the best vantage points on the island. You’ll overlook the English and Falmouth harbours, with views reaching as far as Guadeloupe to the south and Montserrat to the southwest. Regular parties are held at the top; watch the sun go down with a cocktail or two to round off your Antigua cruise in style.
Which cruise lines sail to Antigua?
