⚓ Port of Call: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
This morning, Grand Princess sailed into St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a former British colony rich with Caribbean history. We spent the day on a Half Day Historical Tour with Voyages Antigua, which turned out to be an excellent and well‑paced introduction to the island.
🚐 Exploring Antigua by Mini‑Bus
We boarded a comfortable mini‑bus with our driver, Dr. Drew, and our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Carl. Heading south out of St. John’s, we traveled through the mostly flat northern portion of Antigua.
Carl explained that this flat terrain—combined with volcanic ash deposits—created some of the most fertile farmland in the Caribbean. This made Antigua particularly well‑suited for sugar cane cultivation, which shaped the island’s economy for centuries.
🌾 Sugar Cane, Rum, and a Complicated Past
The British highly valued Antigua’s sugar cane fields and invested heavily in protecting them. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Antigua did not frequently change hands between European powers.
Sugar cane had many uses, but none more profitable than its role in producing rum. Cane was processed into molasses, which was shipped to Britain where rum was distilled.
This economic success came with devastating moral consequences. The ships that transported molasses to the British Isles were part of the infamous triangular trade, delivering enslaved Africans to Antigua to work the plantations before returning to England loaded with molasses. It is difficult to comprehend that systems of forced labor persisted in Antigua into the 1960s.
Today, Antigua proudly stands as an independent nation, having gained independence from Britain in 1981, while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
🏰 Antigua’s Historic Fortifications
The Blockhouse
Our first historic stop was The Blockhouse, one of approximately forty forts built by the British to defend Antigua. Sitting high above the Caribbean Sea on the island’s more rugged southern end, the Blockhouse offers sweeping 180‑degree views, ideal for spotting approaching ships.
Shirley Heights
Just a short drive away, we arrived at Shirley Heights, overlooking English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. The panoramic views here are nothing short of breathtaking, and the strategic importance of this location becomes immediately clear.
⚓ Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Our final historical stop was Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of the day.
Developed by the British Royal Navy, the sheltered harbor is surrounded by high cliffs that protected ships from hurricanes while providing an ideal place for repairs and resupply. The beautifully preserved Georgian‑style buildings are still in use today, making Nelson’s Dockyard both a working harbor and a living museum.
🏖️ Beach Time at Pigeon Point
After exploring Antigua’s past, we shifted into relaxation mode at Pigeon Point Beach. Antiguans are very proud of their beaches and boast that they have 365, one for each day of the year. This idyllic spot offered calm waters and postcard‑perfect views.
The water was a little chilly at first, but we quickly acclimated—and the refreshing swim, combined with the scenery, made this a perfect way to end the day ashore.
🌙 Evening Aboard Grand Princess
Back on board, we enjoyed another excellent dinner in the Michelangelo Dining Room. Before the evening show, we caught an entertaining dance performance in the promenade.
We wrapped up the night in the Princess Theater with the production show “Sweet Soul Music,” a lively and well‑produced performance.
As Grand Princess sailed onward, we turned in with anticipation for the next port.
🌴 Up Next: Day 7 in Dominica
Tomorrow morning, we arrive in Roseau, Dominica, for Day 7 of our Southern Caribbean adventure.
