Antigua greeted us quietly. We arrived by cruise ship to spend just a few hours, and instead of fanfare or a grand port entrance, we were met with a brief rainfall, closed businesses, and a very low-key welcome. The customs office was open, so we got our passport stamped immediately.
No oversized letters were spelling out the island’s name, no dramatic arrival moment—and the port area itself wasn’t particularly walkable. Still, as is often the case in the Caribbean, the atmosphere shifted quickly. The rain passed, the skies cleared, and sunshine took over.
One small but meaningful highlight was earning a passport stamp—always a win. There was also WiFi available, which made it easy to check in and reset before heading out. While the port lacked spectacle, some genuinely kind people offered warmth and helpfulness from the moment we stepped ashore.
Antigua is best known for its 365 beaches, often described as one for every day of the year. With limited time and less-than-perfect weather, we skipped the crowded tours and popular stops like Dickinson Bay and Jolly Beach. Instead, we chose Valley Park Beach. Visually, it was beautiful—clear water, open space, and a calm, relaxed feel.
However, the lackluster beach umbrellas and coarse sand was not my favorite, and that detail mattered more than I expected. It ultimately placed Antigua at #4 among our cruise stops.
Food, as usual, helped balance the experience. I scored fried fish—simple, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the island’s strong Creole influence. Antigua’s culinary traditions, along with its music and cultural rhythm, clearly reflect a rich Caribbean identity shaped by history and community.
Beyond the beach, Antigua offers much more than what a short cruise stop allows. The island is renowned for sailing and yachting, particularly Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world’s premier regattas. Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, speaks to its British colonial history, while Carnival—held in late July to early August—brings the island alive with calypso, soca, and vibrant celebration.
Although Antigua was not my favorite stop on this trip, I would absolutely go back. A few hours and unpredictable weather are not enough to fully assess a place with so much to offer. With 365 beaches, rich culture, and year-round sunshine, Antigua deserves more time—and I’d welcome the chance to explore it properly next time.