Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua.  Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion.  Unfortunately, it was sold out.  With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s  excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving.  Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel.  According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting.  Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag.  The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship.  We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing.  It was the perfect ship to shore experience.  The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach.  We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the  trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates.  The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

Cruising through  the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill.  Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship.  So the battle began.

The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.  It was  just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay.  From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day.  The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim.  In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew.  We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down.   The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining.  I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching.  Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while  Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance.  I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next.  How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure.  I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone.  I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable  memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda?  Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time?  I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Black Swan:  This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone:  268 736 8000

Where to Eat: 

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine.  Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse.  The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

• Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
• Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
• Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves.  This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
• Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
• Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

• Books by Jamaica Kincaid
• Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
• Journeycakes:  Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

• The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
• View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
• Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
• The white sands of Ffryes Beach
• Half Moon Bay, Antigua
• Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
• Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
• Fort James
• Nelson’s Dockyard
• Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
• Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
• The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

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