Prickly Pear Island stands apart from other cruise ports with its rare blend of pristine nature, curated culture, and effortless efficiency in Antigua and Barbuda. The sheltered harbour keeps ships at anchor with minimal hassle, while the shore invites guests to step directly onto sand and sea, bypassing crowded terminals. Signature experiences leap from water to wind-swept limestone bluffs: glassy snorkeling in nearby reefs, close encounters with sea turtles just offshore, and intimate beach barbecues hosted by local families under shaded canopies. Destination options emphasize authentic island life—a quick drive to Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour’s maritime heritage, plus easy half-day hops to surrounding coves and panoramic lookouts. The port’s fleet features are designed to complement a modern cruise season: a rapid, disciplined tender system that minimizes embarkation times; eco-conscious dock facilities with solar-powered lighting, water-refilling stations, and comprehensive waste-sorting; and a purpose-built passenger centre that blends open-air promenades with shaded lounges. Onboard services extend the same warmth ashore: multilingual guest hosts, streamlined excursion desks, premium Wi‑Fi lounges, spa and refreshment options, and curated culinary partnerships showcasing Antigua’s seafood, spices, and citrus. All together, Prickly Pear Island offers a port experience that feels like a seamless extension of Antigua and Barbuda’s island hospitality, rather than a mere stop along the itinerary.
Introduction to Port
Emerald Cruises
Founded in 2013 as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river c16 Ships100 Ports2 Types
SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club offers an ultra-luxury yachting experience aboard the twin yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II. With 52 Ships20 Ports2 Types