Visit the blissful island of Antigua, one of the two major islands that make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It is located Southeast of Anguilla and North of Guadeloupe making it a part of the Leeward Islands. Take a long walk or read your favorite book on the picturesque beaches of Ffryes and Dickenson Bay. This island has a population of roughly 80,000 inhabitants, and its capital, Saint John, is located in the north-west has a population of roughly 32,000 people. Or snorkel and scuba dive throughout the many gorgeous coral reefs that line the island of Antigua. Combine your trip to Antigua with a cruise throughout the greater Caribbean on a small ship cruise that allows access to smaller coves, reefs, and ports. Contact our travel experts to start planning your personalized trip to Antigua or throughout the Caribbean today!

Top 8 Antigua Small Ship Cruises for 2022-2023

All Antigua Cruises

Dock going out into the crystal blue ocean

Classic Yachtsman Caribbean

Antigua to Barbados
8 Days from $2,420

Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience as you travel to the beautiful beaches and landscapes of the Caribbean. This 8-day sailing journey is unforgettable, with destinations including Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Martinique, and more!

Stroll along the white sandy beaches of St. Barth's

Caribbean: Round-trip Philipsburg

Philipsburg to Philipsburg
15 Days from $9,265

Cruising the perfect dream of tall ships: Encounter volcanic islands, laid-back sailors' haunts, and colorful underwater worlds. Join the luxurious Sea Cloud on this fantastic 15-day small ship cruise.

Panama to Antigua

15 Days from $4,300

Starting in Balboa, Panama, sail through warm Caribbean waters as you make your way to the Antigua aboard the Royal Clipper. Over the course of 15 days visit Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and Colombia before arriving in Panama.

Windward Islands

Bridgetown to Bridgetown
8 Days from $2,420

Board the luxurious Royal Clipper sailing ship for this 8-day roundtrip cruise of the Caribbean, departing from Bridgetown, Barbados to St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, and more! Snorkel in turquoise reefs, explore tropical rainforests, relax on the sun-kissed beaches, and delight in exotic markets and charming seaside cafes.

Leeward Islands

Philipsburg to Philipsburg
8 Days from $2,360

The Star Flyer authentic clipper hosts this 8-day cruise of the Caribbean, departing on a roundtrip from St. Maarten and sailing Nevis, Dominica, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and St. Barts. As the wind blows your ship across turquoise waters through thousands of cays, snorkel in the clear water, relax on sunny beaches or hike to the tropical mountaintops.

Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean

Fort-de-France - Santo Domingo
14 Days from $6,180

Spend an unforgettable festive season celebrating Christmas and New Year's in the Caribbean aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville. Cruise from Fort-de-France to Santo Domingo, exploring highlights such as Martinique, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts, Saint Barthelemy, and the British Virgin Islands along the way.

Windward Islands Christmas Cruise

Bridgetown to Bridgetown
8 Days from $2,420

The Essential of the Caribbean

Fort de France to Fort de France
13 Days from $5,440

Join this 13-day cruise to the heart of the West Indies. From Fort-de-France, you will sail the idyllic waters of the Caribbean Sea to discover stunning islands, as well as historical and architectural landmarks.

Best Small Ship Caribbean Cruises

4 Top-Rated Antigua Small Cruise Ships for 2022-2023

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Sea Cloud	64	$9265	With occupancy for just 64 guests, the Sea Cloud is a modern and elegant windjammer outfitted with modern amenities and uniquely decorated cabins. … 0
Le Dumont-d'Urville	184	$5440	Discover a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with … 0
Royal Clipper	227	$2420	The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, carrying just 227 guests. She offers the ultimate sea-going experience, … 0
Star Flyer	170	$2360	The Star Flyer is a stylish vessel designed to accommodate 170 passengers in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This true clipper ship reflects … 0

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Antigua Travel Guide

Caribbean Cruise: When to Go?

Discover the best time of year to sail the Caribbean on a small ship or sailboat. Find the best month for your Caribbean cruise, whether you want an active vacation spent kayaking, snorkeling and fishing, or a restful time just lounging by the clear turquoise water.

Leeward Islands Politics

The Leeward Islands, a geographical grouping with an essentially shared history, have developed over time into six separate nations. They have a common interest in tourism, and in economic and cultural advancement for their ethnically diverse but essentially harmonious populations.

Leeward Islands Weather

As long as you avoid the hurricane season during the latter half of the year, you'll enjoy pleasant tropical temperatures between 81°F and 95°F (27°C and 35°C) and bright sunny days that never seem to end.

Best Antigua Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2022-2023

Star Clippers Americas - re-creates the famed clippers that sailed the oceans in the 19th century and offers a chance to cruise onboard a Tall Ship to Antigua, an independent state in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Royal Clipper, the world's largest square rigger in service, was awarded the Guinness World Record in 2001, boasting advanced navigation systems and luxury amenities.
Ponant - has 5-Star Culture and Relaxation cruises aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville that introduces a new way to travel by combining cultural enrichment with time to unwind in a luxury setting and visiting sites that only insiders know about, such as picture-postcard Antigua, the larger of the two islands that comprise Antigua-and-Barbuda, a sovereign Commonwealth state.