St. John’s, Antigua – Caribbean Cruise 2026

Sunday, February 22, 2026

This morning, we were ready to leave the ship as soon as we were allowed. For the third port, the gangway closest to the ship’s Medical Center was closed for disembarkation and we saw an ambulance. I’ve seen gurneys taken aboard on two of the ports. Not sure what is happening. There aren’t as many people coughing on this ship as at the end of our transatlantic cruise in December. Lord, have mercy.

We got off at 8:15 and high-tailed it uphill towards the Anglican Cathedral. We saw it from the ship so we knew the general direction. Their service began at 8:15 and we arrived around 8:30. The building is in the shape of a cross and we entered by the southern (shorter) chancel door. We made our way towards the center so that we could somewhat see the front altar. There was a barrier dividing the pew, so we couldn’t scoot over any closer to the nave.

The windows were open, the fans were on, there was a lovely breeze, the people were friendly and welcoming, the music was beautiful, the Bishop’s sermon was sprinkled with choruses the congregation joined him singing while he encouraged listeners to overcome tribulations (the Gospel reading was Jesus in the wilderness), and we felt joy and honor to join them in worship. They asked visitors to stand and be recognized if they wanted. We didn’t really want recognition, but we knew we already stood out as visitors as we were two of a handful of white faces. We were given nice bookmarks as a welcome gift.

Wait! Did I say the worship team included a man playing a steel pan drum?! It is the Caribbean instrument made from a steel oil drum, played with mallets. It makes various sounds so you can actually play a tune with it. Like a homemade xylophone with a light and festive sound. It was so lovely! There was also a keyboardist who was amazing and a “traditional” drum set like we see at home.

There was a choir, all dressed in white clothes. And at the end, a children’s choir led a song. We could hear their sweet voices but I didn’t see them.

I could have sat in that Cathedral all day. It was such a contented feeling.

The building architecture was interesting. The outside of the building looks in severe disrepair. Having been rebuilt after an earthquake, the inside is all pine wood with a pitched roof to help it withstand future hurricanes and earthquakes. They say it is a building within a building. Sadly, their graveyard and many grave stones are broken and misplaced – likely due to those catastrophic events.

There is an original chandelier at the intersection of the nave and chancel. A woman told us that there is a reproduction in Kent, England. There is also a fan made from an airplane propeller. It came from the plane a local man was flying during World War I. He was the only island citizen who died in that war.

The Market and 99% of the stores and restaurants were closed today since it is Sunday. I bet it is a fun and hopping place during the week. We were asked by several taxi drivers if we wanted a ride/tour. They were polite and accepted our “no thank yous.”

After wandering around town, we finally made our way back to the ship and finished our self-imposed four mile walking quota on Deck 7. It was shady, breezy, mostly empty, and had a nice view. I began listening to a novel and Gregg listened to a podcast.