Monday, April 1, 2024

Port Zante St Kitts Basseterre Cruise Port Guide: Review 2023

basseterre cruise port

Some interesting attractions include the “Circus” clock tower and independence square. The monument at the center of the circus resembles London’s Piccadilly circus and bears a clock tower with a water fountain. We've got all the best and most popular things to do in St. Kitts while the cruise ship is making a port of call for your Caribbean cruise vacation. In November 2017, SCASPA (port authority) and Canadian Commercial Corporation signed the contract for the second cruise ship pier construction.

basseterre cruise port

Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik

The tour we looked at began in the gardens of Romney Manor and was followed by a trek through the Central Forest Reserve Natural Park. The ferry from St Kitts to Nevis departs around ten times per day (usually once per hour) and there are several different companies offering ferry rides. You’ll need to select a specific return time when buying a round-trip ticket. The ferries are quite small, so don’t wait for the last ferry, and make sure you plan your day according to your ship schedule. You’ll ride for approximately 30 km/18 miles on double-decker railcars allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views from the top.

The St Kitts Scenic Railway

The construction of a $48 million new cruise pier terminal in Port Zante started officially on May 2018 with works expected to be completed in 18 months. Naturally, with two piers in Port Zante, cruise lines that haven't yet called at St. Kitts will be visiting the island in the near future. St. Kitts is boarded by the Caribbean Sea to its west, and Atlantic sea to it’s east. The calm waters of the Caribbean Sea are perfect for swimming and snorkeling while the wavy waters of the Atlantic are perfect for surfing. The initial pier design was for only one Oasis-class ship (project cost USD 32 million) but was later lengthened and widened (new project cost USD 48 million).

Dining In Basseterre – St. Kitts & Nevis

Another monument house with a long history that can be visited whilst on the island of St Kitts is Fairview Great House. The house was formerly owned by a rich plantation owner and visitors are welcome to look around. Apparently, Prince Charles has stayed at the house when it was previously a hotel – if it’s good enough for the Royals then it’s good enough for us!

St Kitts Cruise Port Guide - Spending a Day in St Kitts - Justin Plus Lauren

St Kitts Cruise Port Guide - Spending a Day in St Kitts.

Posted: Thu, 19 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It'll take you a little extra time to get there, but the commute is beautiful. You'll take a scenic drive through the mountain ranges all the way south to Majors Bay. From there, you'll hop on a quick ferry for the two-mile float across the harbor to Nevis Island. But unlike other northern St Kitts beaches, Sand Bank is relatively calm.

Learn the history behind the structures in the estate and enjoy picturesque views of the lush backdrop. Explore the history of the island’s sugar manufacturing years in one of its most iconic plantation houses. Wingfield Estate is an old sugar estate that was founded in the early 16th century.

Waves - North vs South Beaches?

If visiting St Kitts independently you can pre-book the Scenic Railway tour here. Known as ‘The Gibraltar of the West Indies’ the fortress supported the ambitions of the English to dominate the sugar rich islands of the Caribbean. This is one of the best things to do in St Kitts from your cruise ship. This Grand Tour of St Kitts is considered to be one of the best tours money can buy, taking visitors across the length and breadth of the island to both the super-famous and the lesser-known spots.

The first building behind the port main shopping area is the Georgian-style Treasury Building. It houses the National Museum of St Kitts and is the gateway to historic Basseterre. There is lots to see when you get right off the ship, but before reaching the old town everyone has to pass through the very nice and modern shopping area just outside Port Zante. It was also just awesome to get some insight into the traditions of the people on the island these days, which are mainly derived from the African traditions of the slaves who were brought over by European settlers. We’ll be sharing tips, advice, vlogs and the latest news on all of the biggest cruise lines. You can do sightseeing by bus, ATV, or dune buggy  – depending on your preference, physical shape, and budget.

Some other ideal beaches include South Friars, Frigate Bay South, Frigate Bay North, Turtle Beach, Pinney’s beach Nevis, Banana Bay, among others. South Friars and Frigate Bay South are the most easily accessible beaches from Basseterre and more popular with Cruise visitors. They can get a little crowded, but luckily Cockleshell beach is always a cab ride away. The treasures of its thick green trees are amazing, explore its flora and fauna, some of which are used by locals to cure diseases. You can book this excursion through your cruise or local tour operators like David of Poinciana travels.

The structure features a fountain and a clock facing four different directions within the four streets leading to the circus center. The walking tour towards this monumental structure will also lead you to view the National Museum, courthouse and the town’s churches. Chatting away with the locals while enjoying a cold lime drink is a favorite past time of this friendly people, join in and learn something about the island.

From the Port Zante pier, there is only a 5-minute walk to the ferry station from there you can take a 45-minute scenic boat ride over to Nevis. Fort George Citadel is one of the areas you can explore and here you can visit Fort George Museum displaying exhibits and interesting historic artifacts. You will hear stories of the soldiers, slaves, and local people, and watch a short video about the fort’s history in an air-conditioned room. The islands ecosystems draw these birds to its rainforest, salt ponds, and lakes. Some of the beautiful species include frigate bird, grey kingbird, red-tailed hawk, and brown pelican. Between the months of April and June, is the best time to get a view of a group of rare turtles who show up from the islands Atlantic coast to lay some eggs.

It’s currently used by the artists who create beautiful Caribelle Batik. You can visit the manor and see how the batik is made and also purchase some of the products as souvenirs. The ruins, found at the estate, are an indication and a reminder of how thriving the sugar industry was in those early years for St Kitts.

For thrill-seekers, there’s always the option of getting on the water and crashing through the waves on a speedboat. Hiring your own speedboat for two this excursion sees you explore the southeast peninsula of st St Kitts on this self-drive tour. For those wanting to head into the rainforest then there are various tour operators offering the chance to immerse yourselves in St Kitt’s eco-system.

Dubbed as the Gibraltar of the Caribbean on the welcoming fountain at the port, it’s easy to see why. This fort is the most preserved fort in the Caribbean, still retaining its original look and hence properly bestowed a world heritage site honor by UNESCO. All designed in pastel-colored buildings that host pretty eateries and glamorous retail stores.

Ten years ago we’d both been in a UK youth theatre show together- she was one of the most hilarious people in the whole cast. We were from completely different parts of England, yet here we were just casually bumping into each other in St Kitts. My friend Dan the Man once yelled out “remember, the world is a village!

Rum punch is served while the guide gives an entertaining account sugar industry on St Kitts. At Fairview Great House you’ll glimpse the lifestyle of a wealthy plantation owner in the 18th century. There are elegant porches and balconies and a dining room laid with antique silver. Upstairs is the bedroom where Prince Charles stayed when the house was a hotel. Wonder at the stories that the majestic 400 year old Saman tree could tell. Visit the Caribelle Batik workshop where you can buy a colourful batik handicrafts and clothing.

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