Celebration (well someone has to mention it)

[newbiewaves]

As one of the very few passengers on this ship on 7th December after the transatlantic our first port of call is Antigua. Having had 2 long holidays there before I am familiar with the island.  My dilemma however is whether to do the ships Catamaran and lobster lunch excursion or a DIY taxi/ day pass to a resort like Hawksbill in the hope of a bit of snorkeling and collapse on the beach. Sadly although a Sunday Shirley Heights is off the menu as the ship departs at 7 pm.  I have also done a longer catamaran trip around Antigua before however as a 'stresser' the ship organised excursion whilst slightly more expensive may be more relaxing despite the urge to simply collapse on terra firma.

 

So has anyone gone to Hawksbill recently / experience of the reliability of taxis in Antigua  (there are some historical forums) or done the lunch trip?

[Vitalsign]

We have twice taken a taxi to Pineapple Beach - 45mins and a very isolated area - only one large hotel complex with a small public beach next to it - but on both occasions our taxi returned punctually for our return at his recommended time taking into account the teatime traffic. One driver asked if we minded him picking his children up from school on the way back, who were delightful and lovely to talk to. We didn't pay the driver until the return journey.