There are two deep water ports located on the Basseterre harbour – the Birdrock Deepwater Port and Port Zante. The Birdrock Port, which is situated on the eastern side of the Basseterre harbour, is used mainly for freight, but handles the overflow when there are more cruise ships than Porte Zante can handle.

Port Zante is the newer of the two facilities, and is situated in downtown Basseterre, in the center of the harbour. The facility comprises a single pier along which two of the largest ocean liners in the world can dock at any one time. In fact, this port is one of only two in the entire Caribbean, at which the Queen Mary II can berth. Port Zante also has a marina to accommodate yachts and other small craft.

Upon disembarkation, cruise ship visitors are greeted by cultural acts, displays and exhibitions, as well as various ground operators offering various island excursions. The duty-free shopping district on Port Zante, where fine jewelry, liquor and souvenirs are available along with restaurants, is just past this area. Immediately beyond the shops lies Pelican Mall, the ground floor of which houses the headquarters of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Here, brochures can be picked up and inquires made.

The National Museum is situated just to the left of the Pelican mall, as one continues the short walk into the historic district of downtown Basseterre. One minute north of the museum is the Circus, an octagonal plaza that can remind one of a miniature version of London’s famous Piccadilly Circus. The focal point of the Circus is the Berkeley Memorial Drinking Fountain and Clock, erected in 1891, while its circumference comprises more duty-free shops, banks and restaurants. This is also the ideal place from where to get a taxi cab.

From the Circus, a three-minute stroll eastwards along Bank Street leads to Independence Square, a stately Georgian-style plaza built as a slave market in 1790. Today the Square offers a charming garden setting, punctuated by a fountain in the center and the Roman Catholic Co-cathedral and the judicial complex on the eastern side. Some of the most attractive buildings in Basseterre line all sides of Independence Square.

If one were to walk northwards from the circus, Fourth Street will eventually intersect with Cayon Street after about five minutes or so. Here, two blocks to the left is the majestic clock tower of the St. George’s Anglican Church. The somber black stonework church was originally built by the French in 1670 and named Notre Dame. Unfortunately, it was leveled three times by fire and once by an earthquake before the present structure was erected.

This is just a brief insight into why Basseterre is considered a favorite among cruise travellers, who find its tranquil environment and rich history both relaxing and intriguing.