QM2 in Antigua

[57eric]

I had always assumed that the reason QM2 was always scheduled to tender from English Harbour instead of docking in St. Johns was because it was too large to dock.  Now I notice that both Anthem of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas dock there.  I'm no naval architect, but I'm not seeing the size issue here.  Does anyone know?

 

For the record, QM2 did not successfully call on English Harbour the last three times it was scheduled to.

[Underwatr]

Draft?

 

Anthem of the Seas 29 feet

Freedom of the Seas 30 feet

Queen Mary 2 34 feet

 

From https://marinas.com/view/harbor/6wt49p_St_Johns_Harbor_St_Johns_Antigua_Island_Antigua_and_Barbuda :

 

Navigating the Water:

 

St. Johns Harbour is a major cruise ship port, and as such, the entry channel is frequently dredged to depths of 30 to 35 feet. 

 

Edited February 27, 2019 by Underwatr

[bluemarble]

Underwatr beat me to it. My theory is also that it has to do with the ships' drafts.

 

From http://www.ashcroftandassociates.com/antigua-port.html

 

Quay facts
No. of quays: 2 – Heritage and Redcliffe Quays
Total length of quays: 1,050 ft.
Maximum draft alongside: 10 meters

Depth of channel: 30’
Distance from open seas: n/a
Air draft: Unlimited

[Fairgarth]

A couple of years ago, a captain with Celebrity wrote a blistering letter to the port authority in Antigua.  He had been told the depth of water but in the event he had only two feet under the keel, much less than advertised.  So yes, methinks draft is the factor here.  Cruise ships are wide and shallow.  QM2 goes deep.

[57eric]

Thanks for the responses.