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Unlike many islands, taxi destination costs on Curacao are not predetermined based on the destination. So, it’s important that you agree on a fare with the driver prior to getting in a taxi. Though, if you are considering hiring a taxi for sightseeing (recommended) the cost is about $20 USD per hour. Regardless of where your ship docks, both are only a few minutes’ walk from downtown as well as the Queen Emma Bridge which connects the two districts.
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Otrobanda, which means the other side, is the newer of the two districts on St. Anna Bay. Of notable interest is the Rif Fort, which is a stone’s throw from the cruise pier. There are amenities such as beach chair and umbrella rentals, a parking lot, and a small kiosk where you can get snacks and refreshments. Walk by multicolored storefronts filled with local arts and crafts in the Punda and Otrobanda districts. Or venture into the New Market, a place to find handicrafts from Curacao, like the quintessential Dutch clogs, and souvenirs like hammocks from neighboring islands.
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao: The Archipelago of Fun in the Caribbean
It showcases the dark history of African enslavement and the resultant empowerment of Curacao through the slave trade. In Dutch restaurants, such as Kome, you can try cheese-based treats such as Keshi Yena which are cheese balls stuffed with spicy meats. Or try strange meats such as iguana, lionfish, and ostrich meat, which are served in select restaurants on the island. Sample a great selection of Afro-Caribbean flavors at waterfront restaurants and authentic Curacao restaurants in the heart of Willemstad. Apart from Dutch, Caribbean, African, and Spanish flavors, Curacao has over 50 more international influences in its cuisine, guaranteeing you an unforgettable gastronomical exploration.
Best Excursions and Day Trips in Curacao
You can’t miss this spot as you pass through it on the way to Willemstad downtown from the Mega Pier cruise terminal. Rif Fort village is situated in the Otrobanda quarter, by the entrance to St Anna Bay and less than a 5-minute walk from the Queen Emma Bridge. Less than a 5-minute walk from there you’ll reach the Queen Emma Bridge and the Punda side, where you can explore the main Willemstad highlights and historical landmarks.
Cruises to Willemstad, Curaçao
The island of Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is the largest island of all three. Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages and English and Spanish are often spoken by locals as well. Dutch cuisine influences dishes on Curaçao the most, though Afro-Caribbean, Venezuelan and Indonesian influences have also made their way to the Curaçao tables.
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The Public Buses are limited - and not as good as services in Aruba (another Dutch island close by) - but there are Electrical wheelchairs for rent next to the Mega Pier. Read about the most amazing time to go to Curacao to plan the perfect vacation. Make sure to check out my other cruise itineraries for more info about various ports of call. It is very Instagram-worthy, so make sure to check it out before heading back to the Willemstad Cruise Port. If you want to see more of the island, I suggest booking a rental car. Midway past the two beaches are rocky cliffs where you can go cliff jumping, an exhilarating moment that you should try at least once or maybe twice.
Getting to Know Curaçao Cruise Port
Another delicacy you should try is cocada, a sweet coconut dessert made with sugar, vanilla, rose essence, and coconut. Head to north Aruba to find natural wonders like the Arikok National Park, which has hiking trails and various geological formations, including lava, quartz and limestone. You'll also find some of Aruba's oldest indigenous paintings, made by the Arawaks, as well as gold mines and plantation ruins. Near the park, you can also find Rock Wish Garden, where you can build stone towers that are believed to grant the wishes of those who make them.
Passenger falls off 10th deck of Royal Caribbean cruise ship - NBC News
Passenger falls off 10th deck of Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Posted: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Spend a Day at the Beach Or at a Hotel (Day Pass)
Discover stalagmites, stalactites, unique species and local lore inside the Hato Caves. These ancient limestone caverns are filled with pools, waterfalls, and 1,500-year-old cave paintings. Cruise to Curaçao and cross the mystical underground lake before entering two large caverns lined with ancient Arawak petroglyphs. Head to the 4,450-acre wildlife preserve, Christoffel Park National Curaçao, to spend the day immersed in unspoiled nature.
Some of our preferred trips include visits to The Blue Room, Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, and the turtle-populated Playa Piskado. Additionally, several hotels and resorts dot the sandy shoreline, enhancing the appeal of Mambo Beach as a favored spot among cruise ship passengers due to its diverse amenities. Instead, you’ll find lots of small coves and hidden beaches among pretty cliffs. There are more than 40 beaches, and all of them are within a 45-minute drive from the Cruise Port.
Pumpkin isn't seasonal on Curaçao so you'll find it as an ingredient in many dishes. You can wash it all down with a Polar or Amstel beer, which are the local favorites. Indian, African, Asian and European inhabitants formed Bonaire and the islanders keep alive many of the traditions brought by settlers. Religious and holiday celebrations are at the heart of Bonaire culture.
If you are interested in really exploring the island history a must would be Penha & Sons which is the oldest building in Willemstad built in 1708. In Willemstad you will find a fun and lively small city with people who are as colorful as the surrounding buildings. Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of nature, the thrill of adventure, the richness of history, or the joy of family activities, Curaçao promises a day filled with discovery and delight. Eating and drinking in Curaçao are integral parts of the island’s cultural experience. Curaçao’s culinary landscape is as colorful and diverse as its culture, offering a tantalizing blend of flavors that reflect its rich heritage and the influences of African, Dutch, Spanish, and Asian cuisines.
If you are mainly interested in checking out the city, you won’t need a car. The most famous attraction here is the legendary Tugboat shipwreck, lying 5 m (16.4 ft.) under the water’s surface, in the shallow, pristine waters of the bay. You can swim to the boat directly from Tugboat Beach, and explore its beautiful marine life. Caracas Bay is a dynamic place packed with restaurants, bars, hotels, and recreational areas. Mathey Wharf dock is located a 5-10 minute walk from the Willemstad city center and features facilities such as a tourist information desk, a taxi rank, tour booths, souvenir shops, and restrooms.
The former fort “Rif Fort” is a waterfront mall with a courtyard, stores & bars as well as cafes. This is a great place to get some shopping in or simply sip a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The wall of the fort offers a great view over the bay and the Handelskade. Visiting Willemstad on your cruise is a great idea for everyone interested in culture and shopping.
Curaçao, a gem in the Caribbean Sea, welcomes cruisers with open arms and a colorful display of its rich culture and heritage. Welcome to the vibrant island of Curaçao, a premier cruise destination nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Lying around 65 km north of the coast of Venezuela, in the Lesser Antilles, in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curacao belongs to the group of islands called ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). Willemstad is a great place to explore and I have not ever felt unsafe there.
There is the main bus station as well, however, the buses don’t run regularly and I wouldn’t recommend you use them. Carrying a little bit of cash for small purchases is recommended, though many major credit cards are accepted. Many restaurants include a “service charge” in your bill, which means that tipping is not required.
