Making the most of Curacao
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Curacao has two principal berths. The new Curacao Mega Pier, built for mega ships, is in West Willemstad, a few minutes' walk from downtown. Smaller vessels use the Curacao Cruise Terminal (Mathey Wharf), within walking distance of the floating Queen Emma Bridge linking it to the city's main shopping and business districts. The terminal offers tourist information, gift shops and 30 minutes of free wifi; mobility scooters and similar rentals are available for the handicapped.
A second Mega Pier was completed in October 2017, west of the entrance to St. Anna Bay and beside Mega Cruise Pier I.
Cruise calendar and the planned dock for this port.
Curaçao is the largest of the six islands forming the former Netherlands Antilles. It became autonomous from the Netherlands in 1954, though Dutch influence remains clear in Willemstad's architecture and culture. Oil-industry growth in the early 20th century brought workers and families from more than 50 countries, creating a varied, vibrant population.
Willemstad, the former Netherlands Antilles capital and one of a select group of UNESCO World Heritage List urban areas, is gorgeous. Spacious St Anna Bay, the Caribbean's largest harbor, divides it: the oldest district, Punda, lies east and Otrobanda west, joined by the quaint pontoon bridge called the Swinging Old Lady or Emma Bridge, which cocks a leg for boats.
Getting around
Willemstad is straightforward to explore on foot.
For sightseeing, taxis cost about $50 an hour and the fare must be negotiated.
Take a trolley train tour through historic Willemstad to experience Curacao's beauty.
Car hire is offered at the Mega pier, though it is not cheap.
Nearby places
Curacao has excellent beaches, with fine white sand and plenty of sunshine. Arrange for a taxi to take you to your chosen beach and collect you at an agreed time.
Christoffelpark is Curacao's largest national park and a must see for everyone. Its rich local flora and fauna include birds and plants, including species that are not easily seen elsewhere on the island.
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium is among the world's most unusual aquaria because, since its opening in 1984, it has created natural habitats for every marine creature without sophisticated technical equipment.
Hato Cave opens daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Guided tours run hourly, and entry is 9 $/adult or 7 $ for children aged 4-12.
Food and shopping
Curaçao is a shopper's paradise, with about 200 stores along major streets including Heerenstraat and Breedestraat. The 5-block Punda shopping district sits in the heart of Willemstad.
Money
The Netherlands Antilles florin (NAF), or guilder, is the official currency. U.S. dollars and Credit cards are widely accepted.
Staying connected
Official languages are Dutch, English, Papiamento and Spanish.
Several cafés provide free WiFi to customers, and the Mega Pier has free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Main-street shops trade Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some close from noon to 2 p.m. for lunch. Mall and shopping-centre shops open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some also open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.