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This is where the major cruise lines and the large cruise ships dock. Yes, you can walk to Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao from the cruise port. However, you can’t reach any of the beaches in Curacao by walking. Rent a car or join an organized day trip for your one day in Curacao itinerary. The Mega Pier is for large cruise ships that cannot fit under the Island’s Queen Juliana Bridge. This pier is located in Otrabanda, and is where you are most likely to dock when cruising with major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises.
Berths & Facilities
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. Otrobanda is the district to the west of Sint Anna Bay, where the cruise ship is most likely docked. Taking a walk around the scenic district will offer cultural insight and amazing photo spots. Make sure to book your tours with a trusted operator, like VIATOR.
Snorkel and Diving at Caracas Bay and Klein Curacao
Saab To Supply KleinPort Port Management System To Curaçao Ports Authority Stories - Saab
Saab To Supply KleinPort Port Management System To Curaçao Ports Authority Stories.
Posted: Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:30:02 GMT [source]
The floating market also offers a variety of fresh foods and local crafts. Willemstad is the capital of the Dutch Caribbean island, Curacao and the beauty of the island hits you as soon as your ship pulls into port. The island is known for its pastel-colored town square as vibrant as tropical flora. Whether you rent a car and explore by yourself or book a guided day tour, there is much to explore on the island. In this post, we answered on what to do in Curacao from a cruise ship. We saw the Willemstad Curacao Cruise Port and dove deep into all the options on what to do from there.
CPA signs sister port agreement with Kingston Wharves Limited
Whether observing a spirited game of dominoes or perusing hand-painted souvenirs at the Brionplein, the neighborhood offers a rich tapestry of authentic Curaçao experiences. Amidst shopping, one can enjoy a meal at the numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants. Punda, characterized by its vividly colored buildings, features the iconic Handelskade waterfront, showcasing a fusion of Dutch, Caribbean, and Spanish architectural influences.
Visit Shete Boka
If you prefer private transport, taxis wait at the cruise port, offering fixed rates for popular destinations across Curaçao. Car rental agencies near the port provide an excellent option for those seeking freedom to go where they want. Are you planning a Caribbean cruise vacation to Curaçao, but you are not sure what awaits you at the port? Situated in Willemstad, the capital of this beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island, the Curaçao Cruise Port offers more than just a scenic docking spot. When the Dutch West-Indian Compagnie took over the island a fort needed to be build to offer protection to the Dutch.
Beaches
It is simply decorated inside and also houses a Fort Church Museum where you can learn about the island’s culture and the history of the Protestant community of Curacao. Constructed across St Anna Bay, this pedestrian floating bridge constructed in 1888 and renovated multiple times connects Otrobanda and Punda districts. The bridge is also called “Swinging Old Lady” by the locals and regularly opens to enable the passage of larger vessels. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you can navigate your Curaçao cruise experience with ease, ensuring a journey filled with discovery, enjoyment, and respect for this unique Caribbean destination. Here’s what you need to know about the Curaçao cruise port to kickstart your adventure. For season 2019, Curacao Ports announced nearly 800,000 cruise tourists are expected to visit the country.
Curaçao Cruise Port is a wonderful experience for cruisers in the Caribbean. From the lively capital city of Willemstad to its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy. To book your cruise to Curaçao, go to the website of the Curaçao Ports Authority. There, you will find information and links to all the cruise ships that come to the Curaçao Port, making your search quick and easy for a cruise to Curaçao.
The off-peak season runs from May to November and is great if you are visiting on a budget, but it’s also the hottest season with a slight very rare chance of hurricane storms. If a cruise is threatened with a hurricane, however, the ships are often diverted and you may miss your chance to explore this amazing port of call. When visiting the cruise port in Willemstad, Curaçao, take advantage of the public beach amenities available. This beach is just a short distance from the port and offers parasols and beds for visitors to relax by the calm water.
The picturesque row of brightly painted houses along the waterfront, known as Handelskade, is a sight to behold. This charming area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just as we crossed the bridge, the gates came down, and the bridge started moving.
However, if you decide to go to a beach, bear in mind that there are no beaches near the cruise port. The closest one to the cruise terminal and one of the most attractive beaches on the island is Mambo beach, located about 7 km from the cruise port, or a 15-minute driving distance. To get there, you can take a taxi, public transportation departing from the center of Willemstad, or book a shore excursion.
When we go out to diner, we mostly opt for a restaurant with a view and it is certainly something I would recommend when visiting the island during a cruise. There are a couple of upscale dining options to check out during your cruise stop in Curaçao. These places offer a mix of local and international dishes, making it a tasty adventure for your taste buds. The water displays a vibrant turquoise blue, and the sand feels as soft as you would expect from a pristine Caribbean beach.
Currently cruise ships dock at either the Mega Pier Cruise facility or the Otrabanda wharves located in the St. Anna Bay inlet. While it is possible to walk to a beach from the Curaçao Cruise Port, it is not recommended due to the infrastructure and tropical climate. The port is located in Willemstad, making it a convenient starting point for city exploration during your one-day visit from the cruise ship. Royal Caribbean has more ships coming into Curaçao; their ships are larger, hold more passengers, and offer shorter cruise options. Celebrity cruises are longer and offer more destinations to explore, offering more personalization.
The Curaçao Cruise Port offers modern facilities and services to accommodate cruise ships of various sizes. The port area is equipped with amenities such as a shopping center, restaurants, and entertainment options to cater to the needs and preferences of cruise passengers. The Port of Willemstad is the main and largest port of Curaçao, housing a wide variety of maritime facilities for all types of vessels. The entrance channel to this port, the St. Anna Bay, is situated in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. Cruise ships and other vessels dock at the Megapier Cruise Terminal at the entrance of the bay and at (cruise) terminals located at the Otrobanda side of the bay.
Explore the rural areas of Curacao as you pass by Sint Willibrordus, Flamingos Sanctuary, and Curacao’s plantation houses. There are many options, including Curacao ATV tours, jeep safari excursions, and more. This rocky pebble beach is famous for the tugboat wreck that sank several years ago and has become a popular underwater attraction ever since. The wreck lies only 5 m (16 ft) below the water’s surface and can be easily reached from the shore. The beach has a long stretch of powdery sands and crystal clear turquoise water, several beach bars, restaurants, plenty of gift shops, cabanas, sunbeds and umbrella rentals, and an aqua park.
This blog provides you with itineraries and tips for beautiful destinations, cruises and road trips – focusing on the quality of experiences over quantity. Willemstad is a great place to explore and I have not ever felt unsafe there. Make sure to check out my other cruise itineraries for more info about various ports of call. The Curacao Maritime museum in Scharloo will show you all 500 years of harbor history. Check out my in-depth Willemstad guide for more info about the city!
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