- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The capital of Curaçao stretches along the edge of St Ann's Bay on the island's south-west coast, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A profusion of color awaits you on the Handelskade quays, where it's a pleasure to stroll alongside the merchants' houses whose rainbow façades characterize Dutch colonial architecture. You can also visit Fort Rif and the Maritime Museum, or, in the quieter streets of Otrobanda, youメll enjoy browsing the craft shops and old-time bars at your own leisurely pace.
Optional Excursions:
JEEP SAFARI
This outing aboard a four-wheel drive vehicle gives you the opportunity to experience the wild side of Curaçaoand marvel at the interesting formations within Brua Cave. Be greeted at the pier by your guide, who leads you to your vehicle and provide a safety briefing, as you ride over rugged terrain in the open vehicle. Sit back and let your guide take the wheel, allowing you to focus your full attention on the scenery as it unfolds before you. Not only you can see cacti and divi-divi trees, but you may also spy the island's unique wildlife, such as lizards, flamingos, and birds of prey called wara wara.
Stopping at the Brua Cave, hear about the time of slavery and the role of the cave in slavery's history. Today, the cave tempts visitors into its depths for a viewing of its old stalactites and a glimpse of its resident bats.
Rejoining your vehicle, view more of the island's scenery en route to your ship.
HEART OF CURACAO
From the pier, embark your coach for a panoramic drive through Otrobanda, before enjoying a walking tour through Kura Hulanda village. An entire section of this quarter was transformed into a magnificently renovated historical district, the best example of Dutch colonial architecture in the Caribbean.
After the walking tour, drive through the Jewish Quarter in Punda towards Fort Nassau, where a stop is made. Here, the top of the hill offers stunning photo opportunities.
Next, drive to the north towards Baai Klaas and stop to see the salt planes, before visiting the land house of former slave owner Jan Kok, one of the oldest land houses on the island. After the visit, on the way back to your ship, a stop will be made at the flamingo sanctuary
UNESCO CITY WALK
Discover why historic Willemstad has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City with this excursion on foot. Beginning your outing at the pier, follow your guide to Rif Fort, a 19th-century structure that once guarded the island with 56 cannons in its 27 arches. Today, this site welcomes visitors with music, entertainment and inviting dining venues. Making your way to the historic Punda district, cross Santa Ana Bay by ferry or perhaps by the floating bridge. As you walk along Punda's waterside area, called “Handelskade”, your guide points out some of the city's 765 listed monuments, mansions, shop houses and townhouses, and share with you the history of the vibrantly-hued buildings.
Another of Curaçao's must-sees is the floating market, where merchants from Venezuela gather to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables. At the Maritime Museum, sip a refreshing beverage and take advantage of the chance to peruse interesting exhibits that tell the tale of the island's nautical history.
Following your museum visit, walk back to your ship on your own, enjoying the sights and sounds of the historic Punda district.