Curacao is a well-liked cruise vacation spot on account of its gorgeous pure magnificence, perfect location, and vibrant tradition. With pristine seashores and a novel mix of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it’s the excellent place for each leisure and exploration.
We’ll element the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you possibly can uncover why it is likely one of the predominant gateways to the island nation’s numerous points of interest.
Not solely will we offer an in-depth information to navigating the port itself, however we will even spotlight some essential journey data and close by facilities so you possibly can get pleasure from a seamless and memorable go to to this stunning island paradise.
Curacao Cruise Port Location and Deal with
Curacao is an island nation within the southern Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is taken into account one of many Dutch Caribbean territories, roughly 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The Curacao Cruise Port is situated inside Willemstad, the island’s capital metropolis, on the southern coast of the island.
Willemstad is constructed round a harbor known as St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is the place the cruise port is situated. This pure harbor splits town into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Each areas are simply accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal areas.
The principle cruise terminal for Curacao Cruise Port is the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, or Mega Cruise Dock, which extends from the coast of Otrobanda into the Caribbean Sea. The second terminal, the Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal, is situated alongside the St. Anna Bay inlet on the western fringe of Otrobanda close to the Koningin Julianabrug Bridge, which connects town’s two sides.
Addresses for the Two Cruise Terminals
- Mega Pier Cruise Terminal: 4335 V82, A.H. Maduro Wharf, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
- Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal: 4358 H4Q, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
Terminal Layouts and Variety of Piers
As talked about, the 2 terminals that make up the Curacao Cruise Port. They’re situated in several components of town and differ in dimension. To make issues easy, right here’s a primary breakdown of the 2:
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal
Variety of Cruise Ship Berths: Two
As you will have guessed, the terminal takes its identify from the large pier designed to accommodate bigger cruise ships. The pier extends instantly into the Caribbean Sea and has a T-shaped design that enables cruise ships to dock with ease. This design additionally makes it simpler for passengers and crew to board and depart from the docked ship and helps with cargo operations.
Whereas the pier is impressively massive for a comparatively small island nation, it solely has a single berth for full-sized cruise ships. Nonetheless, its location west of the St. Anna Bay entrance permits ships to come back and go a lot quicker.
A secondary C-shaped pier to the instant west of the Mega Pier additionally results in the identical terminal services. This secondary pier contains a passenger pontoon bridge that connects it to the terminal.
The situation of the 2 piers permits ships to dock extra simply and permits visiting passengers to entry town’s points of interest shortly.
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port
Variety of Cruise Ship Berths: Two
In contrast to the Mega Pier, the Mathey Wharf doesn’t prolong into the ocean. As a substitute, it’s designed to permit cruise ships to dock instantly alongside the channel of St. Anna Bay.
Whereas the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it may well nonetheless accommodate a full-sized cruise ship as a result of cruise ships can proceed north alongside the St. Anna Bay Channel, then flip round in Schottegat Bay earlier than heading again out to open water.
Terminal Amenities and Companies
The Mega Pier Terminal is the bigger and extra steadily used of the 2 terminals and is outfitted with higher services. That mentioned, each terminals supply every thing required for a seamless customer expertise.
The Mega Pier’s services embrace a fast-track safety and customs desk, a number of multi-language data cubicles the place passengers can obtain complimentary maps and common help, a tented space that includes numerous memento stands, and food and drinks distributors.
Taxis can be found on website from a sheltered taxi stand, and there’s additionally a delegated space for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.
The Mathey Wharf Terminal additionally has a streamlined safety desk for guests and a single vacationer data sales space. There may be additionally a primary comfort retailer the place you should purchase snacks, drinks, and some primary souvenirs.
Each terminals enable guests to attach for half-hour of free Wi-Fi, after which level bank card particulars are required for additional entry.
If you wish to keep away from paying for Wi-Fi, just a few cafés supply complimentary Wi-Fi, together with a Starbucks location simply 0.2 miles away on Baden Powellweg.
When you enterprise past the cruise port, there are additionally some well-marked free public Wi-Fi spots all through Willemstad. The 2 terminals additionally characteristic well-maintained and accessible washroom services.
Curacao Cruise Parking
Sadly, neither of the terminal services presents long-term parking. Nonetheless, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.
When you have determined to hire a car and wish someplace to park when you discover town, there’s a massive outside car parking zone subsequent to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort and Mall. It is only a 0.2-mile stroll from the Mega Pier and a 0.5-mile journey to Mathey Wharf.
Single-day parking is complimentary, however these not staying on the resort should pay in a single day charges, which fluctuate relying on demand. You’ll be able to count on to pay between $10 and $30 per night time.
Cruise Traces that Go to Curacao Cruise Port
Curacao is a busy cruise vacation spot, and its port can deal with a few of the world’s greatest ships. For these causes and extra, it’s visited by a few of the most recognizable cruise strains on the earth, together with the next and extra:
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Carnival Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Celeb Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Costa Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- AIDA Cruises
Distance from the Airport and Instructions
Curacao Cruise Port’s two terminals are roughly 7.5 miles away from Curacao’s Hato Worldwide Airport (CUR). Driving between the 2 often takes about 20 minutes, however that is closely depending on site visitors situations while you arrive.
For these arriving in Curacao by air, there are many choices for touring between the airport and the cruise port. Taxis cost roughly $25 to $35 for one-way journey, whereas complimentary shuttles can be found via a number of cruise strains, motels, and resorts.
You can even pre-book a personal shuttle via Curacao Airport Shuttle Companies, which prices roughly $15 per individual.
Driving Instructions
When you have rented a car on the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port your self, instructions are pretty easy:
- Head east on Franklin D. Rooseveltweg for 7.1 miles
- Merge onto Nijlweg and proceed till you see the flip for Baden Powellweg
- Look ahead to cruise terminal indicators and arrive at your vacation spot on Gouverneur van Slobbeweg
Transportation Accessible on the Terminals
Visiting cruise passengers have a number of choices for transportation to and from the cruise port.
Shuttle Buses
Personal shuttle buses are used as the first methodology of transportation for shore excursions, however they can be booked by teams for pre-arranged transit to numerous locations.
Whereas most excursions embrace transportation of their reserving price, personal shuttle journeys are inclined to run round $20 per individual to most locations within the Willemstad space. These shuttle buses will decide you up instantly in entrance of the terminal the place you arrived.
Taxis
A taxi is the preferred solution to get round Willemstad and the island. Taxis are additionally accessible at each terminals. They function on a first-come-first-serve foundation, and they are often obtained just by ready in line at both terminal’s taxi stand.
Not solely do taxis present fast and direct journey, however the metered fares are pretty cheap, with most journeys costing between $10 and $35 to anyplace throughout the metropolis or to any of the close by seashores or points of interest.
If you’re hoping to e-book a taxi from outdoors the cruise port, the 2 main suppliers on the island are Pleasant Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Each supply flat charges for journey throughout the 4 predominant areas of Willemstad, they usually cost fares per taxi fairly than per individual, which is the case in a few of the different Caribbean islands.
Not one of the rideshare companies can be found in Curacao as of but, so you can’t take an Uber or Lyft.
Public Buses
Public transit in Curacao is proscribed, however the choices that exist are based mostly round a system of minibuses known as “konvoiis.” These have primary routes across the metropolis and a few strains that join Willemstad to the smaller cities, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora.
The speed for one-way journey is roughly $2, however you have to pay in Curacao’s native forex, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). Whereas there isn’t a bus cease instantly outdoors both terminal, there are well-marked bus stops all through town.
When Is the Finest Time to Go to Curacao?
Curacao’s tropical local weather makes it a year-round journey vacation spot; nonetheless, most guests agree that the dry season is the very best time to discover the island. In Curacao, the dry season runs from early January till early April, which is the busiest stretch for tourism.
Learn Additionally: When is the Finest Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
If you wish to journey outdoors of those months, here’s a primary breakdown of seasonal climate situations on the island:
- Winter (December to February): Temperatures between 75° and 84°F with comparatively dry situations.
- Spring (March to Could): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Comparatively low rainfall makes it time to benefit from the outside.
- Summer season (June to August): The temperature averages 83° to 86°F, and excessive humidity ranges could make it uncomfortable to be outdoors. Elevated rainfall and the next threat of storms can be a difficulty.
- Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop barely to the 80° to 85°F vary, whereas rain showers stay pretty widespread.
Remember the fact that hurricane season runs from June to November in Curacao, however the island does sit outdoors the Caribbean’s predominant hurricane belt, so direct hurricanes and storms are comparatively uncommon.
Seashores Close to the Cruise Port
Curacao is known for its pristine seashores. Fortunately, you received’t need to journey removed from the cruise port to get pleasure from a few of the greatest the island has to supply:
Mambo Seashore (3 miles from the port)
Also called Aquarium Seashore on account of its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Seashore is the closest to the cruise port.
This man-made seaside has an entry price of $3.50 USD, however it’s nicely definitely worth the value of admission. It options public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and different facilities. Coated seaside loungers and huts are additionally accessible for rental at $4 per day.
The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it an incredible family-friendly spot for water sports activities and swimming. Plus, the seaside is lined by the Mambo Seashore Boulevard Boardwalk, which options loads of shops, bars, and eating places.
Blue Bay Seashore (10 miles from the port)
Blue Bay Seashore, also referred to as Blauwbaii, is a well-liked vacation spot for a lot of shore excursions, because the crystal-clear waters are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand seaside can also be shaded by palm timber, and the loungers present beachgoers with an incredible view of the Caribbean Sea.
Though the seaside is sort of far and costs pretty steep $12 entrance charges to these not staying within the close by resorts, it stays a preferred possibility.
Kokomo Seashore (3.5 miles from the port)
Kokomo Seashore is likely one of the hottest choices close to Willemstad. There isn’t a entrance price, and daybeds value $3.50 to hire for your complete afternoon. The seaside additionally contains a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive store the place guests can hire snorkel tools and extra.
It could get a bit of bit crowded as a result of it’s close by and doesn’t cost an entrance price, but it surely’s an incredible spot to spend just a few hours. You can even seize a surprising image on the submerged swing set with an indication that claims Kokomo, Curacao above it.
Price Studying: Aruba Cruise Port – Piers, Getting Round and What’s Close by
What to Do Inside Strolling Distance of the Port
For these in port for a quick port of name go to, there are many points of interest that don’t require reserving an tour or touring far. Listed here are only a few of the numerous highlights:
Queen Emma Bridge
Solely half a mile from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, this massive pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of town by stretching throughout St. Anna Bay.
In-built 1888 and identified to locals because the “Swinging Previous Woman,” this floating bridge has a enjoyable bounce as you stroll throughout. It’s enjoyable to cross and supplies a sensible crossing level for these seeking to discover the opposite facet of Willemstad.
Rif Fort
Solely a 0.3-mile stroll from the port, the historic Rif Fort was in-built 1828 to guard the Dutch colony from pirates and rival settlers. At the moment, the fort features as a museum, the place guests can be taught in regards to the numerous levels of the well-known outpost’s previous, together with when it was used to guard the island throughout World Struggle II.
Should you determine to go to, you possibly can stroll instantly from the Mega Pier via a part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it straightforward to buy earlier than or after your go to to Rif Fort.
There are even a number of eating places and meals distributors simply outdoors the fort, together with the Royal Dutch Cheesery, the place you possibly can strive numerous conventional Dutch dishes.
Kura Hulanda Museum
One other historic website lower than a mile from the port is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which options interactive displays highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave commerce.
Be taught in regards to the historical past of Curacao and its individuals in a single place. Guided excursions can be found in English, Dutch, French, and several other different languages. The museum is situated so near Breedestraat, one of many metropolis’s predominant eating roads, that you may mix a go to to the museum with a scrumptious meal.
What Else Can You Do in Curacao?
If you’re keen to journey past the instant space surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao presents quite a few thrilling points of interest, every offering guests with a possibility to see what makes the island’s tradition and pure magnificence distinctive. Listed here are only a few of our suggestions:
Curacao Sea Aquarium
This enjoyable, academic, and interactive aquarium permits guests to study native marine life, together with sharks, seals, stingrays, and extra. There may be even an space the place friends can feed flamingos or placed on snorkels and pet stingrays.
Not solely are there loads of displays to discover, however it’s one of the distinctive aquariums on the earth as a result of it makes use of an open-water system, that means that it’s linked on to the Caribbean Sea.
Because it’s solely about 3 miles from the port, it’s straightforward to get there by taxi.
Hato Caves
Though these distinctive limestone caves are almost 7 miles away on the airport facet of the island, they’re nonetheless nicely value visiting. In reality, they’re one of the fashionable vacationer points of interest on your complete island, which is because of their pure magnificence and the truth that people inhabited them so long as 1,500 years in the past!
Take a guided tour of the cave system and think about preserved cave drawings, study how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and different pure options fashioned hundreds of thousands of years in the past.
Christoffel Nationwide Park
This gorgeous and extremely biodiverse park is the biggest on the island. Though it’s almost 18 miles away and is just accessible by car, it may be a significant spotlight of your total cruise trip if you’re a mountaineering and nature fanatic.
You’ll be able to totally discover Christoffel Park on foot by mountaineering the paths alone or taking a guided strolling tour. You can even go for a safari-style tour, the place a neighborhood information will take you across the park in an open-top Jeep!
Eating Close to Curacao Cruise Port
Willemstad presents loads of culinary delights. Just like the island itself, the meals scene blends a number of completely different cultures, permitting guests to pattern European, African, and Caribbean dishes multi functional place.
For a novel fusion of Dutch and Caribbean delicacies, we advocate dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Situated simply half a mile from the port, this gorgeous restaurant is fashionable with locals and guests alike. It additionally presents an outside eating space with views of St. Anna Bay.
If you wish to strive a few of Curacao’s famed seafood, The Pen is one other nice possibility. The relaxed ambiance and freshly caught seafood dishes are definitely worth the 0.7-mile stroll from the port. Open-air, beachside seating makes it an extremely memorable place to get pleasure from a meal.
If you need one thing a bit of extra informal and even nearer to port, The Pancake Sensation presents conventional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and way more. It’s a enjoyable place for breakfast, but it surely additionally serves meals all through the day. Because it takes lower than 10 minutes to stroll from both terminal, it’s a simple spot to test off your listing.
Whereas the terminals don’t supply the identical degree of buying alternatives at most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad presents loads of choices for buying fanatics that don’t require you to journey far.
The Renaissance Mall close to Rif Fort is lower than half a mile away and presents a variety of designer shops, memento retailers, and eating choices. Its uniquely historic setting additionally creates the proper backdrop for a day of buying.
Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge will discover numerous shops and duty-free retailers on the Punda facet of St. Anna Bay. The realm is taken into account to be one of many island’s greatest areas for premium buying, and it’s only a 0.5-mile stroll from both port terminal.
With every thing from craft and memento distributors to worldwide jewellery and designer items retailers, this space has one thing for everybody. For duty-free buying, go to Penha Obligation-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708!
Ceaselessly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Is Curaçao walkable from the cruise port?
Sure, each of the port’s cruise terminals are situated on the perimeter of Curacao’s capital metropolis, Willemstad, which could be very walkable. There are additionally loads of points of interest which can be straightforward to stroll to from the terminals.
The place do cruise ships cease in Curaçao?
Cruise ships cease at Curacao Cruise Port within the capital metropolis of Willemstad. Ships dock at certainly one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal.
What’s the closest seaside to the cruise port in Curaçao?
Mambo Seashore is the closest seaside to the port, roughly 3 miles away.
