Willemstad, Curacao

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). The island is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the capital city is Willemstad, a beautiful, picturesque city located only a 10-minute walking distance from the Curacao cruise terminal. 
The city is divided into two parts: Punda, whose colorful colonial buildings lined with a charming waterfront promenade are often featured on postcard covers, and Otrobanda, meaning “other side”, a historical quarter where large cruise ships normally dock. Curacao cruise port is large and has several docks, among which Mega pier 1 and 2 are used for large cruise ships and major cruise lines. Smaller ships that can fit under the Queen Juliana Bridge, a modern bridge built for automobile traffic to cross from Otrobanda to Punda, dock on the opposite side of St. Anna Bay that divides the two districts. 

Mega Piers 1 and 2 are equipped with a few facilities, such as a tourist information desk, souvenir shop, taxi rank, and large parking used mainly by tour buses. Within a 10-minute walking distance toward the city center, you’ll pass through Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino and get to Rif Fort village, a waterfront shopping mall housed in an ancient, reconstructed fort, consisting of a beautiful courtyard surrounded by stores, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. 

The next place of interest is located only 5 minutes further: Queen Emma Bridge, also called “Swinging Old Lady” – the 19th-century pontoon pedestrian bridge that connects two districts. The bridge can be opened so that smaller ships can pass and dock in St. Anna Bay’s wharves. The bridge is one of the main attractions of the city and the most photographed one, especially because of the colorful Dutch buildings lining the St. Anna Bay waterfront that can be spotted across the bridge from the Otrobanda side.

Once you cross the bridge, you are in the city center where you can admire its stunning colonial architecture, beautiful parks, markets, go shopping, or explore the city’s main historical landmarks. One of them is the 17th-century Mikve Israel-Emanuel Jewish Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the western Hemisphere featuring a museum, gift shop, and offering tours.

The Fort Church - a protestant church constructed in the 18th century as part of the nearby Fort Amsterdam, colored in yellow, is an important Historic Monument and Museum in Willemstad. Fort Amsterdam, built in the 17th century, is one of the eight major forts on the island of Curacao and served for military purposes. 

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.

Mambo beach is a fascinating long stretch of a white sandy beach featuring beach bars, aqua park, umbrella and sunbed rentals, souvenir shops, and much more. Another great option is Blue Bay resort, an amazing resort located around 10 km, or a 15-minute drive from the Mega pier. It is a family-friendly resort with all necessary facilities, tucked in the gorgeous bay boasting an incredible deep blue ocean color. 

Featuring breathtaking sceneries, dramatic coastline, rich historical and cultural heritage, and home to Blue Curacao liquor, Curacao has something to offer for everyone’s taste and therefore is one of the most popular Caribbean cruise destinations.