Caribbean Pearl – Curacao

One of the classic destinations in the Caribbean is Curacao. This is a tax free shopping paradise, but also a must for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Curaçao has a multitude of historic sites, restaurants, and activities. To fully enjoy this beautiful tropical island, travelers will need to decide how to make their way around. Travelers can choose from several methods of transport that vary in price, comfort level, and popularity. Please call me at my office phone at www.cruise.co ( 0800 408 6084 ) or email me  if you have any questions or when want me to sort out your Curacao cruise.

The cheapest way to get around Curaçao is by taking advantage of the free ferry service
that travels between the island’s two main shopping centers. If traveling by water isn’t your ideal way to see the island, or you want to visit places that can’t be accessed by boat, a bus is the next most cost efficient way to travel. Bus service in Curaçao is a good way to see the island if you’re on a budget or if you just want to get a better feel for local life. There are large buses and minibuses that travel all over the island, and public transportation is popular with both tourists and locals.

Renting a bike or moped gives you the chance to see the island from a unique viewpoint. You can travel the island at your own pace and not be confined to the inside of a car. This is a great way for independent nature lovers to see all of the island’s natural sites. If you like the idea of independence, but are not quite so outdoorsy, try renting a car. Curaçao is not a large island compared to some of the islands in the Caribbean, like Puerto Rico, but vacationers who plan on seeing a lot of this tropical paradise may find that renting a car is a convenient method of navigating around the island.

Vacationers have a number of options when it comes to transportation in Curaçao, and you will find that each method of getting around will appeal to the needs of different travelers. Choose one that best suits your vacationing needs and your personal style of travel.

It is only a short walk from Curaçao’s main cruise ship port to the abundant duty-free shopping centers and tourist attractions located in Willemstad, the country’s capital. The island has several ports of entry designed to accept different sized cruise ships, but the two main cruise ship harbors can be found in West Willemstad.

Many cruise lines have made Curaçao a traditional destination on Caribbean cruise itinerary’s, due to the island’s spectacular harbor entrance. Cruise ship passengers are attracted to the island’s historic landmarks and the Dutch architecture, which give Curaçao’s towns an ambiance of picture perfect beauty. The two main docking spots in Willemstad are the Curaçao Mega Pier, which can accommodate gigantic cruise ships, and the Curaçao Cruise Terminal, where most smaller cruise ships dock. Whichever harbor your ship docks in, you won’t be far from the attractions of downtown Willemstad.

When arriving at the Curaçao Mega Pier, cruise ship passengers will be only a few minutes away from the city’s downtown area. If you arrive at the Curaçao Cruise Terminal, you’re within walking distance of the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects to Willemstad’s main shopping and business areas. Once on land, visitors to both ports will be greeted by information officers and tour guides, who can prove helpful in deciding which parts of the island to see. Getting around on foot after coming ashore is a good way to see the city and its historical sites. Almost all of the port city’s attractions are just a short stroll away. Other ways to get about the city include taxis, buses, and trolleys. Here is a list of cruise lines that visit Curaçao:

• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn Cruises
• Silverseas Cruises

Summary:  Delve into Curacao’s collection of art and its interesting history and architecture. Everyone has different interests, abilities, and desires. To this end the tour is flexible and can be readily customized to suit your specific needs.

Cruise tourists will be picked up at their dock of berthing: You will be allowed to disembark the ship approx half an hour after docking. At a pre-arranged time your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point. Of course the guide will wait on you if there are any delays and we will adjust the tour to fit the time available. Once you have booked your tour, you will receive detailed instructions on how to reach the meeting point and how to recognize your guide! If your cruise ship doesn’t dock at all, we will refund your payment. Cruise passengers will be dropped off at their dock of berthing at least 1 hour before departure of the ship.
This half day tour will last from 09.00 hours till 13.00 hours (for cruise passengers the timing is an approximation). Adjustments to the time schedule can be considered.

The first stop is Fort Nassau. This Fort is built in 1796 and offers you a 360 degree view of the beautiful St. Anna Bay and Willemstad. After this stop you’re heading to Scharloo and Punda. These are the oldest neighborhoods of Willemstad.

The next stop is Landhuis Bloemhof a former laraha/water plantation which has been in the hands of the Maduro-Lopez Penha family since 1919. The house was formerly used as a family retreat and vacation home. Since the 1950’s it was used for cultural exhibitions. It is now a center for history, creativity and arts.  The Landhouse has several outbuildings, including the former bath-house and store house, and a coach house used as a studio by the sculpturess May Henriquez between 1950 and 1970. As you walk among the sculptures outside in the lush, quiet garden, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in the center of Willemstad. Bloemhof hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

After visiting Landhuis Bloemhof you will drive to the Tula Statue. The tour will end in the Kura Hulanda Museum where you can learn everything about the Curacao History and slave trade.

The tour ends and you will be returned to your accommodation, cruise terminal or location of choise.