Curacao is a well-liked cruise vacation spot because of its beautiful pure magnificence, preferrred location, and vibrant tradition. With pristine seashores and a singular mix of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it’s the good place for each rest and exploration.
We’ll element the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you possibly can uncover why it is likely one of the essential 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 info and close by facilities so you possibly can take pleasure in a seamless and memorable go to to this stunning island paradise.
Curacao Cruise Port Location and Tackle
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 referred to as St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is the place the cruise port is situated. This pure harbor splits the town into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Each areas are simply accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal places.
The primary 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 the 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 the town and differ in measurement. To make issues easy, right here’s a fundamental breakdown of the 2:
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal
Variety of Cruise Ship Berths: Two
As you could have guessed, the terminal takes its identify from the big pier designed to accommodate bigger cruise ships. The pier extends straight into the Caribbean Sea and has a T-shaped design that permits 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 sooner.
A secondary C-shaped pier to the quick west of the Mega Pier additionally results in the identical terminal amenities. This secondary pier incorporates 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 the 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 lengthen into the ocean. As a substitute, it’s designed to permit cruise ships to dock straight alongside the channel of St. Anna Bay.
Whereas the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it could actually 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 Services and Companies
The Mega Pier Terminal is the bigger and extra continuously used of the 2 terminals and is outfitted with higher amenities. That mentioned, each terminals provide all the pieces required for a seamless customer expertise.
The Mega Pier’s amenities embrace a fast-track safety and customs desk, a number of multi-language info cubicles the place passengers can obtain complimentary maps and basic 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 chosen space for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.
The Mathey Wharf Terminal additionally has a streamlined safety desk for guests and a single vacationer info sales space. There may be additionally a fundamental comfort retailer the place you should purchase snacks, drinks, and some fundamental souvenirs.
Each terminals permit 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 provide 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 function well-maintained and accessible washroom amenities.
Curacao Cruise Parking
Sadly, neither of the terminal amenities affords long-term parking. Nonetheless, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.
When you have determined to hire a automobile and want someplace to park whilst you discover the town, there’s a massive out of doors 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 differ relying on demand. You’ll be able to count on to pay between $10 and $30 per evening.
Cruise Traces that Go to Curacao Cruise Port
Curacao is a busy cruise vacation spot, and its port can deal with a number of the world’s greatest ships. For these causes and extra, it’s visited by a number of the most recognizable cruise traces on the planet, together with the next and extra:
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Carnival Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Movie star 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 whenever 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 traces, resorts, and resorts.
You can too pre-book a personal shuttle via Curacao Airport Shuttle Companies, which prices roughly $15 per particular person.
Driving Instructions
When you have rented a automobile 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 Out there 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 technique of transportation for shore excursions, however they may also be booked by teams for pre-arranged transit to varied locations.
Whereas most excursions embrace transportation of their reserving charge, non-public shuttle journeys are inclined to run round $20 per particular person to most locations within the Willemstad space. These shuttle buses will choose you up straight in entrance of the terminal the place you arrived.
Taxis
A taxi is the most well-liked option to get round Willemstad and the island. Taxis are additionally obtainable 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 affordable, with most journeys costing between $10 and $35 to wherever throughout the metropolis or to any of the close by seashores or points of interest.
In case you are hoping to e book a taxi from exterior the cruise port, the 2 main suppliers on the island are Pleasant Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Each provide flat charges for journey throughout the 4 essential areas of Willemstad, and so they cost fares per taxi reasonably than per particular person, which is the case in a number of the different Caribbean islands.
Not one of the rideshare companies can be found in Curacao as of but, so you can not 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 referred to as “konvoiis.” These have fundamental routes across the metropolis and a few traces that join Willemstad to the smaller cities, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora.
The speed for one-way journey is roughly $2, however you need to pay in Curacao’s native foreign money, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). Whereas there isn’t a bus cease straight exterior both terminal, there are well-marked bus stops all through the town.
When Is the Greatest Time to Go to Curacao?
Curacao’s tropical local weather makes it a year-round journey vacation spot; nevertheless, most guests agree that the dry season is one of the 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 Greatest Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
If you wish to journey exterior of those months, here’s a fundamental 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 Might): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Comparatively low rainfall makes it an excellent 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 exterior. Elevated rainfall and a better threat of storms may also be a problem.
- Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop barely to the 80° to 85°F vary, whereas rain showers stay pretty widespread.
Take into account that hurricane season runs from June to November in Curacao, however the island does sit exterior the Caribbean’s essential 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 take pleasure in a number of the greatest the island has to supply:
Mambo Seaside (3 miles from the port)
Also referred to as Aquarium Seaside because of its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Seaside is the closest to the cruise port.
This man-made seashore has an entry charge of $3.50 USD, however it’s properly definitely worth the worth of admission. It options public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and different facilities. Lined seashore loungers and huts are additionally obtainable for rental at $4 per day.
The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it an important family-friendly spot for water sports activities and swimming. Plus, the seashore is lined by the Mambo Seaside Boulevard Boardwalk, which options loads of shops, bars, and eating places.
Blue Bay Seaside (10 miles from the port)
Blue Bay Seaside, also referred to as Blauwbaii, is a well-liked vacation spot for a lot of shore excursions, because the crystal-clear waters are good for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand seashore can also be shaded by palm timber, and the loungers present beachgoers with an important view of the Caribbean Sea.
Though the seashore is kind of far and expenses pretty steep $12 entrance charges to these not staying within the close by resorts, it stays a preferred choice.
Kokomo Seaside (3.5 miles from the port)
Kokomo Seaside is likely one of the hottest choices close to Willemstad. There is no such thing as a entrance charge, and daybeds price $3.50 to hire for your entire afternoon. The seashore additionally incorporates a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive store the place guests can hire snorkel gear and extra.
It may possibly get a bit bit crowded as a result of it’s close by and doesn’t cost an entrance charge, however it’s an important spot to spend just a few hours. You can too seize a shocking image on the submerged swing set with an indication that claims Kokomo, Curacao above it.
Value 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 short 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 huge pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of the town by stretching throughout St. Anna Bay.
In-built 1888 and recognized to locals because the “Swinging Previous Girl,” this floating bridge has a enjoyable bounce as you stroll throughout. It’s enjoyable to cross and gives a sensible crossing level for these seeking to discover the opposite aspect 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. In the present day, the fort capabilities as a museum, the place guests can be taught concerning the numerous levels of the well-known outpost’s previous, together with when it was used to guard the island throughout World Conflict II.
When you determine to go to, you possibly can stroll straight from the Mega Pier via a part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it simple to buy earlier than or after your go to to Rif Fort.
There are even a number of eating places and meals distributors simply exterior 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 reveals highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave commerce.
Study concerning the historical past of Curacao and its folks in a single place. Guided excursions can be found in English, Dutch, French, and a number of other different languages. The museum is situated so near Breedestraat, one of many metropolis’s essential eating roads, you can mix a go to to the museum with a scrumptious meal.
What Else Can You Do in Curacao?
In case you are prepared to journey past the quick space surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao affords quite a few thrilling points of interest, every offering guests with a chance 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, instructional, and interactive aquarium permits guests to find out about native marine life, together with sharks, seals, stingrays, and extra. There may be even an space the place visitors can feed flamingos or placed on snorkels and pet stingrays.
Not solely are there loads of reveals to discover, however it’s one of the crucial distinctive aquariums on the planet as a result of it makes use of an open-water system, which means that it’s linked on to the Caribbean Sea.
Because it’s solely about 3 miles from the port, it’s simple to get there by taxi.
Hato Caves
Though these distinctive limestone caves are practically 7 miles away on the airport aspect of the island, they’re nonetheless properly value visiting. In actual fact, they’re one of the crucial well-liked vacationer points of interest on your entire 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, find out about how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and different pure options fashioned thousands and thousands of years in the past.
Christoffel Nationwide Park
This beautiful and extremely biodiverse park is the biggest on the island. Though it’s practically 18 miles away and is barely accessible by automobile, it may be a serious spotlight of your total cruise trip in case you are a climbing and nature fanatic.
You’ll be able to totally discover Christoffel Park on foot by climbing the paths alone or taking a guided strolling tour. You can too 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 affords 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 singular fusion of Dutch and Caribbean delicacies, we advocate dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Positioned simply half a mile from the port, this beautiful restaurant is well-liked with locals and guests alike. It additionally affords an out of doors 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 choice. The relaxed environment 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 take pleasure in a meal.
If you would like one thing a bit extra informal and even nearer to port, The Pancake Sensation affords conventional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and way more. It’s a enjoyable place for breakfast, however it 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 examine off your listing.
Whereas the terminals don’t provide the identical degree of procuring alternatives at most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad affords loads of choices for procuring lovers that don’t require you to journey far.
The Renaissance Mall close to Rif Fort is lower than half a mile away and affords a variety of designer shops, memento retailers, and eating choices. Its uniquely historic setting additionally creates the proper backdrop for a day of procuring.
Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge will discover numerous shops and duty-free retailers on the Punda aspect of St. Anna Bay. The world is taken into account to be one of many island’s greatest areas for premium procuring, and it’s only a 0.5-mile stroll from both port terminal.
With all the pieces from craft and memento distributors to worldwide jewellery and designer items retailers, this space has one thing for everybody. For duty-free procuring, go to Penha Obligation-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708!
Continuously 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 are simple 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 considered one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal.
What’s the closest seashore to the cruise port in Curaçao?
Mambo Seaside is the closest seashore to the port, roughly 3 miles away.
