Curacao Netherlands Antilles Cruise Port Guide

Location:

Curacao has two main docking spots: the new Curacao Mega Pier is designed for mega ships. This pier is located in West Willemstad, just a few minutes walk into downtown. Smaller ships dock at the Curacao Cruise Terminal (Mathey Wharf), which is within walking distance to the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which connects it to the city's main shopping and business areas. In October 2017 a second Mega Pier was completed. The new pier is situated west of the entrance to St. Anna Bay and adjacent to Mega Cruise Pier I.

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port and which dock will be used.

Watch a destination video.

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Mega Terminal and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Curacao Cruise Terminal and Port Location on Google Maps

Sightseeing:

Curaçao is the largest of the six islands that comprise the (former) Netherlands Antilles. It gained autonomy from the Netherlands in 1954, but the Dutch influence is still very visible in Willemstad's architecture and culture. With the growth of the oil industry in Curaçao in the early 20th century, workers and their families came to the island from more than 50 countries, providing a varied and vibrant population.

Willemstad - the former capital of the Netherlands Antilles and one of a select number of urban areas on UNESCO's World Heritage List - is gorgeous. It's divided in two by capacious St Anna Bay, the largest harbor in the Caribbean. Punda, the oldest part of the city, is to the east, and Otrobanda, to the west, are connected by a quaint pontoon bridge known as the Swinging Old Lady or Emma Bridge she cocks a leg for boats

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Willemstad is easy to do on foot.

Taxis: For sightseeing the rate is about $50 per hour. You will have to negotiate.

Experience the beauty of Curacao on a trolley train tour that takes you through historic Willemstad.

Car rental is available at the Mega pier, but not cheap.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.

Nearby Places:

Curacao is blessed with excellent beaches with fine white sand and plenty of sunshine. You can arrange for a taxi to take you to a beach of your choice and then pick you up at a designated time.

Christoffelpark is the largest national park of Curacao and a must see for everyone. The park has a rich variety of local flora and fauna. Nature lovers will find the park teeming with local birds and plants, including species, which are not easily seen elsewhere on the island.

The Curaçao Sea Aquarium belongs to one of the most unique aquaria in the world. The reason being that, from the very beginning of the aquarium in 1984, the Sea Aquarium managed to create natural habitats for all its marine creatures without using sophisticated technical equipment.

Hato Cave The caves are open every day from 9 AM to 4 PM, the guided tours are organized every hour, and the entrance fee is 9 $/adult and 7 $ for kids aged 4-12.

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Shopping and Food

Curaçao is a shopper's paradise. Some 200 shops line the major shopping streets such as Heerenstraat and Breedestraat. Right in the heart of Willemstad is the 5-block Punda shopping district.

Currency:

The Netherlands Antilles florin (NAF), also called a guilder, is the official currency. U.S. dollars, Credit cards are widely accepted.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Official languages Dutch, English, Papiamento, Spanish.

There are several cafes which offer free WiFi for customers. Free WiFi at the Mega Pier.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Stores on the main streets are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although some are closed for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Shops in the malls and shopping centers are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores are open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.

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