Curaçao
As soon as your ship docks in Willemstad, the adventure begins. The famous Handelskade with its vibrant facades offers the perfect photo op right by the gangway. A stroll across the floating Queen Emma Bridge leads you straight into the heart of the historic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
For a short shore excursion, we recommend visiting the Chobolobo Distillery, home of the authentic Blue Curaçao, or a relaxing afternoon at Mambo Beach. Curaçao combines Dutch charm with Caribbean soul—the ideal stop for explorers and leisure seekers alike.
The port of Willemstad is located right in the city. Typically, cruise ships dock at the Mega Cruise Terminal. The terminal consists of many small pavilions at the harbor exit. Here, you will find a tourist information desk, numerous souvenir shops, a taxi rank, car rentals, and a booth featuring offers from local tour operators. These operators usually wait right in the harbor for passengers who might decide on a spontaneous excursion after going ashore.
Willemstad is perfect for exploring on foot from the Mega Cruise Terminal. Once you leave the port area, a short walk leads directly into the historic Otrobanda district. The highlight of the route is crossing the famous Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge that connects Otrobanda with Punda.
Upon arriving in Punda, you can enjoy the classic view of the colorful houses on the Handelskade. The narrow streets are ideal for shopping or relaxing in cozy cafes. For those seeking history, Fort Amsterdam and numerous museums are within easy reach. Everything is compactly located, allowing you to enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere without any stress.
Since the ships are right in town, there won't be any shuttle buses.
You can easily get around Curaçao using the buses of the local company ABC Autobusbedrijf. The buses depart from the central stations in Otrobanda and Punda. Both stations are approximately a 15-minute walk away.
You can check the schedule on the ABC Autobusbedrijf website, or alternatively, you can download the ABC App. These buses will take you to various beaches and the Christoffel National Park. You can find admission prices and opening hours here.
Taxis are a popular way to get around Curaçao. There are plenty of taxis waiting at both cruise terminals for shore excursions. Licensed taxis feature a "Taxi" sign on the roof and can also be identified by their license plates, which start with TX.
Fares are fixed and apply for up to four passengers; these prices are displayed on official signs. Drivers are also happy to offer island tours; however, it is advisable to agree on a binding price beforehand. You can also book taxis in advance. Companies such as Friendly Taxi and Curaçao Lady Taxi offer pre-booked excursions across the island.
Those who want to explore Curaçao on their own can also do so comfortably by rental car. You will find Smart Wheels located directly at the cruise terminal. Other providers, such as Easyrent, Prins Car Rental, and Just Drive Car Rental, are situated within the city.
For anyone looking for a quick and convenient way to reach the nearby beaches, e-scooters are a great alternative. In addition to rental cars, Smart Wheels also offers scooters.
Excursion tips
Curaçao can be explored very well independently. Here you can see the highlights awaiting you.
Book shore excursions
Meine Landausflüge
Meine Landausflüge offer you fantastic cruise trips at the most popular ports worldwide. Typically, they are available in much smaller groups and at more affordable prices than the cruise line’s own excursions. All our options are carefully selected to guarantee you an unforgettable outing experience.
- Small group sizes
- Punctual return guarantee
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off service from/to the port
- Money-back guarantee for itinerary changes and port cancellations
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour (Flex option up to 60 minutes before the tour start)
GetYourGuide
With GetYourGuide, you can book land excursions in small groups, often at better prices than those offered by cruise lines. All experiences are carefully selected and reviewed by experts. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the excursion.
Viator
Viator, a Tripadvisor company, is one of the world's leading online marketplaces for travel experiences. The platform provides travelers with access to more than 300,000 activities, including guided tours, day trips, attraction tickets, and exclusive experiences in thousands of destinations worldwide. A key advantage for users is the millions of authentic traveler reviews that help in making informed choices.
Viator is known for its high flexibility:
- offering free cancellation on many bookings up to 24 hours in advance.
- Additionally, the "reserve now, pay later" option provides financial freedom during trip planning.
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