Curacao is a curious place. Its Dutch Colonial buildings painted in shades of yellow, orange and blue are reminiscent of Amsterdam, yet the dry climate, barren soil and cacti are more akin to the southwestern U.S. But Curacao's greatest natural beauty lies offshore—around the island's coral reefs, which are drawing an increasing number of divers and snorkelers.
Some of the things that set Curacao apart have little to do with tourism. With its unique buildings and natural harbor, the capital Willemstad became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The town is a big, bustling port (and the largest dry dock in the region). Huge ships sail right through downtown, and the Queen Emma Bridge creates a unique sight when it turns sideways to let them pass. Much of the shipping traffic revolves around the island's large oil refinery, second only to tourism as an economic factor for the island. When Shell Oil ran the refinery, Curacao became one of the more prosperous parts of the Caribbean. Shell left in 1987, and the government now leases the facilities to a Venezuela company that runs it on a much smaller scale. When winds are high, the refinery can emit an unpleasant odor and pollutants around the immediate area and downwind; a filter tower has been installed in an attempt to combat the problem.
With a mixture of 55 different nationalities on the island, Curacao has a fascinating multicultural aspect. It also has a cosmopolitan character: The majority of residents speak at least four languages—English, Spanish, Dutch and their own Papiamento.
Location
Smaller cruise ships dock on the Otrobanda ("the other side"), or the west side of Santa Anna Bay. The new megaliners and larger ships dock outside the the Mega Pier; smaller ships dock at the Cruise Terminal inside the harbor and closer to downtown. The Mega Port has an open-air terminal with a few shops, telephones, restrooms, a mail slot and tourist information. Taxis, rental cars and tour companies meet passengers there. About a three-minute walk away is Riffort Village, which offers a much larger choice of shops, cafes and facilities.
A pedestrian bridge connects Otrobanda to Punda ("the point"), or the east side of town where most of the tourist attractions and shops are located. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk from your ship across the bridge to Punda. The main office of the Curacao Tourist Development Bureau is in Punda, at Pietermaai 19 (phone 434-8200).
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship.
Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Most ships offer diving and snorkeling excursions. Other typical tours include a trolley tour around Willemstad; a bus trek around the island to the plantation where Curacao liquor is distilled; and a dolphin-encounter experience. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
