The final stop on our Ocean to Ocean cruise is the former Dutch colony, Curacao. Located just 40 miles from the coast of Colombia, this tiny island does not classify as being part of South America – even though it is sat on the same continental shelf.
Island Princess[1] is moored at a pier that provides a good view into the capital city, Willemstad. The water below is that magical blue so prevalent in the Caribbean Sea, hot sun sparkling across the gentle ripples.
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There is the usual gaggle of tourist tat stalls at the end of the pier selling hats, t-shirts and bottles of the local blue curaçao liquor. There are also dozens of tour operators hawking for business, ready and waiting to whisk travellers to one of the many beaches dotted around the island.
We opt for a leisurely stroll/trundle into the centre of Willemstad, passing through the nearby Rif Fort mall and across the Queen Emma Bridge[2]. On the other side, we wander between brightly painted shops and offices, simply enjoying the sights and sounds.
We’ve no destination or plan in mind, so we walk until the shops begin to thin, then loop back on ourselves, one block to the north. We pass through a bustling market – and the middle of a blazing row between two very angry stallholders.
As we are making our way back across the Queen Emma Bridge, we are alerted by a siren. No one pays much attention, so neither do we. Until the bridge starts slowly drifting away from the quay…
The bridge operates like a gate, controlling access to the Batipanabaai harbour beyond – and someone wants to take their yacht out to sea. Although there are gates to prevent people crossing on to the bridge, there is little to prevent anyone already in transit from dropping off the end. Very odd.
Eventually the bridge swings back into position and we are able to resume our journey back to Island Princess. This may count as “the weird thing” that happens on all of our trips.
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Linda’s comment
Bright and quite nice.
Would we visit Curacao again?
If we were passing, sure. Would we make a trip to visit Curacao specifically? Probably not.
That’s not to say Willemstad isn’t a pretty or enjoyable place, it’s just that the city doesn’t offer enough activities to fill several days. Unless you like beaches…
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Accessibility info
Batteries used: 66%
Terrain: The paths and roads in the centre of the city are well maintained, making Willemstad one of the better ports we have visited on this trip.
Public transport: There are bus routes across Curacao although we did not try them out The buses themselves seem to be relatively well equipped, although you will need to be able to make at least one step up to get onboard.
Taxis: Plentiful. We can’t comment on pricing or accessibility however.
Did you get a passport stamp?
No.
Other activities in Curacao
The collision of old European and Caribbean cultures makes Curacao a fascinating destination. Here are are some of the other excursions and activities you might enjoy:
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References
- ^ Island Princess (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Queen Emma Bridge (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ Affiliate Disclosure Policy (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)